ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM; FEAST DAY 27th JANUARY
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM 27th JANUARY The Holy Patriarch of Constantinople was called “Chrysostom” (“Golden Mouth”) because of the eloquence of his preaching. He was also the most prolific writer of the early Greek Church. He was persecuted by the Empress Eudoxia and her courtiers. He died in exile in 407 AD. The Gradual passage is from Ecchus 44: 16, 20: Behold a great priest who in his days pleased God. There was not found any like to him, who kept the law of the most high. Alleluia, alleluia. (James 1.12). Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life. Alleluia. His homilies were effective in their practical application of the Catholic faith. In his homily for the Feast of St Matthew, he emphasised charity and spoke against the abuse of wealth and personal property. He challenged them to see Christ in their fellow man: “Do you wish to honour the body of Christ? Do not ignore him when he is naked. Do not pay him homage...