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Anastasios Gaganiaras was born in Vlasti, Kozani prefecture Greece in 1952. He moved to Jerusalem in 1967. In 1968, Anastasios was [[tonsure]]d a [[monk]] with the name Damaskinos. In 1970, Mk. Damaskinos was [[ordination|ordained]] a [[deacon]] and served churches in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Amman. In 1977, Dn. Damaskinos was ordained to the [[priest]]hood, and in 1980, he was raised to the dignity of [[archimandrite]].
Having attended the Catholic University of Bethlehem, Fr. Damaskinos upon graduation received a degree in English Philosophy in 1980. He continued his education at the Aristotle University of [[Thessalonica]], receiving a degree in Theology in 1984. Continuing his studies in Byzantine History in the Postgraduate Department of the Aristotle University, Archim. Damaskinos received a postgraduate degree cum laude in 1985, followed by receiving a Doctorate degree in Theology in 1986. He also was a graduate of the School of Law at the University.
In 1994, Fr. Damaskinos undertook the renovation of the Church of the Archangels and the monastery in Jappa at his expense. In 1996, he was elected to the [[Holy Synod]] of the Church of Jerusalem. In October 1998, Fr. Damaskinos was elected Bishop of Jappa, with his [[consecration of a bishop|consecration]] taking place on [[October 13]]. In the your 2000, he was raised to the dignity of [[Archbishop]] of Jappa, as well as receiving an appointment as president of the Ecclesiastic Court of Jappa.