About St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus (c. 675–749) was a priest, monk, theologian, hymn writer, and one of the greatest Fathers of the Eastern Church. Born into a prominent Christian family in Damascus, he served for a time in the administration of the Umayyad Caliphate before leaving public life to become a monk at the Monastery of Saint Sabbas near Jerusalem.
John is best known for defending the veneration of sacred images during the Iconoclast controversy. In his famous treatises On the Divine Images, he explained that because the Son of God truly became man in Jesus Christ, it is fitting to honor holy images as reminders of the Incarnation. His writings greatly influenced the Second Council of Nicaea (787), which affirmed the proper veneration of icons.
He also authored The Fount of Knowledge, one of the most important theological works of the early Church, and composed many hymns still used in the Byzantine liturgy, including the beloved Easter Canon.
For his profound teaching and unwavering defense of orthodox doctrine, St. John of Damascus was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1890. His feast day is celebrated on December 4.
Who was St. John of Damascus?
St. John of Damascus was an eighth-century priest, monk, theologian, and Doctor of the Church. He is especially remembered for defending the veneration of holy images and for his influential theological writings.
What is the St. John of Damascus Novena for?
This novena is prayed for wisdom, deeper faith, fidelity to Catholic teaching, understanding of Scripture, courage to defend the truth, and growth in holiness.
Why is St. John of Damascus important?
He played a crucial role in defending the Church’s teaching on sacred images during the Iconoclast controversy and wrote theological works that continue to guide Christians today.
What is St. John of Damascus the patron saint of?
St. John of Damascus is commonly regarded as the patron saint of theologians, iconographers, and those who study or teach the Catholic faith, especially within the Eastern Christian tradition.
When should I pray the St. John of Damascus Novena?
You may pray the novena at any time. Many Catholics begin it in preparation for his feast day on December 4 or whenever seeking wisdom and a deeper understanding of the faith.
How do you pray the St. John of Damascus Novena?
Pray the novena once each day for nine consecutive days. Offer your personal intentions through the intercession of St. John of Damascus, asking God to strengthen your faith and deepen your love for Christ.
What can we learn from St. John of Damascus?
St. John teaches us to remain faithful to the truth, use our gifts in service of the Church, defend the faith with charity and wisdom, and continually seek a deeper knowledge of God through prayer and study.
When is the Feast Day of St. John of Damascus?
The Feast of St. John of Damascus is celebrated on December 4 in the Roman Catholic Church. He is also widely honored in the Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches for his theological writings, hymns, and defense of the holy icons.
| Novena Begins: | November 25 |
| Feast Day: | December 4 |
Patron Saint of Arts, defense of Holy Icons / images
Day 1 – St. John of Damascus Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord, strengthen our minds in the mysteries of the true faith, so powerfully proclaimed by Your servant, St. John of Damascus. Grant that, together with him, we may faithfully confess Jesus Christ as true God and true Man.
As we joyfully sing the praises of our risen Lord, may the power of His Resurrection transform our lives and lead us to the eternal joy of Your heavenly kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. John of Damascus, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. John of Damascus Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord, strengthen our minds in the mysteries of the true faith, so powerfully proclaimed by Your servant, St. John of Damascus. Grant that, together with him, we may faithfully confess Jesus Christ as true God and true Man.
As we joyfully sing the praises of our risen Lord, may the power of His Resurrection transform our lives and lead us to the eternal joy of Your heavenly kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. John of Damascus, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. John of Damascus Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord, strengthen our minds in the mysteries of the true faith, so powerfully proclaimed by Your servant, St. John of Damascus. Grant that, together with him, we may faithfully confess Jesus Christ as true God and true Man.
As we joyfully sing the praises of our risen Lord, may the power of His Resurrection transform our lives and lead us to the eternal joy of Your heavenly kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. John of Damascus, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. John of Damascus Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord, strengthen our minds in the mysteries of the true faith, so powerfully proclaimed by Your servant, St. John of Damascus. Grant that, together with him, we may faithfully confess Jesus Christ as true God and true Man.
As we joyfully sing the praises of our risen Lord, may the power of His Resurrection transform our lives and lead us to the eternal joy of Your heavenly kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. John of Damascus, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. John of Damascus Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord, strengthen our minds in the mysteries of the true faith, so powerfully proclaimed by Your servant, St. John of Damascus. Grant that, together with him, we may faithfully confess Jesus Christ as true God and true Man.
As we joyfully sing the praises of our risen Lord, may the power of His Resurrection transform our lives and lead us to the eternal joy of Your heavenly kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. John of Damascus, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. John of Damascus Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord, strengthen our minds in the mysteries of the true faith, so powerfully proclaimed by Your servant, St. John of Damascus. Grant that, together with him, we may faithfully confess Jesus Christ as true God and true Man.
As we joyfully sing the praises of our risen Lord, may the power of His Resurrection transform our lives and lead us to the eternal joy of Your heavenly kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. John of Damascus, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. John of Damascus Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord, strengthen our minds in the mysteries of the true faith, so powerfully proclaimed by Your servant, St. John of Damascus. Grant that, together with him, we may faithfully confess Jesus Christ as true God and true Man.
As we joyfully sing the praises of our risen Lord, may the power of His Resurrection transform our lives and lead us to the eternal joy of Your heavenly kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. John of Damascus, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. John of Damascus Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord, strengthen our minds in the mysteries of the true faith, so powerfully proclaimed by Your servant, St. John of Damascus. Grant that, together with him, we may faithfully confess Jesus Christ as true God and true Man.
As we joyfully sing the praises of our risen Lord, may the power of His Resurrection transform our lives and lead us to the eternal joy of Your heavenly kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. John of Damascus, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. John of Damascus Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord, strengthen our minds in the mysteries of the true faith, so powerfully proclaimed by Your servant, St. John of Damascus. Grant that, together with him, we may faithfully confess Jesus Christ as true God and true Man.
As we joyfully sing the praises of our risen Lord, may the power of His Resurrection transform our lives and lead us to the eternal joy of Your heavenly kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
St. John of Damascus, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…