John Damascene, Encomium Ioannis Chrysostomi

(PG 96, 761-781; CPG 8064) Manuscripts: A = Jer-23 B = H-1347 C = Q-662 John Damascene, Encomium to John Chrysostom. Of our holy father John the monk and priest of Damascus, a panegyric of Saint John Chrysostom. Father, give your blessing! It is fitting somewhere, it is fitting, O John all-golden, for me to attempt to touch upon your panegyrics with a golden tongue, uttering with goodwill the flow of golden-streamed words. But for this your own voice is needed, for only you yourself could barely meet the dignity of praising yourself; and this now even more so. For when you were on earth before your departure from the world and as a concealment of the excellences in the introductions of your words, you were a slanderer of yourself. For wise men conceal their own excellences, lest the contemplation of them corrupt the reality. Since even to parents the prattlings of children are dear, and to God the two censurers are more beloved than the rich fruits of offering, not of power but of diligence, so it is judged; and also the commandment of a God-loving man is not to be rejected, which is for us a sacrifice and great graces.

As one who holds office among us, I approach the word without any shamelessness, nor without trembling, but when I shrink in fear, I am expanded by love, and I offer to you, to your divine and ecclesiastical teachings, the small portions of my labor. But for me, who am the bearer of such a countenance, if I am found near to worthiness, it is no small praise. And if I fall short of that, whose non-occurrence is better, yet impossibility itself is pardon, which is just for one who has fallen. But grant me the fire-bearing grace of the Spirit,