Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint John of Damascus in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint John of Damascus was born around 676 AD. in Damascus, Syria by a wealthy family. When his father died, he was involuntarily appointed first adviser to Caliph Velida. Velida's successor, Omar II, began to persecute the Christians, with the result that John left Damascus and went to Jerusalem, where he remained until the end of his life. He became a monk in the Monastery of St. Sava and the Patriarch of Jerusalem asked him to be ordained presbyter.

Saint John of Damascus was distinguished for his huge and multifaceted work. He introduced the famous "Easter Rule" in hymnology. He was distinguished for his action against heresies and iconoclasts. The Church has described him as a "dogmatic Father." The Saint died in peace in 749 AD. and was buried in the Monastery of Agios Savvas. Fragment of the Holy Relic of the Saint is found in the Church of St. George of the Greeks in Venice. The Orthodox Christian Church commemorates him on December 4 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint John of Damascus

Plagal of the Fourth Tone

You are a guide of Orthodoxy, a teacher of piety and modesty, a luminary of the world, the God inspired pride of monastics. O wise John, you have enlightened everyone by your teachings. You are the harp of the Spirit. Intercede to Christ our God for the salvation of our souls.