Archbishop of Constantinople John Chrysostom

john chrysostom confronting aelia eudoxia, in 19th-century painting jean-paul laurens.

in autumn of 397, john appointed archbishop of constantinople, after having been nominated without knowledge eunuch eutropius. had leave antioch in secret due fears departure of such popular figure cause civil unrest.

during time archbishop adamantly refused host lavish social gatherings, made him popular common people, unpopular wealthy citizens , clergy. reforms of clergy unpopular. told visiting regional preachers return churches meant serving—without payout.

his time in constantinople more tumultuous time in antioch. theophilus, patriarch of alexandria, wanted bring constantinople under sway , opposed john s appointment constantinople. theophilus had disciplined 4 egyptian monks (known tall brothers ) on support of origen s teachings. fled john , welcomed him. theophilus therefore accused john of being partial teaching of origen. made enemy in aelia eudoxia, wife of emperor arcadius, assumed john s denunciations of extravagance in feminine dress aimed @ herself. eudoxia, theophilus , other of enemies held synod in 403 (the synod of oak) charge john, in connection origen used against him. resulted in deposition , banishment. called arcadius immediately, people became tumultuous on departure, threatening burn royal palace. there earthquake night of arrest, eudoxia took sign of god s anger, prompting ask arcadius john s reinstatement.

peace short-lived. silver statue of eudoxia erected in augustaion, near cathedral. john denounced dedication ceremonies pagan , spoke against empress in harsh terms: again herodias raves; again troubled; dances again; , again desires receive john s head in charger , allusion events surrounding death of john baptist. once again banished, time caucasus in abkhazia.

around 405, john began lend moral , financial support christian monks enforcing emperors anti-pagan laws, destroying temples , shrines in phoenicia , nearby regions.