John Chysostom

BIOGRAPHY

John Chrysostom (Greek: Ἰωάννης ὁ Χρυσόστομος, Latin: Ioannes Chrysostomus; c. 347 – 14 September 407) was a significant Church Father who served as Archbishop of Constantinople. Renowned for his eloquent preaching and public speaking, he is remembered for his bold denunciations of the abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders. He is also known for his Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom and his ascetic lifestyle.

Chrysostom's writings include Adversus Judaeos, though his strong anti-Judaism is noted. His title, Chrysostomos, meaning “golden-mouthed” in Greek, reflects his celebrated eloquence. He was one of the most prolific authors in early Christianity.

Honored as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran Churches, John Chrysostom holds a special place in the Eastern Orthodox Church, alongside Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nazianzus, as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs. He is also regarded as one of the four Great Greek Church Fathers, along with Athanasius of Alexandria. His feast days are celebrated on 14 September, 13 November, and 27 January in the Eastern Orthodox Church. In the Catholic Church, he is recognized as a Doctor of the Church, with his feast day observed on 13 September, due to the coincidence with the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

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