John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor

Born the son of an imperial military officer, John studied rhetoric and theology under the best Roman scholars before converting to Christianity in 369. John preferred the simple life of a monk, and in 374, he became a hermit under the guidance of Saint Basil. He had a great reputation for his preaching and he was noted for the eloquence of his sermons. In his sermons, John called for justice and charity, enjoining the rich to share their wealth with the poor. He practiced what he preached and made sure his own household followed Christian values. He opposed the evils practiced by the rulers of his day and suffered exile because of it.

Taking an unpopular view is certain to gain enemies. Yet John, like many other saints, spoke out against the excesses of his time. Most people in our times would shy away from pointing out the immoral positions of certain groups.