Illuminated manuscript (above): depiction of the Second Council of Nicaea from the Menologion of Basil II
His teaching thus finds its place in the tradition of the universal Church, whose sacramental doctrine foresees that material elements taken from nature can become vehicles of grace by virtue of the invocation (epiclesis) of the Holy Spirit, accompanied by the confession of the true faith (Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, 6 May, 2009).
St. John Damascene
Born: 676
Died: approx….