Theology and poetry in early Byzantium. The 'Kontakia' of Romanos the Melodist

Theology and Poetry in Early Byzantium' examines the 'kontakia' and thought-world of Romanos the Melodist, the sixth-century hymnographer whose vibrant and engaging compositions had a far-reaching influence in the history of Byzantine liturgy. His compositions bring biblical narratives to life through dialogue, encourage a level of participation unparalleled in homiletics and push the boundaries of liturgical expression of theology. This book provides an original analysis of Romanos' poetry, drawing attention to the coherence of his theology and the performative nature of his rhetoric. The main theological themes which emerge encourage the congregation to enact the life of Christ and anticipate the new creation: restoration of humanity to God, re-creation in the incarnation and life of Christ, and liturgical participation and transformation in that life. By analysing the rhetorical performance of theology in the 'kontakia', the book provides new insights into religious practice in late antiquity Cover 1 Half-title 3 Title page 5 Copyright information 6 Dedication 7 Table of contents 9 Preface 11 Introduction 13 Romanos 19 The Kontakion 21 The History of the Kontakion 23 The Setting of the Kontakion 26 The Liturgical Cycle 29 1 On the Passion of Christ 31 Dramatic Beginnings 32 Direct Address and the Self 37 Narrative 39 Dialogue 43 Characterization (Ethopoeia) 44 Refrain 45 Paradox 47 Vivid Description (Ekphrasis) 50 Structure 54 Word Play 56 Typology and Prophecy 57 Anti-Judaism 60 Final Strophe 63 Conclusions 65 2 The Second Adam 66 Correction and Perfection in Earlier Theology 67 Correction and Perfection in Romanos 70 Typology 74 Typology and Correction 76 Christ–Adam 76 Mary–Eve 79 Cross–Tree 84 Comparisons 91 Metaphor 93 Reopening Paradise 93 Clothing and Nakedness 96 Blindness 100 The Senses 103 Thirst and Hunger 107 Writing 108 Doctoring and Illness 109 Conclusions 112 3 The Second Creation 114 Paradox 121 Paradox and Typology 133 Typology 135 Types for Christ 136 Types for the Incarnation 140 Types for Paradise 144 Prophecy 145 Anti-Judaism: the Boundaries of the New Creation 148 Conclusions 157 4 The Second Coming 159 Liturgical Time 159 Liturgical Time in Romanos’ Kontakia 161 Participatory Theology 164 Liturgical Participation 166 Art and Architecture 166 Liturgy 169 Participation in Christ through the Liturgy 173 Participation in Christ through the Gospels and Imitatio Christi 181 Characterization (Ethopoeia) 181 Characterization in Earlier Homiletics 182 Characterization in Romanos 184 Vivid Description (Ekphrasis) 192 Ekphrasis before Romanos 192 Ekphrasis and Related Techniques in Romanos 193 Direct Address (Apostrophe) 200 Earlier and Contemporary Uses of Apostrophe 200 Apostrophe in Romanos 202 Conclusions 205 On the Resurrection IV 207 Select Bibliography 218 Editions and Translations of Romanos 218 Complete Editions 218 Complete English Translation 218 Partial English Translations 218 Other Primary Texts and Translations 218 Secondary Works 224 Index of Biblical Passages 242 General Index 244 Theology and poetry in early Byzantium examines the Kontakia and thought-world of Romanus the Melodist, the sixth-century hymnographer whose vibrant and engaging compositions had a far-reaching influence in the history of Byzantine liturgy. His compositions bring biblical narratives to life through dialogue, encourage a level of participation unparalleled in homiletics and push the boundaries of liturgical expression of theology. This book provides an original analysis of Romanos' poetry, drawing attention to the coherence of his theology and the performative nature of his rhetoric. The main theological themes which emerge encourage the congregation to enact the life of Christ and anticipate the new creation: restoration of humanity to God, recreation in the incarnation and life of Christ, and liturgical participation and transfromation of that life. By analysing the rhetorical performance of theology in the Kontakia, the book provides new insights into religious practice in late antiquity. - cover Romanos' lively and dramatic hymns are a highlight of Byzantine literary invention. This book examines the rhetorical embodiment of theological themes in these kontakia. Through rhetorical techniques like dialogue, metaphor and vivid description, biblical stories and theological concepts are performed, adapted and vivified. On The Passion Of Christ -- The Second Adam: A Typology Of Salvation -- The Second Creation: A New Reality For Christians -- The Second Coming: A Theology Of Time And Liturgy -- On The Resurrection Iv: Conclusions And Beyond. Sarah Gador-whyte. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes. This book studies Romanos' lively and dramatic hymns, highlighting especially the relationship between theological themes and performative rhetoric