Saint Cosmas the Hymnographer, Bishop of Maiuma, was a native of Jerusalem. He was raised by the parents of Saint John of Damascus (December 4) together with their son, and he received a fine education. When Saint Cosmas came of age, he set out to one of the monasteries of Palestine, where he attained renown for his monastic exploits.
During a time of persecution against holy icons Saint Cosmas, and the venerable John, came forward to defend Orthodoxy. In the year 743 Cosmas was made Bishop of Maiuma. He died in old age, leaving behind many canons for feast days and a Triodion for four days of Holy Week.
Troparion — Tone 8
O Champion of Orthodoxy, teacher of purity and of true worship, / The enlightener of the universe and the adornment of the Hierarchs: / O all-wise Father Cosmas, Your teachings have gleamed with light upon all things. / Intercede before Christ our God to save our souls!
Troparion — Tone 4
Though in the flesh, you were zealous to emulate the choirs of heaven, / And while on earth you composed hymns to God in the highest, / Like a harp of holy wisdom, / With enlightened understanding you hymned God the Word. / O divinely inspired Cosmas, we praise you with hymns!
Kontakion — Tone 2
O God-inspired Cosmas, you adorned yourself with virtues, / Adorning the Church of Christ with the rich splendor of your hymns. / Intercede with the Lord that He may deliver us from the snares of our enemies! / We cry out to you: Rejoice, O holy and blessed Father!