The same, from his Sermon to St Meletius, Bishop of Antioch, and on the zeal of his hearers, beginning, ‘Casting his eyes everywhere on this holy flock.’
On Holy Images — translated by Mary H. Allies
What took place was most edifying, and we ought always to bear this consolation in mind, and to have this saint before our eyes, whose name was invoked against every bad passion and specious argument. This was so much the case that streets, market-place, fields, every nook and corner rang with his name. Not only have you longed to invoke him, but to look upon his bodily form. As with his name so with his image. Many people have put it on their rings and goblets and cups and on their bedroom walls, so as not only to hear his history but to look upon his physical likeness, and to have a double consolation in his loss.
Translated by Mary H. Allies. Edition opa.patristics.john-of-damascus.on-holy-images.en.