Saint John Chrysostom

Patron Saint of preachers, speakers, Constantinople, epilepsy, orators.

Feast Day: September 13th

Doctor of the Church, Bishop, and Religious

Antioch (modern-day Turkey/Syria)

Public Domain: Johnchrysostom via Wikimedia Commons.

Feast Day: September 13th

Doctor of the Church, Bishop, and Religious

Antioch (modern-day Turkey/Syria)

About

Saint John Chrysostom—whose name means “Golden-Mouthed”—was one of the greatest preachers in the history of the Church. Born in Antioch around 349 AD, he was educated in philosophy and rhetoric before turning to a life of asceticism and study of Scripture. Ordained a priest in Antioch, John’s eloquent and practical homilies drew enormous crowds. He spoke passionately against corruption, moral compromise, and the neglect of the poor. His preaching was marked by clarity, courage, and compassion—a voice of truth in turbulent times. In 398 AD, he was appointed Archbishop of Constantinople, where his reforming zeal and blunt honesty often put him at odds with the imperial court. Despite persecution, exile, and great personal suffering, he remained steadfast in his devotion to Christ and his flock.

Legacy

Saint John’s sermons and writings remain among the most treasured works of the early Church. His Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew and Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles are renowned for their depth and pastoral wisdom. He is recognized as one of the Four Great Greek Doctors of the Church, alongside Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory Nazianzen, and Saint Athanasius. The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom—still celebrated daily in the Byzantine Rite—is one of his enduring gifts to Christian worship.

“When you are weary of praying and do not receive, consider how often you have heard a poor man calling and have not listened to him.” — Saint John Chrysostom