Bosphoris

Bosphoris bishop of Colonia, in Cappadocia Secunda, was a confidential friend and correspondent of Gregory Nazianzen and Basil the Great. His episcopate must have commenced, in 360, and continued at least forty-eight years. He had great influence over the gentler nature of Gregory, who, however, speaks of him in terms of the highest respect, both for the purity of his faith and the sanctity of his life. Bosphorus persuaded Gregory to remain at Nazianzum after his father's death, and accept the unwelcome see of Constantinople. Gregory bitterly complained of his excessive importunity, but yielded. In 383 Bosphorus was accused of unsoulndness in the faith, which greatly distressed Gregory, who wrote urgently in his behalf to Theodore of Tyana, Nectarius, and Eutropius.