Saint John Damascene

Biography

Saint John Damascene, also known as Doctor of Christian Art, Jean Damascene, Johannes Damascenus, John Chrysorrhoas, and John of Damascus, was born in the year 676 in Damascus, Syria. He was the son of Mansur and lived in a Saracen land, where he thrived as a Christian despite the prevailing Muslim rule. During his youth, John was tutored by a captured Italian monk named Cosmas. Under the guidance of Cosmas and the teachings of the Muslim schools, John received a comprehensive education in various classical fields, including geometry, literature, logic, and rhetoric. John Damascene embarked on a remarkable journey of defending the use of icons and images in churches. This began with a series of letters he wrote to oppose the anti-icon decrees of Germanus, the Patriarch of Constantinople at the time. Legend has it that Germanus plotted against John and forged a letter in which John supposedly betrayed the Muslim caliph, Abdul Malek, whom John served as the chief financial officer. In consequence of this plot, the caliph ordered John's writing hand to be chopped off. However, according to the accounts, the Virgin Mary appeared and miraculously re-attached John's hand, thus restoring the caliph's faith in him. This miraculous event strengthened John's position in the court and fueled his dedication to defending the use of icons. After surviving this incident, Saint John Damascene decided to leave his position in the caliph's court and became a monk near Jerusalem. He devoted himself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and writing, focusing on defending the orthodox faith and expounding Christian theology. One of John's most notable works is The Fountain of Wisdom, which stands as the first genuine compendium of Christian theology. In addition to this, he authored several other works that defended the orthodox faith and wrote commentaries on Saint Paul the Apostle. John also displayed his literary skills through poetry and hymns. His eloquence as a speaker earned him the nickname "Chrysorrhoas," which means "golden-stream." Saint John Damascene was the last of the Greek Fathers of the Church and the first of the Christian Aristotelians. He adapted choral music for liturgical use, enriching the worship experience. His immense contributions to theology and the defense of the faith were recognized and appreciated by the Catholic Church. Despite being anathematized by name by the 754 Council of Constantinople due to his defense of icons, Saint John Damascene's orthodoxy was eventually reaffirmed by the 787 Seventh Council of Nicea. In recognition of his exceptional scholarship, teachings, and defense of the faith, Saint John Damascene was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1890 by Pope Leo XIII. Saint John Damascene is often depicted in religious art with his severed hand as a reminder of the miraculous intervention he experienced. He is also depicted with a Marian icon, highlighting his devotion to the Virgin Mary. He is venerated as the patron saint of pharmacists, icon painting, and theology students. His feast days are celebrated on December 4th, March 27th (prior to 1969), and May 6th on some calendars. Saint John Damascene passed away peacefully in the year 749, leaving behind a rich legacy of theological writings and a profound influence on Christian art and spirituality. His memory continues to inspire and guide believers to this day.