(c. 347-407) John's father died young, and he was raised by his godly mother. Well educated; John studied rhetoric under Libanius, a famous orator of his day. He was monk, preacher and priest for 12 years in Syria where he developed a stomach ailment that troubled him the rest of his life.

It was for his sermons that John earned the title Chrysostom = golden mouthed. They were always on point, they explained the Scriptures with clarity, and they sometimes went on for hours. Made a reluctant bishop of Constantinople in 398, a move that involved him in imperial politics. He criticized the rich for not sharing their wealth, fought to reform the clergy, prevented the sale of ecclesiastical offices, called for fidelity in marriage, encouraged practices of justice and charity. As Archbishop and Patriarch of Constantinople he revised the Greek Liturgy which came to be known as the "Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom." Because John's sermons advocated a change in their lives, some nobles and bishops worked to remove him from his diocese; he was twice exiled from his diocese. Banished to Pythius, he died on the road.

Those who have gone before us can share their learnings in the journey to benefit us.

John Chrysostom being sent to exile in Pythius.

Pictorial Lives of the Saints, 1892