Saint Roman icon - the Melodist of Constantinople

Saint Roman - Venerable Romanos the Melodist of Constantinople

Saint Roman, nicknamed "the Sweet Singer", was a Greek by origin and was born in the middle of the century in the Syrian city of Emesa. After receiving an education, he became a deacon in the Resurrection Church in the city of Beirut. During the reign of Emperor Anastasius Dicora (401-518), he moved to Constantinople and became a cleric at the patriarchal church of St. Sophia. He zealously helped with the divine services, although he was not distinguished by either his voice or his hearing. However, Patriarch Euthymius loved Roman and even brought him closer to himself for his sincere faith and virtuous life.

The patriarch's favor towards Saint Roman aroused several cathedral clerics against him, who began to oppress him. At one of the pre-Christmas services, these clerics pushed Roman onto the pulpit of the church and forced him to sing. The church was filled with pilgrims, the patriarch himself served in the presence of the emperor and the court retinue. Confused and frightened, Saint Roman disgraced himself publicly with his trembling voice and inarticulate singing. Arriving home completely depressed, Saint Roman prayed long and hard at night before the icon of the Mother of God, pouring out his sorrow. The Mother of God appeared to him, gave him a paper scroll and told him to eat it. And so a miracle happened: Roman received a beautiful, melodious voice and at the same time a poetic gift. In a surge of inspiration, he immediately composed his famous kontakion for the feast of the Nativity of Christ:

“Today the Virgin gives birth to the Most Essential, and the earth brings a cave to the Inaccessible; the angels with the shepherds glorify, and the magi travel with the star; for our sake the Young Child, the Eternal God, is born.”

The next day, Saint Roman came to the church for the all-night vigil on the eve of the Nativity of Christ. He insisted that he be allowed to sing on the pulpit again, and this time he sang the hymn he had composed, “Virgin Today,” so beautifully that he aroused universal delight. The emperor and patriarch thanked Saint Roman, and the people called him the Melodist. From then on, Saint Roman adorned the services with his wondrous singing and inspired prayers. Beloved by all, Saint Roman became a teacher of singing in Constantinople and greatly raised the splendor of Orthodox services. For his poetic gift, he took an honorable place among church hymnographers. More than a thousand prayers and hymns for various holidays are attributed to him. Particularly famous is the Akathist to the Annunciation of the Mother of God, which is sung on the fifth Saturday of Great Lent. Other Akathists were composed according to its model. Saint Roman died in 556.

🖼 Product Features

Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetime and beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on a premium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswax coating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece the warm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metal hanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display the moment it arrives.

• Crafted on a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6") thick, sturdy yet lightweight
• Fade-resistant pigment print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations
• Natural beeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel
• Ready to hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse
• Hand-finished by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal

📏 Available Sizes

• Small – 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• Medium – 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• Large – 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)

🎁 Perfect For

• Meaningful Orthodox Christian gifts
• Housewarming and family blessings
• Prayer corners and devotional spaces
• Baptisms, name days, weddings, and feast days

🌍 Worldwide Delivery

Securely packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal with tracking.

✨ Crafted with Tradition

Each icon is carefully made by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal — created to become a lasting blessing for your home or a treasured gift for someone you love.