Editing Gregory of Nazianzus (section)

=== Episcopate in Sasima and Nazianzus ===
Gregory was ordained Bishop of [[Sasima]] in 372 by Basil.<ref name="McGuckin" />{{rp |190–195}} Basil created this [[Episcopal see|see]] in order to strengthen his position in his dispute with [[Anthimus of Tyana|Anthimus]], bishop of [[Tyana]].<ref name="Hunter-Blair" /> The ambitions of Gregory's father to have his son rise in the Church hierarchy and the insistence of his friend Basil convinced Gregory to accept this position despite his reservations. Gregory would later refer to his episcopal ordination as forced upon him by his strong-willed father and Basil.<ref name="McGuckin" />{{rp |187–192}} Describing his new bishopric, Gregory lamented how it was nothing more than an "utterly dreadful, pokey little hole; a paltry horse-stop on the main road... devoid of water, vegetation, or the company of gentlemen... this was my Church of Sasima!"<ref>Gregory, as quoted in ''[[Patrologia Graeca]]'' 37.1059–60, ''De Vita Sua'', vv. 439–446.</ref> He made little effort to administer his new diocese, complaining to Basil that he preferred instead to pursue a contemplative life.<ref name="Ruether" />{{rp |38–39}}

By late 372, Gregory returned to Nazianzus to assist his dying father with the administration of his diocese.<ref name="McGuckin" />{{rp |199}} This strained his relationship with Basil, who insisted that Gregory resume his post at Sasima. Gregory retorted that he had no intention to continue to play the role of pawn to advance Basil's interests.<ref>{{Citation |last=Gallay |first=P. |title=Grégoire de Nazianze |date=1964 |language=fr |page=61}}; quoting from Ep. 48, PG 37.97.</ref> He instead focused his attention on his new duties as [[Coadjutor bishop|coadjutor]] of Nazianzus.

It was around this time that his sister, [[Saint Gorgonia]], died, and he preached a eulogy at her funeral.

Following the deaths of his mother and father in 374, Gregory continued to administer the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nazianzus|Diocese of Nazianzus]] but refused to be named bishop. Donating most of his inheritance to the needy, he lived an austere existence.<ref name="Hunter-Blair" /> At the end of 375, he withdrew to a monastery at [[Silifke|Seleukia]], living there for three years. Near the end of this period, his friend Basil died. Although Gregory's health did not permit him to attend the funeral, he wrote a heartfelt letter of condolence to Basil's brother, [[Gregory of Nyssa]], and composed twelve memorial poems dedicated to the memory of his departed friend. (The Greek Anthology, book I epigram 86 and book VIII epigrams 2–11).