St. John Chrysostom
Bishop, Doctor of the Church - Memorial
Other Celebrations for this Day:
Liturgical Cycle: C | Lectionary Cycle: I
Introduction
St John, monk and bishop of Constantinople, was called “Chrysostom,” that is “mouth of gold,” on account of his extraordinary eloquence. Although often in poor health, he also deserved this name for being outspoken against corruption at the court and for the neglect and exploitation of the poor by the powerful. For this reason, he was banned twice from his city and died in exile. We owe him much of the Orthodox liturgy.
Opening Prayer
God, our Father,
you entrusted your good news
to St. John Chrysostom.
Loyally and without fear
he sowed your word as a seed
that it might bear fruit
also when it was accepted reluctantly.
Give us trust in your word,
make it grow in us
that it may become in all of us
really good news to live by.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Prayers of the Faithful
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God,
the harvest in our fields
has yielded its fruits
and here is bread and wine
to bring us strength and joy.
Let them become the body and blood of Jesus,
to keep us growing in the life
that he brought us by his death
and his rising to life,
until we are ready for your harvest.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord our God,
you have called us again
through the body of your Son
to make the body of his Church more an more
the living sign of your presence
and of your action in the world.
Make us dialogue with this world and Church
and criticize and challenge
what ought to be changed,
that they become your Church and your world
in Christ Jesus our Lord.