Commemorated on October 14
Born in the Holy Land, Jerusalem, Saint Kosmas was guided under his wise friend, Saint John of Damascus. They were raised as brothers, as Saint John’s father adopted Kosmas as a young boy.
Throughout his life, Kosmas developed an excellent skill for writing hymns. He was even graced with the title “the Composer” and “the Melodist”. Two of his most popular Canons are sung on the Elevation of the Cross (September 14) and the nativity of Christ (December 25)
Saint Kosmas was also made Bishop of a city in Palestine, Port Gaza, which was later renamed to Constantia.
He was also granted the titles “a vessel of divine grace” and “the glory of the Church”. Living a long and peaceful life, he reposed sometime in the late 8th century.
Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion β 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 β 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 β 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!