The Eucharistic theology of St. Gregory of Nyssa

This article examines the eucharistic theology of Gregory of Nyssa, primarily from chapter 37 of his *Catechetical Discourse*. The study adopts a historico-doctrinal approach, situating Nyssian thought within the patristic tradition prior to Ambrose of Milan and in critical dialogue with Western eucharistic controversies. The central idea is that Gregory establishes a substantial link between the human body, food, and the Body of Christ: bread being "body in potency," the eucharistic conversion naturally extends the creative and incarnating action of the Word, without rupture in the order of creation. The theological contribution of the article lies in the highlighting of a triple identification — the historical body, the cosmic body, and the ecclesial body of Christ — which offers an understanding of the eucharistic mystery distinct from the Western conception of transubstantiation, perceived as an isolated miraculous act.