Page "Gregory of Nazianzus" Paragraph 12

Gregory's homilies were well received and attracted ever-growing crowds to Anastasia.

Fearing his popularity, his opponents decided to strike.

On the vigil of Easter in 379, an Arian mob burst into his church during worship services, wounding Gregory and killing another bishop.

Escaping the mob, Gregory next found himself betrayed by his erstwhile friend, the philosopher Maximus the Cynic.

Maximus, who was in secret alliance with Peter, bishop of Alexandria, attempted to seize Gregory's position and have himself ordained bishop of Constantinople.

Shocked, Gregory decided to resign his office, but the faction faithful to him induced him to stay and ejected Maximus.

However, the episode left him embarrassed and exposed him to criticism as a provincial simpleton unable to cope with intrigues of the imperial city.