John was born in Antioch, of Roman Syria, in the year 347. His father was a high-ranking military officer who died soon after his birth and he was raised by his young mother, Anthusa.

Because of her influence, he began his education under Libanius who taught him the skills necessary to be a Rhetoric and a Lawyer.

In his mother’s devotion to raising him and his elder sister in the faith, he became more deeply committed to the Catholic Church. He then studied theology under Diodorus of Tarsus who was the founder of the school of Antioch.

He sought a monastic life but instead took care of his mother, leading an ascetic life at home. He later became a monk and was ordained as Presbyter. It was then that he flourished as a preacher and teacher of the Church. His exceptional oratorical gifts were made known through his many sermons and commentaries. They conveyed eloquence and ease of rich imagery and scriptural allusions with the depth of insight in the meaning of scripture and the workings of God’s providence, all from the heart.

Against his will, he was chosen as Patriarch of Constantinople at the age of 51 and quickly became popular with his devoted flock. It was during this time that he showed great courage against large struggles. Through his preaching in front of imperial power, he fought against the loose morals of the city, and he sought to reform the corruption within the Church. Bishops who bribed their way into office were deposed and married men were chastised for their infidelity. He was aloof, energetic, and outspoken. This disrupted and angered the clergy and Empress Eudoxia. Her and Theophilus, Archbishop of Alexandria, discredited John and with their plotting and collaboration, had him condemned on false charges. He was banished to Pontus in 403.

The people were in an uproar, and the following night an earthquake shook the city. The frightened Empress begged John to return but their reconciliation did not last long. She had a silver statue erected of herself on the northeast side of the Augustaion. She held a pagan ceremony which frequently interrupted his celebration of the Holy Liturgy and John thundered against her. He was again exiled to the Caucasus in Abkhazia. This sparked riots and in the fighting the Hagia Sophia cathedral was burned down and the statue did not survive. It was then that the Theodosian Hagia Sophia was constructed.

In ill health, he died in Komana on his way to Armenia on September 14, 407.

John had comprehensive commentaries on the divine Scriptures and was the author of more works than any other Church Father. His extant works include 1,447 sermons and 240 epistles.

He is an example of commitment to the Lord during a time of struggle. Strong in knowledge of Scripture and dedicated to sharing his knowledge with his community.

After his death, he was known as “Chrisistomos”, meaning, “The Golden Mouth”.

For God’s Glory.