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Theology and Poetry in Early Byzantium

Theology and Poetry in Early Byzantium

Theology and Poetry in Early Byzantium

The Kontakia of Romanos the Melodist
Sarah Gador-Whyte , Australian Catholic University, Melbourne
August 2021
Available
Paperback
9781316505618

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    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.

    • The first English-language study of the thought and poetry of Romanos the Melodist
    • Identifies Romanos' distinctive contributions to homiletics and traditions of late antique poetry
    • Provides original translations of significant passages in Romanos' kontakia, making his Greek poetry more widely accessible

    Product details

    April 2017
    Hardback
    9781107140134
    242 pages
    254 × 180 × 19 mm
    0.61kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • Introduction
    • 1. On the Passion of Christ
    • 2. The second Adam: a typology of salvation
    • 3. The second creation: a new reality for Christians
    • 4. The second coming: a theology of time and liturgy
    • On the Resurrection IV: conclusions and beyond.
      Author
    • Sarah Gador-Whyte , Australian Catholic University, Melbourne

      Sarah Gador-Whyte is an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Catholic University, based at St Patrick's Campus in Melbourne. She is a scholar of late antiquity and Byzantium and has published widely on Romanos, the cult of the Virgin, late antique historiography and religious conflict in late antiquity.