Here, interesting events from the lives of our Holy Fathers are published, along with excerpts from their enlightened teachings.
We begin with John Chrysostom.
George I, Patriarch of Alexandria (7th century), authored the work: “Exegesis, namely, the Life, Conduct, and Miracles of our Holy Father, Ecumenical Teacher, and Archbishop John Chrysostom”. It contains unknown and fascinating details about the life of Saint John.
It was published for the first time (text and translation) by the current professor of the University of Thessaly, Mr. Sotirios Balatsoukas (Trikala, 2016, pp. 568). This work serves as a primary source for our book, Title: CONQUEROR OF SOULS. Moments and Miracle” and published by Archangels Publications (First English Edition, 2025).
From this book, we present a selection of truly remarkable excerpts.
May they, through the prayers of Saint John Chrysostom, bring spiritual profit to us all.
John shocked Athens
John studied in Athens.However, his stay in Athens was marked by the following incident, which “shocked” the Athenianas.
The Mayor of Athens, named Demosthenes, who was a Christian, once organized a meeting of wise scholars. Having heard of John, he sent a carriage to bring him to the assembly. However, John refused such an honor and chose to walk there instead.
Upon entering the hall, the Mayor and the attendees stood up to welcome him. John greeted them with a simple nod, as was customary at the time.
Meanwhile, the wise scholars were jostling one another, competing for the best seats, whether in the front or at least in the middle.
The Mayor invited John to take a prominent seat among them, but John humbly chose to sit in the last row. He must have been about eighteen years old at the time.
Among the attendees was a pagan philosopher named Anthemios, a devoted follower of Athena and Dionysus. He was highly regarded among the Athenians for his wisdom. However, seeing the honor that the Mayor bestowed upon John, Anthemios was filled with envy and anger.
Anthemios: We are witnessing novelties! The academy is being disgraced! Meritocracy is lost! You have honored John…!
Mayor: Anthemios, as a philosopher, you have only the name…
John: Anthemios, are you so wise that you attack me in anger? Have I wronged you in any way? I did not come here to boast of my knowledge but to speak about Christ, who has taught us to live humbly.
Mayor: There is no connection between the teachings of Christ and those of the twelve gods.
John: Exactly! The twelve gods teach corruption and immorality; their myths are meaningless and, in some cases, even laughable. Their doctrines were established by the work of demons, whereas Christian teaching comes from the true God.
Mayor: Anthemios, on one hand, you present the gods as abominations, and on the other, you claim to worship them. Is it right to speak in such contradictions?
Anthemios: John has achieved such greatness thanks to Athena’s help! Instead of showing gratitude to our gods, he insults them!
Mayor: Our Emperor is a Christian. All those under his rule are Christians, including myself. Stop making such statements, for if they reach their ears, we may face consequences…
John: There is no nation today that does not believe in the true God. Learn, Anthemios, what misfortunes the Jews suffered for rejecting Jesus Christ as the true God. What benefit, then, is there in worshiping Athena? If you do not repent, I will report all of this to the emperors. Is it worth living if you provoke the true God, who provides for you? Even animals show gratitude to their masters when they are fed.
Anthemios: It is not God who feeds us, but the earth itself, cultivated by farmers.
Suddenly, Anthemios fell to the ground, convulsing. He foamed at the mouth as if possessed.
Some fled in fear, while others pleaded with the young John to pray for him.
John: Anthemios has blasphemed against Christ with his beliefs. He must repent for Christ to heal him.
Anthemios: I believe in the God that John believes in! At these words, the demon left him, and Anthemios stood up, completely healed. The assembly exclaimed, “Great is the God of the Christians! What god can do such things?” Even the pagans admitted, “We are deceived, believing in gods who can do nothing!”
John: Anthemios, why did Athena, Artemis, Zeus, and the others not help you? You suffered because you refused to believe in the true God.
Anthemios: What must I do to be saved?
John: Go to the Bishop.
Anthemios went to the Bishop with his wife, children, and servants, and they were all baptized.
The Bishop of Athens was very old at the time, and upon hearing of John’s wisdom, he wished to appoint him as his successor. However, John secretly left Athens and returned to Antioch.
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