St. John Chrysostom

Today the Church remembers St. John “Chrysostom” (Greek for “golden mouth” because of his eloquence in preaching).  He who was born around 344 and died on this day in 407. 

 

Around 374, John became a hermit monk, but because of his health, he returned to the city of Antioch where he was ordained a priest.  In 398, John became the Bishop of Constantinople where he gained a reputation for being an excellent preacher.

He is considered to be one of the Early Church Fathers because of his preaching and teaching.  John’s sermons against corruption in high places earned him powerful enemies, including the Empress, and he was sent into exile, where he died.  John’s preaching, by word and example, exemplifies the role of the prophet to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. For his honesty and courage he paid the price of a turbulent ministry as bishop, personal vilification and exile.

Let us pray:  O God, who gave to your servant John Chrysostom grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellency in preaching, and fidelity in ministering your Word, that your people shall be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

The Lord’s Prayer Study begins this Sunday at 11:15 a.m. (to give time for the Bishop’s Committee Meeting.  Thereafter, we will start at 11:00 a.m.).  Materials will be available. Please come and join this study and grow in your faith.

Our regularly scheduled Bishop’s Committee Meeting is this Sunday starting immediately after the Eucharist.  Items on the agenda will include: (1) Biehl Community Garden update; (2) Sutton Hall use update; (3) financial report; (4) the Bell Tower historical space; (5) update on pest control; (6) update on hiring culinary students from Galveston College for Sunday breakfasts; and (7) status of obtaining Internet for the Church.  I invite everyone to participate in the decision making of our faith community.

Art Show begins Saturday, 22 September with a reception at 6:00 p.m.

St. Vincent’s Day celebration on 29 September with Eucharist at 10:00 a.m.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Patricia and Spurgeon, and on this 4^th anniversary of Hurricane Ike we remember all of those who have suffered and we give thanks for the recovery made.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550