Lives of saints
St John Chrysostom
Preacher, interpreter of Scripture, author of the Liturgy.
Life
Born in Antioch c. 347, educated in rhetoric by Libanius, he was a hermit, then deacon and presbyter in Antioch, where he became famous for his sermons. In 398 he was raised to the see of Constantinople.
Exile
His denunciation of luxury and defence of the poor brought him into conflict with the Empress Eudoxia and part of the episcopate. Deposed and exiled twice, he died at Comana on 14 September 407 with the words “Glory to God for all things”. His relics were returned to Constantinople in 438.
Legacy
More than 800 homilies and commentaries survive. The Liturgy bearing his name is celebrated in the Orthodox Church for most of the year.
St John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople