Music

Lent and Holy Week

This resource was compiled by the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Musicians. Questions may be addressed to: Vicki Pappas, National Chairman, 3814 Regents Circle, Bloomington, IN 47401, Phone: 812-855-8248. Email: pappas@indiana.edu. However, for ordering and pricing information, please contact the listed publisher directly.

 

MUSIC FOR THE FRIDAY EVENING SALUTATIONS (Heretismoi) 

 

CREEKUS, EMANUEL

The Akathist Hymn

Contains all the music necessary for the five Heretismoi services. The Heirmoi and Troparia for all the odes are in English, written in a Byzantine melody and ison style that can be sung alternately by men and women. Contains Greek and English versions of To Prostachthen, Ti Ipermacho, and Tin Oreotita, written in traditional SATB style. Also includes Greek and English versions of Here Nymphi Animfevte, Aliluia and the Gospel responses for the first Friday. The English text is that of the Pittsburgh Diocese Clergy Syndesmos.

Mr. Emanuel H. Creekus, PO Box 438 Massillon, OH 44648-0438.

GALLOS, ANNA

The Salutations to the Virgin Mary (Heretismoi)

The Kanon (Anixo to Stoma Mou) preceding the Akathist Hymn is written in three-voice texture. The melody is sung by male and female voices accompanies by ison. Also inlcudes: To Prostahthen, Ti Ipermaho (three arrangements), the Bortniansky Theodorides minor Kyrie Eleison with tenor or soprano obbligato, and Tin Oreotita. Greek text and English phonetics.

Evangeline Music Press, Chatterton Apartments, 1 Baratra Court # 103, Timonium, MD 21093-1860 410/308-0188 E-mail: aggallos@comcast.net

DEDES, HEIROMONK SERAPHIM

The Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos (MW13)

English Translation, Western Notation. Cassette available. http://sgpm.goarch.org/Monastery/index.php?p=31

Hieromonk Seraphim Dedes, c/o St. Gregory Palamas Monastery, PO Box 206, Haysville, OH 44838 419/368-5335 E-mail: palamas@bright.net

SCORDILIS, STELIO

The Akathist Hymn (2001)

For mixed voices, in Greek.

Mr. Stelio Scordilis, 750 Kaheka St. #1006, Honolulu, HI 96814 808/955-0433

E-mail: sscordilis@yahoo.com www.scheria.com

TAKIS, NANCY

Odes from the Salutations

The eight odes sung during the Friday night services of Lent, in both modern and King James English. Includes a melodic line with ison, and also a harmonized version. The texts correspond exactly to the accents and meters of the Greek texts, and can be sung with any melodic lines that fit the Greek, syllable for syllable. http://www.geocities.com/takistan/

Mrs. Nancy Takis, 1900 Burkley Rd., Williamston, MI 48895 517/655-2060

E-mail: takistan@yahoo.com

VELON, JOHN

Anastasimatarion (Sunday) Orthros and Vespers

A transcription of Byzantine chant into western notation by John Velon. Additional transcriptions that are available: Akathistos - Greek or English

St. George Publishing House, c/o John Velon, 4216 35th Avenue, Moline, Ill. 61265. Phone: 309 762-3186. Email: deejaquet@aol.com


THE LAMENTATIONS for HOLY FRIDAY (Ta Engomia)

CONSTANTINIDES, REV. EVAGORAS:

Holy Friday Lamentations

The three stases of the Holy Friday Lamentations (original Greek, phonetics and English translation that fits the English perfectly and poetically). It also includes the music of the first stanza of each stasis of the English translation. This was done at the request of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago who selected the stanzas.

Rev. Evagoras Constantinides, 9433 Arthur Street, Crown Point, IN 46307-1914. Phone: 216-663-2276. Email: FrEv@Juno.com

DEDES, HIEROMONK SERAPHIM

Lamentations (in Western Notation)

1st Stasis:  http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/Music/Lent/Holy_Week/MW-Lamentations1.pdf

2nd Stasis: http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/Music/Lent/Holy_Week/MW-Lamentations2.pdf

3rd Stasis:  http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/Music/Lent/Holy_Week/MW-Lamentations3.pdf

GALLOS, ANNA

Lamentation Music for Good Friday

This new, fourth revised edition contains some English verses for the first three stasis, with an addition of the Evlogitaria. It includes the Doxology and Asmatikon Trisaghion, along with the traditional thrice-sung Kyrie Eleison and other pertinent hymns and responses. The style employed for the most part is in unison with a simple chordal accompaniment 

Evangeline Music Press, Chatterton Apartments, 1 Baratra Court # 103, Timonium, MD 21093-1860. Phone: 410-308-0188. E-mail: aggallos@comcast.net

GELSINGER, REV. MICHAEL

Orthodox Hymns in English

Includes the Lamentations, among other feast day hymns. Used in the Antiochian Archdiocese. Printed in 1939. Michael Gelsinger later became a priest and died at the Greek Orthodox  Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Brookline, MA.

