Saint John Chrysostom: a great contributor to the Christian liturgy

The feast of St. John Chrysostom is celebrated every year on 13 September. St. John Chrysostom is a Church Father and Bishop of Constantinople, known for his devotion to the preaching of the Gospel and his contribution to the Christian liturgy. He is often invoked for the guidance of preachers and for wisdom. St John Chrysostom, guide for the preaching of the Gospel, pray for us that we may be instruments for the defence of the truth of the faith and effective preachers.

Who is Saint John Chrysostom?

His story

St John Chrysostom was born in Antioch in Syria in 347 and died in Constantinople in 407. He was ordained a priest in Antioch and later bishop of Constantinople. He is considered one of the great preachers of the early Church. He wrote many discourses and homilies on the Scriptures and made significant contributions to the liturgy of the Church.

His significance

St John Chrysostom is known for his powerful rhetoric and his passionate defence of poverty and the vulnerable. He also criticised excessive wealth and social injustice. St John Chrysostom is considered a model of holiness and pastoral diligence, and his name means "golden mouth". 

Celebration of the Feast of St. John Chrysostom

Religious rituals

Religious rituals around this feast include the celebration of Mass in honour of St John Chrysostom, the recitation of prayers and litanies, and the reading of texts from his homilies and spiritual writings. Some churches may also organise processions and prayers for healing.

Prayer to Saint John Chrysostom

O St John Chrysostom, faithful friend of Jesus,

You dedicated your life to preaching the Gospel, defending the truth and promoting justice.

You have inspired many generations of Christians through your zeal, wisdom and courage.

Today we pray that you will help us to live our faith more deeply, more authentically and more resplendently.

Grant us the grace to strive to follow your example, so that we may be faithful witnesses of God's love for people.

May your prayer sustain us in difficult times and encourage us in our efforts to do good around us.

Amen.