Cosmas of Maiuma

Cosmas of Maiuma was an eighth-century Byzantine monk, bishop, and hymnographer. He is best known for liturgical canons composed in close association with John of Damascus.

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Byzantine hymnography: The composition and performance of hymns in the Byzantine Christian tradition. Cosmas’s canons are prominent works within this tradition.
Canon of the Nativity: A Byzantine hymnographic canon celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas. It is among the best-known canons associated with Cosmas.
John of Damascus: An eighth-century Christian theologian and hymnographer who wrote influential works defending the use of icons. Cosmas was associated with John and collaborated with him in hymn composition.
Palestinian monasticism: The Christian monastic tradition that developed in Palestine, especially from the fourth century onward. Cosmas’s monastic context belonged to this regional tradition.
Menaion: The collection of Orthodox liturgical services arranged by fixed dates in the calendar year. Cosmas’s feast-day canons survive within the cycle of services organized by this collection.
Canon (hymnography): A Byzantine hymnographic form of nine odes, usually modeled on biblical canticles. This is the form for which Cosmas is especially remembered.
Canon of Theophany: A Byzantine canon celebrating Christ’s baptism at the feast of Theophany. This feast canon exemplifies Cosmas’s use of biblical imagery and theological poetry.
Mar Saba: A historic Eastern Orthodox monastery in the Judean desert, founded by Sabbas the Sanctified. Cosmas’s life and hymnographic activity are associated with this monastery.
Sticheron: A short Byzantine hymn stanza sung with a psalm verse or as part of a feast service. Stichera were part of the liturgical repertory surrounding Cosmas’s work.
Triodion: The Orthodox liturgical book containing services for the weeks before Easter and Holy Week. Canons attributed to Cosmas appear in the worship cycle covered by this book.