Hierarch · c. 347–407
John Chrysostom
Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople
New Calendar November 13 Old Calendar November 26
Why they are a saint
John Chrysostom was golden-mouthed preacher of Antioch and Constantinople; the Divine Liturgy used most Sundays bears his name. He died in exile on 14 September; his feast is kept 13 November so as not to clash with the Cross. The years given for this life are c. 347–407.
Life
Saint John was born at Antioch around 347 into the family of a military commander. His father died soon after his birth, and his mother Anthusa, widowed at twenty, devoted herself to raising him. He was baptized in 367, studied under ascetic teachers, and after his mother's death embraced the monastic life, spending years as an ascetic in the wilderness.
He became Archbishop of Constantinople. He enriched the services of the Church, compiling a Liturgy and introducing antiphonal singing at the all-night Vigil, and he denounced the dissolute morals of the city. A council of his enemies declared him deposed, and the emperor sent him into exile.
On a three-month forced journey in rain and frost his strength failed at Comana. There, after receiving the Holy Mysteries, he fell asleep in the Lord on September 14, 407, with the words, 'Glory to God for all things!' His relics were solemnly brought back to Constantinople in 438. He is one of the Three Hierarchs.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of preachers, students and teachers (Three Hierarchs), because he taught and wrote in defence of the faith.
Prayer
O holy John Chrysostom, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with John the Forerunner; John the Theologian; John of Damascus; John of Kronstadt.