Today in the Eastern Church

Saint John Chysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople. Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, saith the Lord (Antiphon from the Benedictus on the Feast of Saint John Chyrsostom).

Today in the Eastern Church is the Feast of Saint John Chrysostom. He was a noted preacher, who was fearless in preaching the Gospel. This included preaching against the many abuses and extragences of the imperial court. His preaching ultimately lead to violent reactions from the imperial court. He was disposed twice. The second time he was exhiled, and as a result died due to ill treatment.

He was exhiled for preaching the Truth in season and out of season.

Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in a friendly embrace with Benedict XVI, Supreme Pontiff

As the our bishops gather in Baltimore, let us pray for them, that through the intercession of Saint John Chrysostom, they too will have the fortitude to preach the Truth of the Gospel of Life. Let us pray too that through the out pouring of the Holy Spirit, this message of the Truth will take root in the hearts of our new regime, and they may heed the words of Moses, "This day I call Heaven and Earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life so that your children may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19).

O Lord, who didst vouchsafe to illúmine thy Church with the wondrous righteousness and doctrine of thy blessed Confessor and Bishop Saint Chrysostom: grant, we beseech thee; that the bounty of thy heavenly grace may evermore increase and multiply the same. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen