Who was St. John Chrysostom?

A Journey of Faith and Learning

John Chrysostom, born around 347 in Antioch, was the son of Secundus, a military officer. After his father's death, John's religious upbringing was guided by his devoted mother, Anthusa. His education in rhetoric was under the guidance of Libanius, a renowned non-Christian teacher. Libanius once remarked that John would have been his ideal successor, had he not become a Christian, saying, "John would be the fittest, if the Christians had not stolen him."

John was baptized by Meletius, the Patriarch of Antioch. He had a close friend, S. Basil, and it was his mother Anthusa who convinced him not to join Basil in a monastic life. Respecting his mother's wishes, John continued to live at home but adopted a monastic lifestyle, which included strict self-discipline and intensive study of the Bible.

He also studied theology under Diodore, who, along with Flavian, had been a strong defender of Christian beliefs against Arianism. These two were first active as laymen and later as priests in Antioch. Meletius, who baptized Chrysostom, was known for his strong religious convictions.

Introduction

St. John Chrysostom, a towering figure in Christian theology, is renowned for his eloquent preaching and profound theological insights. His name, Chrysostom, literally means "Golden Mouthed," a title bestowed upon him for his exceptional oratory skills. Living in the 4th century, his contributions to Christian theology are as relevant today as they were in his time. This essay aims to illuminate the depths of St. John Chrysostom's theological teachings, focusing on their foundations, applications, and enduring legacy. Given that the target audience is well-versed in his biography, this exploration will delve directly into the core of his theological contributions.

Chrysostom's teachings are vast, but they are primarily rooted in his interpretation of the Holy Scriptures and his profound understanding of Christian ethics. He was not just a theologian in the scholarly sense but also a pastor who applied his theological insights practically. In this essay, we will explore his core theological teachings, their manifestations and applications, comparative theological perspectives, and their influence and legacy.

Core Theological Teachings: Foundations and Principles

St. John Chrysostom's theological legacy is deeply entrenched in his innovative and insightful interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. His approach was not merely academic; it was deeply pastoral, aiming to make the Scriptures accessible and relevant to the everyday lives of his listeners. Central to his teachings were the concepts of literal interpretation and moral interpretation. Chrysostom advocated for understanding the Bible in its historical context while simultaneously drawing out ethical and moral lessons applicable to Christian living.

Introduction:

St. John Chrysostom, born around 349 AD in Antioch, is revered as one of the most significant Early Church Fathers. Known for his eloquent preaching and public speaking, the name "Chrysostom" actually means "golden-mouthed" in Greek, a testament to his extraordinary oratorical skills. John served as Archbishop of Constantinople and his sermons, moral teachings, and denunciations of abuse in both ecclesiastical and political circles have left a lasting impact on the Christian world. He is particularly remembered for his extensive writings and homilies interpreting the Bible and his advocacy for a simple, ascetic lifestyle.

Miracles Overview:

While St. John Chrysostom is more renowned for his contributions to Christian doctrine, liturgy, and moral teachings, various miracles have also been attributed to him, especially posthumously. Many of these miracles are associated with the healing power of his relics or intercessions and are often recounted by believers who sought his aid in times of dire need. The miracles attributed to him reflect the deep faith of the community and serve as testaments to his enduring spiritual influence.

Miracle of the Empress Eudoxia's Repentance

• Description: This miracle concerns Empress Eudoxia, who was initially antagonistic towards St. John Chrysostom, leading to his exile. After his departure, it's said that the empress suffered greatly, experiencing guilt and physical illness. Realizing her wrongdoing, she prayed for forgiveness and sought the intercession of St. John. Miraculously, she found relief from her afflictions and repented, attributing her healing to St. John's spiritual intervention.
• Witnesses/Testimonies: Historical accounts and church tradition narrate this incident, highlighting the change in the empress's attitude and her subsequent actions to seek forgiveness.

