From Arianism to the Nicene Creed – John Chrysostom as Pastor of the Goths

The research objective of this article is to show the path taken by the Goths from Arianism to the orthodox Nicene faith. Particular attention is paid to the actions taken by John Chrysostom when he became bishop of Constantinople. First, the religious environment of the capital of the Eastern Empire, strongly influenced by Arianism, which was widespread in the East and supported by many emperors, is described. Next, some attention is devoted to the first actions of Theodosius I, aimed at converting the Goths who arrived with Athanaric to the Nicene faith. The main part of the study, however, presents the actions of John Chrysostom as bishop of Constantinople and shepherd of the Goths, aimed at converting the Arian Goths to the Nicene faith. The issue of the so-called “Gothic Church” and “Gothic School” was discussed in detail, and John Chrysostom’s friends, who were of Gothic origin and played an important role in spreading the Nicene faith among the Goths, were presented. The presented content allowed for important conclusions to be drawn:
1) In spreading the Nicene faith among the Goths, the support of secular authorities and their cooperation with the Church and tribal leaders was essential.
2) John Chrysostom took a number of important steps to win the Goths over to the Nicene faith: he allocated one of the churches in Constantinople to them, appointed clergy who knew the Gothic language, organized a Gothic monastery, supported missions outside Constantinople, and ordained Gothic bishops;
3) After the deposition and death of John Chrysostom, Orthodox missions among the Goths weakened significantly, which testifies to their connection with him and his great personal commitment to missionary work.