This saint earned his “golden-mouthed” surname with his incredible preaching skills, which ultimately led to him falling out of favor with Church and political leaders because he called for reform. Christ called for the truth, and St. John Chrysostom delivered it.

John was born in Antioch around 347 and received a classical Greek education. After meeting a bishop, John decided to study sacred Scripture and other religious works, and was soon baptized. He then ventured out to the desert to live as a hermit.

He lasted two years in the desert before poor health forced him out of his cave and back to Antioch. John studied for the priesthood, was ordained in 386, and served at the Cathedral of Antioch. He focused on preaching for the next 12 years, offering homilies that were well-received by the common people. He was also building a portfolio of writings that earned him fame beyond the confines of Antioch.

John’s popularity increased in 398 upon his appointment as Bishop of Constantinople. He reformed the local church from the top down, obliging all in ecclesiastical life to live according to the standards of their status, as well as challenging the decadence and corruption shown by those in imperial power. This focus made John enemies in the state, which led to exile in Armenia on false charges in 403. John spent the rest of his life on the run, but was eventually caught by soldiers in 407.

St. John Chrysostom was an outstanding orator, and his 700 homilies and other writings are still studied today. His meditations on prayer are cited 18 times in the Catechism, and he is a Doctor of the Church.