Feast Day:
- Western Church: September 13
- Eastern Church: November 13
- Commemoration of his relics’ translation: January 27
Titles:
- Doctor of the Church
- Archbishop of Constantinople
- “Golden-Mouthed” (Chrysostomos in Greek)
Birth: c. 347 in Antioch, Syria (modern-day Turkey)
Death: September 14, 407, in Comana, Pontus
Early Life and Education
Saint John Chrysostom was born to a noble and Christian family in Antioch, a prominent city in the Roman Empire. His father, Secundus, died when John was very young, leaving him to be raised by his devout and widowed mother, Anthusa. Anthusa’s strong Christian faith deeply influenced her son’s spiritual and moral character.
John received a classical education under the renowned pagan rhetorician Libanius, from whom he gained mastery in rhetoric and philosophy. However, he soon turned away from secular ambitions to devote himself entirely to God. Baptized in his early twenties, John was drawn to the ascetic life. He studied under the renowned bishop and theologian Saint Meletius of Antioch and immersed himself in the Scriptures, memorizing large portions of the Bible.
Ascetic Life
John yearned for the eremitical life and spent several years as a hermit in the mountains outside Antioch. During this time, he lived in extreme austerity, practicing rigorous fasting, prayer, and penance. However, the harshness of his self-imposed discipline weakened his health, and he was forced to return to Antioch. This experience of asceticism, however, shaped his spiritual depth and prepared him for his future ministry.
Priesthood and Preaching in Antioch
In 386, John was ordained a priest by Bishop Flavian of Antioch. Recognizing his eloquence and wisdom, Flavian entrusted him with the task of preaching.
John’s sermons soon gained widespread fame, earning him the title Chrysostomos (“Golden-Mouthed”) because of his extraordinary oratorical skill. His homilies were marked by clarity, eloquence, and deep spiritual insight. He was a fearless preacher who spoke out against moral laxity, greed, and corruption, often addressing both clergy and laity with boldness.
One of his most famous series of homilies, the “Homilies on the Statues,” delivered during a crisis in Antioch, helped calm the populace and avoid imperial retribution after they had rioted against increased taxes and destroyed imperial statues.
Archbishop of Constantinople
In 398, against his wishes, John was appointed Archbishop of Constantinople, the capital of the Roman Empire. This role placed him at the center of political and ecclesiastical affairs. As archbishop, John lived an austere life, dedicating himself to pastoral care, reform, and charity. He sold much of the wealth of the Church to provide for the poor and established hospitals and hostels for the destitute.
John also undertook significant reforms among the clergy, calling them to live lives of holiness and integrity. This earned him both admiration and enmity, particularly from those who were unwilling to embrace his call to reform.
Conflict and Exile
John’s fearless preaching against the excesses of the wealthy and powerful, including the Empress Eudoxia, led to significant opposition. His denunciation of luxurious living and corrupt practices alienated many, especially at the imperial court. Eudoxia, feeling personally attacked, conspired with Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, to have John deposed.
In 403, John was falsely accused of heresy and deposed at the Synod of the Oak, a council convened by his enemies. Though briefly restored to his see, John was soon exiled again after denouncing the empress’s erection of a silver statue near the cathedral—a decision he compared to the idolatrous actions of Herodias.
Even in exile, John continued to write letters to his flock, encouraging them to remain steadfast in the Faith. His writings during this time include some of his most profound theological works and pastoral reflections.
Final Exile and Death
In 407, John was exiled to a remote region of the empire, enduring great physical suffering from the harsh conditions. Despite his frailty, he remained steadfast in his faith, reportedly saying, “Glory to God for all things!”—a testament to his profound trust in Divine Providence.
He died on September 14, 407, in the small town of Comana in Pontus, while being transported further into exile. His last words were: “Glory be to God for all things.”
Legacy and Canonization
Saint John Chrysostom was venerated almost immediately after his death. In 438, his relics were solemnly returned to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius II, who publicly repented for the wrongs done to the saint. His remains were enshrined in the Church of the Holy Apostles.
John’s influence on the Church is immense. His writings include numerous homilies, treatises, and commentaries on Scripture, as well as the liturgy attributed to him, the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which remains the standard Eucharistic liturgy in the Byzantine Rite.
In 1568, Pope Saint Pius V declared him a Doctor of the Church. He is revered as one of the greatest preachers in the history of Christianity and a model of episcopal courage and holiness.
Spiritual Themes in His Life
- Zeal for the Poor: John emphasized the Church’s duty to care for the poor, often calling the Eucharist incomplete if it did not lead to acts of charity.
- Reform and Integrity: He demanded moral and spiritual reform from both clergy and laity, never hesitating to call out hypocrisy.
- Love for Scripture: His deep understanding of Scripture fueled his preaching and writings, making him one of the foremost exegetes of the early Church.
- Courage under Persecution: John’s fearless defense of truth, even in the face of exile and opposition, remains an example of Christian fortitude.
Prayer to Saint John Chrysostom
O Saint John Chrysostom,
great preacher of God’s Word and defender of the Faith,
intercede for us that we may have the courage to proclaim Christ with boldness,
the wisdom to understand His teachings,
and the humility to live lives of charity and holiness.
Through your example, may we remain steadfast in the face of trials
and glorify God in all things.
Amen.
Saint John Chrysostom’s life and legacy remind us of the power of eloquence when combined with holiness, the importance of Scripture in the Christian life, and the need to stand firm in the truth regardless of worldly opposition.