Bishop Constantinople (Istanbul) Turkey Martyr September 13 Saint John Chrysostom Bishop Constantinople (Istanbul) Turkey Martyr September 13

Saint John Chrysostom

The Story John Chrysostom (c. 347–407, Greek: Ἰωάννης ὁ Χρυσόστομος), Archbishop of Constantinople, was an important Early Church Father. He is known for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and his ascetic sensibilities. After his death (or, according to some sources, during his life) he was given the Greek surname chrysostomos (Χρυσόστομος), meaning "golden mouthed", rendered in English as Chrysostom. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Chrysostom, WORDS IN RED NEED EXPLANATION

The Story He was ordained as a deacon in 381 by Saint Meletius of Antioch, and was ordained as a presbyter (that is, a priest) in 386 by Bishop Flavian I of Antioch. Over the course of twelve years, he gained popularity because of the eloquence of his public speaking, especially his insightful expositions of Bible passages and moral teaching. The most valuable of his works from this period are his Homilies on various books of the Bible. He emphasized charitable giving and was concerned with the spiritual and temporal needs of the poor. He also spoke out against abuse of wealth and personal property.

The Story Known as "the greatest preacher in the early church", John's sermons have been one of his greatest lasting legacies. Chrysostom's extant homiletical works are vast, including many hundreds of exegetical sermons on both the New Testament (especially the works of Saint Paul) and the Old Testament (particularly on Genesis). Among his extant exegetical works are sixty-seven homilies on Genesis, fifty-nine on the Psalms, ninety on the Gospel of Matthew, eighty-eight on the Gospel of John, and fifty-five on the Acts of the Apostles. The sermons were written down by the audience and subsequently circulated, revealing a style that tended to be direct and greatly personal.

The Story In 398, John was requested, against his will, to take the position of Archbishop of Constantinople. He deplored the fact that Imperial court protocol would now assign to him access to privileges greater than the highest state officials. During his time as Archbishop he adamantly refused to host lavish social gatherings, which made him popular with the common people, but unpopular with wealthy citizens and the clergy. He told visiting regional preachers to return to the churches they were meant to be serving. In 401, Chrysostom led a mob to finally destroy the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World).

The Story Depending on one's outlook, John was either tactless or fearless when denouncing offences in high places. An alliance was soon formed against him by Empress Eudoxia and others of his enemies. They held a synod in 403 (the Synod of the Oak) to charge John, in which his connection to Origen was used against him. It resulted in his deposition and banishment. He was called back by Emperor Arcadius almost immediately, as the people became "tumultuous" over his departure. There was also an earthquake the night of his arrest, which Empress Eudoxia took for a sign of God's anger, prompting her to ask Arcadius for John's reinstatement.

The Story Peace was short-lived. A silver statue of Eudoxia was erected in the Augustaion, near his cathedral. John denounced the dedication ceremonies. He spoke against her in harsh terms: "Again Herodias raves; again she is troubled; she dances again; and again desires to receive John's head in a charger," an allusion to the events surrounding the death of John the Baptist. Among other reasons, John opposed her because she was an Arian heretic. Once again he was banished, this time to the Caucasus in Armenia.

The Caucasus The Caucasus

The Story Pope Innocent I protested at this banishment, but to no avail. Innocent sent a delegation to intercede on behalf of John in 405. It was led by Gaudentius of Brescia; Gaudentius and his companions, two bishops, encountered many difficulties and never reached their goal of entering Constantinople. John wrote letters which still held great influence in Constantinople. As a result of this, he was further exiled to Pitiunt (Georgia). He never reached this destination, as he died during the journey. His last words are said to have been, “Glory be to God for all things.”

Remember St. John Chrysostom reminds to of the courage of our faith, a courage to be used for the sake of the materially and spiritually poor. We are also reminded that we will suffer because of this courage as he did. How are you suffering for Jesus’ sake? Is this suffering due to courage or to timidity? When the Holy Spirit is the source of our courage, we too will say: “Glory be to God for all things.” How often do we say” Glory be to God for all things?”

Prayer Dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Remembering St. John Chrysostom, give us the gift of compassion for the poor and the gift of courage for the poor and the gift of faithful words, well said, for the faith of the poor. Amen.