Saint Leontius of Caesarea
A prelate of Caesarea in the 4th century, Saint Leontius was a major figure of the Catholic Church, praised by Saint Athanasius and Gregory of Nazianzus. He participated in the Council of Nicaea and played a decisive role in the evangelization of Armenia by converting King Tiridates and ordaining Saint Gregory the Illuminator.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
2 reading sections
SAINT LEONTIUS OF CAESAREA (4th century).
Testimonies and ecclesial authority
Leontius is recognized by his contemporaries Gregory of Nazianzus and Athanasius of Alexandria as a major figure of orthodoxy, having notably baptized the father of Gregory of Nazianzus.
Thi s Saint Leon tius is the one of whom Gregory of N azianzus speaks in the funeral oration he delivered for his father; it is he who, while passing throug h the city of Naz ianzus on his way t o the Council of Nicaea, baptized Gregory, father of the gr eat doctor. Sa int Athanasius speaks of him in a discours e agai nst the Arians and places him among the luminaries of the Catholic Church. Here are the terms in which Gregory, priest of Caesarea, praises him:
Episcopacy and conversion of Armenia
Bishop of Caesarea and participant in the Council of Nicaea, he played a crucial role in the evangelization of Armenia by converting King Tiridates and ordaining Saint Gregory the Illuminator.
Angel of peace , Leontius, most holy prelate of the church of C aesarea, before coming to the Council of Nicaea, had shed abundant sweat; but also how many martyrs, generous athletes formed by him, have struck down the enemy of their salvation; how many, for having followed his doctrine of life, have become citizens of heaven. Another important conquest of Saint Leontius was that of Tiridates, king of Armenia, and his people. It was on this occasion that he ordained Saint Gregory of Armenia, his disciple, as bishop, to whose care he entrusted this new Church, born of his preaching and his apostolic labors.
Entities
Narrative network
The names, places, and concepts most present in the entry, weighted by centrality in the text.
Frequently asked questions about Saint Leontius of Caesarea
Who was Saint Leontius of Caesarea?
A prelate of Caesarea in the 4th century, Saint Leontius was a major figure of the Catholic Church, praised by Saint Athanasius and Gregory of Nazianzus. He participated in the Council of Nicaea and played a decisive role in the evangelization of Armenia by converting King Tiridates and ordaining Saint Gregory the Illuminator.
What is Saint Leontius of Caesarea the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Leontius of Caesarea: Caesarea.
Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Leontius of Caesarea?
Contemporaries include: Saint Blaise, Saint Hilary of Poitiers, Saint Basil the Great (Archbishop of Caesarea) and Saint Baudilus.
When did Saint Leontius of Caesarea die?
Saint Leontius of Caesarea died around 400.
What are the other names of Saint Leontius of Caesarea?
Other forms of the name: Leontius.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Baptism of Gregory (father of Gregory of Nazianzus) at Nazianzus
- Participation in the Council of Nicaea
- Conversion of Tiridates, King of Armenia, and his people
- Ordination of Saint Gregory of Armenia as bishop
Quotes
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Angel of peace, Leontius, most holy prelate of the church of Caesarea
Gregory, priest of Caesarea