Today's Saint (March 27): John Damascene
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John, a confessor and Doctor (c. 675 - c. 749) and surnamed Damascene (or of Damascus), lived under Muslim rule.
One of the Doctors of the Church, he is remembered for defending the preservation of icons at a time when Muslims and other Iconoclasts ("destroyers of images", in Greek) were doing their dastardly deeds.
One of his most important theological works, "De Fide Orthodox" - which is part of his larger work, the 'Fount of Wisdom' - deals with the Incarnation and of the Real Presence in the Eucharist.
Because of his orthodox understanding of the Incarnation it follows that he would be a defender of . . ".the honour of holy images, having been endued by God with,heavenly learning and wondrous strength of spirit." .(The day's collect, page E 45, The People's Anglican Missal).
The Day's Propers
Catholic Encyclopedia articleWorth Considering
St. John Damascene on Holy Images
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
www.episcopalnet.org