Description
Saint Romanos the Melodist, deacon and hymnographer
Romanos was born in the fifth century in Emesa, in present-day Syria, and later served as a deacon in Constantinople. He became one of the great poets of Byzantine Christian worship, especially associated with the kontakion, a long metrical homily in verse. Tradition credits him with a large body of hymns, including the Nativity kontakion beginning Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One. He died around 556 and is commemorated in the Byzantine tradition on October 1.
The Virgin, the scroll and the writing desk
The icon depicts the hagiographic tradition that explains Romanos’s gift for hymnography. The Mother of God appears above him and offers a scroll, which the story says he was told to consume before singing his first kontakion. Romanos sits at a writing desk with an open book and pen, translating inspired song into written liturgical poetry. This is a theological image of vocation and grace, not a documentary scene. The halo and gold field mark sacred time.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, with direct printing and decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate with the year of production and a wall hanger are included.
For cantors, musicians and the prayer of the Church
This icon is especially appropriate for a choir room, cantor’s stand, music school, seminary, monastery, chapel or home prayer corner. It can accompany prayer for church musicians, hymn writers, readers, deacons and all who place artistic skill at the service of worship. As a gift, it has particular meaning for a cantor, composer, choir director, student of Byzantine liturgy or anyone named Romanos.