Following the example of his close friend Basil, Gregory left a promising teaching career to embrace the monastic and priestly life.

In 375, he was elected Bishop of Constantinople - a city that had been dominated by the Arians for more than forty years. Upon his arrival, Gregory was poorly received by the people, largely because of his humble appearance - he was modestly dressed and bald. However, his powerful sermons on the Trinity eventually won their admiration, earning him the revered title of “The Theologian.”

He died in 390, and his remains now rest at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.