Chrysostom, John

(c. 347–407)

   Saint and Patriarch.

   Chrysostom was born and educated in Antioch. After a time as a hermit, he gained fame as a preacher (the name Chrysostom means ‘golden mouthed’). Between 386 and 398 he delivered a series of homilies on Scripture which were directed to the people of Antioch. In 398, against his own wishes, he became Patriarch of Constantinople, where he devoted his energies to reforming the city. Inevitably he aroused considerable hostility; he made powerful enemies and he was condemned at the Synod of Oak for teaching the doctrines of origen and speaking against the Empress. In spite of the support of Pope Innocent I and of his flock in Constantinople, he was sent into exile the following year and subsequently died of ill-treatment. He was the outstanding preacher of his time, but today he is remembered for giving his name to the liturgy which is in general use in the Eastern Orthodox Church. (The Prayer of St Chrysostom which is used in the Church of England is drawn from the Orthodox liturgy.) This dates from later than the time of Chrysostom and may have its origins in his liturgical reforms.

   John Chrysostom, ‘Homilies’, Library of the Fathers, 16 vols (1839–53);

   P.J. Thompson (ed.), The Orthodox Liturgy (1939);

   J.N.D. Kelly, Golden Mouth: The Story of John Chrysostom, Ascetic, Preacher, Bishop (1995).