(ABOUT A.D. 369.)
[Roman Martyrology. Greek Menæa on March 9th. Authority:--His life,
written by his brother, S. Gregory Nazianzen.]
S. Cæsarius was given by his parents an excellent education, and,
being a man of great natural parts, he soon distinguished himself for
his accomplishments in all the known sciences. He became one of the
first physicians of his day, and was urged by the Emperor Constantius
to reside in the imperial city, but declined to do so. Julian the
Apostate nominated him his first physician, and loaded him with marks
of favour, without, however, being able to shake his Christian
constancy. Jovian, who succeeded Julian, also honoured him, and
finding that, moved by the remonstrances of his father and brother,
Cæsarius had thrown up his appointment at the court of the Apostate,
he recalled him. Valens created him keeper of the privy purse, and
treasurer of Bithynia. A narrow escape in an earthquake at Nicæa, in
368, when almost all the chief men of that city were killed, moved him
to renounce the world. He died shortly after, and was buried with
great solemnity, his parents assisting at the funeral with lighted
tapers in their hands, and his brother, S. Gregory, Bishop of
Nazianzus, preaching his funeral oration.