A book by Saint John Chrysostom in old Gothic print
I open this book and I realize: It is the season of Lent indeed. For the text is in Gothic print, not quite my “favorite“ typography.
An Austrian Catholic priest and church historian, who at the age of 52 died in the Bavarian capital where I currently live, in 1907 published some teachings on the Christian education of children by the “golden-mouthed“ archbishop of Constantinople Saint John Chrysostom (344-407) in German language.
In this first of several parts by which I try to share some of the holy bishop‘s teachings, let us take a look at one of the first exercises of parental authority: the naming of a child.
Some preliminary remarks to be precise:
- Saint John Chrysostom focuses mainly on the upbringing of boys and young men in the household of a free citizen. Nevertheless I will most of the time use “children“ in the generic sense (boys and girls) in my rendering of his thoughts because many things he says do not seem to be only specifically applicable to boys.
- Yet every time I quote or summarize an idea of his that is obviously a direct reference to the nature of masculinity, it will be made clear through the chosen wording.
- Whenever I will scoop something from the well of his speeches, I will do so by providing my own free – i.e. not entirely literal but rather interpretive and readable – English translation of the German version.
“May already their name instruct them in virtue“
Saint John Chrysostom instructs his formerly pagan, now Christian audience of his day and age not to randomly choose “any“ kinds of names for their children. They shall not be oriented towards honoring their (pagan) forefathers out of deference toward their own father or mother and their blood relationship to them by simply passing on their (pagan) names. Instead they ought to choose truly Christian names for their children that can be associated with great virtues.
Names carry symbolic cultural and mythological heritage and they are a sign of allegiance to certain worldview shaping grand narratives.
So the Christian parents ought to call their child…
“(…) by the name of a saint, a martyr, a bishop or an apostle.“
Saint John Chrysostom, my own free English translation from the German version: Johannes Chrysostomus und Dr. Sebastian Haidacher: Des Hl. Johannes Chrysostomus Büchlein über Hoffart und Kindererziehung, Leopold Classic Library, p. 55
“Choose saints‘ names for your children.“
Already their name shall guide the children towards virtue.
Saint John Chrysostom reminds his listeners how some of the patriarchs, e.g. Abraham or Israel formerly known as Jacob, and apostles received new names from God – in moments of encounter with God. Names that signify their identity, virtue, and prophetically announce their special calling.
“And you are no longer to be called Abram; your name is Abraham, for I have made you father of many nations. I shall make you very fertile.“
Genesis 17: 5-6
“No longer shall you be called Jacob, but Israel, since you have shown your strength against God and human beings and have prevailed.“
Genesis 32: 29
“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So now I say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church. And the gates of the underworld will never overpower it.“
Matthew 16: 17-18
The blessings in a name
But the naming of a child after a great saint is more than just a “memorial“ of the virtues this saint excelled in by the grace of God. It is also a constant invocation of this saint‘s protection and blessing for the child and the whole family.
“May through the names of your children the saints themselves take residence in your house. (…) Even just the names of the saints bring blessings.“
Saint John Chrysostom, my own free English translation from the German version: Johannes Chrysostomus und Dr. Sebastian Haidacher: Des Hl. Johannes Chrysostomus Büchlein über Hoffart und Kindererziehung, Leopold Classic Library, p. 56
Considering yourself the father or mother of a future saint
By honoring the saints through passing on their holy names to one‘s children one actually also honors the child and cultivates respect for an immortal soul created for the heavenly communion of saints, a future saint alongside the commemorated and celebrated saints of old.
The father (or mother) shall take it to heart to be the parent of…
“(…) John, of Elijah and of Jacob. When they pronounce these names with reverence and awe toward the righteous ones, when they care more about the spiritual family of the saints than about their blood kin, then this will be of great spiritual benefit for both the parents and the children.“
Saint John Chrysostom, my own free English translation from the German version: Johannes Chrysostomus und Dr. Sebastian Haidacher: Des Hl. Johannes Chrysostomus Büchlein über Hoffart und Kindererziehung, Leopold Classic Library, p. 56
Saint John Chrysostom, pray for us!
