John Chrysostom and pastoral care for non-Greek-speaking people

This study offers some examples of John Chrysostom’s pastoral care for non- Greek- speaking peasants who lived around Antioch and spoke Syrian, and also the Goths present in Constantinople who spoke Gothic. The analysis of written sources allowed us to distinguish two main points in teaching the non- Greek- speaking congregation. The first one was based on directing the Word to foreigners in Greek but with a help from interpreters who simultaneously interpreted a homily or catechesis. The second one was based on delegating the teaching to priests or catechists of foreign origin so they could directly address a particular community in their own language. The study also brings to attention the cultural accommodation used by Chrysostom in his homily to Goths. From John Chrysostom’s pastoral experience it can be concluded that, apart from missionary fervour and communication context, not just anyone who was willing could be a keryx. He should show not only a religious zeal, know the Church teachings and the language of people, who he wants to evangelize, but also he should be familiar with mentality, culture and existential reality of recipients of the Word preached