Saint John Chrysostom

Born in Antioch in the 4th century, John Chrysostom was trained in rhetoric before turning to an ascetic Christian life and eventually becoming one of the best-known preachers of the early church. The nickname Chrysostom means “golden-mouthed,” a tribute to the clarity and power of his speaking.

He later became archbishop of Constantinople, where he preached boldly against moral corruption and the misuse of wealth and power. That outspokenness won him great admiration, especially among ordinary people, but it also brought him into conflict with influential church and imperial figures.

John died in exile in 407. He is honored as a saint in Eastern and Western Christian traditions, and he remains especially well known for his homilies, his biblical commentary, and the Divine Liturgy that bears his name.