January 25, 2011

The Holy Skull of St. Gregory the Theologian


According to the Great Synaxarion, Saint Gregory the Theologian reposed at sixty-two years of age on the 25th of January, ca. 391. He is described as being of average height and somewhat pale, though it became him. He had a graceful, charming, and even playful manner. His nose was somewhat snubbed and flat. He had thick hair which was balanced by age, though his short beard and conspicuous eyebrows were thicker. Later in life he was bald with white hair on the sides. He had a scar on his right eye from a childhood injury, which may still be seen in the sacred relic of his skull, which is kept at the Holy Monastery of Vatopaidi on Mount Athos.