The Feast of St. John Chrysostom

Born in Syria in the mid-4th century his parents were Greek and he grew up in a pagan household. 

As a young man, he developed an outstanding ability as a speaker and then found a passion for a life in Christ. 

He studied at the School of Antioch before making his way into the desert as a hermit. 

After several years in the desert, he returned to Antioch in poor health which he never fully regained. 

He was ordained a priest but, in the process, found himself involved in a battle between Bishops. 

Overcoming this, John became a great leader of the faithful in Antioch, known for his powerful sermons which often denounced the abuse of power by those both outside and inside The Church. 

He was called “Chrysostom” because of his golden tongue. 

Appointed Archbishop of Constantinople, John continued his unique brand of preaching and in the process, made a lot of powerful people very angry. 

He was banished and then brought back when there was a revolt by Christian followers and then, banished again, as he refused to curtail his outspoken denouncement of abuse by the rich and powerful, sending letters to the faithful in Constantinople when he could no longer talk to them directly. 

In spite of attempts by Pope Innocent I to have him reinstated, John never was. 

He died in exile in 407.

St. John Chrysostom, please pray for us.