The exile of John Chrysostom, scene from the 11th century Menologion

“THOUGH stormy billows should rise up against me, though the sea should open to swallow me, though the wrath of kings should be enkindled against me, I will heed them no more than if they were so many spider’s webs. Had not my love for you kept me, I would have started this very day on my exile, for this is my constant prayer: ‘O Lord! thy will be done, I will do thy will; not what such or such an one may will, but what thou willest.’ This is my tower of strength, this is my firm rock, this is my trusty staff. If God will that I go, I will go.”

— St. John Chrysostom, Homily before his exile

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