How was the archbishop John Chrysostom successful in his pastoral work?

This Father’s pastoral work remains a living model worthy of imitation in our present time, despite all the hardships he faced due to his illnesses from his early youth and the persecution of the imperial palace because he did not accept to flatter the emperor, the empress, or the court. Moreover, he also faced the opposition of some archbishops, priests, and monks because he did not participate in the banquets held in the imperial palace, and neither did he hold banquets for the nobles.

One of the key factors that made him so successful was his understanding of pastorship. On the one hand, he asked the priest (and all the clergy) to be a father to all the world; to the believers, nonbelievers, and even to the opponents of the Church. It befits the priest, no matter what his rank is, as well as the laity, to imitate God “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4).

The second factor was his view of the people. He would say to said to them, “You are the bishop.” A young child, consecrated to God, can serve other children, drawing to the gospel those who will accept it with joy. A woman can serve other women in the market, in the spirit of the gospel, those whom the bishop cannot reach or deal with. St. John wants every believer to be a spiritual leader, regardless of gender, age, culture, or social status. The life of St. John Chrysostom remains a practical lesson for all priests and for every true believer throughout all generations.