Quote #27

To conquer enemies does not render kings so illustrious, as to conquer wrath and anger. For, in the former case, the success is due to arms and soldiers; but here the trophy is simply your own, and you have no one to divide the glory of your moral wisdom. You have overcome barbarian war, overcome also Imperial wrath!

More from John Chrysostom

  1. If in order to put an end to public wars, and tumults, and battles, the Priest is exhorted to offer prayers for kings and governors, much m…
  2. There are three very grievous kinds of war. The one is public, when our soldiers are attacked by foreign armies: The second is, when even i…
  3. How great punishment must they deserve, who, far from themselves forgiving, do even entreat God for vengeance on their enemies, and as it w…
  4. [A]lthough the tradition of Chrysostom continued to cause unbridled vituperation for Jews and Judaism, climaxing in the violence of 1096 an…
  5. Many, throwing themselves prostrate, and striking the ground with their forehead, and pouring forth hot tears, and groaning bitterly from t…
  6. The diatribes of St Chrysostom against the Jews were rivalled only by Hitler.
  7. Prayer for our enemies is the very highest summit of self-control.
  8. Praying against one's personal enemies is a transgression of law.

All John Chrysostom quotes