Summary of "Catholic Saints" Podcast Episode: St. John Damascene

Podcast Information:

• Title: Catholic Saints
• Host: Augustine Institute
• Episode: St. John Damascene
• Release Date: December 4, 2024

Introduction

In the December 4, 2024 episode of Catholic Saints, produced by the Augustine Institute, host Mary engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Carl Venerstrom. The episode delves into the life, works, and enduring legacy of St. John Damascene, a pivotal figure in the history of the Catholic Church. As part of their mission to deepen the faithful's understanding of recognized saints, the Augustine Institute provides a thorough exploration of St. John's contributions under challenging historical circumstances.

Historical Context

Dr. Venerstrom begins by setting the stage for St. John Damascene's life, emphasizing the dramatic political and religious landscape of 7th-century Damascus.

Dr. Venerstrom [03:16]: "St. John of Damascus was born in 680 in the city of Damascus, which is in Syria. This was a dramatic time and place to be born."

He highlights the Islamic conquests that began in the early 620s, noting that Damascus became a central hub for the Islamic caliphate. This period saw Christians living under Islamic rule, where many held positions within the Muslim bureaucracy.

Dr. Venerstrom [04:14]: "St. John's father was an elite member of the Caliph's bureaucratic system. So basically he had a high place in the government."

This context underscores the complex interplay between Christian communities and Islamic governance, shaping St. John's experiences and perspectives.

Life and Path to Holiness

Dr. Venerstrom details St. John's early life and education, noting his elite philosophical training and multilingual abilities. Raised in an Arabic-speaking world and educated in Greek, St. John was well-equipped to engage with diverse intellectual traditions.

Dr. Venerstrom [05:00]: "He grew up in an Arabic speaking world, but was also educated in Greek and had ... a very elite philosophical education."

St. John’s transition to monastic life in Jerusalem marks a significant phase in his spiritual journey. Inspired by personal trials, including a public humiliation that led to his hand being severed and miraculously restored, he sought a deeper religious commitment.

Dr. Venerstrom [09:16]: "This event inspired him to take his adopted brother with him to go live the monastic life in Jerusalem ... eventually his strong intellectual gifts were recognized and he was ordained a priest."

The Iconoclasm Controversy

A major portion of the discussion centers on St. John's role in the Iconoclasm Controversy, a significant theological dispute within the Byzantine Empire.

Dr. Venerstrom [07:52]: "John wrote in response to this in defense of icons, and he connected it in a very beautiful way with the theological heritage that Christ truly took flesh."

St. John passionately defended the veneration of icons, arguing that the Incarnation justified their depiction. His stance opposed the Patriarch of Constantinople and the emperor, who viewed icon veneration as idolatry. This conflict led to his public disgrace and the severing of his hand, an act that was later reversed miraculously.

Dr. Venerstrom [07:53]: "He gets his hand cut off. And then ... he prays before this icon of the Madonna and Child. And he falls asleep ... his hand is attached."

This miraculous restoration reinforced the validity and sanctity of icon veneration within the Church.

Writings and Theological Contributions

St. John of Damascus is lauded for his extensive writings, which have left a lasting impact on Catholic theology. Although not the most prolific, his works are imperative and foundational.

Dr. Venerstrom [09:54]: "He's a great student of the Fathers who had come before him. So he's like almost kind of scholastic in that way."

His seminal work, "On the Orthodox Faith", serves as a comprehensive systematic theology, addressing major theological topics and countering various heresies, including Iconoclasm and early Islamic teachings, which he referred to as the heresy of the Ishmaelites.

Dr. Venerstrom [11:12]: "He was actually one of the first Christians to write about Islam, and he calls it the heresy of the Ishmaelites."

Additionally, St. John composed poems, homilies, and other theological treatises, cementing his role as a key intellectual figure at the end of the Patristic period.

Devotion to Mary and Liturgical Contributions

St. John of Damascus possessed a profound devotion to the Virgin Mary, which is evident in his liturgical contributions. Dr. Venerstrom shares excerpts from one of St. John's canons dedicated to the Feast of the Dormition, paralleling the Western Feast of the Assumption.

Dr. Venerstrom [14:48]: "These are the last lines of this particular canon ... Let us drink of God's gifts at his mother's tomb."

This canon emphasizes Mary's role as a mediator and protector, reinforcing her significance in Eastern Christian traditions.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

St. John Damascene's legacy is multifaceted, impacting various aspects of the Church today. He is recognized as the patron of icon painters, theology students, and intriguingly, pharmacists—a nod to his polymathic studies in medicine and nature.

Mary [11:19]: "I've learned that he is the patron of icon painters, theology students, which all reflect some of the writings and his lived experience."

Dr. Venerstrom highlights St. John's enduring influence on theological scholarship, particularly his method of synthesizing the Church Fathers' teachings, which prefigures later scholasticism.

Dr. Venerstrom [12:08]: "He's really a model for someone who is a man of the Church ... He knew there was a great gift in studying the teachings and writings of all of the Fathers of the Church that went before him."

Moreover, St. John's defense of icons continues to shape Eastern Orthodox and Catholic practices, illustrating the harmonious blend of faith and art in worship.

Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, several poignant quotes encapsulate the essence of St. John Damascene's theology and legacy:

1. Defense of Icons:

   Dr. Venerstrom [16:50]: "We're physical beings with physical sense perceptions ... God has condescended. He's come down to us to be depicted in a material form."

2. Devotion and Liturgical Beauty:

   Dr. Venerstrom [15:31]: "Let us now draw from this spring of God's healing spiritual probity. Let us drink of God's gifts at his mother's tomb."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on St. John Damascene's resilience and faith amid adversity, emphasizing the relevance of his life for contemporary Christians.

Dr. Venerstrom [19:03]: "It's worthwhile attending to Christians like Saint John of Damascus and seeking their intercession for ourselves."

Mary and Dr. Venerstrom remind listeners to pray for and support Christians worldwide, drawing inspiration from St. John's unwavering commitment to the faith.

Mary [19:24]: "St. John of Damascus, pray for us."

Overall, this episode of Catholic Saints offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of St. John Damascene—his historical context, theological contributions, devotion to Mary, and lasting legacy. Through insightful discussion and notable quotations, listeners gain a profound understanding of how St. John navigated and shaped the Church during a tumultuous era, leaving an indelible mark that continues to inspire the faithful today.