Saint Caesarius was the son of Saint Gregory (January 1) and Saint Nonna (August 5), and the brother of Saint Gregory the Theologian (January 25). After studying oratory, philosophy, medicine and other subjects in Alexandria, he went to Constantinople, where he became one of the city’s leading doctors. Such was his reputation that Emperor Constantius wanted to make him his personal physician. Saint Caesarius thanked him, but declined.
When his brother Saint Gregory completed his studies in Athens, he visited Constantinople (between 358 and 360), and there he met Caesarius. So the two brothers returned to Nazianzus together.
In 361, when Julian the Apostate became Emperor, Saint Caesarius was summoned to Constantinople to become his physician. Although the evil Emperor was a fierce persecutor of the Church and issued many edicts against Cheistians, he exempted Saint Caesarius from any punishment. Julian repeatedly tried to turn Saint Caesarius away from Christ, but he was unable to do so.
Finally, at the urging of his father and his brother, Caesarius resigned his position and went back home to Nazianzus.
When Julian died in the year 363, Saint Caesarius returned to Constantinople once more. Under the Emperors Valentinian (364 – 374) and his brother Valens (364 – 378), he was appointed as treasurer of public funds at Nicaea in Bithynia.
On October 11, 368, Saint Caesarius was miraculously unharmed by an earthquake which struck Bithynia. He was baptized and then gave away all his belongings to the poor and began to live a quiet, prayerful life. His righteous repose occurred later that same year (or early in 369). Saint Gregory the Theologian delivered a funeral oration for Saint Caesarius. In his writings he also mentions his brother’s wisdom, and how respected he was in his lifetime.
O Caesarius the Blessed, you came from a family of pious Saints and teachers and after your Baptism, gave away all your belongings to the poor and needy. Living a life of quiet prayer, you were called to the Lord and at your funeral your saintly brother, Gregory the Theologian, spoke of your Godly life and withness to the Gospel. Intercede for us that we too may show the same gentleness and kindness to the poor and needy among us so as to imitate the love of Christ our God!