Editing Gregory of Nazianzus (section)

=== Gregory at Constantinople ===
Upon the death of Emperor Valens in 378, the accession of [[Theodosius I]], a steadfast supporter of Nicene orthodoxy, was good news to those who wished to purge Constantinople of [[Arianism|Arian]] and [[Apollinarism|Apollinarian]] domination.<ref name="McGuckin" />{{rp |235}} The exiled Nicene party gradually returned to the city. From his deathbed, Basil reminded them of Gregory's capabilities and likely recommended his friend to champion the [[Trinity|Trinitarian cause]] in Constantinople.<ref name="McGuckin" />{{rp |235–236}}<ref>Oration 43.2, PG 36.497.</ref>

In 379, the Antioch synod and its archbishop, [[Meletius of Antioch|Meletius]], asked Gregory to go to Constantinople to lead a theological campaign to win over that city to Nicene orthodoxy.<ref name="Ruether" />{{rp |42}} After much hesitation, Gregory agreed. His cousin Theodosia offered him a villa for his residence; Gregory immediately transformed much of it into a church, naming it Anastasia, "a scene for the resurrection of the faith".<ref name="McGuckin" />{{rp |241}}<ref>2 Kings 4:8 and Orat. 26.17, PG 35.1249.</ref> From this little chapel he delivered five powerful discourses on Nicene doctrine, explaining the nature of the Trinity and the unity of the Godhead.<ref name="Hunter-Blair" /> Refuting the [[Anomoeanism|Eunomian]] denial of the Holy Spirit's divinity, Gregory offered this argument:
{{blockquote |Look at these facts: Christ is born, the Holy Spirit is His Forerunner. Christ is baptized, the Spirit bears witness to this ... Christ works miracles, the Spirit accompanies them. Christ ascends, the Spirit takes His place. What great things are there in the idea of God which are not in His power? What titles appertaining to God do not apply also to Him, except for Unbegotten and Begotten? I tremble when I think of such an abundance of titles, and how many Names they blaspheme, those who revolt against the Spirit!<ref>{{Citation |last=Nazianzus |first=Gregory of |title=Oration |page=31:29 |publisher=The Orthodox Church of America |access-date=2 May 2007 |url=http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=100298}}</ref>}}

Gregory's homilies were well received and attracted ever-growing crowds to Anastasia. Fearing his popularity, his opponents decided to strike. On the [[Easter Eve|vigil of Easter]] in 379, an Arian mob burst into his church during worship services, wounding Gregory and killing another bishop. Escaping the mob, Gregory next found himself betrayed by his erstwhile friend, the philosopher [[Maximus I of Constantinople]]. Maximus I, who was in secret alliance with [[Peter II of Alexandria]], attempted to seize Gregory's position and have himself ordained bishop of Constantinople.<ref name="Ruether" />{{rp |43}} Shocked, Gregory decided to resign his office, but the faction faithful to him induced him to stay and ejected Maximus I. This episode left Gregory embarrassed, and exposed him to criticism as a provincial simpleton unable to cope with the intrigues of the imperial city.<ref name="Ruether" />{{rp |43}}

Affairs in Constantinople remained confused as Gregory's position was still unofficial, and Arian priests yet occupied many important churches. The arrival of the emperor Theodosius in 380 settled matters in Gregory's favor. The emperor, determined to eliminate Arianism, expelled [[Demophilus of Constantinople]]. Gregory was subsequently enthroned as bishop of Constantinople at the Basilica of the Apostles, replacing Demophilus.<ref name="Ruether" />{{rp |45}}