Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series 2, Vol. 5 (Gregory of Nyssa)

It was with the same feeling, and by the exercise of a like masterful will, that he forced upon his friend Gregory Nazianzen the Bishopric of an even more obscure and unimportant place called Sasima. However, Gregory highly resented the nomination, which unhappily led to a lifelong estrangement.

It was about this time that a quarrel arose between Basil and their uncle, another Gregory, one of the Cappadocian Bishops. Here, Gregory of Nyssa gave a striking proof of the extreme simplicity and lack of reflection in his character, which, without malicious intent, led him into deceit. Without sufficient consideration, he was induced to practice a deception that was as irreconcilable with Christian principle as it was with common sense. In his endeavors to reconcile his brother and uncle, when previous efforts had failed, he had recourse to an extraordinary method: he forged a letter to Basil, as if from their uncle, earnestly entreating reconciliation. The inevitable discovery, of course, only widened the breach and drew down on Gregory his brother's indignant condemnation. The reconciliation Gregory hoped for was, however, eventually brought about.

Nor was this the only occasion on which Gregory needed Basil's advice, reproof, and protection from the consequences of his inexperienced zeal. After he had become Bishop of Nyssa, he promoted the summoning of Synods to assist his brother. But Basil’s wider experience told him that no good would come of such assemblies under existing circumstances. Furthermore, he had reason to believe that Gregory would be made the tool of factious and designing men. He therefore discouraged the attempt. At another time, Basil had to interpose his authority to prevent his brother from joining a mission to Rome to invite the interference of Pope Damasus and the Western Bishops in the settlement of the troubles at Antioch regarding the disputed election to the See. Basil had himself experienced the futility of such appeals to Rome, due to the lack of sympathy from the Pope and Western Bishops regarding Eastern troubles. Moreover, he would not, by such an application, provide a pretext for Rome's assertion of supremacy and encroachment on the independence of the Eastern Church.

The Bishopric of Nyssa was indeed no "bed of roses" for Gregory. There was a sad contrast between the peaceful leisure of his retreat in Pontus and the troubles and antagonisms of his present position—a contrast felt deeply by one of his gentle spirit, who was better suited for studious retirement and monastic calm than for controversies that did not end with the pen. The enthusiasm of his faith regarding the Trinity and the Incarnation brought upon him the full weight of Arian and Sabellian followers of Sabellius, who taught that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were merely modes of one person hostility, aggravated by the patronage of the Emperor. In fact, his entire life at Nyssa was a series of persecutions.

A charge of uncanonical irregularity in his ordination was brought against him by certain Arian Bishops, and he was summoned to appear and answer them at a Synod at Ancyra. To this was added the vexation of a prosecution by Demosthenes, the Emperor's chef de cuisine head cook or master of the kitchen, on a charge of misusing Church funds.

A band of soldiers was sent to fetch him to the Synod. The fatigue of the journey, the rough treatment by his conductors, and his mental anxiety produced a fever that prevented his attendance. His brother Basil came to his assistance. He summoned another Synod of orthodox Cappadocian Bishops, who dictated a courteous letter in their joint names, apologizing for Gregory's absence from the Synod of Ancyra and proving the falsehood of the embezzlement charge. At the same time, Basil wrote to solicit the influence of Astorgus, a person of considerable power at Court, to save his brother from the indignity of being dragged before a secular tribunal.

Apparently, the application was unsuccessful. Demosthenes now obtained the holding of another Synod at Gregory's own See of Nyssa, where he was summoned to answer the same charges. Gregory refused to attend. He was consequently pronounced contumacious stubbornly disobedient and...