“Speaking with Mary: St. Romanos, a Voice, and the Virgin” 

On March 22, 2019, ISEC hosted Thomas Arenzen, who lectured on “Speaking with Mary: St. Romanos, a Voice, and the Virgin.” Most Christians who are devoted to the Virgin Mary today share the idea that she speaks on behalf of humans as an intercessor. In the first Christian centuries, however, she largely appeared as a reserved and quiet person who did not raise her voice. This lecture explored a crucial crossroads in Marian history, as the Theotokos and another voiceless person, Romanos the Melodist (ca 485-560), come together through a scroll, exchanging the gift of speech.