Saint of the Month – Saint John Chrysostom

Saint John Chrysostom was one of the Greek Church Fathers. He was known for his eloquent preaching, his ascetic lifestyle and his prolific writings. The latter include the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom which harmonised the Eucharistic liturgy of the Church. It has inspired musical settings by Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky and Avro Part among others.

John Chrysostom was born in Antioch, Roman Syria, in 347. After initially becoming a lawyer, he became more deeply committed to the Christian faith. In 375 he became a hermit and for two years led an extreme ascetic life before returning to Antioch. He became a deacon in 381 and a priest in 388. He was known for his powerful preaching at Antioch’s Cathedral which led to the conversion of many pagans. A recurring theme in his homilies was his denunciation of the extravagant use of wealth and an emphasis on the need for almsgiving and care for the poor.

In 397 he was appointed Archbishop of Constantinople. He was banished after making an enemy of the wife of Emperor Arcadia who believed that his criticism of extravagant shows of wealth were directed at her. He subsequently denounced pagan ceremonies held to dedicate a statue of the Empress which was erected near his Cathedral. Even after his exile to Cappadocia John’s writings continued to have great influence in Constantinople. He died in 407. He is recognised as a Doctor of the Church and in 1908 Pope Pius X named him as the patron saint of preachers. His feast day is celebrated on 13 September.