ST. JOHN DAMASCENE (DEC. 4TH)

St. John of Damascus: A Luminary of Eastern Orthodoxy and the Beacon of Wisdom Bridging East and West

By Bp. Joseph Boyd (Ancient  Church of the West) 

Introduction

In the annals of Eastern Orthodoxy, the 7th-century theologian (born AD 675) St. John Damascene stands as a luminary whose intellectual brilliance served to bridge between the sacred realms of Eastern mystical contemplation and the burgeoning theological landscape of the West. His life, marked by scholarly pursuits and brilliant spiritual insights, echoes the biblical exhortation to seek wisdom as the hidden pearl of a most precious treasure.

Early Life and Scholarly Pursuits

Born into the influential and powerful Bedouin Mansur family, St. John Damascene embraced a life of scholarship and contemplation. His journey mirrors the scriptural guidance found in Proverbs 4:7, recognizing wisdom as a divine gift of insight springing from the Godhead. Immersed in the intellectual climate of his time, John's pursuit of wisdom led him to delve into the Early Christian mystical tradition, particularly Origen, the Cappadocians and the enigmatic Dionysian Corpus.

The Lamp to His Feet

Like the psalmist who proclaimed, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105), St. John Damascene found illumination in the Holy Scriptures. His deep engagement with the Bible not only shaped his theological perspective but also provided the guiding light for his philosophical explorations. Through rigorous study and contemplation, he sought to unravel the mysteries concealed within the divine narrative and extrapolate philosophical and psychological truths from the Bible.

Mystical Insights and Theological Brilliance

St. John's contribution to Eastern Orthodoxy and the broader theological discourse of the West is notably intertwined with his interpretations of the mystical writings of the Cappadocians and the Dionysian Corpus in his magnum opus, The Fountain of Knowledge. His philosophical exegesis of these mystical writings left an indelible mark on Western theological thought, taken up by Thomas Aquinas, and shaping the whole intellectual contours of the medieval period.

In St. John's hands, these texts became not mere sources of inspiration but pathways to deeper understanding. His ability to distill profound theological insights resonates with the Apostle Paul's words in Colossians 2:3, recognizing in Christ the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Famous Icon

One remarkable episode in St. John's life involves his defense of icons during the Iconoclastic Controversy. Despite facing imperial opposition, his treatises championing the veneration of icons reflect his unwavering commitment to the rich tradition of Eastern Christianity. This championing of icons within the Islamic caliphate led to his persecution, the chopping off of his hand, and exile. But, remarkably, St. John reports that his hand was miraculously restored through praying before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos and Christchild. This is why some Eastern Orthodox Icons now write the Blessed Virgin with three hands holding Baby Jesus, in commemoration of this miracle. 

An 18th Century Miniature Icon of St. John Praying Before the Icon of the Most Holy and Blessed Theotokos After His Hand was Cut Off

A Modern Icon of the Same Miraculous Prayer

Legacy of Light

St. John Damascene's legacy endures, not merely as a historical figure but as a guiding light for those navigating the intricate intersections of theology, philosophy, and spirituality. His life and works invite scholars and seekers to explore the depths of Life of the Church, and embrace divine mystery with humility.

Summary

As we reflect on the scholarly journey of St. John Damascene, let us not only celebrate his intellectual contributions but also seek inspiration from his unwavering commitment to wisdom, the Sophia of God, and a commitment that continues to illuminate the path of those pursuing knowledge in the intricate tapestry of East-West theological exchange. In the spirit of his profound insights, may we approach the sacred texts with reverence and deep contemplation as our guiding principle.

A 17th Century Greek Icon of St. John with Turkish and Italian Influences

COLLECT

O God of wisdom and truth, who didst raise up Thy servant John of Damascus to be a champion of holy doctrine and defender of the sacred images, grant unto us the grace to embrace Thy divine mysteries with humility and to proclaim Thy truth with boldness; that, being illuminated by the light of Thy Word and strengthened by the prayers of Thy saints, we may evermore rejoice in the beauty of holiness and the unity of Thy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.