Joannes Damascenus

Joannes Damascenus, or Chrysonoas, was born at Damascus, about 676, of a distinguished Christian family, and received his education from the Italian monk, Cosmas. He incurred the wrath of Leo III. of Byzantium by vigorously defending image-worship, and is said to have had his right hand struck off through the machinations of his foe. The Virgin, however, restored the lost member, and he spent the rest of his days in the monastery of St. Sabas, near Jerusalem, where he composed his Fons Scientice, Vita Barlaam et Josephi, and his famous hymns, dying at the age of seventy.