is the second Sunday of the Great & Holy Lent.
Our holy father Gregory, the son of the divine and unwaning light, true servant of the true God and initiate of His wondrous mysteries, was born in the imperial city of Constantinople in 1296. His parents were noble and renowned persons, who took care that he be taught both the secular sciences and divine wisdom, and that he learn every virtue.
Gregory’s father reposed while the saint was still of a tender age; but his mother continued to rear him, his brothers and sisters in the law of the Lord, instructing them in the divine Scriptures and in the rules of good conduct. She entrusted them to learned and pious teachers and thus her son acquired much knowledge. The youth was by nature diligent and possessed a keen mind, and in a short time he become acquainted with every branch of philosophy.
Gregory disdained everything worldly as a deceptive dream, and wishing to cleave to God, the wellspring of all wisdom, at the age of twelve resolved to take up the monastic life. He revealed his intention to his pious mother, and although she was saddened at first, she gave her consent. In time, she came to rejoice in the Lord over Gregory’s desire and decided to follow him in embracing the monastic life; moreover, with God’s help she persuaded all her children to do likewise. Thus she could repeat the words of prophet, “Lo, I and the children which Thou hast given me shall follow after Thee, O Lord.” (Is., ch. 8).
Saint Gregory, who despised with his whole heart the beautiful, sweet but temporary things of this world and earthly glory, gave his possessions to the poor, in accordance with the teaching of the Gospel, and followed after Christ, forsaking his mother, brothers and sisters. At first he went to the holy mountain of Athos where the took up his dwelling in one of the monasteries. He gave himself over in complete obedience to a wondrous and perfect holy man named Nicodemos, who instructed him in the commandments of God.
http://www.stirene.org/archives/sundays/triodion/great_lent/sunday_stgregorypalamas.html
