On September 27 we remember the repose of St. John Chrysostomtranslated

On September 27, the Orthodox Church remembers the repose of the outstanding ascetic of God and teacher of the Church - St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople (+ 407).

One of the three Ecumenical Hierarchs (along with Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian) was born around 347 in Antioch, in the family of a military leader. His father, Secundus, died shortly after the birth of his son, and his mother, Anthusa, remained a widow at the age of 20, never remarried, devoting her life to raising John in the Christian faith.

During his years of growing up, the future saint received an excellent education, both secular and religious. When his mother died, he accepted monasticism, which he called “true philosophy.” Already in those years, Saint John wrote his first works, including “Six Words about the Priesthood” and “Against Those Armed with Those Seeking Monasticism.”

In 386, Saint John was ordained presbyter by Bishop Flavian of Antioch. This service also meant delivering sermons, in which his brilliant talent soon manifested itself. For 12 years he preached tirelessly in the church twice a week, and sometimes daily to large crowds of people. At the same time, Saint John was busy writing...