Saint John Chrysostom

John was born in Antioch, in Syria, around 347 and studied rhetoric under the famous pagan teacher Libanius. After his baptism he lived for some years as a monk and hermit, until his harsh penances damaged his health. Ordained a priest in 386, he preached in Antioch for twelve years with such eloquence that he was later called Chrysostom, "golden mouth."

In 398 he was made archbishop of Constantinople. He reformed the clergy, spent church funds on hospitals and the poor, and boldly criticized the luxury of the rich and of the imperial court, which earned him the hostility of Empress Eudoxia and of Bishop Theophilus of Alexandria. Deposed in 403 and exiled, he was recalled and then exiled again. Forced to march farther into exile, he died at Comana in Pontus on September 14, 407. He is a Doctor of the Church.

Because September 14 is the feast of the Holy Cross, the Latin Church honors him on September 13. Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Christians celebrate the Divine Liturgy that bears his name nearly every Sunday.

Preachers, catechists and public speakers often ask his intercession, and his homilies on the Gospels and on caring for the poor are still read today.