Author: John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom (c. 349 – 407 AD), born in Antioch, is one of the most influential Early Church Fathers recognized for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking. Known for his denunciatory sermons, which earned him the nickname “Chrysostomos” meaning “golden-mouthed” in Greek, he was famous for his articulate and impassioned oratory. His considerable body of work, including sermons, treatises, and epistles, profoundly shaped Christian theology, especially within the Byzantine tradition. Among his extensive writings, “Eight Homilies Against the Jews” stands out as a contentious work, reflecting the tense interfaith dynamics of his time. These homilies, delivered in Antioch in the late 4th century, have been both influential and controversial, critiqued for their vehement rhetoric against Jewish religious practices and communities, which some scholars argue contributed to the development of Christian anti-Semitism. Despite this aspect of his legacy, Chrysostom is also remembered for his contributions to the development of Christian doctrine, particularly regarding the Divine Liturgy and his steadfast stance against ecclesiastic corruption and the opulent lifestyles of the secular and ecclesiastical elite. Revered as a saint in Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Anglicanism, John Chrysostom”s works continue to be studied for their theological significance and historical impact on the Christian tradition.