GEOMETRES, JOHN

flourished 10th century also called John Kyriotes Byzantine poet, official, and bishop, known for his short poems in classical metre. Geometres held the post of protospatharios (commander of the guards) at the Byzantine court and later was ordained priest, finally becoming metropolitan of Melitene in eastern Asia Minor. His poems, on both contemporary politics and religious subjects, are distinguished by considerable charm and appreciation of natural beauty. His prose works, most of which remained unpublished, include a life of the Virgin Mary, consisting of sermons for her feast days, and an encomium of Eve's apple.