Homily on St. Ignatius

John Chrysostom (c. 349–407), Archbishop of Constantinople, was an important Early Church Father. He is known for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and his ascetic sensibilities.

St. Ignatius of Antioch, born between 35 and 50 A.D., was an early Christian church father who was martyred in Rome sometime between 98 and 117 A.D. Ignatius referred to himself as Theophorus, which translates as God bearer. He was the Third Bishop of Antioch, and a student of John the Apostle. According to tradition, Ignatius was one of the children Jesus picked up and blessed.