Today we celebrate this fourth century bishop and doctor of the Church. He was born in Antioch, trained as an orator, joined a community of monks, but the austere life damaged his health so he left and was ordained. He became famous for his eloquent sermons and was called "the golden mouth". He was named Archbishop of Constanstinople. He preached reform and made enemies. While celebrating an Easter service, he was abducted and exiled to Armenia. When the people demanded his return, the Emperor ordered that he travel on foot through the autumn rains to a distant fortress. As expected, he died on the journey. Here is a short prayer from his "Sermons on Matthew":
God grant that we may live our lives here without trouble, and in security, and attain the joys of eternal life; by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and his love for us, to whom be glory and might, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Let us pray to him to be eloquent in preaching the word of God.
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