Leaves from St. John Chrysostom

This volume brings to life the early years of one of Christianity’s most celebrated orators. Listeners will be guided through the noble birth of John of Antioch, the devoted upbringing by his mother St. Anthusa, and his remarkable education under the famed pagan rhetorician Libanius. The narrative captures his swift turn from a promising legal career to a rigorous ascetic path, detailing his baptism, early clerical duties, and the influences of mentors such as Diodorus and St. Meletius.

The translation preserves the vivid portrait of a man whose eloquence earned him the nickname “the Golden Mouth.” As the story unfolds, you’ll hear how his powerful preaching steadied a city in turmoil, defending both faith and civic pride during a violent uprising. These selections offer a window into the formative moments that shaped a preacher whose words would echo through centuries, inviting listeners to explore the roots of his enduring legacy.