The region of Cappadocia was in southern Asia Minor, in the lands now belonging to Turkey. In this place, there lived three family members and one friend who were know under the collective title--“The Great Cappadocians.” Below is their story and the lessons learned from their lives.MACRINA
The story begins with Macrina--the sister of 2 of the three "Great Cappadocians." She was twelve years old when her parents decided to make arrangements for her marriage, as was customary. Everything was ready until the groom died unexpectedly. She then made a vow to celibacy.
Macrina was a spiritual giant who had enormous influence on Basil (brother) who was a prideful and ambitious man. When their brother Naucratius died unexpectedly, Basil was crushed because he and his brother were very close. It was Macrina who led her brother to Christ. In fact, she consoled her whole family by teaching them about the joys of the Christian life.
Macrina taught that true happiness is not found in the things of this world, but in the service of God. This service, she explained, is best rendered when one breaks ties with the world. She later died from an asthma attack, but before death, consoled her family reminding them of the hope of the resurrection.
BASIL THE GREAT
Because of the ministry of his sister, Basil became a monk and he and friend Gregory of Nazianzus founded a community for men similar to one Macrina created for women. Basil believed that community life was essential because one who lives alone has no one to serve, which is the core of monastic life. He lived in this monastic community until an Arian man (see previous lesson for a description of Arianism) named Valens became emperor.
Basil was very outspoken against Arianism, which prompted the emperor to try and silence Basil by threatening him. Basil responded, “All that I have that you can confiscate are these rags and a few books. Nor can you exile me, for wherever you send me, I shall be God’s guest. As to tortures you should know that my body is already dead in Christ. And death would be a great boon to me, leading me sooner to God.”
Basil’s interests were in spreading monastic living and advancing the Nicene cause. He made a significant contribution to the final victory of Trinitarian doctrine.
GREGORY OF NYSSA
He was Basil’s younger brother. He is one of the lesser known of the family because he preferred silence and solitude. He did not desire to be the champion of any cause. He married but when his wife died he took up monastic living. After the death of his brother Basil, Gregory became one of the main leaders of the Nicene party.
GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS
He was not a part of the family, but was a good friend of Basil. He joined Basil in the monastic life at the age of 30. He was also a champion of the Nicene cause. In AD 379, he entered Constantinople, which as a state was overwhelmingly Arian. There was not a single orthodox church in this area during the 4th century.
Gregory endured persecution by Arian monks, but remained faithful to the Nicene cause until emperor Theodosius entered Constantinople in 380 and expelled the Arians. Gregory was praised for his boldness.
CONCLUSION
Believers can learn a lot from the Cappadocians. One of the major lessons learned is that earthly success, possessions, and worldly wisdom do not ultimately satisfy. Only a relationship with God through Jesus Christ can bring lasting joy. It should encourage and challenge us to learn that "The Great Cappadocians" were driven ultimately by their desire to glorify God and not by a need to appease public opinion. This, at times, made their lives difficult, but God-honoring.
