St. Romanos the Melodist

St. Romanos the Melodist (or Hymnographer) was one of the greatest of Greek hymnographers in the Orthodox church. He was called "the Pindar of rhythmic poetry." St. Romanos flourished during the sixth century, which is considered to be the "Golden Age" of Byzantine hymnography.

St.Romanos was born in the fifth century in the Syrian city of Emesa of Jewish parents. After moving to Constantinople, he became a church sacristan in the temple of Hagia Sophia. The monk spent his nights alone at prayer in a field or in the Blachernae church beyond the city.

St Romanus was not a talented reader or singer. Once, on the eve of the Nativity of Christ, he read the kathisma verses. He read so poorly that another reader had to take his place. The clergy ridiculed Romanus, which devastated him.
On the day of the Nativity, the Mother of God appeared to the grief-stricken youth in a vision while he was praying before her Kyriotissa icon. She gave him a scroll and commanded him to eat it. Thus was he given the gift of understanding, composition, and hymnography.
That evening at the all-night Vigil St. Romanos sang, in a wondrous voice, his first Kontakion: “Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One...” All the hymns of St. Romanos
became known as kontakia, in reference to the Virgin’s scroll. St. Romanos
was also the first to write in the form of the Oikos, which he incorporated into the all-night Vigil at his places of residence.
For his zealous service, St.Romanos was ordained as a deacon and became a teacher of song. Until his death, which occurred about the year 556, the hierodeacon Romanos

the Melodist composed nearly 1,000 hymns, many of which are still used by Christians to glorify the Lord. Only about eighty survived.

To celebrate his feast day, read "Sweet Song: A Story of Saint Romanos the Melodist" by Jane G. Meyer

Here are a few "visuals" to help your child appreciate the beauty of St. Romanos the Hymnographer's music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W33yzY1u2KQ  

This music sheet candle is one way to celebrate the feast day of our greatest musical saint! Would be a fun craft for kids both young and old!

Troparion (Tone 4)

You gladdened Christ's Church by your melodies

like an inspired heavenly trumpet.

You were enlightened by the Mother of God

and shone on the world as God's poet.

We lovingly honor you, righteous Roman.