Saint John Chrysostom
Feast day: September 13
Saint John Chrysostom, bishop and Doctor of the Church, the “golden-mouthed” preacher (13/09)
Who is he?
Saint John Chrysostom was one of the most famous preachers of the early Church. He was Archbishop of Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, and he is a Doctor of the Church. The name “Chrysostom” means “golden mouth,” because his preaching was as precious as gold.
Life story
John was born around the year 347 in the city of Antioch, now in Turkey. His father died when he was little, and his mother, Anthusa, never remarried; she raised her son and taught him to love God. John was an excellent student, especially at public speaking. Many people thought he would become a famous lawyer.
But John chose to follow God. He spent many years praying and reading the Bible as a hermit, living alone, fasting and doing penance, then came back to Antioch to become a deacon and later a priest. Every time he preached, the church was packed. He explained God’s Word so clearly and simply that his listeners were happy and wanted to live better lives.
In 398, he was chosen to be Archbishop of Constantinople. In the wealthy capital, he still lived simply. He used money to build hospitals and help the poor. He boldly urged the rich, even the empress, not to live in luxury while so many poor people were hungry and thirsty. He taught that serving the poor is serving Jesus himself.
His words upset many powerful people. They looked for ways to bring him down, and twice he was sent far away into exile. The road into exile was very hard, and he was old and weak. On 14 September 407, he died on the way, while being taken under guard. According to tradition, his last words were: “Glory be to God for all things.”
Today, many of his homilies are still read, and the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom is regularly celebrated by the Churches of the Byzantine tradition.
Why is he a saint?
Saint John Chrysostom used the gifts God gave him to serve God’s Word and the poor. He was not afraid to speak the truth, even when it cost him. Even in exile, he kept praising God and trusting him.
A lesson for you
- Listen carefully to God’s Word and read it, especially the Sunday Gospel.
- Use your words to encourage and comfort others; don’t speak badly of anyone or make fun of them.
- When something sad happens, practice saying like him: “Glory be to God for all things.”
Identifying marks
- A Gospel book with a cross on the cover: all his life he explained God’s Word to the people.
- A scroll: his homilies and writings, which the Church has kept to this day.
- A white shoulder stole with black crosses (omophorion): the vestment of an Eastern bishop, because he was Archbishop of Constantinople.
- A high forehead, thin hair, a thin face and a short beard: the way he usually looks in Eastern icons.
- A beehive (*): his preaching was as sweet as honey.
(*) Only in some pictures and statues.
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