December 4, 2015 – Optional Memorial of Saint John Damascene, Priest and Doctor
St. John Damascene was a theologian who carefully gathered together and transmitted to us the teaching of the Greek Fathers, and is thus one of the most trustworthy witnesses to the oriental tradition. He wrote many liturgical hymns still in use today. St. John Damascene died in 749. Pope Leo XIII proclaimed him a Doctor of the universal Church. He was instrumental in defending the production and veneration of religious images. St. John Damascene, taught that icons and other sacred artworks are permissible because they point to the incarnation of Christ. He understood the power of words to do the same. St. John Damascene is one of the Church’s most gifted poets. Every sacred image, whether in art, hymn or poetry, can lead us to deeper contemplation of the heart of God. Apologia of St. John Damascene Against Those Who Decry Holy Images The Life of St. John Damascene John of Damascus or Damascene, the last of the Greek Fathers, was one of the principal defenders of the venerati