Gregorius of Sicily or Gregorius Asbestas or Gregorius of Sicily

35. Of SYRACUSE, sometimes called of SICILY. Gregory, surnamed ASBESTAS, was made bishop of Syracuse about A. D. 845.

He went to Constantinople, apparently soon after his appointment to the see, for he appears to have been there in A. D. 847, where Ignatius was chosen patriarch, whose election he strenuously opposed. He was, in return, deposed by Ignatius in a council held A. D. 854, on the ground, as Monitor affirms, of his profligacy; and his deposition was confirmed by the Pope, Benedict III. When, on the deposition of Ignatius, Photius was placed on the patriarchal throne, A. D. 858, he was consecrated by Gregory, whose episcopal character, notwithstanding his deposition, was thus recognised. Gregory was anathematised, together with Photius, at the council of Rome A. D. 863: and his connection with the Greek patriarch is a reason for receiving with caution the assertions of Romish writers as to his immoral character. Photius promoted him A. D. 878 to the bishopric of Nicaea, in Bithynia. He died soon after.