http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Gregory.htm
St. Gregory, Bishop
of Rome
Little is know of Gregory’s younger years, except that Italy was in
turbulence from Goth invasions. He had
three sisters who were nuns, and after the death of his parents converted the
house into a monastery. He was ordained
deacon, and later served as Papal delegate to Constantinople. He was elected Pope in 590, and immediately
set down that he was not claiming St. Peter’s throne, and praised the life of
the monks (he was the first Monastic bishop of Rome).
Gregory is most well known for sending missionaries to
northern Europe in a time in which the Pope had little authority over Italy, Britain
or Spain.
Most famous of his missions was sending Augustine to England to proclaim the
Gospel to the Anglo Saxon peoples, leading to some conflict with the Celtic
church, but eventually leading to a
missionary movement spreading form England to the north of Europe and extending
as far east as Kiev.
Liturgically, plain song chant, or Gregorian chant is often
attributed to him, and more factually the liturgy of the pre-sanctified which
is used by the Eastern Orthodox Church until this day for Lent and Holy
Week. Private penance is also attributed
to him.
Alms were important to him, but most of the money received
by the church went immediately to the service of the poor.
1 Chronicles 25:1a,6-8
Colossians 1:28–2:3
Mark 10:42-45
Collect: Lord, you raised up
Gregory of Rome to be a servant to the servants of God, and inspired him to
send missionaries to England. Raise up in this and every generation Bishops
who will truly serve their people in imitation of Messiah, and who are willing
to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who
lives and reigns with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory
everlasting. Amen. (white)
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