November 11, 2009 + Heroes of the Fourth Century: St. John Chrysostom

Selections from Heroes of the Fourth Century: St. John Chrysostom
from The Word, March 1968

St. John Chrysostom was born in Antioch, which was then in Syria, in AD. 347. The name “Chrysostom”, which means in Greek “the golden-mouthed,” was not given him until after he died. It was conferred upon him because of his marvelous preaching which has had no equal or superior among any of the Greek or Latin Fathers of the Church. The Divine Liturgy which is performed in Orthodox Churches on almost every day of the year bears his name, because he was responsible for composing some of the prayers and for otherwise modifying the Liturgy of St. Basil…

In 381, the year of the Second Ecumenical Council, John returned to Antioch and was ordained deacon by Meletius. For five years he ministered to the poor and the sick and then was ordained priest by Meletius’ successor Flavian. The years between 381 and 398 were John’s golden years, during which he became an ornament to the Christian Church through his preaching…

During these golden years of his priesthood John preached in the church which had been begun by Constantine and finished by Constantius. He directed many of his sermons against the immorality of the times, especially against the theater and chariot races. But his great opportunity came in the year 387.

Theodosius, the emperor, had levied new taxes which so aroused the indignation of the Antiochians that they staged a demonstration in which they tore down and destroyed the statues of the emperor, his wife (the excellent Placidia who had died in 385), and his son Arcadius. The next day there was great consternation when the people viewed their impulsive act in the cold light of day. They knew that Theodosius had a violent temper and they feared his vengeance. Flavian immediately set forth on the long journey to Constantinople to intercede. 

It was Great Lent, and John took advantage of the situation to preach daily extemporaneous sermons for twenty-one days, calling upon the people to repent of their wrong-doings and setting forth the ideals of Christian conduct. John’s sermons were so eloquent that many pagans were converted, and the throngs that came to listen were so enthralled that notice was given the congregation to beware of pickpockets, for it was discovered that people’s pockets were emptied while their attention was drawn by John’s words. 

These twenty-one sermons were known as the Homilies on the Statues. Most of John’s homilies and commentaries date from this period…

In the year 397, two years after the death of Theodosius, John at the age of fifty was chosen archbishop of Constantinople to succeed Nectarius, the successor of Gregory Nazianzen. The appointment was entirely unsought by him, and he was hurried away in the night by a military escort for fear that the people would create an uproar. He was consecrated on February 26, 398, by Theophilos, Archbishop of Alexandria…

The life which came to an end in 407 has lighted the path of Christians ever since, for no other Church Father has left as many writings as did St. John Chrysostom or has made his influence on the day-to-day life of the church more strongly felt. His feast day is November 13, but he is also celebrated with St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen (the theologian) on January 30.

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St. John Chrysostom - November 13 

Troparion of St. John Chrysostom, Tone 8

Grace like a flame shining forth from thy mouth has illumined the universe, and disclosed to the world treasures of poverty and shown us the height of humility. And as by thine own words thou teachest us, Father John Chrysostom, so intercede with the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.

Kontakion of St. John Chrysostom, Tone 2

Thou hast received divine grace from heaven, and with thy lips thou dost teach all men to adore the one God in Three Persons. O John Chrysostom, most blessed Saint, we rightly praise thee; for thou art our teacher, revealing things divine.