Sophronius was born in Damascus around 550 AD. He was interested in philosophy, and proved to be gifted in all his studies, earning the title Sophronius the Wise. However, he was unsatisfied with these gifts as they were not yet accompanied by spiritual perfection. His pursuit for the true philosophy began in then-Palestine, where he venerated the Holy Places before arriving at the monastery founded by St Theodosius. Here he developed a kinship with John Moschus, a monk with whom Sophronius discovered wonderful spiritual wisdom. John Moschus became Sophronius’ spiritual father, and together they travelled to Alexandria to learn from [...]

Saint John of Damascus December 4 Homily on the Holy Cross Listen to the Saint's life in English: Listen to the Saint's life in Greek: Related links: Constantine Cavarnos, Saint John Damascene (Orthodox Bookstore) Brian E. Daley, On the Dormition Of Mary: Early Patristic Homilies (Orthodox Bookstore) St. John of Damascus, Three Treatises on the Divine Images (Orthodox Bookstore) John Reading, St John of Damascus On the Divine Images (Orthodox Bookstore) The Life of Saint John of Damascus (Mystagogy) Homilies of St John of Damascus (english translations, newadvent.org) Homilies of [...]

Saint Aristocleus of Damascus the Martyr June 23 Listen to the Saint's life in English: