Chrysostom, St John

Chrysostom, St John (c.347–407), Bp. of Constantinople. He studied at Antioch and later (c.373) became a hermit. Made deacon in 381 and priest in 386, he was specially charged with the task of preaching (‘Chrysostom’ means ‘golden-mouthed’). His famous series of sermons ‘On the Statues’ was given in 387 after a riot at Antioch in which the Imperial statues were overthrown. His homilies on Books of the Bible establish his title as the greatest Christian expositor. These works combine a great facility for seeing the spiritual meaning of an author with an equal ability for immediate practical application. He was, however, opposed to the allegorical exegesis of Scripture and stressed the importance of the literal sense. In 398 he was made Patr. of Constantinople. He incurred the hostility of the Empress Eudoxia. When he sheltered the Tall Brothers, who had fled from Egypt after the condemnation of Origenism, Theophilus, Patr. of Alexandria, took the opportunity to humiliate the see of Constantinople. At the Synod of the Oak (403), which was packed by Theophilus, Chrysostom was condemned and deposed. Though recalled by the Court, his plain speaking antagonized the Empress and on a technicality he was exiled. Feast day in the W., 13 Sept. (formerly 27 Jan., also observed in parts of the Anglican Communion); in the E., 13 Nov. See also preceding and following entries.