The Sarcophagus of St. John Chrysostom in Komani, Georgia

St. John spent three years in exile, and reposed as an exile on the Feast of the Elevation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross, September 14, 407, in the town of Komani in Georgia (Abkhazia). Before his repose, the Holy Apostles John and Peter appeared to him, as did the Holy Martyr Basilisk (May 22) in whose church he received Communion for the last time. His last words were, "Glory be to God for all things," and with that, the soul of the golden-mouthed patriarch was taken into Paradise.

The Church of St. Basilisk still exists in Komani where St. John received his final Communion, as well as the sarcophagus in which the relics of St. John Chrysostom originally rested before being transferred to Constantinople. The Monastery of St. John Chrysostom is the place of St. John's exile and his repose.


In July 1993 it also became a place of conflict when 500 natives were slaughtered, as the video below shows. More photos of the monastery can be seen here.