Electing and educating priests in the Church of Antioch in the second half of 4th century according to st. John Chrysostom’s "De sacerdotio"

Abstract

The dialogue De sacerdotio is the first patristic text in which author tries to sketch the theology of the priesthood, namely as a synthesis of the ideals of strict ascetic life characteristic of monasticism and the life of the Christian community (metaphoricly – the desert and the city), personal holiness and service for the benefit of the Church, a synthesis of anthropological and ethical ideals of Hellenism and Christian faith and behaviors that follow from this. The dialoge was written by John Chrysostom during the Antiochian period of his life, the first years of his priestly ministry. First of all it emphasizes the great dignity of the sacrament of the priesthood, as well as the need to choose for this those whom God has called for priestly ministery, who are morally and intellectually prepared to respond to the specific situation of the Church and society in which the priest should serve. In the second half of the fourth century, Christianity was already the predominant religion in Antioch, although pagan elements were still present, along with Jewish and Manichean. The role of the Church in society was increasing and was becoming very important, as important tasks and responsibilities were entrusted to the Church then. However, it is clear from the words of John Chrysostom that many chose priesthood in pursuit of a career and an honorable place in society, and not as a response to the vocation of God and in a desire to operate for the benefit of the Body of Christ. Some of the worthy and experienced monks refused the priesthood in turn preferring, a quiet eremitic life. So, a correct understanding of the priesthood and preparation for such a ministry were extremely important, since the Church was facing serious challenges of mass adherence to it and therefore the question of how to prepare catechumens for Baptism and how to instruct believers, finding a special approach for everyone, as well as how to avoid scandals and derision of the Church by pagans because of unworthy priests.