learn to defend the use of religious icons and objects…

… today is the Memorial of St. John Damascene.

St. John was such a great orator that he was known as Chrysorrhoas (“golden-stream”). He was the last of the Greek Fathers of the Church, and the first of the Christian Aristotleans. He also adapted choral music for use in the liturgy. His eloquent defense of Christian images has given him the title of “Doctor of Christian Art.”

For some light reading, An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith

Tone 8 (For John of Damascus)

What shall we call thee, Holy Theologian John.
Another David, for they hymns are as the psalms for us.