John Chrysostom | Patriarch of Constantinople

● Patron: the worshiper, preacher and speaker; in epilepsy
● Born around 345 in Antioch, Turkey
● Died on September 14, 407 in Comana Pontica, today ruins in Gümenek near Tokat,
Turkey
John Chrysostom came into this world with the fortune that came with being born into a wealthy
family. Despite his father’s early demise, his mother Anthusa ensured that he received a sound
education and upbringing in the Christian faith. He studied under the tutelage of the renowned
Greek rhetorician Libanius and, after completing his education, pursued a career as a lawyer.
In 367, he was baptized, which marked a significant turning point in his life. Subsequently, John
enrolled at his hometown’s theological school, where he honed his skills in biblical
interpretation. He was inspired by the teachings of Flavian and Diodorus of Tarsus, and
eventually joined their ascetic school. John lived in solitude for six years as a monk and hermit,
using this time to deepen his knowledge of the teachings of Jesus Christ. He memorized the
testaments of Christ down to the minutest details.
As a result of his austere asceticism, John became ill and had to return to his hometown of
Antioch in 378. He visited the Patriarchal Church of Antioch, where he was eventually ordained
as a deacon by Meletios in 381 and as a priest in 386 by Meletios’ successor, Bishop Flavian I.
John’s remarkable talent for speaking was immediately recognized by those around him. He
preached passionately and truthfully, earning him the moniker Chrysostom (“golden mouth”)
because of his gift for oratory. He quickly earned a reputation as one of the greatest orators in
early church history because of his earnestness when preaching.
John had a profound understanding of the theology of his time and was able to share his
understanding in a way that was both accessible and insightful. As a pastor, he believed that the
Christian’s path to perfection lay in modeling their lives after Jesus Christ. For John, Christian
perfection was a blend of faith and love. The believer showed love for Christ by caring for
others. Society, in turn, ought to be ordered based on the message of Christ. John’s teachings
continue to be studied and cherished by Christians worldwide.