Saint John Damascene

Saint John Damascene was a Byzantine Emperor and theologian who lived in the 8th and 9th centuries. He was born in Damascus, Syria, and rose to power as Emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Damascene was a skilled diplomat and strategist, and he played a key role in defending the Byzantine Empire against the Arabs. He was also a devout Christian and wrote extensively on theology and spirituality. Damascene is best known for his defense of the use of icons in worship, which he argued was a legitimate form of worship. He is considered a saint by the Catholic Church and is revered as a champion of the faith.