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 back-
ground and the costume to show the Byzantine culture which
surrounded the man. Incorporated into this is the name it-
self, “Golden Mouth”–hence, the predominance of the gold.

Ruckman ’66