Church сelebrates Feast of St. John Chrysostom

Icon of Saint John Chrysostom. Photo: open sources

On 27 November (14 November according to the Julian calendar), the Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of St. John of Constantinople, who received the name Chrysostomos – “Golden-Mouthed” – for his exceptional gift of preaching. He lived in the 4th–5th centuries and left a vast spiritual legacy. His commentaries on Scripture, homilies, and liturgical writings remain foundational to Orthodox theology.

Born around the year 347 in Antioch, John dedicated himself to serving God from an early age. His eloquence and profound understanding of Scripture made him one of the most influential church figures of his time. In 398, he was elevated to the patriarchal throne of Constantinople.

The saint became renowned not only for his preaching, but also for his care for the poor, his denunciation of the moral failings of the powerful, and his reform of church life. His uncompromising stance on morality and justice provoked strong dissatisfaction at the imperial court.

His conflict with Empress Eudoxia was especially sharp, as St. John reproached her for luxury and unjust treatment of the people. In 403, at a council convened against him, John was unlawfully deposed and exiled. Public outrage was so great that the empress was forced to recall him.

However, persecution soon resumed with renewed force. In 404, the saint was permanently expelled from Constantinople and sent into distant exile in Armenia. He spent three years in severe conditions, continuing to write letters and spiritually support his flock.

In 407, the authorities ordered his transfer to an even more remote location. Exhausted by illness and hardship, the 60-year-old saint did not survive the difficult journey and reposed on 14 September in the town of Comana, uttering his final words: “Glory to God for all things!”

The faithful pray to St. John as a patron of preachers, teachers, and all who seek truth and justice.

St. John Chrysostom is also the author of the Liturgy that continues to be celebrated in the Orthodox Church on most days of the year.

Earlier, the UOJ reported on the life of St. John Chrysostom.

Read also