St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

November 13th
Troparion (Tone 8)
Grace like a flame shining forth from thy mouth has illumined the universe, and disclosed to the world treasures of poverty and shown us the height of humility. And as by thine own words thou teachest us, Father John Chrysostom, so intercede with the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.

St. John was born in Antioch in 347. He studied Greek philosophy but found no sure answers there. He repented and wholeheartedly embraced Christianity. He was baptised by Patriarch Meletius. Then his parents, Secundus and Anthusa followed him in baptism. After their repose, he became a monk. He wrote a book "On the Priesthood". Apostles Peter & John appeared to him and prophesied that he would do great service and receive great grace and great suffering. When Patriarch Flavian (Meletius' successor) was to ordain John, an angel appeared to both of them. As he was ordained Priest, a shining, white dove appeared over his head. John was an eloquent and persuasive speaker. He used to sit while the people stood to hear him preach and they would interrupt him with applause and be dissappointed if he spoke for less than a couple of hours. That is how he earned the name "Chrysostom" after his death, which means: "golden mouth". His messages were verse by verse from the Scriptures. A secretary took down his sermons and they now form a multi-volume commentary on the Scripture, full of practical applications and home-spun illustrations. Most of his ministry was in Antioch. But he became Patriarch of Constantinople at the request of Emperor Arcadius and served for six years. His direct preaching against the idolatry of Empress Eudoxia provoked her to exile him twice. He died in exile in Comana in Georgia on Holy Cross, September 14, 407. His last words were: "Glory to God for everything!"

This icon is by the hand of Nicholas Papas. It is from St. Philip Antiochian Orthodox Church, Souderton, Pennsylvania.

Order # phn-05

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