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.

Thanks to Lyngine for forwarding this rather interesting article from Newsweek to me. Lisa Miller (the article’s author) writes that a recent Pew Forum study shows that 7 percent of Americans worship in small groups in house churches rather than attending larger gatherings/congregational settings.

The article goes on to explore some of the reasons – the era of the mega church is over, one size does not fit all when it comes to worship & spirituality, and the rigid institutionalism of “traditional” denomonations distracts and deterrs the faithful.

What was interesting to me however, from an OC/IC perspective is the analogy between mega-church and micro-church and big brand beer, and micro-breweries. A bit flimsy at first but lets think about the branding ideas, the backround imagery for a moment. When you think micro-brewery, you think small, local producer, you think quality, traditional manufacturing but quirky enough to bend a bit here, and be flexible there.

Hmmm . . . perhaps this is not such a bad analogy aferall. Perhaps this is a decent working image set for an indie community to use to draw up an outreach plan for 2010?

Today is the Synaxis of John the Forerunner – it is a sensible place for a feast commemorating John, prophet, precursor of Christ, and the one who plays a key role in the Theophany event.

It is however, curious that John gets at least four feast days in the liturgical cycle three of them are focussed on the losing of, or finding of his head: the beheading of the Forerunner is traditionally celebrated on 29 August, the first and second finding of the head of the Forerunner is commemorated on 24 February, and the third finding of his head is 25 May. All of this losing and finding of the poor prophet’s head leaves one wondering if the early church was capable of keeping valuables safe at all! Or perhaps they were unable to decide if he was truly such a key figure in the history of the faith?

Oh and we celebrate his birthday on 24 June.

Perhaps it is time to pick a day – and really make a day of it – like today, the event that marks the pinnacle of John’s role in the Christian story. We call this feast a synaxis – or coming together. It makes sense that it ought to be the coming together of all of John’s feasts in to one big blow out.

Perhaps the second most important feast in the liturgical cycle (Pascha being the first) today we celebrate the manifestation of the Trinity, and the philanthropy of God.

“When you enlightened all things at the time of your manifestation, . . . the Jordan reversed its course, flowing uphill and carrying us to heaven.”

Today is also the annual great blessing of water – and the blessing of homes for the coming year. Whereupon much partying ensues.