Now while Origen was carrying on his accustomed labours at Caesarea, many came to him, not only of the natives, but also countless pupils from foreign parts, who had left their own homelands. Of these we know to have been especially distinguished Theodore, who was that very same renowned bishop of our day, Gregory, and his brother Athenodore. These two were strongly enamoured of Greek and Roman studies; but Origen, instilling into them a passion for philosophy, urged them to exchange their former zeal for the practice of divine things. Continuing with him five whole years, they made such progress in divine things that, while both still young, they were deemed worthy of the episcopate of the churches in Pontus.