Today we honor Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, known as the sweet-voiced nightingale of the Church. Born in Sicily around the 9th century, he became a monk, priest, and a fearless defender of the veneration of holy icons during difficult times of persecution.

Saint Joseph was also a gifted hymn writer, composing many of the Canons found in the Church’s services. Despite imprisonment and exile, he remained faithful and was restored to serve in Constantinople until his peaceful repose in 886.

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