Venerable John of Damascus

Saint John of Damascus was born in Damascus into a prominent Christian family that served the Umayyad caliphal administration; his father and grandfather held positions as tax officials. After receiving an excellent Greek education, John initially continued the family's court service before renouncing it to become a monk at the Monastery of St. Sabbas near Jerusalem, where he was later ordained a priest. He became one of the greatest theologians, philosophers, and hymnographers of the Eastern Church — his "An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith" remains a foundational summary of Byzantine theology. He is especially remembered as a fierce defender of icon veneration during the iconoclast controversy, for which he was posthumously condemned by the iconoclast Council of Hieria in 754. He composed numerous liturgical hymns still used today, including the Paschal Canon and the funeral service. He reposed in old age at the Lavra of St. Sabbas.