Translation of Chrysostom’s Relics

Traditionally today commemorates the translation of the remains of John Chrysostom from his original burial place in Armenia to Constantinople. What is interesting about this feast day is the underlying issue of reconciliation, and restoration.

Chrysostom was a stormy character, invoking the ire of the imperial court because of his uncompromising attitudes towards among other things their decadence. He is famous for having the archepiscopal palace stripped of a gift of fine marble, selling it, and using the proceeds to feed and house the poor. Flying in the face of “propriety” Chrysostom maintained his (overzealous) ascetic practice even after having been elevated to the archepiscopacy – and as such he did not host the expected lavish banquets for someone of his rank at the heart of the imperial court.

In 403 Chrysostom was deposed and sent into exile for the last time. His memory however continued to pose problems for his immediate successors in order to restore unity within the church at Constantionple, and – more importantly – to “apologise” for the wrongs he endured in life. Chrysostom’s relics were translated to Constantinople, and his name restored to the dyptychs around AD438.

The Synod of the Oak that condemned him in the first place is recognised as having been not so much a synod as a political lynching. Which does not take a trained theologian to tell you is not an activity faithful to the ethos of the Gospel. Chrysostom’s translation and restoration which took place during the lifetime of some of those who condemned him, is largely a recognition of this failing of “the church” and was an explicit demonstration of the falibility of even the most faithful leaders of the community. Likewise it would seem to demonstrate that intransigence is not Christian.

So while normally I would look to highlight one of the other saints commemorated today – Peter of Egypt for example – rather than an event, on this occasion I think that it is worth reflecting on some of the ramifications of “simply” moving the relics of John Chrysostom from A to B and the thinking or discernment that went into that act.