Gospel in Art: Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop, Doctor

St John Chrysostom, Mosaic at the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, 9th century © Hagia Sophia, Wikimedia Commons

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 13 September 2025
Luke 6:43-49

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

'Why do you call me "Lord, Lord", and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.'

Reflection on the mosaic

Saint John Chrysostom, born in Antioch around 347 AD, is one of the most celebrated Church Fathers in early Christianity. Known for his eloquence in preaching, he earned the nickname "Chrysostom," meaning "golden-mouthed." John was initially a monk, dedicating himself to a life of asceticism and study, but he later entered the priesthood in Antioch, where his powerful sermons on scripture and moral issues quickly garnered widespread attention. His sermons often addressed the social injustices of his time, criticising the wealthy and powerful while advocating for the poor and oppressed. This boldness, coupled with his deep commitment to Christian ethics, made him both a beloved and controversial figure.

In 398 AD, John was appointed Archbishop of Constantinople, where his influence continued to grow. As archbishop, he sought to reform the clergy and laity, emphasizing simplicity, humility, and charity. However, his strong stance against corruption and his outspoken nature led to conflicts with the imperial court and other Church leaders. His enemies eventually succeeded in having him exiled and, after enduring harsh conditions, John died in exile in 407 AD. Despite his tumultuous life, Saint John Chrysostom's legacy endures, particularly through his extensive writings, which include homilies, letters, and theological treatises. He is a Doctor of the Church in Western Christianity and one of the Three Holy Hierarchs in Eastern Orthodoxy.

Our artwork is a 9th-century mosaic of St John Chrysostom from the Hagia Sophia. It is a well surviving example of early Byzantine art, reflecting the deep reverence for the saint in the Eastern church. Originally, there were 14 portraits of Church Fathers adorning the Hagia Sophia, with seven on each side of the church's interior. These mosaics, created during the height of the Byzantine Empire, were designed to honour the theological giants who shaped early Christian doctrine, including Saint John Chrysostom, who held a significant role as the Archbishop of Constantinople where the Hagia Sophia is located. For centuries, these mosaics were hidden beneath layers of plaster and whitewash, a result of the building's conversion into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. It wasn't until the restoration efforts of the Fossati brothers in the 1840s that these magnificent works of art were rediscovered. The Fossati brothers, Swiss-Italian architects, meticulously uncovered and documented the mosaics during their restoration. As they were covered for so long, they are still vibrant and strikingly luminous.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-6-43-49-2025/