Archbishop of Thessaloniki
Saint Gregory Palamas
At a glance
- Feast
- November 14
- Region
- Thessaloniki, Greece
- Virtues
- theology, prayer, clarity
Tags
Gregory Palamas left a promising career in the imperial court to live as a monk on Mount Athos. Immersed in the Jesus Prayer, he learned that true knowledge of God comes through purification, illumination, and union by grace.
When Barlaam of Calabria mocked hesychast prayer, Gregory articulated the distinction between God’s essence and energies, safeguarding the Orthodox teaching that the faithful can truly participate in divine life without confounding the Creator with creation.
As Archbishop of Thessaloniki, he pastorally applied this theology, urging laypeople to weave prayer into daily duties. His feast on the second Sunday of Great Lent celebrates the triumph of lived theology.
Troparion
Light of Orthodoxy, pillar and doctor of the Church, adornment of monks, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory, wonderworker, boast of Thessaloniki, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.
Kontakion
Holy and divine instrument of wisdom and joyful trumpet of theology, we sing your praises, O God-inspired Gregory. As one who stands before the Original Mind, guide our minds to Him, O father, that we may cry: Rejoice, preacher of grace.
Read the full life of this saint
Download Athon to read the full life of this saint and discover daily Orthodox readings.
