Venerable · c. 675–749
John of Damascus
Venerable John of Damascus
New Calendar December 4 Old Calendar December 17
Why they are a saint
John of Damascus was known as monk of Mar Saba, hymnographer, and defender of the holy icons during Iconoclasm. His Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith is a standard handbook of dogma. The years given for this life are c. 675–749. Orthodox Christians remember him among the venerable monastic saints.
Life
Saint John of Damascus was born about 680 in Damascus into a Christian family; his father Sergius was treasurer at the Caliph's court. With his foster brother Cosmas he was taught by the learned monk Cosmas of Calabria, ransomed from captivity. After his father's death he held high office at court.
When Iconoclasm arose under the emperor Leo III, John wrote three treatises against those who revile the holy icons. Leo had a forged letter sent to the Caliph, who ordered John's right hand cut off; John prayed before an icon of the Theotokos and woke to find his hand restored. Declining his old office, he gave his wealth to the poor and entered the monastery of Saint Savva the Sanctified near Jerusalem. His most important work is 'The Fount of Knowledge', whose section 'On the Orthodox Faith' summarizes Orthodox doctrine. He died about 780.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source says that, as he was a hymnographer, he is prayed to for help in the study of church singing.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for iconographers, hymnographers. The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy John of Damascus, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with John Chrysostom; John the Theologian; other Johns on December 4 (Barbara's day).