Healing of the Deacon

• Description: A deacon from Constantinople, who was an ardent follower of St. John Chrysostom, fell seriously ill. In his suffering, he prayed for the intercession of St. John, vowing to dedicate his life to God if he were healed. Miraculously, he recovered from his illness shortly after, attributing his healing to the miraculous intervention of St. John.
• Witnesses/Testimonies: The story is preserved in ecclesiastical writings and the testimony of the healed deacon himself, who lived a life of service in the Church afterward.

Miraculous Finding of Relics

• Description: Centuries after St. John Chrysostom's death, his relics were believed to be lost. However, a group of faithful believers reportedly received a vision guiding them to the hidden location of his relics. Upon excavation, they miraculously discovered the relics, which then became a source of numerous healings and blessings for those who venerated them.
• Witnesses/Testimonies: Accounts of this event are preserved in the historical records of the Church, along with testimonies from those who experienced healings upon venerating the relics.

Protection from Fire

• Description: In a particular community, a devastating fire threatened to destroy a church dedicated to St. John Chrysostom. The parishioners prayed fervently for his intercession. Miraculously, the fire subsided around the perimeter of the church, leaving it and the holy icons within it unscathed.
• Witnesses/Testimonies: Eyewitness accounts from the parishioners and local records speak of this event, emphasizing the miraculous intervention attributed to St. John.

The Calming of a Storm at Sea

• Description: Sailors aboard a ship caught in a fierce storm at sea prayed for the intercession of St. John Chrysostom as they faced imminent peril. Miraculously, the storm abated, and the sea became calm, saving the lives of all aboard.
• Witnesses/Testimonies: The sailors' testimonies and subsequent traditions among seafaring communities attest to this miracle, honoring St. John as a protector in times of danger.

Healing of the Blind Woman

• Description: A woman who was blind prayed fervently to St. John Chrysostom, seeking his intercession for her healing. It is narrated that after a period of devout prayer and attending the church dedicated to St. John, she miraculously regained her sight.
• Witnesses/Testimonies: The woman herself testified to her miraculous healing, and her story became well-known among the local Christian community, further promoting the veneration of St. John Chrysostom.

Restoration of a Mute Child’s Speech

• Description: A child who had been mute from birth was brought to a church dedicated to St. John Chrysostom. The parents prayed earnestly for their child's healing. Remarkably, after these fervent prayers and a service dedicated to St. John, the child spoke for the first time.
• Witnesses/Testimonies: The event was witnessed by the church congregation and the child's parents, who shared their testimony as evidence of the miracle.

Deliverance from Bandits

• Description: A group of travelers, while on a perilous journey, found themselves surrounded by bandits. Remembering the protective power attributed to St. John Chrysostom, they invoked his name in prayer. It is said that a sudden fear overcame the bandits, who then fled, leaving the travelers unharmed.
• Witnesses/Testimonies: The travelers themselves recounted this miraculous event, attributing their deliverance to the intervention of St. John Chrysostom.

Intervention during Famine

• Description: During a severe famine, the inhabitants of a village beseeched St. John Chrysostom for relief. Following their prayers, it’s narrated that a mysterious donor, believed to be sent by St. John, provided ample food, alleviating the suffering of the people.
• Witnesses/Testimonies: The beneficiaries of this miracle, the villagers, bore witness to this divine intervention and attributed the timely assistance to the compassion of St. John Chrysostom.

The Healing Spring

• Description: Near a church dedicated to St. John Chrysostom, a spring of water was discovered. Those who drank or bathed in its waters, seeking the saint’s intercession, reported various miraculous healings, ranging from chronic illnesses to physical injuries.
• Witnesses/Testimonies: Numerous testimonies from those healed by the spring's waters were documented, reinforcing the belief in the miraculous powers associated with St. John Chrysostom.

The details of these miracles, especially those occurring posthumously, are mostly preserved through church tradition, oral histories, and the veneration practices of the faithful. While St. John Chrysostom is primarily celebrated for his profound impact on Christian theology and eloquent sermons, these miracles associated with him reflect the deep devotion and faith of the believers who sought his intercession throughout the centuries.