What was John Chrysostom’s impact on the Church?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

St. John Chrysostom, known in the Church as the "Golden-Mouthed" (from the Greek Chrysostomos), is one of the most influential figures in the history of Christianity. Although he served as the Patriarch of Constantinople, his theological and liturgical impact is deeply felt within the Coptic Orthodox tradition.

1. The Divine Liturgy

While the Coptic Church primarily uses the Liturgy of St. Basil, the Liturgy of St. Gregory, and the Liturgy of St. Cyril (derived from St. Mark), St. John Chrysostom is credited with the standard liturgy used by the Byzantine churches. His focus was on the awe and reverence due to God in the Eucharist. He emphasized that the altar is a place of "fearful mysteries" where the sacrifice of is made present.

2. Biblical Exegesis and Preaching

St. John was a product of the Antiochian school, which focused on the literal and historical meaning of Scripture—a necessary balance to the more allegorical Alexandrian school.

• Homilies: He wrote extensive commentaries on nearly the entire New Testament, especially the Epistles of St. Paul.
• Practicality: He did not just preach abstract theology; he was straightforward in demanding that the faith be lived. He was a fierce advocate for the poor and a critic of the wealthy who lived in excess while their brothers starved.

3. Moral Reform and Apostolic Boldness

St. John was known for his uncompromising stance against the corruption of the imperial court and the laxity of the clergy.

• The Empress Eudoxia: His boldness in denouncing the Empress's vanity led to his eventual exile. This reflects the Coptic spirit of martyrdom and standing for the truth regardless of political correctness.
• True Orthodoxy: He fought against the remnants of Arianism and other heretics who sought to diminish the divinity of Christ.

4. Priesthood and Pastoral Care

His work On the Priesthood remains a foundational text for clergy. He described the priest’s role as being more demanding than that of an angel, because the priest is responsible for the souls of the flock before the Lord. He emphasized that the priest must be pure, as he handles the Holy Body and Blood of the ’s Son.

5. Connection to the Coptic Church

The Coptic Orthodox Church honors St. John Chrysostom as a "Teacher of the Universal Church." In the Diptych/Commemoration of the Saints during the Divine Liturgy, he is remembered among the great fathers and doctors of the Church. His writings are frequently used in Coptic monasticism and for the education of the laity, as his exhortations on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving align perfectly with the ascetic life of our Church.

St. John Chrysostom’s impact was the preservation of the "True Orthodox Faith" through the spoken and written word. He proved that to be a true theologian is not just to talk about, but to live a life of repentance and service to the "sacrament of the brother" (the poor).