Saint Gregory Palamas (1296–1359) was born in Constantinople and educated under the patronage of Emperor Andronicus II. Though prepared for government service, he chose the monastic life and went to Mount Athos around 1316. Under experienced elders, he embraced asceticism and the practice of hesychasm—the tradition of inner stillness and the prayer of the heart. After threats of Turkish invasions, he moved to Thessalonica, was ordained a priest, and lived as both pastor and hermit, guiding a small monastic community before returning to Athos for deeper solitude and theological work.

In the 1330s Gregory became central to a major theological dispute when Barlaam of Calabria attacked the hesychasts, especially their teaching on the uncreated light of Tabor. Gregory responded in writing with his Triads, defending the distinction between God’s unknowable essence and His uncreated energies through which He is made known. The Council of Constantinople in 1341 affirmed Gregory’s teaching and condemned Barlaam, but controversy continued through Barlaam’s disciple Akyndinos and Patriarch John XIV, leading to Gregory’s imprisonment. Freed in 1347, he was appointed Archbishop of Thessalonica, and the Council of Blachernae in 1351 solemnly upheld his doctrine.

In his later years, Gregory traveled, preached even while held captive by the Turks, and became known for miracles of healing. Shortly before his repose he beheld a vision of Saint John Chrysostom, and he died on November 14, 1359. In 1368 he was formally canonized, and his writings and witness secured his place as one of Orthodoxy’s greatest theologians and the chief defender of hesychasm.

Troparion — Tone 8

O luminary of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, / ideal of monks and invincible champion of theologians, / O wonderworker Gregory, boast of Thessalonika and herald of grace, / always intercede for all of us that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion — Tone 8

(Podoben: “O Victorious Leader...”)Holy and divine instrument of wisdom, / radiant and harmonious trumpet of theology, / we praise you in song, O divinely-speaking Gregory. / As a mind standing before the Primal Mind, guide our minds to Him, Father, / so that we may cry aloud to you: “Rejoice, herald of grace.”