Quick Facts
Golden Mouth. Preacher so eloquent he was exiled twice for speaking truth to power.
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Life Journey
John Chrysostom was born to Greco-Syrian parents in Antioch, a major city in the Roman Empire.
John began his education, studying rhetoric and philosophy under the renowned pagan teacher Libanius.
John Chrysostom converted to Christianity and was baptized, marking a significant turning point in his life.
John retreated to the mountains near Antioch to live as a hermit, practicing asceticism and studying Scriptures.
John Chrysostom was ordained as a deacon by Bishop Meletius, beginning his formal ecclesiastical career.
John was ordained as a priest, and his eloquent preaching began to attract significant attention and admiration.
John delivered sermons emphasizing social justice, charity, and the importance of helping the poor.
John's reputation as a preacher grew, and he gained a large following for his eloquent and powerful sermons.
John Chrysostom was elected Archbishop of Constantinople, the most influential see in the Eastern Roman Empire.
John initiated reforms in the Church, focusing on liturgical practices, clerical discipline, and moral teachings.
John publicly criticized Empress Eudoxia for her lavish lifestyle and vanity, leading to political tensions.
John was exiled to Pontus by Emperor Arcadius due to his conflicts with the imperial court and clergy.
John was briefly allowed to return to Constantinople but was soon exiled again due to continued conflicts.
John was exiled to Cucusus, a remote town in the mountains of Cappadocia, where he continued to write and correspond.
John Chrysostom died in exile, on his way to further exile, in Comana, Cappadocia, from the hardships of his journey.