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Also known as: Doctor of
Christian Art; Jean Damascene; Johannes Damascenus; John Chrysorrhoas
("golden-stream"); John of Damascus
Memorial: 27 March (Latin Church); 4 December (Greek Church)
Profile
Son of Mansur, representative of the Christians to the court of the Muslim
caliph. Apparently thrived as a Christian in a Saracen land, becoming the
chief financial officer for caliph Abdul Malek. Tutored in his youth by a
captured Italian monk named Cosmas. Between the Christian learning of the
monk, and that of the Muslim schools, John became highly educated in the
classical fields (geometry, literature, logic, rhetoric, etc.).
Defended the use of icons and images in churches through a series of
letters opposing the anti-icon decrees of Germanus, Patriarch of
Constantinople. Legend says that Germanus plotted against him, and forged
a letter in which John betrayed the caliph; the caliph ordered John's
writing hand chopped off, but the Virgin Mary appeared and reattached the
hand, a miracle which restored the caliph's faith in him.
After this incident, John became a monk near Jerusalem. Priest.
Anathematized by name by the 754 Council of Constantinople over his
defense of the use of icons, but defended by the 787 7th Council of Nicea.
Wrote The Fountain of Wisdom, the first real compendium of Christian
theology, along with other works defending the orthodox faith,
commentaries on Saint Paul, poetry, and hymns. Philosopher. Orator; such
an excellent speaker he was known as Chrysorrhoas ("golden-stream"). Last
of the Greek Fathers of the Church, and the first of the Christian
Aristotleans. Adapted choral music for use in the liturgy. Proclaimed a
Doctor of the Church in 1890 by Pope Leo XIII.
Born: 676 at Damascus, Syria
Died: 749 of natural causes
Readings
Show me the icons that you venerate, that I may be able to understand your
faith.
Saint John of Damascus
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The saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs of
God, as John the theologian and evangelist says: 'But as many as received
him, he gave them the power to be made the sons of God....' Let us
carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs,
ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us
emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering,
and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of
glory.
Saint John of Damascus, Exposition of the Orthodox Faith
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