Patristic Articles>
Gregory of Nyssa
20 Nov 2004

Gregory of Nyssa (335-94)


Major work


          Against Eunomius (refutation of Arius)


Importance


          One of the Cappadocian Fathers


          Defended findings of Nicea at Council of Constantinople (381)


          Refuted Arius and Apollinarius


          Held to a clear distinction between the two natures in Christ


          Held to Mary as Theotokos (God-bearer)


          Worked out Basil’s distinction between ousia and hypostasis (individuality of each member of Trinity)


          Adopted some of Origen’s thinking concerning universalism