One loaf of no-knead sourdough for Val
Mixed: 8 pm
Molded: 7 am next day
Baked: 8 am
October 1st is the feast day of Saint Romanos, a man who, after being shamed in public, was miraculously granted the gift of composing music. He lived in Constantinople in the fifth century, born only about 40 years after Saint Brigid of Ireland. His story, (and here’s a fairly condense yet dramatic version) highlights the beauties of humility, prayer, and song. Because I admire this saint so much–I’ve actually written a children’s book about him! What fun to dive back into fifth century research and learn about the Byzantine world (how I would LOVE to be transported to ancient Constantinople! Hagia Sophia and the Blachernae church were both wonders…) The story is complete, and I hope to send it out to publishers vite vite!
So… I baked up a yummy loaf of artisan bread for our new choir director at church, Valerie Yova, in honor of Saint Romanos’ feast day. She has brought so much vibrancy and organization to our community, so this is just a small way to say thank you for her efforts. The photo above is from an icon of Saint Romanos that was presented to Valerie before she came to Santa Barbara. It was written by a parish priest in San Diego, her former home…
Valerie is so very knowledgeable in all things regarding church music, and she helped give me some very important leads to Byzantine scholars when I was researching Saint Romanos… She’s just now beginning a course for chanters in Byzantine music. And if you’ve never heard Byzantine music before–head to the Cappella Romana website where they have samplings of many of their recordings. Saint Romanos wrote several of the kontakions that they have sung, and their sound is heavenly…
Lastly, just because it was fun to hop around on Youtube to dig up Byzantine music, here are two Orthodox choirs named after Saint Romanos.
- A Greek choir in Modesto, CA. Saint Romanos Choir sings a seven-minute version of O Pure One in Greek.
- Saint Romanos the Melodist Choir of Melbourne, Australia sings in Arabic during a Paschal celebration.
The Woman and the Wheat 
Loved this – thank you for honoring St. Romanos today. As a choir member, I treasure his intercessions for our singing and chanting being a glory to God and a ministry to our parish. His story is so dramatic and encouraging. It will make a WONDERFUL book for children. Can hardly wait! 🙂
A new book ready to go to the printer? Yippee!
I tried to read about this singing saint but the link you offered did not work for me. 😦 Guess I’ll have to wait until your book is hot off the press!
Can’t wait!!!!
Hugs, Carla
I didn’t know about this new book or your interest in St. Romanos. I will pray that it will be well received by the publishers. I am going to look him up in my Butler’s Lives of the Saints.
mom