COSMAS THE HYMNOGRAPHER

COSMAS THE HYMNOGRAPHER (MELODUS), Bishop of Maiouma, St. (ca. 675–752). By tradition Cosmas was the adopted brother of Joh n of Damascus (q.v.). He became a monk together with his sibling at the Monastery of Mar Sabba in Palestine. He was later elevated to the see of Maiouma near Gaza. His liturgical poems, composed in particular for the great feasts (q.v.) commemorating the events of Christ’s life, continue to be sung in the Church. Their artistry and theological sophistication compare favorably with the Damascene’s. Together they permanently influenced the style and shape of Orthodox liturgy and music (qq.v.).