John Chrysostom
Archbishop of Constantinople

John was born in 347 at Antioch, the son of an army officer. After studying law he became a monk, living in a mountain community outside the city in a cave. After 8 years he returned to Antioch and was ordained deacon and 5 years later he was ordained priest. He became the bishop's assistant with special responsibility for the care and instruction of the many poor Christians in the city. He soon became known for his preaching and his commentaries on Matthew and John's gospels and Paul's epistles and stressed the practical application of the Scriptures to the problems of the day.

John also became famous in the political field with his 21 sermons on �The Statues� which depicted the Emperor and his family and had been smashed in a demonstration against the emperor's taxes. Reprisals had been expected but intervention by the bishop and then the effect of John's sermons brought about a peaceful outcome.

In 397 the archbishop of Constantinople died and Emperor Arcadius appointed John Chrysostom in his place. Theophilus, Archbishop of Alexandria, who had secretly hoped to obtain the position himself, consecrated him the following year. John immediately set about reforming the corrupt morals of court, clergy and people and imposed severe discipline on his priests. The Empress took his attack on the court's morals personally and was backed by Theophilus, who organised an assembly of bishops. Together they brought an unjustified case against John, also accusing him of calling the Empress �Jezebel�, and demanding his banishment. He was exiled, but an earthquake terrified the Empress and John was recalled. As he continued to speak his mind, the Empress was enraged and with the support of Theophilus, once again John was banished first to Armenia and then to Pontus, where enforced travel in bad weather and on foot caused his death in 407. 31 years later his body was taken to Constantinople, where he was buried in the Church of the Apostles.

September 13th is celebrated as the feast day of John Chrysostom