Large Relic of Saint John Chrysostom

Large Relic of Saint John Chrysostom

With Original Episcopal Authentica — 1919

An important early twentieth-century reliquary containing a large first-class bone relic (Ex Ossibus) of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, and one of the greatest Fathers of Christianity.

The substantial bone fragment is preserved beneath glass within an elegant rectangular reliquary, beautifully displayed on a deep red velvet ground and surrounded by decorative gilt ornamentation.

The original Latin cedula identifies the relic as:

"ex os. S. Joannis Chrysostomi Ep. D."
"From the bone of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church."

The reverse of the reliquary retains its original red silk securing threads together with the intact episcopal wax seal, perfectly corresponding to the accompanying ecclesiastical authentication.

Saint John Chrysostom

Saint John Chrysostom (c. 347–407), Archbishop of Constantinople, is universally regarded as one of the greatest theologians, preachers, and spiritual teachers of the early Christian Church. His surname Chrysostomos, meaning "Golden-Mouthed," reflects the extraordinary eloquence for which he became renowned throughout the Christian world.

Appointed Archbishop of Constantinople in 398, he became famous for his profound biblical commentaries, passionate defense of Christian morality, care for the poor, and fearless criticism of corruption, luxury, and abuses of political power. His uncompromising preaching eventually led to conflict with the imperial court, resulting in his exile, where he died in 407.

Saint John Chrysostom is honored as a Doctor of the Church in the Roman Catholic tradition and as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom remains the principal Eucharistic liturgy celebrated throughout the Byzantine Christian world.

Archbishop Giovanni Battista Ricci

The reliquary is accompanied by its original episcopal Authentica, issued in Ancona on 10 April 1919 under the authority of Archbishop Giovanni Battista Ricci (1845–1929), Archbishop of Ancona and Numana.

Ordained a priest in 1867 and consecrated bishop in 1895, Archbishop Ricci served successively as Bishop of Macerata and Tolentino, Bishop of Jesi, and finally Archbishop of Ancona and Numana from 1906 until his death in 1929. He was one of the most respected Italian prelates of the early twentieth century.

The accompanying certificate bears his episcopal coat of arms and official seal, authenticating the relic as:

"ex ossibus Sancti Joannis Chrysostomi Ep. Doctoris et Confessoris"
"From the bones of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop, Doctor and Confessor."

An exceptional museum-quality devotional object distinguished by the unusually large first-class relic, its elegant original presentation, intact episcopal seal, and complete surviving ecclesiastical documentation.

Saint: Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop, Doctor & Confessor
Relic: Large First-Class Bone Relic (Ex Ossibus)
Authentica: Ancona, 10 April 1919
Issued by: Archbishop Giovanni Battista Ricci
Dimensions: 6 × 4.5 cm
Thickness: 1 cm