Page 29 - God's Church through the Ages - Student Textbook

was baptized in A.D. 368 and immediately became a monk. He practiced an ascetic life until A.D. 380, living in a
cave near Antioch. He spent two years continually standing, scarcely sleeping, and committing the Bible to
memory. As a consequence of these practices, his stomach and kidneys were permanently damaged and poor
health brought his monastic life to an end.

He was ordained in A.D. 386 and began to preach. He became the outstanding preacher of his day, and was
called “golden mouth.” He fittingly was the main speaker at the Antioch’s cathedral called the Golden Church.
In A.D. 397, he was made patriarch of Constantinople, which position he held until Empress Eudoxia finally
banished him in A.D. 404 because he had denounced her for her extravagant dress and for placing a silver statue
of herself near St. Sophia where he preached. He died in exile in A.D. 407. Chrysostom was and is still hailed as
the greatest pulpit orator the Eastern Church has ever had.

You might want to become a preacher in the future. John Chrysostom was one of the
greatest preachers of all time. He declared the Gospel and many came to Christ as he spoke the Good
News of Salvation. But He also declared the full counsel of God’s Word, and some did not appreciate
that. He upset those whose life opposed Christ. As a result, He was persecuted and eventually
banished. He actually died while traveling to a remote area during his banishment. You need to
realize that if you become a preacher of God’s Word, there will be a price to pay. Are you willing to
take up your cross and follow Him?

John Chrysostom

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