Cappadocian Fathers

In the second half of the fourth century, three theologians from the province of Cappadocia had a profound influence upon the character of Christian theology. They were Basil of Caesarea,* his brother Gregory of Nyssa,* and Basil's close friend Gregory of Nazianzus.* They gave final shape to the Greek doctrine of the Trinity, and through their efforts Arianism was finally defeated.