Post-Nicene · c. 349 – 407
St. John Chrysostom
Antioch / Constantinople
Biography
Known as 'Chrysostom,' meaning 'golden-mouthed,' John was renowned in Antioch as the greatest preacher of his age before being made, against his will, Archbishop of Constantinople in 398. His fearless denunciation of luxury and injustice, including at the imperial court, led to his exile and death from the hardships of forced marches. His enormous body of homilies is unmatched for its plain, practical exposition of Scripture.
Historical background
Preaching in Antioch and later Constantinople in the late fourth century, Chrysostom's homilies on Matthew and 1 Corinthians give extensive testimony to eucharistic belief and practice in the mainstream Greek-speaking Church, alongside sharp moral exhortation to the wealthy.
Major writings
Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew
Extensive verse-by-verse preaching on Matthew's Gospel.
Homilies on First Corinthians
Includes celebrated passages on the reality of the Eucharist.
On the Priesthood
A classic treatise on the dignity and dangers of ordained ministry.
Important teachings
Chrysostom teaches that the Eucharist truly makes present the same body that hung on the cross, to be approached with awe like the wise men before the manger, not with the presumption of the unworthy communicant. He also insists that faith without works of mercy toward the poor is empty.
Quotations
“It is not man that causes the things offered to become the Body and Blood of Christ, but He that was crucified for us, Christ Himself.”
“This same body... they that were present beheld lying in the manger... this very body we now see on the sacred table.”
“Wouldest thou honor the body of Christ? Do not disregard Him when naked; do not while here thou honorest Him with silken garments, neglect Him perishing without.”