Chrysostom
Chrysostom, John of Antioch
347-407
John was born and raised in Antioch, Syria, where he studied the Scriptures and served as a deacon. Later he became pastor of the leading church. During his ten-year pastorate there, he taught the Scriptures as well as writing commentaries. He was made Archbishop of Constantinople in 397, and preached there for six years, condemning sin in high places as well as low places. The Empress Eudosia banished him because she said that he had insulted her.
He was soon recalled, but not tamed. He continued his strong preaching against sin until, banished again, he died in the desert. Thirty years later, his bones were taken back to Constantinople and buried with great pomp. His oratorical powers caused him to be called “Chrysostom,” which means, “the golden mouth.”
ARTIST’S NOTE: An attempt has been made both in the background and the costume to show the Byzantine culture which surrounded the man. Incorporated into this is the name itself, “Golden Mouth”–hence, the predominance of the gold.
Ruckman ’66