Gregory Nazianzen the Theologian In Defence of His Flight to Pontus and His Return, After His Ordination to the Priesthood, with an Exposition of the Character of the Priestly Office (Oration II), Complete

Translated by Ch. Browne and J. Swallow.

Gregory Theologian Bilingual Anthology, Resources Online and in Print

50 Pages

Page 49

115. By these arguments I charmed myself, and by degrees my soul relaxed and became ductile, like iron, and time came to the aid of my arguments, and the testimonies of God, to which I had entrusted my whole life, were my counsellors. [2893] Therefore I was not rebellious, neither turned away back, [2894] saith my Lord, when, instead of being called to rule, He was led, as a sheep to the slaughter; [2895] but I fell down and humbled myself under the mighty hand of God, [2896] and asked pardon for my former idleness and disobedience, if this is at all laid to my charge. I held my peace, [2897] but I will not hold my peace for ever: I withdrew for a little while, [2898] till I had considered myself and consoled my grief: but now I am commissioned to exalt Him in the congregation of the people, and praise Him in the seat of the elders. [2899] If my former conduct deserved blame, my present action merits pardon.

116. What further need is there of words. Here am I, my pastors and fellow-pastors, here am I, thou holy flock, worthy of Christ, the Chief Shepherd, [2900] here am I, my father, utterly vanquished, and your subject according to the laws of Christ rather than according to those of the land: [2901] here is my obedience, reward it with your blessing. Lead me with your prayers, guide me with your words, establish me with your spirit. The blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children, [2902] and would that both I and this spiritual house may be established, the house which I have longed for, which I pray may be my rest for ever, [2903] when I have been passed on from the church here to the church yonder, the general assembly of the firstborn, who are written in heaven. [2904]

[2893] Ps. cxix. 24.

[2894] Isai. l. 6.

[2895] Ib. liii. 7.

[2896] 1 Pet. v. 6.

[2897] Isai. xlii. 14.

[2898] Ib. xxvi. 20.

[2899] Ps. cvii. 32.

[2900] 1 Pet. v. 4.

[2901] Of the land, lit., "external," i.e. the Roman laws, which gave absolute power to a father over his children.

[2902] Ecclus. iii. 9.

[2903] Ps. cxxxii. 13, 14.

[2904] Heb. xii. 23.

Previous Page / First / Next Page of Gregory Theologian - Flight to Pontus (Oration II)

St Gregory Theologian Home Page ||| More Church Fathers

Elpenor's Free Greek Lessons

Reference address : https://elpenor.org/gregory-nazianzen/flight-pontus.asp?pg=49