John Chrysostom
c. 349 – 407 · Bishop of Constantinople
Also known as John of Antioch · Chrysostomos
Feast: 13 September (Catholic) · 13 November (Orthodox)
Archbishop of Constantinople, called 'Golden-Mouth' for his preaching. Greatest preacher of the Greek Fathers; deposed and exiled at the Synod of the Oak (403).
Highlights
- Main contribution
- John Chrysostom made preaching one of the great public arts of the early church.
- Best first read
- Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew
- Primary source
- Palladius, Dialogus de Vita Joannis Chrysostomi
John Chrysostom made preaching one of the great public arts of the early church. His sermons moved easily from close reading of scripture to attacks on luxury, exploitation, vanity, and imperial influence, which is part of why he was eventually deposed and exiled. He died on a forced march, but his homilies continued to shape Greek preaching, moral theology, and pastoral courage. Eastern churches still know his name every Sunday through the liturgy associated with him.
Notable works
- ·Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew · 390
- ·On Wealth and Poverty · 388
- ·On the Priesthood (De Sacerdotio) · 386
- ·Homilies on Genesis · 388
- ·Letters to Olympias · 405
Primary sources
- ·Palladius, Dialogus de Vita Joannis Chrysostomi
- ·Socrates Scholasticus, Hist. Eccl. 6
- ·Sozomen, Hist. Eccl. 8
Book of the day
On Wealth and Poverty
John ChrysostomA reading pick tied to today's figure, quote, era, or event. A direct, uncomfortable introduction to Chrysostom's preaching and social critique.
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