The saints light up the whole universe with their light; they act as the citadels and ramparts of our cities.

Saint John Chrysostom (c. 344-407)
Father of the Church and Archbishop of Constantinople

“Saint John Chrysostom was always ready to give of himself, in whatever circumstances he found himself, for any need, and for anyone. His life was a perpetual gift to others: through his priesthood, through alms, by his sacrifices, by his words. And he did a great deal of speaking, for even when he wrote, which was not often, he communicated a spoken word. Saint John Chrysostom was a true bishop, for episkopos means overseer, and the bishop must think of the present moment. He must look all around him, and instead of closing his eyes to remember, he must open them to examine what is before him. The bishop must be ready to defend all sides at once to protect his sheep, for wolves come from all directions. Between Saint John Chrysostom and his people there grew a great friendship, and the bishop was the friend, both tender and stern, of each man and of every man. He watched, he warned, he directed, but above all, he loved. And his love was not spoken in a vague, official language, but was realized in his life as father, brother, support, and friend of his people… An admirable friend, indeed, who could become universal without ever becoming commonplace.”

Ernest Hello (1828-1885)
Writer