A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Ἰωάννης Δαμασκηνός), a voluminous ecclesiastical writer, who flourished during the first half of the eighth century after Christ, in the reigns of Leo Isauricus and Constantine VII. He was a native of Damascus, whence he derived his surname, and belonged to a family of high rank. His oratorical powers procured him the surname of Chrysorrhoas, but he was also stigmatized by his enemies with various derogatory nicknames, such as Sarabaita, Mansur, and Arclas. He devoted himself to the service of the church, and after having obtained the dignity of presbyter, he entered the monastery of St. Saba at Jerusalem, where he spent the remainder of his life, devoting himself to literary pursuits, especially the study of theology. He seems to have died, at the earliest, about A. D. 756, and his tomb was shewn near St. Saba down to a very late period. He is regarded as a saint both by the Greek and Latin churches; the former celebrates his memory on the 29th of November and the 4th of December, and the latter on the 6th of May.

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