St. Gregory, archbishop of Alexandria (9th c.)
Commemorated November 5
This much-loved shepherd of the Church at Alexandria was unanimously elected to the Patriarchate by the Bishops and people of that city. Though meek and humble, he was a fierce defender of holy Orthodoxy, which was then under attack by the Emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820). For his fearless defense of the holy Icons, Gregory was arrested at the Emperor's orders and brought in chains to Constantinople. Brought before Leo, the holy Patriarch told him clearly that he was a heretic and an enemy of the Church. The enraged Emperor had Gregory scourged, then sent into exile, where he reposed three years later.
Troparion
The teacher of orthodoxy, preceptor of piety and chastity, luminary of the universe, God-inspired instruction of the hierarchs, O Gregory, greatly wise, thou hast illumined all by thy teaching, O spiritual flute; entreat Christ the God that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion
Having found delight in abstinence, thou hast stilled the very desires of thy body, appearing to be reared on the faith, and as the paradisical tree of life hast thou blossomed, O Gregory, sacred father.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
