Studia Theologica No. I (VIII) / 2019
God’s goodness and human suffering in the teachings of a great Shepherd of souls: Saint John Chrysostom
Archimandrite Dr Policarp Chițulescu This article analyses the theology of suffering in St John Chrysostom, presenting it as God’s loving pedagogy towards sinners and the righteous alike. Through references to the Homilies on the Statues, the correspondence with the deaconess Olympias, and the biblical examples of Job and Paul, it is shown that afflictions serve a punitive, purifying and stimulating purpose, forming part of the divine economy, which is full of wisdom and love.