✝ Venerable Cosmas of Maiuma, Bishop and Hymnographer
October 12 / October 25 (Julian Calendar)
On this day, October 12 according to the Julian Calendar (October 25 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Venerable Cosmas, Bishop of Maiuma and Hymnographer.
The Venerable Cosmas, Bishop of Maiuma and composer of canons, was born in Jerusalem but was raised in Damascus by the parents of the Venerable John of Damascus. Like John, he received a brilliant education, and upon reaching adulthood he withdrew to one of the monasteries of Palestine.
During the persecution of the holy icons, the Venerable Cosmas rose up together with Saint John in defense of Orthodoxy. Together they wrote many works refuting the iconoclasts. In 743 Cosmas was appointed Bishop of Maiuma. This chosen one of the Lord surrendered his soul to God in deep old age (†c. 787), leaving us many festal canons and hymns.
May the intercessions of Saint Cosmas of Maiuma be with us all.