St. John Damascene

The Icon

Feast Day - December 4th.

Saint John of Damascus was born in Syria. He is depicted in his native Arab head scarf. In his hand is an unrolled scroll symbolizing the three treatises he wrote entitled, "Against Those who Revile the Holy Icons."

Troparion in tone 8

O champion of Orthodoxy, teacher of purity and of true worship,
The enlightener of the universe and the adornment of the hierarchs:
O all-wise father John, your teachings have gleamed with light upon all things.
Intercede before Christ our God to save our souls!

Kontakion in tone 4

Let us, the faithful, sing praises to John, worthy of great honor,
The composer of hymns, the star and teacher of the Orthodox Church,
The defender of its doctrines:
Through the might of the Lord's Cross he overcame heretical error!
Now he is fervent in prayer to Christ God to grant forgiveness of our sins.

For information concerning the life of St. John Damascene please click here