Bishop of Constantinople - 13 September John was born in Antioch in about 347. He was a brilliant preacher which earned him in the sixth century the surname 'Chrysostom', literally 'golden-mouthed'. He is honoured as one of the four Greek Doctors of the Church. Against his wish he was made Patriarch of Constantinople in 398. He set about reforming the Church and exposing corruption amongst the clergy and in the Imperial administration. "Mules bear fortunes and Christ dies of hunger at your gate," he is alleged to have cried out. He fell foul of the Empress Eudoxia and, in spite of the support of Pope Innocent I of Rome, was sent into exile twice, finally dying of exhaustion and starvation in September 407, with the words "Glory be to God for everything" on his lips.
The most frequently used of the three eucharistic services of the Eastern Orthodox church is called the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, but the evidence that he had anything to do with its composition is unconvincing. The Prayer of St. John Chrysostom in The Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England is taken from this liturgy, hence the attribution of the prayer.
Prayer of St Chrysostom ( in the book of Common Prayer)
Almighty god, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication unto thee and dost promise when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests; Fulfil now, O Lord the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth , and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen |
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