Χρυσόστομος, Επίσκοπος Σμύρνης

Was Chrysostomos of Smyrna a saint or a martyr? He was both.
Welcome to the story of Chrysostomos of Smyrna. He was a significant figure in the Greek Orthodox Church. He served as the Metropolitan of Smyrna. This period spanned from 1910 to 1914 and again from 1919 to 1922.
Chrysostomos was born in Triglia of Bithynia in 1867.
Before Smyrna, he was the Metropolitan of Drama from 1902 to 1910. Drama was a predominantly Greek population within the Ottoman Empire. Chrysostomos encouraged the Greek population. He urged them to build schools and churches. He also wanted them to reclaim churches occupied by Bulgarians. Athletic centers, hospitals, and nursery schools were also part of his vision.
His actions in Drama led to his exile by Turkish authorities in 1907. In 1910, he was elected Metropolitan of Smyrna. During World War I, he aided Greeks fleeing persecution in Anatolia. He helped them find refuge on Aegean islands. Chrysostomos also served as a spokesman for the civilian population. He spoke to diplomatic officials and the world press. The German ambassador in Constantinople called Chrysostomos one of the best living clerics.
His activities led to a second exile in 1914.
After World War I, Chrysostomos returned to Smyrna. The Greek army occupied Smyrna in 1919 under the Treaty of Sevres. Chrysostomos continued his work. He supported both the Greek population and the Turkish and Armenian communities.
His charity work and political involvement defined his ministry.
After the Greek army’s defeat in Anatolia, Turkish forces regained control of Smyrna. Chrysostomos refused to abandon his flock. On September 9, 1922, a Turkish mob abducted him. Nureddin Pasha incited this mob. Eyewitnesses reported that he was brutally tortured. He was tied to a barber chair. They tore his beard off. They gouged his eyes out. His nose and ears were cut off. French soldiers witnessed the horror. They were ordered to remain neutral. Chrysostomos eventually died from his wounds.
The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece declared Chrysostomos an Ethnomartyr and a Saint in 1993.
Chrysostomos is commemorated on the Sunday before the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. This day also honors other Holy Hierarchs of Asia Minor.
Remember Chrysostomos of Smyrna. His life was dedicated to service and faith. His death is a reminder of the turbulent history of this region.