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John the Geometer ?

In the course of reading John Paul II's "Theotokos , Woman, Mother, Disciple " I have come across 2 references to John the Geometer in the section on "Mary was united to Jesus on the Cross"

He states that She is united to Christ in the whole work of redemption according to God's plan , sharing in the Cross and suffering for our salvation. She remained united to the Son "in every deed, attitude and wish'"
He , 'John the Geometer, also said that She is our Mother.

Now all that is said about John the Geometer is that he was a Byzantine Monk at the end of the 10th Century.

I asked my Spiritual Director about him today and he is as ignorant as I am. I have Googled tonight and got nothing useful - can anyone help ?

Anhelyna

Dearest Anhelyna, John the Geometer was a Byzantine monk who wrote the famous Life of the Theotokos at the end of the 10th century.

This book is a beautiful discourse on how Mary is united to Christ in the whole work of Redemption, sharing, according to God's plan, in the Cross and suffering for our salvation. She remained united to the Son "in every deed, attitude and wish". He also believed in the wonderful idea that love freed of passion proves to be the most compassionate.

"You scatter your favors with still greater abundance since you possess more fully him who is their source and who is entirely willing to give them to us, rather you possess almost everything by yourself and you show largesse to whom you will and to him who begs it of you."
John the Geometer, Life of the Theotokos (AD 989) speaking about the intercessory power of the Theotokos.

This is reported to be one of the Holy Father's most favorite books about the Theotokos. This is also the same John the Geometer who wrote about veneration of the Holy Shroud.

Doh, double post attack again...

Well, who'd a thunk it!
In 10th century Byzantium, a teaching on the co-redemptrix!

Actually djs - that's what hit me like a thunderbolt - hence the question. To put it mildly I was stunned.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the book - it's actually the texts of 70 general audience talks given between Sept 1995 to Nov 1997 and the book is described as a catechesis

So did the saint do geometry or something?

And to echo what Alex always say, the Byzantines have far outdone the West in their hyper-dulia for the All Holy Theotokos. May they keep up that tradition and may we Westerners work hard to keep up!

to Jesus through Mary,
Marshall

Well thanks folks !

Diak ,may I ask where you got the info about the work on the Veneration of the Holy Shroud ?

I know I should not let myself get sidetracked like this - but it's a failing I'm always being told off by Fr John for being sidetracked - but it can lead to fascinating bits of knowledge.

Anhelyna