John Chrysostom

NAME John Chrysostom 

WHAT FAMOUS FOR John Chrysostom, also known as Saint John Chrysostom, was a renowned Greek preacher and theologian of the 4th century. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Chrysostom is celebrated for his powerful oratory, his social activism, and his defense of the Church against heresy.

BIRTH John Chrysostom was born around 347 AD in Antioch (modern-day Antakya, Turkey).

FAMILY BACKGROUND John came from a Christian family of notable standing. His father, Secundus, was a high-ranking military officer, and his mother, Anthusa, raised him after his father’s early death. Anthusa was a devout Christian who played a significant role in shaping John's religious upbringing.

CHILDHOOD John was raised in a pious household, primarily under the influence of his mother. His early life was marked by the loss of his father and a strong emphasis on faith and devotion, which shaped his future commitment to Christianity.

EDUCATION John Chrysostom was educated in rhetoric and philosophy in Antioch under the renowned pagan teacher Libanius, excelling in oratory. He later attended a monastic school, where he studied theology and the scriptures intensely. His education laid the foundation for his future success as a preacher.

CAREER RECORD John began his career as a lawyer, but soon left that path to pursue a religious life. Here's his resume:

Around 375, John became a hermit and lived an extremely ascetic lifestyle for about two years. During this time, he focused on memorizing the Bible and practicing severe self-discipline, which unfortunately resulted in permanent damage to his health.

381: Ordained as a deacon by Saint Meletius of Antioch

386: Ordained as a priest by Bishop Flavian I of Antioch

386-397: Served as a priest in Antioch for 12 years, gaining popularity for his eloquent preaching

398: Appointed Archbishop of Constantinople. Chrysostom's tenure as bishop was marked by his efforts to reform the Church and to combat corruption. He was also a strong advocate for the poor and the marginalized. However, his reforms and outspokenness made him many enemies, and he was eventually exiled from Constantinople. 

403: First exile, quickly recalled

404: Second and final exile

APPEARANCE  Little is known about his physical appearance, but historical accounts depict him as an ascetic figure, likely thin due to his severe fasting and austerities.

A Byzantine mosaic of John Chrysostom from the Hagia Sophia

FASHION During his time as a young ascetic, Chrysostom likely wore simple, rough clothing: A sleeveless robe made of coarse material, known as a lebiton, was typical attire for ascetics and monks in his time.

When Chrysostom became part of the clergy, his attire would have evolved: As a reader (the lowest clerical rank), he would have worn ordinary clothes, but likely his best ones for church services. As a deacon and priest, he may have begun wearing some distinguishing garments, though not necessarily elaborate vestments.

As Archbishop of Constantinople, Chrysostom likely wore more formal attire, but he was known for his simplicity: He cut expenses and refused unnecessary pomp and show. He may have worn vestments similar to those described for other clergy of his time, such as the sticharion (a full-length undergarment) and the phelonion (an outer garment worn by priests

CHARACTER John was a man of deep integrity, courage, and conviction. His fiery preaching was marked by a strong moral stance against sin, especially among the rich and powerful. He was also known for his compassion toward the poor and marginalized.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Though a serious preacher, John Chrysostom’s writings and homilies reveal a sharp wit and biting sarcasm, particularly when criticizing the hypocrisy of the wealthy and corrupt officials.

In one of his homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, Chrysostom was addressing the issue of people leaving church services early. He used a humorous analogy to make his point:

"You are in a hurry to be the first to leave church. But tell me, if you had been invited to a banquet, even though you were already full, would you dare to withdraw while others were still reclining at the table? And here, where the mysteries of Christ are being celebrated, do you leave before the end and run away?"

This comparison of leaving church early to rudely departing from a banquet before it's finished demonstrates Chrysostom's ability to use relatable, everyday situations to illustrate spiritual points. The slightly exaggerated tone and the implied absurdity of the situation show his capacity for gentle mockery to drive home his message.

RELATIONSHIPS John Chrysostom remained single throughout his entire life. He believed that an unmarried life completely dedicated to praising and serving God was the optimum choice for all believers. However, he recognized that marriage was a valid option for those not called to celibacy.

His relationship with the Eastern Empress Eudoxia was contentious, particularly after he compared her to Herodias, which led to his deposition.

John Chrysostom confronting Aelia Eudoxia, in a 19th-century anti-clerical painting by Jean-Paul Laurens

MONEY AND FAME Though he held one of the most prestigious positions in the Christian Church, John lived a life of poverty. He was known for giving away much of his wealth and resources to the poor. His fame as a preacher spread far and wide, though it also made him many enemies in the political and ecclesiastical spheres.

FOOD AND DRINK John followed an austere diet, fasting often and eating only the most basic foods. His ascetic lifestyle led him to avoid indulgence in food and drink.

MUSIC AND ARTS While John Chrysostom was not directly involved in music or the arts, his liturgical reforms, including contributions to the Divine Liturgy, have had a lasting influence on the music and worship practices of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

LITERATURE John Chrysostom was an avid reader of Scripture and early Christian writings. His homilies, commentaries on the Bible, and letters remain highly regarded in Christian literature and theology.

NATURE As a hermit, John spent years living in the wilderness, practicing solitude and contemplation, which likely deepened his connection with nature and the ascetic ideals of withdrawal from the material world.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS John's primary focus was religious life and ministry. His time in the desert and as a hermit indicates a life of prayer, meditation, and scriptural study rather than physical recreation.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY John Chrysostom was a deeply theological thinker. He emphasized social justice, charity, and humility, and was a firm opponent of materialism and corruption. His theological outlook was centered on the ethical and practical application of Christian doctrine in daily life.

POLITICS John Chrysostom's outspokenness on moral and social issues brought him into conflict with political authorities. He often criticized the excesses of the imperial court, which ultimately led to his exile. 

SCANDAL In 403 AD, John Chrysostom preached a sermon in which he compared Empress Eudoxia to Herodias, the figure responsible for the beheading of John the Baptist. This scandalized the court and led to his deposition as Archbishop. His conflict with the royal family ultimately resulted in his exile.

MILITARY RECORD John occasionally spoke on matters related to the moral conduct of soldiers and warfare.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS During his hermitage, Chrysostom practiced extreme asceticism. He spent nearly two years standing continuously, sleeping minimally, and memorizing the Bible. These rigorous practices caused permanent damage to his stomach and kidneys. He developed chronic health problems, including insomnia, abdominal pain, and sensitivity to cold. Due to his declining health, Chrysostom was forced to leave his hermitage and return to Antioch.

The extreme fasting and penance he had practiced during his hermitage continued to affect his health throughout his life. During his final exile, harsh travel conditions and cruel treatment by his military escorts further deteriorated his health. The arduous journey on foot and exhausting circumstances ultimately led to his death while still en route to his place of exile.

HOMES John Chrysostom's life journey took him to various locations, each playing a significant role in his spiritual and ecclesiastical development:

Born in 347 AD in Antioch, Syria (now Antakya, Turkey), Chrysostom spent his formative years in this bustling city. 

Seeking spiritual growth, Chrysostom retreated to the mountains south of Antioch where e liived as a hermit and monk for approximately six years

In 398, Chrysostom's reputation led to his appointment as Archbishop of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey). 

Chrysostom's outspoken nature and conflicts with imperial authorities resulted in multiple exiles firstly to the Caucasus in Abkhazia, then to the town of Cucusus (Göksun) in  in Central Anatolia, Turkey. He resided there from 404 to 407 during his final exile. 

The exile of John Chrysostom. Scene from the 11th century Menologion of Basil II.

TRAVEL John traveled to Constantinople when appointed Archbishop and later traveled extensively during his exile, eventually dying near the Black Sea in 407 AD.

DEATH John Chrysostom died on September 14, 407 AD, while being transported to his place of exile on the eastern edge of the Black Sea. The harsh journey, combined with his already frail health, contributed to his death.

The news of John Chrysostom's death reached Constantinople on November 13, 407, two months after his death. His passing occurring sparked both grief among his followers and relief among his opponents. Over time, his legacy grew, leading to his posthumous rehabilitation and eventual sainthood in the Christian church. 

His feast day was later transferred from September 14 to November 13 for two main reasons:

The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14 became more prominent by the 10th century AD.

November 13 marks the date when the news of John Chrysostom's death  reached the capital city where he had served as archbishop.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA John Chrysostom's legacy lives on in Eastern Orthodox liturgical practices and his many theological writings. He is frequently referenced in Christian theological texts, and his life has been depicted in various historical and religious films and documentaries.

ACHIEVEMENTS John Chrysostom is considered one of the greatest Christian preachers of all time. His reformist views on wealth, his pastoral care for the poor, and his contributions to the Eastern Orthodox liturgy have had a lasting influence. He is also honored with feast days in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

John Chrysostom’s teachings were cited by Lebanese Christian philosopher Charles Malik after World War II when he suggested that Chrysostom’s social teachings be included in the founding charter of the United Nations. This influence has occasionally been explored in media focusing on global peace and human rights efforts.

Source Christianity Today