8vo. 102 pp., Arabic lithographic text within borders, printed in red & black, partly two column per page with some Greek text, title printed in red & black, engraved vignette on title page, contemporary full calf, decorated & gilt, raised band spine, scattered light foxing, pages browned, previous owner’s name inscribed on front end paper, copy in very good condition, printed at St John the Baptist Monastery, Dayr al-Shuwayr, Lebanon, 1880.

Synopsis

Yuhanna Famm al-Zahab known as Saint John Chrysostom (347-407) is considered both by the Greek Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Church to be one of the earliest saints. He was famous for his extensive philosophical works and his sermons. He lived the life of an ascetic in one of the caves near Antioch. In the year 386 Chrysostom was ordained priest by Flavian, and from that moment onwards his real importance began
in ecclesiastical history. His chief task during the next twelve years was preaching, which he had to do either instead of or with Bishop Flavian. But no doubt the larger part of the popular religious instruction and education fell upon him.
The earliest notable occasion which showed his power of speaking and his great authority was the Lent of 387, when he delivered his sermon “On the Statues”. In 398 Chrysostom was elected a Patriarch of Constantinople. But, as the result of a conflict which broke out within the Church, Chrysostom was abducted to Cucusus, a secluded and rugged place on the east frontier of Armenia, and his followers were accused of treason.
Chrysostom has deserved a place in ecclesiastical history, not simply as Bishop of Constantinople, but chiefly as a Doctor of the Church. He wrote numerous letters and books, including the one which was published by Saint John Convent at Shuwayr Mount Lebanon.