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Called “chrysostomos” in Greek which means “golden-mouthed,” John was one of the greatest preachers in the history of the Church. People flocked to hear him and his sermons provide insights into the liturgy of the Church. He describes the liturgy as a glorious experience, in which all of heaven and earth join and emphasized the importance of lay participation in the Eucharist.

Born about 354 in Antioch, Syria, as a young man, John responded to the call of desert monasticism until his health was impaired. He returned to Antioch and was later ordained. He became Patriarch of Constantinople in 397.

His episcopate was short and tumultuous. Many criticized his ascetic life, including the Empress Eudoxia. He was twice exiled, and he died during the second period of banishment, on September 14, 407. Thirty-one years later, his remains were taken to Constantinople, and buried on January 27.

We continue to live into God’s call for us finding inspiration from John Chrysostom as pertinent today as 1,600 years ago: we strive to be good stewards of God’s creation, not to live extravagantly, we emphasize the importance of the laity in worship and we find our identity as a worshiping Eucharistic community.