Saint Gregory of Nyssa’s Catechetical Discourse is now available through St. Vladimir’s Seminary (SVS) Press. The new entry in the Popular Patristic Series (PPS) features the original Greek text along with an English translation by Seminary Alumnus and SVS Press Editor Rev. Ignatius Green.
Saint Gregory of Nyssa wrote the Catechetical Discourse as a handbook for his catechists, to help them defend and articulate the foundations of the faith, the Trinity, creation and the image of God, the fall and the nature of evil, the saving work of Christ, and the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist. The Discourse draws upon the previous tradition—especially Origen, St. Methodius of Olympus, and, above all, St. Athanasius' On the Incarnation (PPS 44)—and influences later fathers like St. John of Damascus in his On the Orthodox Faith (new translation coming soon from SVS Press).
This complex work is also known for its ambiguous relationship to Origen's universalism, perhaps including the idea that the devil himself will be saved. The translator's introduction places this question, and a clear understanding of the Catechetical Discourse in general, in the context of St. Gregory's use of rhetoric, his other writings and the broader patristic tradition.
Catechetical Discourse is available in paperback at SVSPress.com or by calling 800-204-BOOK (2665).
About the Popular Patristic Series
The Popular Patristics Series is comprised of more than 50 volumes. The series aims to mine the riches of early Christian literature and provide readable and accurate translations of a broad range of these writings to a wide audience—from students of Christian history and theology to lay Christians reading for spiritual benefit. Texts include classics of Christian literature, thematic volumes, homily collections, letters, spiritual guidance, and poetical works from a wide variety geographical contexts and historical backgrounds. Patristic authors include Athanasius, Gregory the Great, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, Ephrem the Syrian, Tertullian, and many more. Recognized patristic scholars provide short but comprehensive and clear introductory essays according to their specializations for each volume.
All 54 volumes currently available in the PPS series may be purchased individually, or as a complete set at a discounted price.
