Long before there were one-name wonders like Madonna, Prince, and Elvis there was Mozart. Or was there?
Though we often refer to him by his last name, the baptismal record gives his full (latinized) name as Johannes Chrystomomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart. Wolfgang Mozart are family names. Typically we use Amadeus as his middle name which is a translation of the Greek name-- “Theophilus.” You may recognize this name from Acts 1:1 which means "lover of God."
This first part of his name is that of a fourth century saint, John Chrysostom, known particularly for his preaching ability and for the liturgy he developed. He is remembered with a feast day in Christian churches worldwide. In many Western Churches it is celebrated in September but in the Eatern Churches and in some Lutheran Churches it is celebrated . . . .today. Which is why Mozart was given this as his baptismal name. (Although I have not yet tracked down what connection the family had to the Eastern rite or Lutheran church as opposed to the Roman Catholic Church.)
Whatever you call him . . . Johannes Chrysostomus . . . Wolfgang . . . Wolfie . . Theophilus. . .Amadeus . . or just plain Mozart . . . enjoy his music today.
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