Saint Gregory Palamas

A life of faith

Gregory Palamas grew up in Constantinople and received a thorough education after his father died. Theoleptos guided him in watchfulness and prayer before he entered monastic life. Gregory went to Mount Athos with his brothers and lived near Vatopedi under Nicodemus, devoting himself to fasting, vigils and prayer. After serving at the Great Lavra and being ordained a priest, he settled near Veria. There he spent much of the week in solitude and joined the other monks for the weekend Liturgy, offering spiritual guidance afterward. He wrote about the lives of the saints and later defended the hesychasts’ understanding of prayer and divine grace in theological treatises. The controversy brought imprisonment as well as public responsibility. Elected Archbishop of Thessalonica, Gregory eventually returned to pastoral work there. During a later period of captivity, the received life says he continued speaking about Christ despite danger to his life. He died on November 14, 1359. Orthodox Christians commemorate him on November 14 and on the second Sunday of Great Lent.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Gregory joined sustained prayer to careful teaching. Read one short passage attentively, and ask how study and prayer can strengthen each other without becoming a contest for recognition.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.