Gregory the Theologian - A Spiritual Portrait, Archbishop Stylianos (Harkianakis)

Abstract: St Gregory the Theologian, one of the finest exponents of the Church in the fourth century, played a decisive role in upholding the faith of the Church and preserving it from all error. Of the three Cappadocian fathers, it is St Gregory whom we know most about from his writings, especially his poem entitled On His Own Life. It is this work which details not only certain highlights in his life but also, and most interestingly, his difficulties and all too human grievances which he had to face. This article seeks to present some aspects of his life in order to show that despite his reluctance to take on adminsitrative responsibilities in the Church which he openly attests to - wanting instead to lead a more contemplative life - his astute theological insight went a long way in bringing about unity to a Church deeply divided by the crises of its time.

Bio: Archbishop Stylianos (Harkianakis) is Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Asutralia and Dean of St Andrew's Greek Orthodox Theological College.