The church icon depicting Saint John Chrysostom was discovered by young employees of the local town-forming enterprise during a trip to the countryside. They found icons that had been thrown away, collected them, brought them to Sarov in their own cars, and handed them over to the museum. In this way, the icons were saved. In the 1990s, they were featured in a new museum exhibition dedicated to the history of the Sarov Monastery.

The icon depicts Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople and one of the three Ecumenical Teachers. He was born in Antioch around 347 AD. His father Secundus, a military commander, died soon after the birth of his son. His mother Anthusa did not seek to remarry but rather devoted all her efforts to raising John. The young man studied under the guidance of some of the best philosophers and rhetoricians of the time. At an early age, he turned to the profound study of the Holy Scriptures and prayerful contemplation. When his mother passed away, John took monastic vows, which he saw as “the true philosophy.”

Later, the saint chose to lead an ascetic life in the mountains, where he prayed and studied theology. However, he was forced to return to Antioch to recover his health. After being ordained as a priest, John Chrysostom embarked on a way of preaching, using his skills as an eloquent orator.

The fame of the great theologian and his religious writings spread throughout the world. John Chrysostom provided interpretations for many books of the Holy Scripture, as well as discussions on individual texts of the Holy Bible, instructions on feasts, and information about the lives of saints. As a presbyter, Saint John zealously fulfilled his duty of caring for the poor. His fame as a pastor and preacher grew.

In the winter of 406, Saint John was confined to his bed with illness. However, his enemies were relentless. The authorities in the capital issued a decree to transfer John to the remote city of Pityus (now known as Pitsunda in Abkhazia). Despite his weakened state, Saint John made a three-month journey through rain and heat, accompanied by military escort. In Comana Pontica, his strength failed him. After receiving the Holy Mysteries, Saint John passed away on September 14, 407 AD. His last words were “Glory to God for all things!”