The article examines the interpretation of the Scripture in Byzantine hymnography during the
Great Lent. Some notable recent contributions focus on Andrew of Crete’s and Romanos the
Melodist’s compositions, illustrating the hymnographic way of understanding the Scriptures.
The author of this study presents a selection of stanzas from hymns of the Triodion that refer
to the trees of Paradise. Hymnography perceives the trees in Genesis 2–3 in direct connection
with the cross. Only rarely is the tree of life a metaphor for Jesus, as the shadow of the tree of
the cross is seldom a metaphor for protection. Another interesting aspect in relation to
hymnography is the fact that it represents a type of intertextual exegesis of biblical texts.
Hymnographers interpret passages from Genesis by using texts from Psalms, Prophets and
especially from the New Testament, combining images and biblical texts in the depiction of
liturgical moments.
CONTRIBUTION : Compared with previous research, this article discusses some rare hymnographic
interpretations (shadow of the cross; cross in the middle of the earth). The analysis accentuates
that the hymnic approach to the Scripture is a form of intertextual exegesis.
Description:
The author is participating as
the research associate of Dean
Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, Faculty of
Theology and Religion,
University of Pretoria.
Special Collection: Lucian Blaga University, Sibiu, Romania, sub-edited by Daniel Buda (Lucian Blaga University) and Jerry Pillay
(University of Pretoria).
