“When you are before the altar where Christ reposes, you ought no longer to think that you are amongst men; but believe that there are troops of angels and archangels standing by you, and trembling with respect before the sovereign Master of Heaven and earth. Therefore, when you are in church, be there in silence, fear, and veneration.”- St. John Chrysostom

Saint John Chrysostom (Golden-mouthed), the most well-known Greek father of the Church and the child of Christian parents, was born in Antioch in the year 347. He is regarded as the greatest preacher in the Church's history and is known by the nickname "Golden-mouthed." At the age of 20, his mother was a shining example of virtue.

He grew up in Antioch and acquired a good classical Greek education. After meeting the revered bishop Meletus, he decided to devote his time to studying religious texts and the Sacred Scriptures. After three years of study, he was baptized, and he then left for the desert to lead an ascetic life as a hermit.

He was in poor condition as a result of his severe mortifications, so after two years of recuperation, he went back to Antioch and focused on his studies for the priesthood. He received his ordination in 386 and spent 12 years preaching at the Cathedral of Antioch, where he gained acclaim for his magnificent oratory.

After being forcibly elected as Patriarch of Constantinople in 398, he rapidly gained the respect of his congregation for his preaching and for his bravery in the face of the imperial authority, whose corruption and degeneration he never shied away from denouncing in public.

Theophilus, the bishop of Alexandria, who had him convicted in 403 on spurious charges, and the empress Eudoxia were both naturally enraged by this attitude. He was banished to Armenia, where he continued to have a significant influence on the Church of the East through his numerous letters. He was banished from Armenia and sent to a remote area on the Black Sea.

He discovered the greatest serenity and contentment amidst his trials, much like the apostle St. Paul, whom he so dearly respected. The Pope continued to be his friend and did everything in his ability to help him, which gave him some solace. Not content with the miseries he had previously experienced, his enemies further exiled him to Pythius, at the furthest edge of the Empire. On September 14, 407, he died on the way there.

Theodosius II, the emperor of Constantinople, had John's body brought back to the city in 438 and atoned for his mother Eudoxia's misdeeds.

The numerous writings of Chrysostom, particularly his homilies and commentaries on the Gospels, are still in existence and have had a significant impact over time. Saint John Chrysostom is the patron saint of orators, preachers, and speakers.

Other Saints of the Day
Saint Eulogius of Alexandria
Saint Ligorius
Saint Amatus
Saint Nectarius
Saint Macrobius & Julian