Background
a Father and Doctor of the Eastern Church, was born at Arianzus in Cappadocia, near Nazianzus, where his father was bishop. He studied at Athens and Alexandria and, after being ordained priest in 362, assisted his father in the administration of the diocese. Though he preferred the contemplative life, his successful administration of ecclesiastical affairs, his eloquence, and his sound theology finally resulted in his being publicly acclaimed bishop of Constantinople. He was one of the most important figures at the First Council of Constantinople (381), but because of certain ill-advised opposition he felt constrained to resign his presidency as well as his bishopric. He then retired to his property at Arianzus and spent his last days in meditation and the composition of religious poems.