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| St. John Chrysos |
John was born in Antioch. He was very intelligent and the
excellent education that he was able to get sharpened his genius. It was the
meeting of John with Saint Basil which made a decisive change in his life. He
urged John to follow Christ deeply and this made him an ascetic. Setting aside
worldly studies he turned to the scripture and lived the life of an anchorite
on a close by mountain. In enjoying silence he learned to communicate with the
Lord. However, his penances and the harsh climate on the
mountain, took a toll on his health. Prudently, he returned to Antioch, was
ordained, and labored as a priest. His learning and eloquent sermons began to
attract attention, and eventually, his weekly Mass was drawing huge crowds. However,
the urge for monastic life was intense in him and went again for the monastic,
contemplative life for fourteen years until he was by force taken to
Constantinople, and consecrated as Patriarch and Bishop.
The power of
Saint John’s oratory, earned him his surname, which translated literally means
“the golden mouthed.” Saint John preached the Gospel to all who would listen,
drawing attention to the needs of the poor, and advocating for great social
change on the part of the rich and noble classes.
He was a
prolific writer too. His writing is charged with Christ’s concern for the poor
and the value of his writing has permanent significance and can be relished and
can be benefited by all generations.
His concern for the poor brought him in to conflict with
the establishment, both ecclesiastical and political. Twice he was banished from his homeland. On
the way of to his place of exile, John died in 407 in the city of Comana. He
was buried there and his relics later were transferred to Constantinople. He is
venerated in all the Christian denominations.
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