Encountering God Through Others: St Gregory of Nyssa’s Concept of Love and Community

The paper examines how Gregory of Nyssa perceived community in his soteriological system. According to the Cappadocian Father, catharsis, self-improvement, and charismas are not sufficient for encountering Christ; rather, communion and community are needed for the above-mentioned gifts to resonate and thus bring salvation. Gregory based his findings on a personal level through his encounters with and following of teachers Basil and Macrina. Through their example, the bishop of Nyssa also instructed monastic communities, teaching them the value of encountering each other as brothers and, moreover, bringing healing and life everlasting through Christ.