November 17, 2006
Our Father Among the Saints, Gregory the Wonderworker
Troparion of St Gregory Tone 8
You became worthy of your name through your way of life: / through your vigilance in prayer and your constant constant works of mercy. / Therefore, O Father Gregory, beseech Christ God to enlighten our minds, / that we may not sleep in sin, which leads to death!
Kontakion of St Gregory Tone 2
You received the power to perform miracles, / frightening the devils and healing the sick through your wonderworking. All-wise Father Gregory, / your deeds truly entitle you to be called "Wonderworker"!
St. Gregory of Nyssa's Life of St. Gregory the Wonderworker
The Writings of Saint Gregory the Wonderworker (ANF)
According to St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Gregory Thaumaturgos received the first apparition of the Theotokos:
While [Gregory] was passing a sleepless night because of these worries, someone appeared to him in human form, aged in appearance, clothed in garments denoting a sacred dignity, with a face characterized by a sense of grace and virtue. Gregory, looking frightened, rose from his bed and asked him who he was and why he had come.The other, in a subdued voice, after soothing his distress, told Gregory that he had appeared by divine will, because of the questions that Gregory found ambiguous and confusing, to reveal to him the truth of pious faith. After hearing these words, Gregory regained his serenity and began to observe the other man with a certain joy and wonder.
The other then held up his hand, as if to point out, with his index finger, something that had appeared opposite him. Gregory, turning his gaze in the direction indicated by the other man's hand, saw before him another figure,