St. Gregory the Theologian remembers his sister Gorgonia by speaking about the welcome she gave. In her funeral oration, he praises an open house, sympathy for people in trouble and generosity toward those in need. He describes her as caring for strangers, orphans and widows. His praise lets us contemplate a household whose life included people beyond its own circle. Gregory Nazianzen, Oration 8.12, read with 8.8–13
Gregory uses biblical images to express that mercy. He speaks of her as a mother to the orphan and of her hospitality through the language of Job. Those images belong to a eulogy. We should receive the witness to generosity without pretending that every rhetorical phrase supplies a complete household record or a promise about the giver’s future. Gregory Nazianzen, Oration 8.12, read with 8.8–13
Hebrews calls Christians to continue in brotherly love, practice hospitality and remember people in prison and those who are mistreated. These commands widen our attention toward people whose lives can remain out of sight. Gorgonia’s remembered hospitality gives us a concrete saintly example through which to consider that scriptural call. Hebrews 13:1-3
Isaiah likewise places sharing bread, bringing the poor into shelter and clothing the naked within a call to faithful life before God. Material care belongs to the response Scripture asks for. A room, a meal or help finding shelter can therefore become a practical question for us, rather than leaving hospitality as an admired word. The particular response should fit the actual person’s need. Isaiah 58:6–7
Gregory’s account joins this generosity to Gorgonia’s hidden piety. The guest’s need should not become an occasion for displaying the household’s virtue. We can ask how our resources might serve someone and how to offer that help respectfully. Her example directs us toward a welcome expressed through deeds, with devotion to God continuing within it. Gregory Nazianzen, Oration 8.12, read with 8.8–13
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- Gregory Nazianzen, Oration 8. Translated by Charles Gordon Browne and James Edward Swallow. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 7. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1894.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/310208.htm.
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: KJV, NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.