About
Saint Romanos
The Society of Saint Romanos is named in honor of Saint Romanos the Melodist, a poet and hymnographer who thrived in Constantinople at the end of the Fifth Century.
The author of the famous Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ and the presumed author of the Akathistos Hymn to the Theotokos, Romanos was not born a talented poet or singer. In fact, as a deacon of the Church, he was frequently ridiculed and viewed as a mediocre singer and uninspired poet. Romanos turned in fervent prayer to the Mother of Godóshe was his patron. On the Eve of the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord, the Theotokos appeared to him in a dream and commanded him to consume a scroll that she placed on his tongue; Romanos obeyed.
After he awoke, in the midst of the Holy Temple, he began to sing in a strong, clear voice a most glorious hymnóthe Kontakion to the Nativity. The people were amazed. Romanos lived to compose over a thousand kontakia, of which only a hundred survived and remain in use throughout the Orthodox Christian world.
The reason, therefore, for selecting the name of Saint Romanos for the Society is connected with his personal story: Saint Romanos became a glorious hymnographer and singer after a divine transformationóthe miraculous intervention of the Theotokos. With Godís help, we too can transform our depleted and chaotic cultural life to one of clarity, inspiration, and glory.
Saint Romanos is considered the heavenly Patron of Orthodox musicians. We turn to Saint Romanos for guidance and inspiration as we chart a course for the Society: O Holy Father, Saint Romanos, pray to God for us!