I, too, was anxious that our brother
Gregory Tillemont
supposes the reference to be to Gregory of Nyssa. Maran,
however (Vit. Bas. xxiv.), regards this as an error, partly
caused by the introduction into the text of the word ἐμόν, which he has eliminated; and
he points out the Gregory of Nyssa, however unwilling to accept
consecration, never objected after it had taken place, and was
indeed sent to Nazianzus to console the younger Gregory of that
place in his distress under like circumstances. Moreover,
Gregory of Nyssa was consecrated in the ordinary manner on the
demand of the people and clergy with the assent of the bishops of
the province. (cf. Letter ccxxv.) Gregory the
younger, however, was consecrated to Sasima without these
formalities. should have the
government of a Church commensurate with his abilities; and that would
have been the whole Church under the sun gathered into one place.
But, as this is impossible, let him be a bishop, not deriving dignity
from his see, but conferring dignity on his see by himself. For
it is the part of a really great man not only to be sufficient for
great things, but by his own influence to make small things
great.