When the Homily is about Immunology

Saints are sometimes like Artists...

...they aren't really recognized or appreciated until well after they die.

Patriarch John Chrysostom of Constantinople often found himself in hot water with the wealthy "powers-that-be" of the Eastern Roman Empire (aka Byzantine Empire). St. John issued many reforms and changes in the ministry of the Patriarchate which challenged the aristocracy of Constantinople and he preached many sermons that unabashedly attacked the abuses of the wealthy and privileged of society - including the many morally lax clergy. While he made many enemies amongst the elite (including the Empress Eudoxia), he very quickly became a "man of the people" and was much beloved by the Church at large.

St. John was exiled once, but returned after a huge public outcry and a powerful earthquake convinced the Empress that it might have been a mistake. But alas, St. John would not give up his seemingly prophetic call and eventually he was exiled one last time. He died while in a state of exile in 407AD. But the story doesn't end here.

Thirty years later, we'd see the Empress Eudoxia's son Theodosius II, the new Emperor, publically repenting of his mother's treatment of St. John and ordering that the Patriarch's relics be returned to Constantinople where the Emperor himself would tearfully venerate the great Patriarch. Today, we remember St. John Chrysostom and his triumphant return to Constantinople. He is arguably the most well known and beloved saint of the Eastern Church. Each Sunday we celebrate the liturgy which bears his name and it is his sermon you will hear each and every Pascha in each and every Orthodox Church throughout the world.

Troparion
Grace like a flame shining forth from thy mouth has illumined the universe,
and disclosed to the world treasures of poverty and shown us the height of humility.
And as by thine own words thou teachest us, Father John Chrysostom,
so intercede with the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.

Kontakion
The Church rejoices at the recovery of thy holy relics.
She kept them hidden, like most precious gold,
and by thine intercessions she unceasingly grants healing to those
who praise thee, O John Chrysostom.

Holy Saint John Chrysostom, pray unto God for us!

Want to read more about the dramatic life of St. John or perhaps read some of his sermons? I highly reccommend The St. John Chyrsostom Webpage