St. John Chrysostom
Feast day: September 13
Born in Antioch, John studied law under the famous pagan orator Libanius and theology under Diodore of Tarsus. After several years as a mountain ascetic, he joined the clergy and began preaching to the community. His magnificent oratory earned him the title “golden-mouthed,” or Chrysostom, and established his reputation as one of the finest orators of the age. He was appointed bishop of Constantinople but was exiled by the Byzantine government due to his call for reforms and his immense popularity with the people. He died in captivity. John is one of the four Greek Doctors of the Church. He is patron of preachers.
Collect
O God, strength of those who hope in you,
who willed that the Bishop Saint John Chrysostom
should be illustrious by his wonderful eloquence
and his experience of suffering,
grant us, we pray,
that, instructed by his teachings,
we may be strengthened through the example
of his invincible patience.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
