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Saint John Chrysostom

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Saint John Chrysostom
Feast Day September 13 (Western); January 27 (Eastern Orthodox main feast); November 13 (relics’ translation)
Liturgical Class
Patronage Preachers, orators, Constantinople, education, epilepsy
Birthplace Antioch, Roman Syria (now Antakya, Turkey)
Death Place Comana Pontica, Roman Empire (now Gümenek, Turkey)
Cause of Death Martyrdom (exile, exhaustion, and illness)
Primary Shrine Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint George, Istanbul, Turkey (relics)

Saint John Chrysostom (c. 347 – September 14, 407 AD), known as “Golden-Mouthed” (Chrysostom) for his unparalleled eloquence, was a saint, bishop, theologian, and Doctor of the Church, revered as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs alongside Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory of Nazianzus. Born in Antioch, Roman Syria, to a devout Christian mother, Anthusa, he studied rhetoric under the pagan orator Libanius and philosophy in Athens. Baptized in 368, he embraced asceticism as a hermit before ordination as a deacon in 381 and priest in 386. As Archbishop of Constantinople (397–404), his fiery sermons against imperial corruption, particularly targeting Empress Eudoxia, led to his exile in 403 and again in 404. His writings, including *On the Priesthood*, *Homilies on Matthew*, and the *Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom*, profoundly shaped Christian theology and liturgy. He died in exile in Comana Pontica from illness and exhaustion, a martyr to truth. Canonized pre-Congregation, he was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1568 by Pope Pius V. His feast days are September 13 in the Roman Catholic Church, January 27 (main feast) and November 13 (relics’ translation) in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Patron of preachers, orators, Constantinople, education, and epilepsy, his relics rest in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint George, Istanbul, after their return from Rome in 2004.[1][2]

John’s homilies, addressing social justice, almsgiving, and Nicene orthodoxy against Arianism, influenced figures like Saint Ephrem the Syrian, whose hymns he admired. His moral rigor, liturgical reforms, and charitable works, including founding hospitals, cemented his legacy across Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions. The *Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom*, widely used in Eastern Orthodoxy, remains a cornerstone of Christian worship.[3][4]

Biography

Birth and Family

Saint John Chrysostom was born around 347 AD in Antioch, Roman Syria (modern-day Antakya, Turkey), to Secundus, a high-ranking military officer, and Anthusa, a devout Christian widow who raised him after Secundus’s early death. Antioch, a vibrant Greco-Roman city and early Christian hub, shaped his intellectual and spiritual formation. His birthdate varies (347–349) due to sparse records, but his upbringing in a prosperous Christian household set the stage for his journey to sanctity.[1][5]

Early Life and Education

John’s youth in Antioch was marked by a rigorous education under Libanius, a renowned pagan rhetorician, where he honed his oratorical skills, earning the moniker “Golden-Mouthed.” He also studied philosophy in Athens, immersing himself in classical learning. Baptized in 368 by Bishop Meletius, he was drawn to asceticism, spending 373–378 as a hermit in the Syrian mountains. Intense fasting and prayer during this period damaged his health but deepened his spiritual resolve. Returning to Antioch, he studied theology under Diodore of Tarsus and was ordained a deacon in 381 by Meletius and a priest in 386 by Bishop Flavian.[2][6]

Occupation and Ministry

John’s career began as a monk, followed by his priesthood in Antioch (386–397), where his eloquent sermons on Scripture and morality drew vast crowds. His 700 surviving homilies, including those on Matthew, Romans, and Genesis, blended exegesis with practical ethics. Consecrated Archbishop of Constantinople on February 26, 397, he reformed the clergy, founded charitable institutions like hospitals, and preached against social inequities, clashing with Empress Eudoxia and Bishop Theophilus of Alexandria. His uncompromising stance led to his first exile to Armenia in 403, brief recall, and second exile in 404 to Comana Pontica, where he continued writing pastoral letters. His occupation as a preacher and reformer defined early Christianity’s moral and liturgical landscape.[1][3]

Vocation as Theologian and Reformer

John’s vocation was rooted in preaching, theological exposition, and pastoral care. His *On the Priesthood* outlined the sacred duties of clergy, while his *Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom* standardized Eastern Orthodox worship, emphasizing the Eucharist’s centrality. A staunch defender of Nicene orthodoxy, he opposed Arianism and promoted almsgiving, drawing inspiration from Saint Ephrem the Syrian’s lyrical hymns. His sermons addressed social justice, condemning luxury and corruption, which sparked conflicts with imperial authorities. Even in exile, his letters sustained his flock, culminating in his final words, “Glory to God for all things,” as he died in 407. His vocation as a “Golden-Mouthed” reformer shaped Christian liturgy and ethics.[4][7]

