The Catholic and Orthodox Churches celebrate "Feast Days" for our beloved Saints. Today, September 13th is no exception, but it is special...In the rich history of the saints whose impacts are known throughout the Church and the world, few have had an impact as brilliantly as St. John Chrysostom has. As a Doctor of the Church and one of the three Holy Hierarchs, St. John Chrysostom's life serves as a beacon of holiness, a testament to the transformative power of faith, and a source of profound inspiration for Christians around the world, particularly those of us who are Catholic and Orthodox. In this post, we will do our best to honour St. John Chrysostom by diving deeper into his extraordinary life, emphasizing the wisdom contained in his teachings, his enduring popularity, the sanctity of his liturgy, and the widespread use of his liturgical contributions in Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholicism.
Holiness Embodied
St. John Chrysostom, born in Antioch in 349 AD, came from a devout Christian family known for their piety and virtue. His early life was marked by a strong devotion to God, and he soon felt a divine calling to the priesthood. Through ardent study and fervent prayer, he became one of the most revered preachers of his time, earning the nickname "Chrysostom" or “Golden Mouth” (right, that wasn’t his name by birth!) due to the golden quality of his homilies.
St. John Chrysostom's life was a living testament to the power of faith. He taught that there is salvation through the Church that Christ established, and he encouraged believers not to despair but to renew their souls through repentance, tears, confession, and by doing good deeds. He emphasized the importance of the Church as a vessel of salvation, guiding believers on their journey toward heavenly communion.
“Do not despair, do not despond, but renew your soul by repentance, and tears, and confession.” – St. John Chrysostom
The Power of Christian Marriage
In his teachings, St. John Chrysostom emphasized the sanctity of Christian marriage, understanding it as a sacred journey from earth to heaven. He believed that if a man and a woman marry with the intention of being companions on the path to heaven, their union is blessed by God. This perspective underscores the transformative potential of marriage when rooted in faith and a shared commitment to spiritual growth.
“If a man and a woman marry in order to be companions on the journey from earth to heaven, then their union will bring great joy to themselves and others” – St. John Chrysostom
A Call to Charity
During the times in which he preached, there were scores of economical classes and positions. As such, St. John Chrysostom's teachings extended to matters of wealth and generosity geared toward those in the Church who held positions of wealth and therefore authority within society. He believed that God blesses individuals not for self-indulgence but for the purpose of aiding those in need.
St. John Chrysostom's call to charity echoes Christ's teachings on love and compassion for the less fortunate. He urged believers to use their abundance to alleviate the suffering of others, reinforcing the Christian principle of selflessness and service to one's fellow human beings. Consider in our own times how we often pursue wealth and riches. We do it for status, for things we want but might not ever need. Part of being a Christian is the giving of alms, otherwise known as charity. Not that the pursuit of success through material wealth is inherently wrong, but as Christians we should always remember that what we accumulate here has no bearing on our eternal salvation. Therefore, I would ask every reader, particularly young men at the beginning of their adult lives to consider the reasons why they want the wealth and ask if it truly serves God.
"This is why God has allowed you to have more: not for you to waste on prostitutes, drink, fancy food, expensive clothes, and all other kinds of indolence, but for you to distribute to those in need." – St. John Chrysostom
Enduring Popularity
St. John Chrysostom's popularity as a preacher was unparalleled in his time. Crowds flocked to hear his sermons, which resonated deeply with people's hearts and transformed lives. His fearless stance against corruption and social injustice, both in the Church and society, earned him both admiration and adversaries. Despite the challenges he faced, he never wavered in his commitment to proclaiming the truth and guiding souls toward salvation through the Church Christ established.
The Sanctity of His Liturgy
St. John Chrysostom's liturgy, known as the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, stands as one of his most enduring contributions to the Catholic Church. Celebrated primarily in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches, this liturgy is renowned for its profound beauty and rich theological depth.
The liturgy's words reflect the saint's deep reverence for the Eucharist and the divine mysteries. When the celebrant proclaims, "Take, eat; this is my body... Drink of this, all of you; this is my blood," it is a direct link to Christ's love and sacrifice—a bridge between the earthly and the divine.
A Universal Liturgy
St. John Chrysostom's liturgy transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to transport believers into the heart of the sacred, fostering a deep sense of unity and communion with God. This liturgy has become the most widely used in Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholicism, connecting Christians across the centuries and preserving the essence of the early Church.
Learning from the Doctor of the Church
St. John Chrysostom's life and teachings offer a treasure trove of lessons for us Christians today. His commitment to the pursuit of the Kingdom of God, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to the Eucharist all serve as sources of inspiration. In a world often marked by materialism and moral relativism, St. John Chrysostom's example reminds us of the enduring power of faith, charity, and the transformative potential of the Gospel.
It’s important that we all reflect on St. John Chrysostom's call to renew our souls through repentance, tears, confession, and by doing good deeds. As we strive to live our faith in a world filled with challenges, we look to the life and legacy of St. John Chrysostom as a guide to holiness, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of the enduring beauty of the Catholic and Orthodox faith—a faith that he helped shape and nurture through his teachings and unwavering devotion to Christ.
St. John Chrysostom, Ora Pro Nobis
Kyrie Eleison
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