St. John Chrysostom: Bishop and Doctor

Today (September 13, 2005) we celebrate the feast day of St. John Chrysostom (349 - 407), who was bishop of Constantinople from 397 until his death. He was given the surname which in Greek means "golden mouth" owing to his eloquent preaching. He was inspired by bishop Meletius of Antioch to first became a lector, then a monk, then ordained first as deacon then as a priest. As unexpected Patriarch of Constantinople, he was an able administrator who immediately proceeded to rid his house of corruption. He was also an able preacher, and many of his writings survive today. He may be the most able preacher every produced by the Church, and his homilies are celebrated even today. Details can be found here. The St. Pachomius online library includes the known writings of St. John Chrysostom.