The Christian preacher St. John Chrysostom (ca. 347-407) was bishop of Constantinople. A renowned orator, he earned the epithet Chrysostom, or "golden-mouthed," and is a Father of the Church.

Born at Antioch in Syria, John studied there as a young man with eminent teachers of rhetoric, philosophy, and theology. Adopting the life of Christian asceticism, he practiced austerities so severe as a desert recluse that his health collapsed, forcing him to return to his native city about age 33.

At Antioch, John was ordained deacon in 381 and presbyter five years later. As preacher, he drew the enthusiastic approval both of his bishop and of the Christian laity. His sermons are notable for their attention to the historical meaning of Scripture as opposed to allegorical interpretation, for their concern with practical moral application, and for their pungent thrusts against the loose morality of a city nominally Christian.

The fame of...