Born in Damascus in 675, his father had been a high-ranking official under the reign of the Muslims, who had taken Damascus in 635. His grandfather may have been involved in arranging favorable terms of surrender. 

As a result, John grew up bilingual and with an understanding of both the Bible and the Koran. He started his working life in the same profession as his father, as a civil servant. 

But John was a young man of deep faith, and eventually, his desire to serve The Lord led him to become a priest and a monk. 

In the early 8th century there was a powerful movement in the Eastern Church opposing religious icons. In three separate publications, starting with apologetic treatises against those decrying the use of Holy images, John provided a powerful defense of their value and use. 

Because he lived in Muslim-occupied territory, the Eastern Church was not able to prevent John from publishing these writings, and they would go on to have a widespread impact for years to come. 

These writings make John Damascene the equivalent of St. Thomas Aquinas in the Eastern Church, where he is now considered one of its fathers. 

John also had a great love for The Blessed Mother, and his homilies on her Feast Days were legendary. 

He also was an outstanding poet, and his poems have become the lyrics for many songs which are still in use today. 

Here is a sample taken from “Bethlehem Rejoices”: Belthlemeh rejoices, hark the voices clear,
Singing in the starlight, near, and still more near, Unto God be Glory, Peace to men be given. 

This, His Will Who Dwelleth, in the heights of Heaven. 

St. John Damascene, please pray for us.