Saint John of Damascus was a Syrian Christian monk and priest, celebrated as a polymath whose contributions spanned law, theology, philosophy, and music. Before his ordination, he served as a chief administrator to the Muslim caliph in Damascus. His writings expounding the Christian faith and his hymns remain in daily use in Eastern Christian monasteries worldwide. The Catholic Church regards him as a Doctor of the Church, particularly noted for his writings on the Assumption of Mary.
"St John of Damascus is often regarded as "the last of the fathers," and his On the Orthodox Faith (or An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith) is a summary and creative synthesis of all preceding patristic thought, touching upon every major aspect of the Christian faith. Norman Russell's new translation is based upon Kotter's critical Greek text, which is included on the facing page"--