Death and Legacy

Saint John Chrysostom died on September 14, 407, in Comana Pontica (modern-day Gümenek, Turkey), aged around 60, from exhaustion and illness exacerbated by a forced march during his second exile. Buried in Comana, his relics were translated to Constantinople in 438 by Emperor Theodosius II, then to the Basilica of Saint Peter, Rome, in 1204 after the Fourth Crusade, and returned to Istanbul’s Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint George in 2004. His death, considered a martyrdom due to his suffering for truth, sparked widespread veneration. His homilies, liturgical contributions, and moral courage continue to influence Christian thought and worship across denominations.[1][5]

Significant Events

  • 368: Baptized in Antioch by Bishop Meletius.
  • 373–378: Lived as a hermit in the Syrian mountains.
  • 381: Ordained deacon by Bishop Meletius in Antioch.
  • 386: Ordained priest by Bishop Flavian in Antioch.
  • 397: Consecrated Archbishop of Constantinople, February 26.
  • 403: First exile to Armenia after clashing with Empress Eudoxia.
  • 404: Second exile to Comana Pontica.
  • 407: Died in exile, September 14, in Comana.
  • 438: Relics translated to Constantinople.
  • 1568: Declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius V.[1][2]

Significant locations

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Legend

  •   Birth location: Antioch, Roman Syria (now Antakya, Turkey)
  •   Death location: Comana Pontica, Roman Empire (now Gümenek, Turkey)
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Parishes

Saint John Chrysostom

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Canonization

Recognition as a Saint

John’s sainthood emerged post-mortem through immediate veneration in Antioch and Constantinople, driven by his homilies, martyrdom-like exile, and liturgical legacy. No formal “Servant of God” process existed in the 5th century, but his recognition as a saint was solidified by the early Church’s acclaim.[2]

Venerable

No formal Venerable declaration was recorded, as his canonization predates modern processes. His sanctity was affirmed through the widespread adoption of the *Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom*.[1]

Beatification

No distinct beatification occurred, as his preaching and suffering in exile ensured early veneration without formal stages.[4]

Canonization

Canonized pre-Congregation, likely by the 5th century, John’s sainthood was affirmed by the early Church based on his theological contributions and martyrdom. Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1568 by Pope Pius V, his feast days are celebrated on September 13 (Roman Catholic), January 27 (Eastern Orthodox main feast, with Basil and Gregory), and November 13 (relics’ translation).[1][3]

Miracles

Due to pre-Congregation canonization, no specific miracles were required. However, tradition attributes:

  • Healings during Antioch Sermons, c. 390s: Reports of healings during John’s preaching in Antioch inspired devotion, though unverified.[6]
  • Posthumous Intercessions for Epilepsy: Devotees attributed epilepsy cures to his intercession, contributing to his patronage.[7]
  • Divine Inspiration for Liturgy, c. 398: His *Divine Liturgy* was considered divinely inspired, a spiritual “miracle” enhancing his veneration.[7]

Patronage

Saint John Chrysostom is the patron saint of preachers and orators (for his eloquence), Constantinople (his archepiscopal see), education (his teaching legacy), and epilepsy (due to posthumous intercessions).[8]

Feast Day

His feast days are celebrated on September 13 in the Roman Catholic Church (shifted to avoid Exaltation of the Cross), January 27 (main Eastern Orthodox feast, with Basil and Gregory), and November 13 (relics’ translation in Eastern Orthodoxy).[1][7]

Veneration

Saint John is venerated across Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions through prayers for eloquence and strength. Pilgrimages to the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint George, Istanbul, and the Basilica of Saint Peter, Rome, honor his relics. Depicted with a scroll, beehive (symbolizing honeyed words), or dove, his image adorns churches like Saint John Chrysostom in Rochester, New York. The *Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom*, widely used in Eastern Orthodoxy, celebrates his legacy, alongside his friendship with Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, and admiration for Saint Ephrem the Syrian’s hymns.[4][9]

Books

Written About the Saint

Written by the Saint

External Links

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 "John Chrysostom". Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Chrysostom. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "St. John Chrysostom". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08452b.htm. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Saint John Chrysostom". Franciscan Media. 2024-09-13. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-chrysostom. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Saint John Chrysostom". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-john-chrysostom/. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "St. John Chrysostom". Catholic News Agency. 2024-09-13. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-john-chrysostom-643. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "St. John Chrysostom". Eternal Word Television Network. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/john-chrysostom-1212. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "St. John Chrysostom". Vatican News. 2024-09-13. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/09/13/st--john-chrysostom.html. 
  8. ↑ "Saint John Chrysostom". Saint of the Day. 2022-11-30. https://saintoftheday.com/st-john-chrysostom. 
  9. ↑ "St. John Chrysostom Church". St. John Chrysostom Church. https://www.stjohnchrysostom.org. 
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