AXII to The Host of The 2008 Choir Conference

Reverend Father Michael Petrides, Parish Council President Dina Rivers,  Conference Chairman Tina Wilson and her Committee, along with the entire parish of St. George in New Port Richey, FL are to be commended for the terrific job they did in hosting the 2008 Choir Conference. You made it a memorable event through your infectious enthusiasm, phyloxenia and the general royal treatment we all received during our stay.

Sunday’s spiritually inspiring Liturgy started earlier than usual because the 80+ adult choir, 22 youth choir members and congregation witnessed the ordination of Fr. John Krokos to the priesthood. He will be assigned as second priest in Tarpon Springs, FL.

Highlights of the weekend:
Clinicians for our CMI Workshops on Thursday were our Guest Director Dr. Philip Thevaos, who presented an “Analysis of Robert Shaw Choral Technique” and our Guest Youth Directors Joanne Kambouris and Penelope Jebeles who presented ways to encourage and develop our youth to sing in our choirs. That evening the 30 CMI attendees and spouses were all treated to a home cooked dinner in the Kontos Center by the community of St. George.
Friday’s General Business Meeting discussions revolved around the Group Trip to Greece, Relocation of the Federation Library to the Metropolis, the 2008-2009 Budget,
Election of officers, ways to develop a complete list of all the choir members in our federation. A motion was passed to have a CMI Workshop in Atlanta the weekend of the Archangel Michael presentations. Possible hosts for 2009 Choir Conference were discussed.
Friday evening was a free night which allowed many to explore the area on their own.
Saturday at lunch His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios had a meeting with all the choir directors to review the highlights of his trip to Greece with members of our federation. He also discussed the proper taxe in our services and the importance of communications between the parish priest the psalti and the choir director.

Scholarships were awarded at the Saturday Night Banquet to the following:
Lygheri Danielides of St. Demetrios in Daytona Beach, FL.
Demitra Sourlis of St. Barbara’s in Durham, NC.
Asimina Boutzoukas of Holy Tinity in Clearwater, FL.
Nichole Maria Rallis of St. Nicholas in  Wilmington, NC.

On Sunday His Eminence swore in a new executive board of familiar faces:
President – Margaret Sarafoglu of St. Sophia in Miami, FL
Vice President – Kathy Chapekis of St. Marks in Boca Raton, FL
Secretary – Lucy Zapsas of Holy Trinity in Charlotte, NC
Treasurer – Nick Mermigas of Holy Trinity in Charlotte, NC
Librarian – Toula Chininis of Dormition Church in Greensboro, NC
Immediate Past President – John Mitchell of St. John in Tampa, FL

Patriarch Athenagoras I Medals were given by His Eminence to the following Recipients:
Artie Palios of St. John in Tampa, FL
Peter Zervakos of Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta, GA
Mary Zervos of Holy Trinity in Charleston, SC

Conference Photos - Tina Wilson