Caesarius of Nazianzus

Caesarius of Nazianzus (c. 331 – 368) was a distinguished physician and politician of the 4th century, widely recognized as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. He is primarily known for being the younger brother of the influential theologian Saint Gregory of Nazianzus.

Life and Historical Context

Born at the family villa of Arianzus, Caesarius was the younger son of Gregory the Elder, bishop of Nazianzus, and his wife Nonna. He likely received his early education at Caesarea Mazaca before pursuing advanced studies in Alexandria, Egypt. There, his favored subjects were geometry, astronomy, and particularly medicine, in which he excelled above his peers.

Around 355, Caesarius moved to Constantinople, the imperial capital, where he had already established a reputation for his medical expertise. He made significant career sacrifices, including leaving a lucrative position, to return home with his brother Gregory around 358. However, Constantinople's allure drew him back, and he became an eminent physician at the Byzantine court, serving under Constantius II and later Julian the Apostate. Despite Julian's attempts to persuade him to embrace the restored paganism, Caesarius remained steadfast in his faith.

After Julian's death in 363, Caesarius returned to Constantinople. Under Emperor Valens, he assumed the office of quaestor of Bithynia, a role that encompassed treasury and tax collection duties. He narrowly escaped death during an earthquake that struck Nicaea on October 11, 368. Shortly thereafter, he succumbed to a plague that ravaged the region following the earthquake, having received baptism late in life.

Relationships and Character

Caesarius and his brother Gregory shared a close bond, though they were described as having different temperaments. While Gregory pursued a religious path, Caesarius was more at home in the political sphere. Biographer John McGuckin notes that they were complementary figures, with Gregory relying on Caesarius for guidance and Caesarius encouraging Gregory's literary and rhetorical pursuits.

Legacy

Following Caesarius's death, his considerable estate was plundered by servants and creditors. His brother Gregory intervened, ensuring that the remaining assets were distributed to the poor and surviving relatives. Gregory of Nazianzus delivered the funeral oration, "On His Brother: St. Caesarius," at Nazianzus, presenting his brother as a model Christian and ascetic, which has become the principal source for his biography and a foundation for his canonization.

Traditional attributions of the "Dialogues" found in Migne's Patrologia Graeca to Caesarius are generally considered spurious due to their content and anachronisms.

Veneration

Caesarius of Nazianzus is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. His remains were interred at Nazianzus, where his brother delivered his eulogy.