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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
c. 349–September 14, 407
Patron Saint of Constantinople, education, teachers, lecturers, public speakers, preachers, orators, bishops, and epileptics
St. John Chrysostom is honored as one of the greatest preachers and Scripture commentators in the history of the Church. Born in Antioch around 349, he was raised in a well-educated Christian household and received a strong classical education in rhetoric and philosophy. Although he initially pursued a career in law, he soon felt drawn to a deeper spiritual life.
After being baptized as a young adult, John practiced asceticism, spending several years in prayer, fasting, and studying Scripture under the guidance of monastic teachers. His health was affected by the severity of his ascetic life, leading him to return to Antioch, where he was ordained a deacon and later a priest.
As a priest in Antioch, John became widely known for his preaching. His homilies were marked by clarity, practical wisdom, and a strong moral call to conversion. He spoke directly about the importance of caring for the poor, avoiding corruption, and living a life consistent with the Gospel. His ability to explain Scripture in a way that was both accessible and profound earned him the title “Chrysostom,” meaning “Golden Mouth.”
In 398, John was appointed Archbishop of Constantinople. From this influential position, he continued to preach reform, calling both clergy and imperial officials to greater humility and integrity. His outspoken criticism of corruption and the excesses of the wealthy led to political opposition. Eventually, he was deposed and sent into exile.
Even in exile, John remained spiritually productive, writing letters filled with encouragement, theological insight, and pastoral care. His suffering deepened his reliance on God, and he accepted his trials with faith. His final words before death in 407 were, “Glory be to God for all things.”
St. John Chrysostom was later declared a Doctor of the Church. His homilies are considered important resources for understanding early Christian preaching and biblical interpretation. He is remembered as a fearless pastor, a brilliant interpreter of Scripture, and a model of holiness expressed through truth and courage.
John’s commitment to reform and moral integrity led him into conflict with powerful figures in both the Church and the imperial court. He openly criticized corruption, luxury, and abuses of authority, including among members of the clergy and nobility. His support of strict clerical discipline and his denunciation of excess made him many enemies. Eventually, a political and ecclesiastical alliance moved against him, leading to his deposition and exile. Despite his removal, he continued to guide the faithful through letters and writings.
The Divine Liturgy attributed to John Chrysostom is a widely used liturgical form in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches. While it was likely developed over time and not written entirely by him, it reflects the theological and spiritual tradition associated with his teaching. The liturgy emphasizes reverence, participation in the mysteries of Christ, and a sense of unity in worship. It remains central to the spiritual life of millions of Christians around the world.
The relics of St. John Chrysostom are divided among several locations, as most of his relics were looted from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204 and taken to Rome. In 2004, Pope John Paul II returned a good part of these remains to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul. Most of his relics have been permanently enshrined in Istanbul, Turkey, at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in the Phanar. Some smaller fragments of his relics remain in Rome, enshrined in side altars within St. Peter’s Basilica. Other relics are preserved at Mount Athos, Greece, at the Vatopedi and the Philotheou Monasteries.
The Blessed Virgin Mary bore extreme pains throughout her life. And as the mother of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), she witnessed her Son’s Passion and Death on the Cross. This is why, as we face our own pains and temptations, we should turn to Our Lady of Sorrows and meditate on her Seven Dolors, or Sorrows.
This free eBook will encourage you to meditate on these Sorrows that pierced Mary’s Immaculate Heart. Use the form below to tell us where to send your free eBook, The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Fr. Wauk discusses how the legalization of Christianity unleashed an explosion of literary activity among Christians, especially from the Early Church Fathers such as St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Athanasius, and St. John Chrysostom.
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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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