John was raised as
a Christian and lived as a hermit until his
health gave way, after which he returned to
Antioch and was ordained a priest. He earned
a reputation as a great preacher (Chrysostom
means “golden-mouthed”). Against
his wishes, he was appointed archbishop of
Constantinople in 398. He angered the wealthy
with his concern for the poor and his criticisms
of the misuse of riches. A synod convened
in 403 by Theophilus of Alexandria condemned
him on 29 charges and banished him to Armenia.
He died en route to a more distant exile on
the Black Sea. In 438 his relics were brought
to Constantinople, and he was rehabilitated
by the church.
