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John of Damascus (676-4 December 749) came
from a Christian family which served the Caliph of Damascus. His father found a
Christian tutor for him, and John received a well rounded education, and served
the Caliph in a high position as well
from a young age. His name was forged to
a document implicating him in an invasion of Damascus.
As a result he lost his post, and had his right hand severed. The hand
was miraculously restored after a night in prayer.
He retired to Mar Saba Monastery near Jerusalem after this. He
was ordained presbyter and wrote several hymns still used in the west, and many
hymns still used in the east. He was a
defender of icons in the iconoclast controversy, and his writings addressed
many of the theological controversies of his time including on the Jakobites,
Nestorians, the Monathelites and the Manicheans and of course the Iconoclast
controversy.
Collect: El Shadai, you raised up your presbyter, John
of Damascus to defend the faith, and write hymns. So raise up in this and every generations men
and women who will defend the church against heresy and who will stand up for
the faith. This we ask in the name of
Yeshua haMoshiach, who stood against the false teaching of his time, and who
lives and reigns with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in shekina glory
everlasting. Amen. (white)
Sorry I am so late. Last night the computer was feeling its oats, and I was working on getting it going until 3:00 this morning. Success.
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