The Story Behind This Icon: Saint John was born in Antioch in the year 344 A.D. He was raised solely by his mother, surrounded by many scholars allowing him to develop deep knowledge for his age. In the year 370, he was ordained reader and devoted his life to God. Spending many years as a monk, he was finally ordained a Priest. Because of his renowned wisdom, John was chosen as the next Patriarch of Constantinople. Once in his position, he called out the many lax spiritual policies of the city of Constantinople, facing much criticism. As a result, he was banished by the very people who chose him as Patriarch. Saint John spent the rest of his life in exile, his last words being "Glory to God for all things". Years after his death, his relics were returned to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius. He was surnamed "Chrysostom" or "Golden Mouth" because of his famed wisdom and peerless rhetorical ability, which we have the blessing of retaining in his homilies all these centuries later. Saint John the Chrysostom's feast day is celebrated on November 13, on January 27 (when his relics were brought back to Constantinople 30 years after his death) as well as on January 30 as one of the Three Hierarchs. *** This icon of Saint John Chrysostom is reproduced, with permission, from the authentic icon painted by the monks in the Cell of St. John the Theologian Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou in Mount Athos, Greece. This icon is part of our collection Icons from Mount Athos, which features all icons from the Cell of St. John the Theologian. This icon is made of solid, natural Limewood that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background consists of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece. All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere. Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here.
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