Mother of God of three Hands
Mount Athos, Greece (6th c.)
St. John Damascene was head chancellor to the Caliph of Damascus in 726 when the Byzantine Emperor Leo issued his first iconoclastic edict.
John defended the use of images in Christian worship. Meanwhile, Caliph Hisham’s forces conducted frequent attacks against the Byzantine Empire. In 730 the Caliph received a letter in John’s handwriting, addressed to Emperor Leo, offering to betray Damascus to him. Hisham decreed that the hand that wrote the letter should be severed at the wrist. The saint's hand was restored after he prayed before an icon to which he added a third hand of silver. The miracle made the Caliph realize the incriminating letter was a Byzantine forgery. The feast is celebrated on July 25 (July 12 - Julian).
Text and image used with permission.
Source: "365 Days with Mary" by Michael O'Neill
Download the free "365 Days with Mary" app
Listen to "365 Days with Mary" each week on The Miracle Hunter® on EWTN Radio