St John Chrysostom (347 ca – 407) was born in Antioch. His military officer father died soon after his birth and he was raised by his mother.
St John’s early education was by a pagan teacher but at 21, he chose a Christian baptism while continuing to study Theology. He then lived a very austere existence as a hermit, performing extreme physical sacrifices to the detriment of his health.
St John was appointed Archbishop of Constantinople and became renowned for his preaching; readily confronting ecclesiastical and political leaders.
St John once wrote: “Do you wish to honour the body of Christ? Do not ignore him when he is naked. Do not pay him homage in the temple clad in silk, only then to neglect him outside where he is cold and ill-clad. He who said: “This is my body” is the same who said: “You saw me hungry and you gave me no food”, and “Whatever you did to the least of my brothers you did also to me”… What good is it if the Eucharistic table is overloaded with golden chalices when your brother is dying of hunger? Start by satisfying his hunger and then with what is left you may adorn the altar as well”.
St John is a Doctor of the Church. His Feast Day is the 13th September. He is the Patron Saint of Constantinople and preachers.
St John Chrysostom:
Pray for us that we will get our priorities in the correct order.
Glory be to the…
