This
course explores the Song of Songs, one of the most enigmatic books of the
Hebrew Bible, through the lens of Gregory of Narek, a prominent 10th-century
Armenian mystic and theologian. The Song of Songs (also known as the Song of
Solomon or as Canticles) is part of the Hebrew Bible and it appears to be a
collection of poetry on the theme of human love. Its evocative, enigmatic, and
often frankly erotic poetry raises significant issues of interpretation. Gregory
of Narek (c. 945-1003), a monk and a priest, is best known for his poetic
works, and one of the few Armenian commentators on the Song of Songs. Living
during a period of cultural and religious renaissance which preceded the
Turkish and Mongol invasions of Armenia, and in a period of conflict between
the non-Chalcedonian Christians of his native land and their Byzantine
neighbors, Gregory worked from the Armenian text of the Song, which is slightly
longer than the Septuagint or Hebrew versions and contains passages which vary
from them. By examining his exegetical and mystical interpretations, students
will gain insight into medieval Armenian theology, poetic expression, and the
broader cultural and religious context of the period. The course will blend
textual analysis, theological study, and historical context, providing a critical
understanding of both the Song of Songs and Gregory of Narek's contributions to
medieval thought.
Aims of the course
The course will allow
to:
·
Develop knowledge and understanding of
medieval literature and in particular the writing of Gregory of Narek within
the cultural and historical context;
·
Show awareness of critical and theoretical
approaches to literature from the period;
·
Develop keener close reading skills,
particularly when engaging with medieval texts;
·
Articulate and discuss the broader
concepts of the course and the relationships between the texts
·
Integrate historical, cultural, and
theological contexts into the study of medieval texts.
Required readings (excerpts)
Main Texts
· Roberta Ervine, The Blessing of Blessings: Grigor of Narek's
Commentary on the Song of Songs, (Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press,
2008).
· Michael Papazian, The Doctor of Mercy: The Sacred
Treasures of St. Gregory of Narek (Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical
Press, 2019).
· Abraham Terian, From the Depths of the Heart: Annotated
Translation of the Prayers of St. Gregory of Narek (Collegeville,
Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2022).
· Abraham Terian, The Festal Works of St. Gregory of
Narek: Annotated Translation of the Odes, Litanies, and Encomia (Collegeville,
Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2016).