Which of the following accurately describes who john of damascus was? the leading iconoclast the leading defender of icons the military governor of damascus the pope who excommunicated leo iii

The correct answer is "The leading defender of icons".

John of Damascus was among the Fathers of the Eastern Orthodox Church and is best known as a leader in the defence of icons. He took upon himself the fierce defence of holy images in three different published works, the first of which was "Apologetic Treatises Against Those Decrying The Holy Images". Here, he attacked the Byzantine emperor employing a simplified approach that allowed the masses to understand and side with him. His impact was quite remarkable as his writings are still regarded as crucial triggers of iconoclast rebellions.

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