Damian of Alexandria, who passed away in 605, served as the Coptic pope and patriarch of Alexandria starting from 576. Originally hailing from Syria, he entered monastic life early on and spent sixteen years in the Egyptian desert of Scete, where he became a deacon in the monastery of St. John the Short. Later, he moved to a monastery near Alexandria, where he continued his ascetic practices.

 

Upon the enthronement of Pope Peter IV of Alexandria, Damian became his private secretary, earning admiration for his piety. Following Peter's death in 569, Damian was unanimously ordained as patriarch by the bishops. Throughout his reign of nearly thirty-six years, he not only shepherded the church but also penned numerous epistles and discourses, reaffirming miaphysite and non-Chalcedonian beliefs.

 

During his tenure, Damian became embroiled in controversies. He undertook a contentious mission to depose Patriarch Paul II of Antioch, succeeding his predecessor's efforts. However, facing opposition from the Chalcedonian patriarch, Damian and his supporters had to retreat, eventually convening in Constantinople, where Damian participated in a church council, later disavowing it.

 

Damian's involvement in theological disputes is notable. He confronted Melitians who drank wine before Communion, clarifying the significance of the Last Supper's cups and enforcing church canons. Additionally, his theological dialogue with Patriarch Peter of Antioch resulted in accusations of tritheism and Sabellianism, leading to a schism between the Alexandrian and Antiochene churches.

 

Throughout his life, Damian vigorously opposed what he deemed heretical beliefs, including tritheism, Chalcedonianism, and various figures and groups. Although much of his writings are lost, Damian's influence extended to contemporary writers like John of Parallos, who shared his zeal against heresy.