St. John Chrysostom (349–407) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. John Chrysostom was the Archbishop of Constantinople and a Doctor of the Church, regarded as the greatest preacher in the early Church. His surname means 'golden-mouthed,' reflecting his extraordinary eloquence. The Church celebrates St. John Chrysostom's feast on 09-13.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. John Chrysostom as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. John Chrysostom for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom was the Archbishop of Constantinople and a Doctor of the Church, regarded as the greatest preacher in the early Church. His surname means 'golden-mouthed,' reflecting his extraordinary eloquence. He was twice exiled for his bold denunciation of corruption among the clergy and imperial court.
The vocation of St. John Chrysostom reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. John Chrysostom's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
St. John Chrysostom is honored as the patron saint of Preachers, orators, epilepsy sufferers, Constantinople. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Preachers have traditionally invoked St. John Chrysostom's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. John Chrysostom is grounded in the specific details of Chrysostom's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. John Chrysostom in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. John Chrysostom and seek Chrysostom's intercession:
On the Feast Day (09-13): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Chrysostom's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Chrysostom's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. John Chrysostom and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. John Chrysostom in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Chrysostom, pray for us," draws Chrysostom's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. John Chrysostom can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. John Chrysostom. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. John Chrysostom
O glorious St. John Chrysostom, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. John Chrysostom as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Chrysostom's memory imitate Chrysostom's virtues and one day share Chrysostom's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. John Chrysostom in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. John Chrysostom has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. John Chrysostom in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Chrysostom's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Chrysostom's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. John Chrysostom is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. John Chrysostom: His Easter homily is still read at every Easter Vigil in Eastern Orthodox churches around the world.
When praying before an image of St. John Chrysostom, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.