10 January 2007

The Cappadocians

Today is the day set aside according to the official calendar of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod to remember and thank God for the Cappadocians: Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus and Gregory of Nyssa, Pastors and Confessors.

From the Commission on Worship website:

Basil and the two Gregorys, collectively known as the Cappadocian Fathers, were leaders of Christian orthodoxy in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in the later fourth century. Basil and Gregory of Nyssa were brothers; Gregory of Nazianzus was their friend. All three were influential in shaping the theology ratified by the Council of Constantinople of 381, which is expressed in the Nicene Creed. Their defense of the doctrines of the Holy Spirit and Holy Trinity, together with their contributions to the liturgy of the Eastern Church, make them among the most influential Christian teachers and theologians of their time.

The reference to the liturgy recalls the Anaphora of St. Basil the Great. Talk about high octane Gospel. Whew! Beautiful!

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