Saint John Damascene, Doctor of the Church, was born around the year 676. Shortly before his birth, Damascus fell under Muslim rule. Inspired by Islamic belief, the iconoclast movement gained a foothold in the Byzantine Empire. Saint John argued passionately against the iconoclasts–noting the difference between the veneration of saints and icons and the worship of God. Framed by a forged letter issued by Byzantine Emperor Leo, Saint John was arrested by the caliph, who had the saint’s hand severed at the wrist. Praying before an icon of the Blessed Virgin, Saint John fell asleep and awoke with his hand restored and fully healed. Saint John Damascene’s history of the Church, his sermons on the Assumption of Our Mother, and his various apologetic writings are considered essential works by historians. Hymns Saint John composed are still sung today.
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