A Very Short Introduction to St Gregory of Nyssa
Gregory of Nyssa (c.335 – 395 AD) was the youngest and more mystically inclined of the three “Cappadocian Fathers” and has much to say on human nature and spirituality that you may find a refreshing contrast to the contemporary views-from-some-Western-pews.
If you’ve ever wrestled (or are wrestling) with how you feel about being human whilst sitting in a Western pew, come and hear what Gregory has to say! Whilst not denying the reality of the worst of human nature, the Eastern Fathers, as typified by Gregory of Nyssa, also spent quite a lot of time focussing on the blessedness and potential of our being “made in the image of God” rather than our being “not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table”.
Gregory wrote a beautiful allegorical exposition of the Life of Moses and we'll use extracts from this text to follow Moses up the mountain. On the journey we'll encounter Gregory's understanding of what it is to be human, the importance of our image-likeness and free will, the choices set before us, our (infinite) journey into God, and the necessity of an ever changing perception of the divine. It’s really quite a different vision!
A Very Short Introduction to St Gregory of Nyssa will be held over two Monday evening sessions (16th and 23rd June 2025) from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. The first session will provide an overview of the context and contribution of Gregory whilst the second session will provide an opportunity to reflect on and discuss some extracts from his writings.
These sessions are the second in a series focussing on two of the three "Cappadocian Fathers" who lived and worked in what is now mid-Turkey in the fourth century. Each set will provide an introduction to the individual in question, covering their life, work and unique contribution to the issues of their day with the aim to provide inspiration and provoke reflection for us in our contemporary setting.
Do I need to have any previous knowledge?
Absolutely no previous knowledge of Church history or theology is assumed (although clergy or readers with some background knowledge will still find much of interest). If you’ve read all the way down to this bit and are still interested, you’re sufficiently qualified to attend!
Location
These sessions will be held in the Liddon Room at Pusey House (go through the entrance on St Giles', then immediately turn left and go up the stairs).
Do I need to book?
There is no charge for this event, but it would be good to know if you're planning to attend and to facilitate communications with attendees. So please do book!