Divine Gregory was born in Asia, in the place called Kukuly, into a wealthy and virtuous family. He was well-educated and, being captivated and taken prisoner by the Turks, gained his freedom thanks to the Laodiceans. Retreating to Cyprus, he attracted the attention of the locals with his virtue and soon met a virtuous monk who clothed him in the monastic habit. Then, seeking greater feats, he withdrew to Mount Sinai, where he amazed the ascetics with his angelic life, fasting, and prayer.
Gregory displayed deep humility and obedience, diligently fulfilling all the assignments of the abbot. He also engaged in reading the Holy Scriptures and had the habit of ascending to the holy summit of Sinai for worship. The envy of some monks led to his secret departure from the monastery along with his disciple Gerasimus. After visiting Jerusalem and the island of Crete, they found solitude in caves, where Gregory continued his ascetic practices.
Soon he met the elder Arsenius, who taught him the prayer of the heart and contemplation. Arriving at the Holy Mount Athos, Gregory communicated with the fathers, but many of them were unaware of the prayer of the heart. In the skete of Magula, he found three monks who practiced both action and contemplation, and he built cells for himself and his disciples.
Gregory, immersed in prayer, saw a light that filled his cell. He became a witness of Divine love and light, which confirmed his high spiritual state. His teaching on contemplation attracted many, and he became a common teacher for many ascetics.
However, the envy of his enemies did not leave him in peace, and he was forced to leave the Holy Mountain. After wandering through various places, he continued to seek solitude for his prayer life. His disciples, such as Gerasimus, Joseph, Nicholas, and others, continued his work, spreading the teaching of virtue and Orthodoxy.
Saint Gregory left behind many disciples who, following his example, reached high spiritual heights and continued his legacy, glorifying God through their feats.
