Quotes from Saint John Chrysostom

In the Christian combat, not the striker, as in the Olympic contests, but he who is struck, wins the crown. This is the law in the celestial theatre, where the Angels are the spectators.

Intemperance is a hydra with a hundred heads. She never stalks abroad unaccompanied with impurity, anger, and the most infamous profligacies.

It is certainly a greater and more wonderful work to change the minds of enemies, bringing about a change of soul, than to kill them.

You [Jews] did slay Christ, you did lift violent hands against the Master, you did spill his precious blood. This is why you have no chance for atonement, excuse, or defense.

If you would rise, shun luxury, for luxury lowers and degrades.

I am a Christian. He who answers thus has declared everything at once-his country, profession, family; the believer belongs to no city on earth but to the heavenly Jerusalem.

Every family should have a room where Christ is welcome in the person of the hungry and thirsty stranger.

Fasting of the body is food for the soul.

It is folly to abstain all day long from food, but fail to abstain from sin and selfishness.

It is impossible to be saved without the help of the Most Blessed Virgin, because those who are not saved by the justice of God are saved by the intercession of Mary.