St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, Bishop (270 AD)
Full Name: St. Gregory the Wonderworker (St. Gregory Thaumaturgus / St. Gregory of Neocaesarea)
Period: 213 – 270 AD (Passed away: c. 270 AD)
Feast Date: November 17
Birthplace: Neocaesarea (present-day Turkey)
Significance: Bishop of Neocaesarea, known as the "Wonderworker / Thaumaturgus."
Youth and Conversion
Born into an influential pagan family, he studied law and rhetoric in his youth.
Traveling to Caesarea, he met Origen, the famous theologian, learning biblical knowledge and Catholic faith before receiving baptism.
Returning to Neocaesarea, he renounced worldly fame for quiet prayer and divine meditation.
Episcopacy and Miracles
Seeing his holiness, the Bishop of Paphlagonia consecrated him Bishop of Neocaesarea.
When he took office, there were only 17 Christians in the entire city.
By God's power, he performed astounding miracles—including stopping a raging river, drying up a lake to settle a dispute between brothers, and moving rocks—earning him the title "Wonderworker."
Persecution and Final Days
During Emperor Decius's severe persecution, he hid his flock in mountain passes to save them.
Returning to the city after persecutions ended, he labored zealously.
On his deathbed c. 270 AD, he asked, "How many pagans remain in the city?" Being told "Only 17," he thanked God, saying: "When I became Bishop, there were only 17 Christians; now only 17 pagans remain," before peacefully passing away.
Spiritual Lesson
St. Gregory's life teaches us that deep faith and prayer can overcome any difficult obstacle or mountain.