A Life of Charity and Conviction
His actions were consistent with what he had preached his whole life. Raised a Christian in Antioch by a devout mother, John earnestly desired to live in seclusion in a life of prayer. But living alone in harsh conditions was too much for his health, so after a few years he returned to public life. However, he never lost the conviction that life is meant to be simple, gracious, and charitable. “Charity is the greatest of graces. Let us practice it, and we shall not be inferior to Peter and Paul despite all their miracles,” he said in one message.
Reformer of Church and City
In Constantinople, John was unfathomably busy: in his first two years, he reformed the episcopal house and clergy, organized the church’s charity, built hospitals, evangelized the areas surrounding the city, and spoke out against the Arian heresy. At the same time, he continued his weekly preaching, vehemently chastising the abuses of the rich and powerful in the city. “Amongst those who crowded to the church to hear his words, his special predilection was for the humble and simple, although he neglected no one.”
Exile for the Sake of Truth
It’s no wonder that Constantinople, used to the lax leadership of the prior bishop, was in an uproar. John Chrysostom had become the champion of the common citizens, but he had also made many enemies. With little political tact, John easily offended rulers and governors. Over the years, the tension grew worse. Finally, “Theophilus, the archbishop of Alexandria, was able to call a council outside of Constantinople and, trumping up charges of heresy, had John deposed from office. John was sent into exile by Empress Eudoxia and Emperor Arcadius.”
On June 20, John said goodbye to the bishops and others who had been faithful to him and slipped out the door of his church, placing himself entirely into the hands of the officers. As they travelled, he was uncertain where he was to be exiled to, but finally learned it was Cucusus, in modern-day Turkey.
To Be Continued…
Date: 18th May 2024
Martyr: John Chrysostom
Location: Not specified
Source: God’s Generals, the martyrs
Author: Richard Liardon
Suffering Saturday 091
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