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John Chrysostomos was born at Antioch in c. 345, and died in exile at Comana in Pontus area c. 407. John Chrysostom was one the greatest Christian preachers. He was born to a wealthy family, his father was a general officer in the Roman army. But his mother Anthusa was left a widow at the age twenty with baby John. He was raised as a Christian boy by his mother, though he was baptized at the age of eighteen. He was intended to be a lawyer and a student of Libanius the famous Pagan orator who also provided financial aid for John's mother. He became a regular attendant at the church and a good reader. However, when he lived in a cave alone for his ascetic devotion, that almost ruined his health. No returning to his home city was chosen a deacon in 381, later somewhat after 386, he was the preacher at the principal church of Antiochwhere he built his reputation as a disciplined preacher. In 397 John was made bishop of Constantinople against his will and he refused this position until 398 when he came to the city and accepted his title. |
