Gregory Nazianzen and Transubstantiation

Q. Did Gregory advocate the Roman dogma of transubstantiation?

 

Gregory Nazianzen, Archbishop of Constantinople (c. 329-390 A.D.):

Whatever of the antitypes [τῶν ἀντίτυπον] of the precious body or blood her hand treasured. 

(Oration viii.18, [P.G. 35: 809]) see (J. P. Minge, Patrologiæ Cursus Completus, [1886], Patrologiæ Græcæ, Tomus XXXV, S. Gregorii Theologi, Oratio VIII, § XVIII, Col. 809). Here and Here Trans. (Lucius Waterman, The Primitive Tradition of the Eucharistic Body and Blood, [1919.], p. 112). Here

 

Alternate Translation:

…such a portion of the antitypes of the Precious Body and Blood as she treasured in her hand, 

(Philip Schaff, NPNF2, Vol. VII, Select Orations of Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Oration VIII.18 [On his Sister Gorgonia]).

...the figures [τοὺς τύπος] of my salvation. 

(Oration xvii.12) see (J. P. Minge, Patrologiæ Cursus Completus, [1886], Patrologiæ Græcæ, Tomus XXXV, S. Gregorii Theologi, Oratio XVII, § XII, Col. 980). Here Trans. (Darwell Stone, A History of the Doctrine of the Holy Eucharist, [1909], Volume I, p. 64). Here

 

Will they keep us from the altars? But I know of another altar, of which those things which now are seen are the types, to which no axe or hand went up, on which no iron was heard, nor any work of the craftsmen or men of skill, but all is accomplished by the mind, and the ascent is by means of contemplation. At this will I stand, at this will I offer acceptable gifts, sacrifice, and offering, and burnt offerings, better than those which are now offered, as the reality is better than the shadow. 

(Orat. xxvi.16) see (J. P. Minge, Patrologiæ Cursus Completus, [1886], Patrologiæ Græcæ, Tomus XXXV, S. Gregorii Theologi, Oratio XXVI, § XVI, Col. 1248, 1249). Here Trans. (Darwell Stone, A History of the Doctrine of the Holy Eucharist, [1909], Volume I, p. 116). Here

Since then I knew these things, and that no one is worthy of the mightiness of God, and the sacrifice, and priesthood, who has not first presented himself to God, a living, holy sacrifice, and set forth the reasonable, well-pleasing service, and sacrificed to God the sacrifice of praise and the contrite spirit, which is the only sacrifice required of us by the Giver of all; how could I dare to offer to Him the external sacrifice, the antitype of the great mysteries, or clothe myself with the garb and name of priest, before my hands had been consecrated by holy works; before my eyes had been accustomed to gaze safely upon created things, with wonder only for the Creator, and without injury to the creature; 

(Philip Schaff, NPNF2, Vol. VII, Select Orations of Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Oration II.95). Here

Say to him relying on the Seal, “I am myself the Image of God; I have not yet been cast down from the heavenly Glory, as thou wast through thy pride; I have put on Christ; I have been transformed into Christ by Baptism… 

(Philip Schaff, NPNF2, Vol. VII, Select Orations of Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Oration XL.x). Here

Let the mystical table to which you have approached move thee; let the bread, of which thou hast partaken; let the cup, of which thou didst partake when thou wast perfected by the suffering of Christ. 

(Orat. 40, De Sanct. Bapt.) see (J. H. Treat, The Catholic Faith; Or, Doctrines of the Church of Rome Contrary to Scripture and the Teaching of the Primitive Church, [1888], p. 190). Here

Alternate Translation:

…respect the Sacramental Table to which you have approached, the Bread of Which you have partaken, the Cup in Which you have communicated, being consecrated by the Sufferings of Christ. 

(Philip Schaff, NPNF2, Vol. VII, Select Orations of Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Oration XL.31 [The Oration on Holy Baptism]). Here

For He still pleads even now as Man for my salvation; for He continues to wear the Body which He assumed, until He make me God by the power of His Incarnation; although He is no longer known after the flesh—I mean, the passions of the flesh, the same, except sin, as ours. 

(Philip Schaff, NPNF2, Vol. VII, Select Orations of Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Oration XXX.14 [The Fourth Theological Oration, Which is the Second Concerning the Son]). Here

John Ch. 6:

Now we will partake of a Passover which is still typical; though it is plainer than the old one. For that is ever new which is now becoming known. It is ours to learn what is that drinking and that enjoyment, and His to teach and communicate the Word to His disciples. For teaching is food, even to the Giver of food. Come hither then, and let us partake of the Law, but in a Gospel manner, not a literal one; perfectly, not imperfectly; eternally, not temporarily. Let us make our Head, not the earthly Jerusalem, but the heavenly City; not that which is now trodden under foot by armies, but that which is glorified by Angels. Let us sacrifice not young calves, nor lambs that put forth horns and hoofs, in which many parts are destitute of life and feeling; but let us sacrifice to God the sacrifice of praise upon the heavenly Altar, with the heavenly dances; let us hold aside the first veil; let us approach the second, and look into the Holy of Holies. Shall I say that which is a greater thing yet? Let us sacrifice ourselves to God; or rather let us go on sacrificing throughout every day and at every moment. 

(Philip Schaff, NPNF2, Vol. VII, Select Orations of Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Oration XLV.23). Here

~ Soli Deo Gloria