Gregory Thaumaturgus

Gregory Thaumaturgus (c.213-270), also known as Gregory of Neocaesarea, was a Christian bishop of the 3rd century. He has been canonized as a saint in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

Gregory was born around 213 AD into a wealthy pagan family in Neocaesarea (modern Niksar).

He was originally known as Theodore ( gift of God). His immemorial title Thaumaturgus, the wonder worker. in Latinized Greek, casts an air of legend about him but the historical references to him permit a fairly detailed reconstruction of his work.

He was introduced to the Christian faith at the age of 14, after his father had died. He studied law and traditional Greek and Roman classics.

His brother-in-law was appointed legal counsel to the Roman Governor of Palestine. With his brother Athenodorus they acted as an escort to take their sister to Caesarea in Palestine. While there they learned that the celebrated scholar Origen resided there. Curiosity led them to hear and speak with Origen, the head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria. They gave themselves up to the great Christian leader who gradually won them over to Christianity

For 7 years he underwent the mental and moral discipline of Origen (231-9).Before leaving Palestine he delivered a public farewell oration to his illustrious master Origen to thank him.

Gregory returned to Pontus with the intention of practising law but he was soon consecrated bishop of Neocaesarea by Phoedimus, Bishop of Amasea and metropolitan of Pontus.
He was 40 when he became bishop and he ruled his diocese for 13 years. He started with 17 members but under his leadership most of the city of Pontus converted to Christianity. His skills were such that some his flock soon attributed miracles to him - he gained the nickname of The wonder Worker.

But during the persecutions ordered by Emperor Decius in 250 many deserted. He also fled into the surrounding mountains with many of his flock. By the time of his death his flock had dwindled back to 17.

Gregory was a great and conspicuous lamp, illuminating the church of God
Basil concludes Gregory was regarded as another Moses. Basil the Great
Sources used
Christianity Today
Wikipedia

Brief note included about Origen