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John Chrysostom by Unknown Author –

Top 10 Sensational Facts about John Chrysostom

There are many popular preachers in today’s modern Christianity. Including the likes of Tony Evans, Joel Osteen, David Platt, and Robert Norris just to name a few. However, these preachers can only marvel at the greatness of one of history’s best and greatest preachers John Chrysostom.

John Chrysostom was born in 347 and lived up until 407. He would be canonized into sainthood after his death. I guess they failed to give him his flowers while he could smell them.

Chrysostom can be referred to as a doctor of the church. This is because of his powerful and insightful preaching and interpretation of the bible. Recognized as one of the more important early church fathers, some of his quotes are as popular today as they were when he said them.

Below are some sensational facts about John Chrysostom, preacher, public speaker, and saint.

1. Born into A Noble Family

Chrysostom was born in the great city of Antioch, Syria in 347 to a noble family. He was the son of Secundus, a high-ranking military officer, and Anthusa. Secundus died shortly after his son’s birth making Anthusa a widow at age 20 and she never remarried.

Few reports suggest Anthusa was a Pagan although many recognize her as a devout Christian. Being a resolute Christian, Anthusa catered to John’s religious education, acquainting him with the Scriptures and teaching him to love the Bible.

She used her influence in the city to ensure he was educated right beginning with pagan teacher Libanius. From Libanius John learned the Greek language and literature, became rhetoric, and eventually a lawyer.

2. Baptized as An Adult

An adult being baptized by Ruben Ortiz from

As John Chrysostom grew older, he became more and more committed to Christianity. He went on to study theology under Diodore of Tarsus. Diodore was the founder of the re-constituted School of Antioch.

Despite being born and raised in a Christian family, Chrysostom was not baptized as a child as is custom. Instead, he would be baptized as an adult at the age of 20. It is said that his mother did this to ensure that Chrysostom chose his faith himself. However, despite being raised this way, he was in favor of infant baptism.

3. Practiced Extreme Asceticism

For about four years of his life, John lived in extreme asceticism. Asceticism is a way of life characterized by abstinence from indulging in sensual pleasures including sleeping and eating. Asceticism is done mostly for religious purposes and goals.

In the years around 375, John is said to have been continually standing, scarcely eating or sleeping. It was around this time that he also became a hermit. Hermits are people who live in seclusion.

As a hermit, while practicing asceticism, Chrysostom spent his time committing the Bible to memory. Which would explain how he was able to quote the bible at any time.

However, the asceticism did take a toll on his body as he permanently damaged his stomach and kidneys. Due to poor health, he was forced to return to his hometown Antioch.

4. Ordained as A Deacon on His Return

Upon his return to Antioch, albeit due to medical issues, John was ordained as a deacon. This was in the year 381 by bishop Meletius of Antioch, who was not in communion with Alexandria and Rome.

When Meletius passed away, John separated himself from his followers but did not join Meletius’ rival for the bishopric of Antioch.

5. Brought Reconciliation Between Antioch, Rome, and Alexandria

reconciliation by Gerd Altmann from

After the death of Meletius, who ordained him, Chrysostom decided to separate himself from the bishopric of Antioch. Most probably out of solidarity with Meletius. However, Meletius’ successor, Paulinus successor passed away and Flavian took over.

Chrysostom was not against Flavian, who proceeded to ordain him as a presbyter (priest) in 386. As a priest, he would be responsible for bringing together Flavian I of Antioch, Alexandria, and Rome.

The coming together of these three sees together marked the first time they were in communion together for over 70 years. No small fete by any measure.

6. Renowned Preacher and Public Speaker

The figure in the middle is John Chrysostom, one of ColÅ£ea’s “Three Hierarchs” patron saints by an Unknown author –

As Antioch’s presbyter (priest) between 386-397, John established his reputation as a great preacher. His eloquence as a public speaker and command of the bible earned him popularity in and beyond Antioch.

Chrysostom did most of his preaching at the Golden Church, Antioch’s cathedral. He had insightful and eye-opening expositions on bible passages as well as moral teachings.

His most popular work was the homilies he created and developed about various books and verses of the bible. Homilies are comments on scripture readings that explain the sacred doctrine and text.

7. Appointed Archbishop in 397 Without His Knowledge

In the autumn of 397, John Chrysostom was appointed as the archbishop of Constantinople. The whole process of appointment including his nomination was done without his knowledge. Chrysostom was nominated by the eunuch Eutropius.

After the appointment, he left Antioch secretly due to fear that his departure would cause civil unrest in the city. During his tenure as archbishop, he became popular with the ‘common’ people and unpopular with the wealthy citizens. This was because he was adamantly against hosting lavish gatherings.

8. He Had Many Enemies as Archbishop

While Chrysostom was loved by the public, his time in Constantinople was tumultuous as he faced animosity from many. The first of these many so-called enemies was Theophilus. Theophilus was then the patriarch of Alexandria and wanted to bring Constantinople under his control. To this end, he was openly opposed to Chrysostom’s appointment as Archbishop.

Another enemy of John’s was Aelia Eudoxia the wife of emperor Arcadius. The animosity began between the two when John denunciated extravagant feminine dressing. Eudoxia claimed that this denunciation was aimed at her.

Eudoxia, Theophilus, and several other enemies of John formed a synod in 403 to depose him as Archbishop. A synod is a council of a Christian denomination convened to decide on issues of administration and application of the doctrine. They raised several charges and succeeded in deposing him.

9. There Was an Earthquake on The Night of His Arrest

After his deposition, Chrysostom was arrested. This caused great unrest among the public who threatened to burn down the imperial palace. To add to this, there was an earthquake on the night he was arrested.

Many, including Eudoxia who was responsible for his arrest, interpreted this as God’s anger with the events. This led to Eudoxia convincing Arcadius to reinstate him which he did and peace was restored, for a while at least.

He would be banished later after speaking harshly against Eudoxia publicly. He did so after a statue of Eudoxia was erected and he denounced it as a pagan ceremony. His banishment sparked riots and led to the cathedral built by Constantius II being burnt down.

10. Exiled Before His Death

John Chrysostom, Constantinople, early or middle 11th century. Soapstone and highlights of gold by Unknown artist –

After being banished, John was consequently also exiled. While under threat of exile, he wrote letters of appeal to Pope Innocent I, Venerius, the bishop of Mediolanum (Milan), and Chromatius, the bishop of Aquileia.

His letters had great influence but these churchmen did not succeed in their endeavor to save him. As a matter of fact, he was later further expelled to Pitiunt (Pityus) (in modern Georgia) as a result of the letters.

However, John would not reach Pitiunt as he would die on his way. On 14th September 407, John Chrysostom would die at Comana Pontica. His tomb is in Pitiunt and it is regarded as a shrine for pilgrims. Soon after his death, John Chrysostom was venerated as a saint.