Saint Gregory the Wonderworker

On November 17th, the Holy Church commemorates St. Gregory the Wonderworker.

Saint Gregory was born in Neocaesarea of Pontus to parents who were not Christians. He studied in Athens, in Alexandria, in Beirut, and finally for five years in Caesarea of Palestine under Origen, by whom he was also instructed in the Faith of Christ. Then, in the year 240, he became bishop of his own city, wherein he found only seventeen Christians. By the time the Saint reposed about the year 265, there were only seventeen unbelievers left there. Virtually the whole duration of his episcopacy was a time of continual, marvellous wonders worked by him. Because of this, he received the surname "Wonderworker"; even the enemies of the truth called him a second Moses (see Saint Basil the Great's On the Holy Spirit, ch. 29).

Troparion:

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:

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"!