St John Chrysostom

St John Chrysostom, whose life and work are celebrated today, was a colossal figure in early Christianity. His surname Χρυσόστομος, which means "golden mouthed" in Greek, was given to him posthumously because of his legendary oration skills.

In his early years he became a monk and a hermit, during which time he committed the Bible to memory and fasted so severely that he permanently damaged his digestive system.

Eventually he returned to his hometown of Antioch, where he served as a deacon and a priest before being installed--despite his adamant protest--as Archbishop of Constantinople. He refused the lavish trappings that came with the office and continued to live in extreme austerity. His piety and holiness aroused the jealousy of religious and political leaders, as a result of whose scheming St John was exiled to the mountains of Armenia where he died of exposure in 407.

St John's sermons and letters have had an enormous influence on Christians throughout history. But he is probably best remembered for the Liturgy which bears his name and is celebrated daily in Orthodox churches worldwide.

For further information please see the following:

OCA biography
Website dedicated to the life and writings of St John Chrysostom
Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom
Homilies on First Corinthians
Homilies on Second Corinthians
Biography on Ecumenical Patriarch website
The Martyrdom of Saint John Chrysostom