Catholic News Agency, CO
Sept 13 2008
ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008
`If the Lord should give you power to raise the dead, He would give
much less than He does when he bestows suffering. By miracles you
would make yourself debtor to Him, while by suffering He may become
debtor to you. And even if sufferings had no other reward than being
able to bear something for that God who loves you, is not this a great
reward and a sufficient remuneration? Whoever loves, understands what
I say.’
-Saint John Chrysostom
Born in Antioch, c. 347; died at Commana in Pontus, 14 September, 407.
Saint John Chrysostom (Golden-mouthed) was perhaps the greatest
preacher in the history of the Church, thus the name given him, and
the most prominent Greek father of the Church.
He grew up in Antioch, received an excellent classical Greek
education, and upon meeting the holy bishop Meletus, he decided to
devote his time to the study of religious works and the Sacred
Scriptures. He received Baptism after three years of study and set out
for the desert to live the ascetic life of a hermit.
His extreme mortifications left him in fragile health, and he thus
returned to Antioch after 2 years to recover, and devote himself to
studying for the priesthood. He was ordained in 386 and served in the
cathdral of Antioch for 12 years winning widespread fame for his
sublime preaching.
In 398 he was forcefully appointed Patriarch of Constantinople and
fast became very popular with his flock through his example of
preaching and courage in front of the imperial power, whose corruption
and decadence he never shirked from criticizing in public.
This attitude naturally made an enemy of the empress, Eudoxia as well
as Theophilus, bishop of Alexandria, who had him condemned on false
charges in 403. He was exiled to Armenia where he continued to be a
great presence in the Church of the East through his many letters. He
was exiled from Armenia to an isolated place along the Black Sea. He
died during the journey in 407, his ill health unable to endure its
rigours.
In 438 the Emperor Theodosius II of Constantinople had John’s body
returned to Constantinople and did penance for the sins of his mother
Eudoxia.
Chrysostom’s many writings, especially homilies and commentaries on
the Gospels are still extant and have exerted great influence over the
centuries.
`When you are before the altar where Christ reposes, you ought no
longer to think that you are amongst men; but believe that there are
troops of angels and archangels standing by you, and trembling with
respect before the sovereign Master of Heaven and earth. Therefore,
when you are in church, be there in silence, fear, and veneration.’
– Saint John Chrysostom