The Transfer of the Precious Relics (438) of Our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom
Hebrews 7:26-8:2; John 10:9-16
Polyeleos Feast. No fasting or abstention from foods.
Read Hebrews 7:26-8:2
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
On the Liturgical calendar today we commemorate a special event in the life of the church: the Transfer of Relics of Our Father Among the Saints John Chrysostom. His life was filled with strong prophetic teaching and holy righteous living. It would be expected that a man of such tremendous contribution would be respected and loved by all his contemporaries, but, unfortunately, this was not the case. John Chrysostom, like the holy prophet John the Baptist, was not afraid of boldly proclaiming the truth no matter the audience or consequence. He unequivocally stood up for the poor, never compromised with evil, and was not afraid to preach the Gospel—even if it stung those who opposed it—because he was more concerned for the eternal salvation of the other. It was this concern for the salvation of Emperor Arcadius and Empress Eudoxia that ultimately led him to exile and death.
John died in the city of Comana in the year 407 on his way to a place of exile. Thirty-one years later St. Proculus Patriarch of Constantinople, wholeheartedly supported by the people, interceded to the Emperor to bring back the relics of the saint. The emperor wrote an edict and the transfer was officially enacted. The men could not lift the tomb no matter how hard they tried, until the Emperor Theodosius wrote a personal letter of apology, requesting forgiveness on behalf of his parents—who exiled him—and an invitation to return back to Constantinople. Once the letter was placed on the chest of St. John they easily took up the relics, carried them onto a ship and travelled toward Constantinople.
On the way the barge encountered a sudden storm and grounded at the widow Callitrope’s estate—this was an estate which Empress Eudoxia unjustly seized and also the final reason why St. John was exiled. Emperor Theodosius, the son of Eudoxia, understood that this injustice needed to be corrected, so as soon as he gave the land back to the proper family the barge was loosened and then continued on its journey to Constantinople.
Upon arrival, St. John was met by Emperor Theodosius and the entire senate. He prostrated to the ground again asking for forgiveness for the sins committed against him and his friends. The tomb was carried to the church of St. Thomas and brought to the tomb of Eudoxia—her tomb was trembling for 20 years and the arrival of St. John brought peace to her. The tomb with the relics was placed in the Church of Irene (Hagia Eirene). When Patriarch Proclus opened the coffin, the body of Saint John was found to be incorrupt. The tomb was then brought to the Church of the Holy Apostles. The people cried out, “Father, take up your throne.” Then Patriarch Proclus and the clergy standing by the relics saw Saint John open his mouth and say, “Peace be to all.” Many miracles and healings occurred at his tomb.
We see today that we ought not to fear standing up for goodness, truth, righteousness and the marginalized. Even if it may make us unpopular or bring about suffering. God always stands with those who suffer for Him and ultimately grants them His victory in this life and most importantly the next. St. Proculus beautifully praises John by saying, “O John, your life was filled with sorrow, but your death was glorious. Your grave is blessed and reward is great, by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ O graced one, having conquered the bounds of time and place! Love has conquered space, unforgetting memory has annihilated the limits, and place does not hinder the miracles of the saint.”
Our Father St. John Chrysostom pray to God for us!