We celebrate Saint John Chrysostom (c.347 – 407) on November 13th. (In the west it is in September) It is his Divine Liturgy we celebrate most days of the year. So no wonder St. John Chrysostom is called the Golden-Mouthed!
St. John Chrysostom is one of our most popular saints in the East. He is known as the Patriarch or Archbishop of Constantinople, and as the golden tongue or golden-mouthed, and as a Holy Father and Doctor of the Church. His is most known for compiling the Divine Liturgy for which the rubrics we use today are based of off.
*Note: Chrysostom is not his last name, or where he is from. It is from the ancient Greek word Χρυσόστομος (Khrusostomos), which means golden-mouthed.
Our Holy Father John Chrysostom
St. John Chrysostom was born in Antioch. His father died soon after, however, so his pious mother raised him. Although he went to schools known for excellent academics, the teachers were still pagan. Around his 20th year, the saint met Bishop Meletius. After this, he left his secular studies and delved into theology, becoming an aesthetic. Although, after a time of this his health became poor, so he returned to Antioch and was a lector in the Church.
Having returned to Antioch, Bishop Meletius ordained John as a deacon. Bishop Meletius’ successor Flavian ordained Chrysostom to the priesthood. Saint John Chrysostom became known throughout this time for his preaching and lectors, and so we have come to know him as golden mouthed.
Constantinople
During this time the church in Constantinople was beset with difficult politics and an extravagant Eparchy. When Bishop Nectarius of Constantinople died, (in September) the city filled with intrigue and political rivalry as to who would replace him. John Chrysostom was called suddenly and secretly to Constantinople in February, where the Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria was was pressured to ordain him (despite Theophilus wanting Isidore to be ordained there).
John Chrysostom immediately went about reforming the Church at Constantinople.
First, he continued to live an esthetic life, as he had before becoming Patriarch, which meant that there were no more grand banquets in the Bishop’s residence. (With the money he had saved, he was able to build a hospital)! Next, he forbid his clergy from having female housekeepers, even though the women had vowed virginity. This was no surprise as he also removed clerical status to those who had brought scandal upon the church (for adultery, and even for murder). Then, he confined wandering monks to their monasteries, unimpressed as he was with their lack of discipline.
He was particularly outspoken against the ways of the imperial court, especially regarding the ways in which the rich squandered their wealth. And so Theophilus of Alexandria worked with the Empress in order to depose John Chrysostom. Eventually they succeeded in securing his exile from Constantinople.
In Exile
St. John Chrysostom continued writing throughout his exile, and continued making efforts to help the church in Constantinople. He was able to write many letters to his supporters. He supported unity between the East and West, and when political adversaries deposed John Chrysostom and exiled him from Constantinople, John received support from western bishops. Eventually, he was also exiled from Armenia (the place he fled to in his first exile), and died en route across the Black Sea.
Prayers for St. John Chrysostom
Troparion: (tone 8) Grace shone forth from your mouth as a fiery beacon, enlightening the universe, bestowing on the world not the treasures of greed, but instead showing us the heights of humility. O John Chrysostom, as you teach us by your words, so also intercede with the Word, Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls.
Kontakion: (tone 6) O blessed John Chrysostom, you received divine grace from heaven, and your lips have taught us to worship the Most Holy Trinity. It is fitting that we praise you, for you teach us, clarifying that which is divine.
Prokimenon: (tone 1) My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, understanding. Verse: Hear this, all ye nations, give ear all ye inhabitants of the world
Ways to Celebrate
Attend a Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.
Read a homily by St. John Chrysostom. You can find them many places, but there is also a collection of them online here.
ByziMom has a pasta recipe in honour of St. John Chrysostom. I found it on her facebook page, but it is hard to link to the exact post.Her Facebook page can be found here, and her recipe is here.
The Byzantine Life
Thank you for checking out this week’s article. If you haven’t already, you can read our article about St. Josaphat Kunsevych, or about the Nativity Fast which is starting soon, or our list of Nativity Fast Music.
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