The story of their life
A celebrated preacher who challenged wealth, corruption and neglect of the poor before dying in exile. Late antique imperial cities were marked by severe inequality, religious rivalry and court politics.
Saint4th–5th century · Feast September 13
St John Chrysostom
Also known as John of Antioch, John Chrysostom, Golden-Mouthed
Archbishop of Constantinople
Doctor of the Church
Church Father
A celebrated preacher who challenged wealth, corruption and neglect of the poor before dying in exile.
A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.
Historical context
Late antique imperial cities were marked by severe inequality, religious rivalry and court politics.
Defining moments
- Training in rhetoric
- Preaching in Antioch
- Becoming archbishop
- Criticising luxury
- Dying in exile
Faith and spirituality
Scripture-centred preaching, care for the poor and responsibility for the moral consequences of speech.
Why this saint matters today
Strong match for preachers and public communicators confronting wealth or power.
Patronage and intercession
People turn to St John Chrysostom in matters of:
Preachers
Public speakers
People in exile
A prayer
God of grace, through the intercession of St John Chrysostom, guide us in faith, courage and love. Amen.
Timeline
Sources and further reading
- https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints.html
- https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/
Source-quality status: unverified prototype