‘Forever grateful’: 7 notable mothers of Christian history

Anthousa

Anthousa of Antioch, sometimes rendered Anthusa, was the mother of St. John Chrysostom, a prominent early church leader and orator who served as Archbishop of Constantinople.

Anthousa was widowed at an early age and was known for her strong devotion toward philanthropic endeavors, as well as her service to the early church.

The Anthousa Chapter of the Philoptochos Society, which is the charitable arm of the Greek Orthodox Church, is named in her honor.

“Her love for Christ led her to become one of the first ladies of Antioch to organize the early Christian philanthropies,” explained the Society.