Saint John Chrysostom, the Golden-Mouthed

The story of the golden-mouthed saint of the fourth century.

St. John Chrysostom was one of the most popular yet controversial Christian speakers of the fourth century, and often spoke of the importance of charity and humility in his sermons while rebuking the rich. Read about the life of this humble speaker and Saint and learn from how he made the message of Christian love the goal of his service.

When in 312 Emperor Costantine made Christianity the official religion of his scattered empire, the Bishops and Clergy suddenly found power and wealth accumulating in their hands; after centuries of persecution and poverty, they could now count themselves among the most privileged members of society. Many rejoiced in their new position, building themselves luxurious palaces and villas, and strutting about in sumptuous robes. But a significant minority was aghast, urging the Church to recall the simplicity and the generosity which Christ both preached and practiced. The most eloquent of these opponents was a Syrian called John, trained in the rhetoric of the law courts, whose sermons on the theme of economic and social justice were copied and read throughout the Mediterranean world. He was eventually driven into exile by Empress Eudoxia and a Patriarch, who rightly saw him as a threat to the political order. After his death the common people gave him the surname by which he has been known ever since - and which literally means "golden-mouthed." John Chrysostom was born in about 347 in Antioch, one of the major cities of the Roman Empire. His family were wealthy aristocrats, and throughout his life he exuded the self-assurance which his upbringing gave him. He learned the art of legal rhetoric under a great pagan orator called Libanius; but in 368 he renounced his career as an advocate, received baptism, and then devoted himself to studying the Scriptures. He felt compelled by the teachings of Christ to give away his wealth, and for a period he went to live as a hermit in a cave. He eventually returned to Antioch where he was ordained a priest. He now dedicated himself to preaching. During the following ten years, he delivered a sermon at least once a week, usually lasting more than two hours. He wrote them out beforehand; afterward scribes copied them, and they were sent to numerous other church communities to be read. Although he sometimes tackled more theological subjects, he persistently returned to the subject of justice. He argued that rich people should see themselves as stewards of their wealth, lent to them by God to be used for the common good. In the most vehement language he denounced those who live in luxury, without thought for the poor; and his most stinging invective was for those who make conspicuous displays of generosity to the church, buying new chalices and robes for the priest, yet ignoring the beggars at their gates. He saw the Eucharist as a symbol for the political moral values he proclaimed.

In 389 when the old patriarch of Constantinople died, there was a strong movement among the common people of the city for John to fill the post. The Emperor eventually agreed to invite John, who at first refused, but then - when he realized that was the people's choice - accepted. He set about his new task with unrelenting energy. He increased the number of hospitals and schools run by the Church, and rooted out corruption among the clergy. He stripped the Patriarch's palace of all its lavish ornament's and furniture, and gave the proceeds to the poor. He frequently visited the slums of the city, going about on foot and talking to the people, and often ventured out to the villages and homesteads in the region. He continued to preach week by week, accusing the rich of insulting God himself by their greed. The people of the city flocked to hear him, and their anger toward their wealthy oppressors became stronger with every sermon they heard. Soon the city authorities began to fear that riots would break out; and Empress Eudoxia - who exemplified all that John loathed - urged her husband to expel him. A large section of the Clergy also voiced their anxieties, and were backed by the patriarch of Alexandria, who was jealous of John's fame. A Synod of Bishops and Clergy was convened which brought a number of spurious charges against John; he was found guilty and deposed, with the threat of exile if he continued to preach. The people of the city were outraged, and within days John was reinstated to prevent conflict. But two months later, John preached a sermon that the empress interpreted - perhaps rightly - as directed against herself; and at her insistence John was abducted while he was celebrating communion at Easter. He seems to have anticipated his fate, because shortly before his abduction he preached a sermon in which he lamented his imminent exile from the city.

"I shall soon be far away from those I love. I shall soon be cut off from the brothers and sisters God has given me. I shall be driven by evil men from the place where God has called me to live and work. I confess that I am sad. I may even say that I am bitter. I will add that I am angry. But I do not despair. On the contrary I feel hope. The source of my hope is the knowledge that, though I shall be separated from my brothers and sisters in body, I shall not be separated in spirit. The proof of this is in Christ. The first apostles knew Him in Body; and when He was crucified, they feared that they would be separated from Him forever. But as He Himself prophesied, the bodily separation brought them even closer in Spirit. After His death they knew Him in the very depth of their hearts. Equally, when I am separated in body from my brothers ad sisters, I shall know them even more deeply than I know them at present. In this knowledge my sadness will melt away, my bitter emotions will grow sweet again, and my anger will be soothed. Nothing can destroy love which is founded and rooted in Christ."

Initially, John was taken to a small town in Armenia. The Pope intervened on his behalf; and there was continuing unrest in the city. The Bishops decided that John's death was the only means of ensuring peace. So they persuaded the Emperor to order John to be taken to a fortress at the eastern end of the Black Sea. He was compelled to travel on foot during the autumn rains, wearing only a few rags. He died on the journey, with the words "Glory to God for everything" on his lips. He was aged sixty.

+ May the prayers and blessings of St. John Chrysostom be with us all. Amen. +