GREGORY, ST., OF NEOCAESAREA (c. 213—C. 270), known as THAUMATURGUS (the miracle-worker), was born of noble pagan parents at Neocaesarea in Pontus. He studied law, but at Caesarea met Origen, and became his convert (A.D. 233). He was consecrated bishop of his native town (c. 24o), and in spite of the Decian persecution (250-251) converted nearly the whole city during his office of 3o years. He was active at the first synod of Antioch (A.D. 264-265), which condemned the heresies of Paul of Samosata; and the rapid spread in Pontus of a Trini tarianism approaching the Nicene type is attributed largely to his influence. His festival is observed on Nov. 17.
Gregory's works, which include the Panegyricus in Origenem, Metap/irasis in Ecclesiasten, Epistola canonica and Expositio fidei, throw light on the personality and method of Origen, on the or ganization of the church in Pontus and on Gregory's orthodox Trinitarian doctrine.