John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom (347 - 407) was a notable bishop and preacher from the 4th and 5th centuries in Syria and Constantinople.

He is famous for eloquence in public speaking and his denunciation of abuse of authority in the church and in the Roman Empire of the time and he had notable ascetic tendencies.

After his death he was named Chrysostom, which comes from the Greek chrysostomos, "golden mouthed". The Eastern Orthodox Church honors him as a saint (feastday, 13 November) and count him among the Three Holy Hierarchs (feastday, 30 January), together with Saints Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian. He is also recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, which considers him a saint and a Doctor of the Church, and the Church of England, who commemorate him on 13 September. His relics were stolen from Constantinople by Crusaders in 1204 and brought to Rome, but were returned on 27 November 2004 by Pope John Paul II.

Quotes
John Chrysostom on infant baptism
 * It is on this account that we baptize even infeants, although they have no sins, that they may be given the further gifts of sanctification, righteousness, adoption as sons

Links

 * John Chrysostom - Patron Saints Index

Christianity -> Famous Christians -> Theologians and Evangelists