Venerable · 6th century
Romanos the Melodist
Venerable Romanos the Melodist
New Calendar October 1 Old Calendar October 14
Why they are a saint
Romanos the Melodist was deacon of Constantinople, greatest of Byzantine hymnographers; wrote kontakia still sung in Holy Week and on feasts. The years given for this life are 6th century. This memory is kept in the whole Orthodox Church. Orthodox Christians remember him among the venerable monastic saints.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for church chanters and composers. The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Romanos the Melodist, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with other Romans / Romanoses.