John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom was a prominent Church Father who served as the Archbishop of Constantinople, renowned for his powerful preaching and public speaking. He is celebrated for his Divine Liturgy and ascetic lifestyle, and is honored as a saint in Catholic and Eastern churches.
- Feast Day
- September 14
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Turkey
Key Facts
- ›Born in Antioch, Roman Syria, in 347, he was raised by his devout Christian mother, Anthusa.
- ›He studied rhetoric under Libanius and theology under Diodorus of Tarsus, later becoming a lawyer before dedicating himself to Christianity.
- ›John served as a deacon and then a presbyter in Antioch, gaining popularity for his eloquent sermons and emphasis on social justice.
- ›Appointed Archbishop of Constantinople in 397, his reforms and outspokenness made him unpopular with the wealthy and clergy, leading to his deposition and banishment.
- ›He was exiled twice, first to Cucusus and then further to Pitiunt, dying on September 14, 407, during his journey.
- ›His relics were returned to Constantinople in 438, and he is commemorated as a 'Great Ecumenical Teacher' in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Iōánnēs ho Chrysóstomos, Ioannes Chrysostomus, Golden-mouthed
Preachers
About John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom was a highly influential Church Father, theologian, and Archbishop of Constantinople, born in Antioch, Roman Syria, around 347 CE. He is renowned for his exceptional preaching and public speaking abilities, which earned him the epithet "Chrysostom," meaning "golden-mouthed." His ascetic lifestyle and profound theological insights also marked his legacy.
Life and Ministry
Born to a high-ranking military officer and a devout Christian mother, Anthusa, John received a strong education in rhetoric under Libanius before dedicating himself to Christianity and studying theology under Diodorus of Tarsus. He lived as a hermit for two years, practicing extreme asceticism, which damaged his health. Ordained as a deacon in 381 and later as a priest, he served in Antioch for over a decade, gaining popularity for his eloquent sermons that focused on biblical exposition and moral teaching, particularly emphasizing charitable giving and the needs of the poor.
In 397, John was appointed Archbishop of Constantinople. His tenure was marked by reforms that were unpopular with the wealthy and clergy but favored by the common people. His opposition to the influence of Theophilus I of Alexandria and his welcoming of the "Tall Brothers" led to conflict. Empress Aelia Eudoxia also became his enemy after he denounced extravagance in feminine dress. These conflicts resulted in his deposition and banishment in 403, though he was briefly reinstated due to popular outcry. A second banishment followed after he denounced the erection of a statue to Eudoxia, leading to his exile to the Caucasus.
Exile and Death
During his final exile, John appealed to church leaders in the West, including Pope Innocent I. Despite papal protests, he was moved further into exile from Cucusus to Pitiunt. He died en route to Pitiunt at Comana Pontica on September 14, 407. His last words are reported to be "Glory be to God for all things."
Veneration and Legacy
John Chrysostom was venerated as a saint soon after his death. His relics were returned to Constantinople in 438. He is honored in the Catholic and Eastern churches and is particularly regarded as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs in the Eastern Orthodox Church, alongside Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nazianzus. He is also considered a Doctor of the Church. His most enduring liturgical contribution is the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, a primary eucharistic rite in Eastern Christianity. His extensive writings, including hundreds of sermons and letters, continue to be studied for their theological depth and rhetorical power, particularly his exegetical homilies and his emphasis on social justice.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was John Chrysostom born?
John Chrysostom was born in Antioch, Roman Syria (modern-day Antakya, Turkey) in 347.
What is John Chrysostom known for?
He is known for his exceptional preaching and public speaking, his Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, and his ascetic life. He is also recognized for his emphasis on social justice and care for the poor.
Why was John Chrysostom exiled?
John Chrysostom was exiled due to opposition from powerful figures like Theophilus of Alexandria and Empress Aelia Eudoxia, who disagreed with his reforms and perceived criticisms. His association with the teachings of Origen and his denunciations of extravagance also contributed to his banishment.
What are some of John Chrysostom's most important writings?
His surviving works include approximately 600 sermons and 246 letters, as well as a commentary on the Book of Acts. His exegetical homilies on various books of the Bible, especially those on the Pauline epistles, are highly regarded.
How is John Chrysostom venerated today?
He is honored as a saint in the Catholic and Eastern churches, and is considered one of the Three Holy Hierarchs in the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches. In 1908, Pope Pius X named him the patron saint of preachers.
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