Gainas Asks for a Church, and John’s Reply

There was a certain Gainas, a Scythian by birth but still more barbarous in character, cruel and violent by nature, who at that time held a military command. He had many of his own countrymen under him, and with them he commanded the Roman cavalry and infantry. He was a terror not only to everyone else but even to the emperor himself, who suspected him of aiming to seize the throne. He shared in the Arian plague, and he asked the emperor to give him the use of one of the churches. Arcadius answered that he would see to it and have it done. Then he sent for the divine John. He told him of the request, reminded him of Gainas’s power, hinted at the seizure of the throne that was being planned, and begged him to curb the barbarian’s anger by granting this. But that noble man answered: “Sir, do not attempt any such promise, and do not order what is holy to be given to the dogs. I will never allow those who worship and praise the divine Word to be driven out, and their church to be given to those who blaspheme him. Have no fear of that barbarian, sir. Call us both before you, him and me. Listen in silence to what is said, and I will both curb his tongue and persuade him not to ask for what it is wrong to grant.” [a]

The emperor was delighted with what Chrysostom had said, and the next day he summoned both the bishop and the general before him. Gainas began to ask for the promise to be carried out. But the great John answered that the emperor, who professed the true religion, had no right to venture on any act against it. Gainas replied that he too must have a place to pray. The great John said: “Why, every church is open to you, and no one stops you from praying there whenever you wish.” Gainas said: “But I belong to another sect, and I am asking to have one church along with them. Surely I, who endure so many hardships in war for the Romans, may fairly make such a request.” The bishop answered: “But you have greater rewards for your labors. You are a general; you are clothed in the consul’s robe. You must consider what you were before and what you are now: your poverty in the past and your prosperity today, the kind of clothes you wore before you crossed the Danube and what you are dressed in now. Consider, I say, how small your labors are and how great your rewards, and do not be ungrateful to those who have honored you.” With these words the teacher of the world silenced Gainas and forced him to stand speechless. In time, however, Gainas made known the rebellion he had long been nursing in his heart. He gathered his forces in Thrace and went out ravaging and plundering far and wide. At this news panic seized everyone, rulers and subjects alike. No one could be found who was willing to march against him, and no one thought it safe to approach him with an embassy, for everyone distrusted his barbarous character. [c]