St. John Chrysostom
(Inter 344/354 – 407 AD)
Historical Note
Many have acclaimed St. John Chrysostom as the greatest of the Fathers,
unmatched by any one except St. Augustine of Hippo. Born in Antioch
between 344 and 354 AD of a noble and rich family, St. John in his early
years was educated by his widowed mother and later studied philosophy
and rhetoric in the schools of Andragathius and Libanius respectively.
At the age of eighteen, St. John met and was baptized by Meletius, Bishop
of Antioch, who noticed his great potential. Abandoning a brief career in
law, St. John then commenced studying theology and three years later was
ordained lector. Afterwards, despite his mother’s protests, St. John left
Antioch to live in solitude for four years with a hermit and then another two
by himself in his own cave. The severity of St. John’s life during this latter
period caused considerable damage to his health and he was forced to
return to Antioch in 380 AD. By now he was small and thin, emaciated in
the face, with a wrinkled forehead and balding head.
In 381 AD, St. John was ordained deacon by Meletius and in 386 AD priest
by Flavian. For the next twelve years St. John served in the main church in
Antioch and it was during this period that he acquired the name
“Chrysostom” (golden-mouth) for the eloquence of his preaching. Most of
his Antiochene homilies are still extant.
In 397 AD, the Emperor Arcadius brought St. John to Constantinople to
succeed Nectarius as Bishop of that city. Though unwilling, St. John
received the episcopal consecration on Feb. 26, 398. The honor was great
but full of dangers for one determined to carry out his duty.
As Metropolitan of Constantinople, St. John began a comprehensive reform
of clergy and laity to combat the corruption and worldliness that infected
court, monastic and city life. The joyful days of his life were over. The
power of his preaching and the force of his attacks earned him many
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