Gregory was born at Neocaesarea in Pontus about the year 213, and in his early youth was a disciple of Origen, whom he praised in an enthusiastic panegyric. Having been made bishop of his native city, he converted it from idolatry to the true Faith, working a number of miracles, on account of which he received the title of wonder worker. He died during the reign of Aurelian between 270 and 275, and the whole of Pontus, according to St. Basil, venerated his memory with the greatest devotion as that of a teacher of the faith.

(Source: The New Roman Missal, Rev. F. X. Lasance)