The Golden Mouthed
Counted as one of the most prolific writers and greatest preachers of the Christian Church, St. John Chrysostom’s shadow still looms large within Christendom today. Even so, his life has been (and likely will continue to be) shrouded by some element of ambiguity and intrigue: he was disliked by his enemies and envied by all those around him. While he is often thought about today with great love and admiration, this was not always the case.
St. John was born around AD 350 in Antioch and raised in the faith. He was initially prepared for a career in law, encouraged by mentors who saw his linguistic and academic talent, but the saint decided to pursue the priesthood as a young adult. He entered the monastery and, after his education, emerged a talented preacher almost immediately recognized for his oratorical excellence. Called “Chrysostom” or “golden-mouth,” St. John earned high recognition throughout the Christian world.
His straightforward approach to communicating Scripture was well-regarded in comparison to the allegorical interpretation popular in the Alexandrian world at the time. He was so eloquent that one time, even when he preached against applause in the Church, his congregation responded to him with clapping that “brought the house down with applause.”
When the saint was 49 years old, he was made Patriarch of Constantinople, a prestigious post. However, many became jealous of his talents and political gains. His archrival Theophilos, Bishop of Alexandria, especially plotted for John’s demise and accused him of treason, planning his exile. However, due to his eloquent sermons, St. John was beloved by many of his parishioners and subordinates, and they demanded he be restored to his post, even threatening to burn the imperial palace.
Other actions of St. John in his position of power angered those around him. He constantly preached and lived out the theme of providing for the needs of others: he emptied the episcopal palace of its costly stores and furniture, selling them for the benefit of the poor and hospitals. He donated a large portion of his own bishop’s income. He refused prestigious invitations and ate the simplest meals alone, denouncing the habits of fancy food and dress. Refusing to host lavish social gatherings, he ostracized wealthy citizens and clergy. His sermons and example of piety, charity, and simple living proved to be an embarrassment to many.
Another enemy, Eudoxia, the wife of emperor Arcadius, developed a particularly deep hatred for St. John. After a silver statue of her was erected near St. John’s cathedral and he spoke harshly against her, he was officially dismissed from his position. Exiled to the town of Comana on September 14, 407, St. John’s banishment sparked riots and even the burning of a cathedral. While he remained in exile until his death, he stayed faithful to his convictions and maintained grace towards his enemies. It is said that his last words amidst his last breaths were “Glory be to God for all things!”
A Brief History
As mentioned before. St. John’s aloof yet energetic demeanor generated visceral reactions towards him, both in his own time and after his death in both the West and in the East. However, one of his greatest later theological admirers was Martin Luther, who frequently quoted him and recalled his sermons often in his own writing. He was a great influence to the Reformer in many aspects of his theological development.
It was perhaps St. John’s own Antiochine upbringing that made him a fan of the Pauline epistles, and more than 200 of his sermons were based on these pieces of Scripture. This love of Paul was mirrored by Luther, although Luther would often challenge Chrysostom in this area, asserting that he misinterpreted the apostle. Despite these points of contention, Chrysostom has remained beloved by Lutherans ever since the Reformation and still serves as a popular early Church source for solid doctrine and preaching. His day is commemorated on January 27th, the traditional Eastern feast date.
All in all, St. John has often been admired by Christians for offering a unique richness and depth to the early Church. He is celebrated as a teacher of doctrine, exegete, and preacher of rhetorical excellence who had the remarkable ability to speak directly and freshly across the centuries and to many varied Christian souls who have existed across time and space. For this reason he will forever be known as the “golden mouth” and remembered for how he was—as his contemporaries stated—a “teacher of teachers” and “illumined the universe.”
Collect
We beseech Thee, O Lord: let Thy heavenly grace enrich Thy Church which Thou wast pleased to adorn with the glorious virtues and teachings of Blessed John Chrysostom, Thy Confessor and Bishop; through through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Epistle
Gospel
Resources
Issues, Etc. interview with the Rev. Will Weedon on Patriarch of Constantinople John Chrysostom
Issues, Etc. interview with the Rev. Dr. Bill Weinrich on St. John Chrysostom
Propers found in Daily Divine Service Book: A Lutheran Daily Missal, edited by the Rev. Heath Curtis
References:
1. Weedon, William. Celebrating the Saints. Concordia Publishing House. 2016.
2. Jaroslav Pelikan, The Preaching of Chrysostom: Homilies on the Sermon on the Mount, Fortress Press: Philadelphia, 1967.
Images:
1. St. John Chrysostom, Jan Józef Filipowicz, Poland, ca. 1710-1767/1770.
2. St. John Chrysostom from Deësis (Intercession) Tier of Iconostasis, Unknown, Russia, ca. 19th century.
3. St. John Chrysostomos with Ss. Paul, Liberalis, John the Baptist, Cecilia, Catherine and Mary Magdalene, Sebastiano del Piombo, Italy, 1509.
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Excellent article !! I’m very thankful for the life of St. John Chrysostom , and your apt remembrance of it here . God bless All the Household !! Your work is greatly appreciated .
Thank you so much Kerry and for your ongoing support!