Feast day: December 4
Saint John was born in Damascus. He and his adoptive brother Cosmos received a classical and theological education. Both brothers joined the Monastery of Saint Sabas near Jerusalem. John is well-known in three areas. First, he is known for his moving writings against the iconoclasts, who stood against the reverence of images. Second, John is celebrated for his treatise, Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, which summarizes the Greek Fathers. Third, he is known as being one of the greatest poets of the Eastern Church. John is also famous for his strong devotion to the Blessed Mother.
(Image in public domain-70)