John of Antioch lives in an imperfect world. Caught up in clashes of church and state, he experiences wars, beheadings, political infighting and corruption while seeking to serve both God and conscience. The Roman Empire's final half-century plays out on a Byzantine stage as John evolves from loyal son to hermit, deacon, priest and finally bishop in Constantinople. Syria in A.D. 352 to 407 is as tumultuous as in our own time. Religious and political factions compete for dominance, while the chasm between rich and poor grows wider and deeper. Into that cultural morass strides John, a feisty and vocal champion of the downtrodden, who manages to infuriate the rich and powerful by his sermons and actions. Though opposed by other priests, bishops and also Gainas, a general of the Goths, no one is more infuriated with John than the empress Eudoxia. Seductive and manipulative, the Empress at first champions John's selection as leader of the most important See in the eastern part of the empire, but repeatedly turns against him when confronted, with dire consequences. Tarnished as any human, John still comes across as 'golden' when compared to the times in which he lived. Experience the 4th century Middle East on its own terms, or view this novel as a prelude to the current turmoil of that region. Either way, APPLE OF GOLD, SETTINGS OF SILVER is a fascinating read.