Kozma Jerusalem Byzantine church poet of the 8th century. Date of Birth: .

1. Cosmas of Jerusalem, the Byzantine Church Poet
2. Sergius Mansur's Patronage
3. Monastic Life and Ordination
4. Literary Works
5. Famous Canons

Cosmas of Jerusalem, the Byzantine Church Poet

Cosmas, a Byzantine church poet of the 8th century, was orphaned at a young age, losing both his parents.

Sergius Mansur's Patronage

Sergius Mansur, the father of John Damascene, became Cosmas's guardian and raised him alongside John. Sergius gave both boys an excellent education, with the assistance of Cosmas, an erudite hieromonk from Sicily whom Sergius had purchased as a slave.

Monastic Life and Ordination

Cosmas and John moved from Damascus to Jerusalem, entering the Monastery of St. Sabbas. In 732, Cosmas became a monk at St. Sabbas. In 743, he was ordained as Bishop of Maiuma in Palestine. The date of his death is unknown.

Literary Works

Cosmas, alongside John Damascene, was renowned for his hymns in Byzantine church poetry. They composed numerous canons that became part of the liturgical tradition of the Orthodox Church.

Famous Canons

Cosmas is credited with creating canons for Holy Week, including those for Great Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, as well as the fourth-to-ninth odes of the canon for Great Saturday. He also authored canons for major Orthodox feasts, such as Christmas ("Christ is Born, Glorify..."), Transfiguration, Trinity, Presentation, Dormition of the Theotokos, Epiphany, Elevation of the Cross, and Palm Sunday.