John was born in Antioch
in the year 354. His father, Secundus, was an imperial commander and his
mother's name was Anthusa. Studying Greek philosophy, John became disgusted
with Hellenic paganism and adopted the Christian Faith as the one and
all-embracing truth. Meletius, Patriarch of Antioch, baptized John, and his
parents also subsequently received baptism. Following his parents' repose, John
was tonsured a monk and lived a strict life of asceticism. He then wrote a
book, On the Priesthood, after which the Holy Apostles John and Peter appeared
to him, and prophesied that he would have a life of great service, great grace and
great suffering. When he was to be ordained a priest, an angel of God appeared
simultaneously to John and to Patriarch Flavian (Meletius's successor). While
the patriarch was ordaining John, a shining white dove was seen hovering over
John's head. Glorified for his wisdom, asceticism and power of words, John was
chosen as Patriarch of Constantinople at the behest of Emperor Arcadius. As
patriarch, he governed the Church for six years with unequalled zeal and
wisdom. He sent missionaries to the pagan Celts and Scythians and eradicated
simony in the Church, deposing many bishops guilty of this vice. He extended
the charitable works of the Church and wrote a special order of the Divine
Liturgy. He shamed the heretics, denounced Empress Eudoxia, interpreted Holy
Scripture with his golden mind and tongue, and bequeathed the Church many
precious books of his homilies. The people glorified him, the envious loathed
him, and the Empress, on two occasions, sent him into exile. John spent three
years in exile, and reposed as an exile on the Feast of the Elevation of the
Precious and Life-giving Cross, September 14, 407, in the town of Comana in
Georgia. Before his repose, the Holy Apostles John and Peter appeared to him
again, as did the Holy Martyr Basiliscus (May 22) in whose church he received
Communion for the last time. His last words were, ``Glory be to God for all
things,'' and with that, the soul of the golden-mouthed patriarch was taken
into Paradise.
