John of Damascus, also known as John Damascene, was a Christian theologian and philosopher who lived in the 7th and 8th centuries. He is best known for his defense of the use of icons in Christian worship, which was a significant issue during the Iconoclast Controversy. His writings helped to shape the Orthodox Christian understanding of the role of images in faith. Born in Damascus, he served as a government official before dedicating his life to monasticism. John of Damascus is also recognized for his contributions to Christian theology, particularly through his work "The Fount of Knowledge," which includes important discussions on the nature of God and the Trinity.