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Saint John Chrysostom
The life and teachings of Saint John Chrysostom, the Golden-Mouthed Archbishop of Constantinople
The life and teachings of Saint John Chrysostom, the Golden-Mouthed Archbishop of Constantinople
Saint John Chrysostom (c. 349-407 AD), known as the “Golden-Mouthed” for his eloquent preaching, stands as one of the greatest theologians, biblical commentators, and liturgists in Christian history. As Archbishop of Constantinople, he fearlessly proclaimed the Gospel and called both clergy and laity to live according to Christ’s teachings.
John was born around 349 AD in Antioch, Syria, to Christian parents. His father, Secundus, was a high-ranking military officer who died when John was young. His mother, Anthusa, was a devout Christian woman who dedicated herself to raising John and his sister in the faith.
John received an excellent classical education in Antioch, studying rhetoric under the famous pagan teacher Libanius, who reportedly said of John: “What a wonderful orator John would have made if the Christians had not stolen him from us!”
After his baptism around age 18, John felt called to the monastic life. He spent four years in the mountains near Antioch as a hermit, living in a cave and practicing severe asceticism. However, his health suffered greatly from the harsh conditions, forcing him to return to Antioch.
In 381, John was ordained a deacon by Bishop Meletius of Antioch, and in 386, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Flavian. For the next twelve years, he served as a priest in Antioch, where his exceptional preaching ability earned him the nickname “Chrysostom” (Golden-Mouthed).
During his years as a priest in Antioch, John delivered some of his most famous homilies, including:
On the Gospel of Matthew: A series of 90 homilies that remain among the finest biblical commentaries ever written.
On the Statues: Twenty-one powerful sermons delivered during a crisis when the people of Antioch had rioted and destroyed statues of the imperial family, facing severe punishment from Emperor Theodosius.
On the Incomprehensible Nature of God: A series defending Orthodox theology against Arian heretics.
John’s preaching was characterized by:
In 397, John was chosen as Archbishop of Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Though he initially resisted, he was essentially kidnapped and brought to the capital to prevent him from refusing the appointment.
As Archbishop, John implemented significant reforms:
Clerical Reform: He demanded that clergy live simply and morally, removing corrupt priests and bishops.
Liturgical Contributions: He refined the Divine Liturgy that bears his name, which is celebrated throughout most of the Orthodox year.
Social Justice: He sold expensive church furnishings to fund hospitals and care for the poor, earning criticism from the wealthy but love from the common people.
Preaching Ministry: He continued his powerful preaching, often criticizing the excesses of the imperial court and wealthy citizens.
John’s reforms and fearless preaching made him many enemies, particularly among the wealthy and powerful. His criticism of Empress Eudoxia’s extravagance and his refusal to attend a synod called by Archbishop Theophilus of Alexandria (who sought to depose him) led to his first exile in 403.
Popular outcry and an earthquake (interpreted as divine displeasure) led to his quick recall. However, his continued criticism of imperial excesses led to a second and final exile in 404.
John was exiled to Cucusus in Armenia, and later forced to march to an even more remote location on the Black Sea. The harsh journey proved too much for his weakened health, and he died on September 14, 407, at Comana in Pontus. His last words were: “Glory to God for all things!”
Thirty-one years later, in 438, Emperor Theodosius II had John’s relics brought back to Constantinople with great honor, and the Emperor asked forgiveness at the saint’s tomb for the sins of his parents who had exiled the holy archbishop.
Saint John Chrysostom’s theological legacy includes:
Biblical Commentary: His homilies on Scripture remain among the most insightful and practical ever written, emphasizing the literal and moral sense of the text.
The Divine Liturgy: The Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom is the most frequently celebrated Eucharistic service in the Orthodox Church.
Moral Theology: His teachings on Christian living, social justice, and the proper use of wealth continue to challenge Christians today.
Pastoral Theology: His work “On the Priesthood” remains a classic text on pastoral care and the responsibilities of clergy.
On Wealth and Poverty: “Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs.”
On Scripture: “The reading of Scripture is a great safeguard against sin.”
On the Eucharist: “When you see the Lord immolated and lying upon the altar, and the priest bent over that sacrifice praying, and all the people empurpled by that precious blood, can you think that you are still among men and on earth?”
On Christian Living: “Let us not labor to be rich, but to be righteous; not to be wealthy, but to be wise.”
Saint John Chrysostom is commemorated on November 13th (November 26th New Style). He is also remembered on January 27th along with Saints Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs.
His feast day is marked by the celebration of his Divine Liturgy and the reading of his homilies, continuing his ministry of preaching the Gospel to this day.
Saint John Chrysostom remains a model for preachers, pastors, and all Christians who seek to live and proclaim the Gospel with courage, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
“Glory to God for all things!” - Last words of Saint John Chrysostom