John of Damascus

Born:  675, probably in Damascus, Syria.

Died:  December 4, circa 749.

    Of a good family in Damascus, John was educated by the elder Cosmas, along with his foster brother, Cosmas the Melodist. He held some office under the Caliph, and later retired to the laura of St. Sabas, near Jerusalem, along his foster brother. There he wrote his theological works and hymns, and was ordained a priest of the church of Jerusalem late in life. His enemies called him Mansur, for reasons unknown. His three orations in favor of icons earned him the sobriquets Chrysorrhous and The Doctor of Christian Art. His works include:

• Πηγη γνωασεως

Hymns

1. Δεντε πομα πιωμεν
   • Come, and Let Us Drink of That New River
2. Αισωμεν παντες Λαοι
   • Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
3. Αναστασεως ημερα
   • Day of Resurrection, The
4. Κατήλθες έν τοίς κατωτάτοις
   • Into the Dim Earth's Lowest Parts Descending
5. Ορθρισωμεν ορθρου βαθεος
   • Let Us Rise in Early Morning
6. Τας εδρας τας αιωνιας
   • Those Eternal Bowers
7. Αυτη η κλητη
   • Thou Hallowed Chosen Morn of Praise