Righteous Nonna, mother of Saint Gregory the Theologian

Believers honor August 18 memory of St. Nonna, mother of Grigory the Theologian.

Nonna was born into a family of pious Christians Philtata and Gorgonia, and was brought up according to Christian customs. Nonna’s husband was a rich landowner Hryhoriy Arianzskyi. Their marriage was profitable in material terms, but difficult for the pious soul of the girl. Gregory was a pagan and worshiped fire. Nonna prayed to the Creator every day and asked him to lead her husband to the holy truth.

Nonna’s prayers were heard, Grigory came to God and gave himself to the church, and later became the bishop of Nazian. Righteous Nonna had one more request to God — to give birth to the firstborn. And this desire became real, the first and beloved son was named Grigory. Grigory became as pious as his mother, studied the Holy Scriptures from an early age, received a good education in Athens, and was baptized at the age of 26.

Saint Nonna dedicated her whole life to raising children, serving the Lord, and charity. The last years of the woman were difficult, she lost her younger children, but she did not give up her faith. Nonna died following her husband in 374, it happened while praying in the church.

Nonna’s main feat is that she led to the Lord with her faith, patience and piety and gave the most precious thing into his hands — her life and the lives of all members of her family. All of them, together with her, are included among the saints of the Orthodox Church.