John Chrysostom was born at Antioch about the year 350. He was trained as a lawyer. He became a monk, then later a priest and became a famed theologian and preacher, gaining the name Chrysostom or “the golden-mouthed.” He was elected bishop of Constantinople in 398 and faced much opposition in his reforms. Twice he was forced into exile by the hatred of the imperial court and the envy of his enemies. After he had completed his difficult labours, he died at Comana in Pontus on 14 Sept 407. He is honoured as one of the four Greek Doctors of the Church. The Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, widely used in the East, was once attributed to him, although it is now recognised as very probably later than his time. – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 2982; Christian Prayer 1990, p 1219
