Chrysostom, John, St (c.347–407). Bishop of Constantinople and Doctor of the Church. He served as priest at Antioch from 386, where his great powers of oratory (the name Chrysostom means ‘golden-mouthed’, more often expressed as ‘golden-tongued’, whence ‘silvertongued Smith’, of the 16th-cent. preacher Henry Smith) were directed against moral and paganizing lapses in the nominally Christian city. Feast day in the W., 13 Sept.; in the E., 13 Nov.

The Liturgy of St Chrysostom has been, since the 13th cent., the eucharistic liturgy in general use in the Orthodox Church, except on the few days for which that of Basil is prescribed.

Chrysostom, Saint John (c.347–407) Doctor of the Church, Patriarch of Constantinople. In 386 he was ordained in Antioch, and his sermons earned him the epithet Chrysostom (Gk. golden-mouthed). In 398 he was made Archbishop of Constantinople. His Homilies are an invaluable record of religious thought. His feast day is January 27.