doctor of the church (from latin "", to teach) is a title used in some christian churches. it is given to people who are recognized as having been of particular importance, especially in their contribution to theology or doctrine. in the catholic church, this title is given to a saint who has written important works. the honour is given rarely, and only after canonisation. saint ambrose (330-397), saint augustine of hippo (53-430), saint jerome, and pope gregory i are known as the four great doctors (of the western church). in the eastern church, these are john chrysostom, saint basil of caesarea (or basil the great), gregory of nazianzus and athanasius of alexandria. other doctros of the church incliude thomas aquinas, anselm of canterbury, teresa of ávila, thérèse of lisieux and hildegard von bingen.