The Bookstore, Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 5238, Englewood, NJ, 07631-5238. 201-871-1355. E-mail: archdiocese@antiochian.org

LAWRENCE, KEVIN

Orthros of Holy And Great Saturday

Choral music for the service of Holy Friday evening including Theos Kyrios and opening troparia (Greek & English), katavasias of the canon (English), the Encomia/Lamentations (Greek & English), Evlogitaria (Greek & English), the Praises (English only), Great Doxology and procession (Greek & English), the litanies (Greek & English), the prokimena and readings (English only). 132 pages. Includes a copy of the Engomia texts in a format suitable for copying and distribution to the congregation.

Kevin Lawrence, 4132 Snyder Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27127. Phone: 336-784-5128. E-mail: KJLawrence@aol.com 

MARAGOS, NICOLAS

Holy Week and Pascha

A choral work based on traditional melodies with English phonetics and integrated English translation. Contains the Good Friday lamentations, abbreviated with separate score for each verse and the special hymns for the Resurrection Service. For SATB choir.

Exohos Music Company, 3625 Lakeview Ct. NE, Rochester, MN 55906. Phone: 507/288‑3379

TAKIS, NANCY

The Holy Friday Lamentations (Ta Engomia)

An English translation of the Lamentations for Holy Friday that follows the Byzantine melodies note-for-note and accent-for-accent but is natural in syntax, accurate in meaning, and poetic in language. It is also available as a pew booklet for congregational singing, or as a choir book with accents highlighted. Both books have Greek, transliterated Greek, and English side-by-side for easy switching between languages. There are two versions, one in "King James" English and one in modern English. Includes authentic Byzantine melodies, provided by Metropolitan Maximos; however, the translations can be sung easily with any of the traditional melodies and musical arrangements. http://www.geocities.com/takistan

Mrs. Nancy Takis, 1900 Burkley Rd., Williamston, MI 48895 517/655-2060 E-mail: takistan@yahoo.com

 

MUSIC FOR OTHER HOLY WEEK SERVICES

DEDES, HIEROMONK SERAPHIM

Lenten Materials - Holy Week

Holy Monday (Palm Sunday Evening)

http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/Music/Lent/Holy_Week/MB-HolyMonday.pdf. (Text and Byzantine Notation)

Holy Tuesday (Monday Evening)

http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/Music/Lent/Holy_Week/MB-HolyTuesday.pdf. (Text and Byzantine Notation)

Holy Wednesday (Tuesday Evening)

http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/Music/Lent/Holy_Week/MB-HolyWednesday.pdf. (Text and Byzantine Notation)

Holy Week Selections

http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/Music/Lent/Holy_Week/MB-HolyWeekSelections.pdf. (Byzantine Notation)

http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/Music/Lent/Holy_Week/MW-HolyWeekSelections.pdf. (Text and Western Notation)

Lenten Vesper Music

http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/Music-Lenten_Vespers.htm

Lenten Music

http://sgpm.goarch.org/ematins/Music-Lent.htm

Holy Week Music Training CDs

This set of 3 CDs contains the music for the Bridegroom Services of Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday translated and chanted by Fr. Seraphim Dedes (and Dr. Nick Giannoukakis for Holy Wednesday). It also includes the Holy Friday (i.e. Thursday evening) Passion Service of the Twelve Gospels, with Fr. Seraphim chanting his musical settings of the texts from "Holy Week and Easter" by Fr. George Papadeas. Disc 3 also includes PDF files of all the music in Byzantine Notation (and Western Notation for Holy Thursday evening), as well as a copy of all audio tracks in MP3 format.

St. Gregory Palamas Monastery, Fr. Seraphim Dedes, c/o Holy Cross Seminary, 50 Goddard Ave., Brookline, MA 02445. Prepaid orders only. E-mail: palamas@bright.net.

VELON, JOHN

Anastasimatarion (Sunday) Orthros and Vespers

Holy Week: Includes all hymns for all the services of the week starting with Palm Sunday night through the Sunday Agape service. Greek only. 578 pages in length.

St. George Publishing House, c/o John Velon, 4216 35th Avenue, Moline, Ill. 61265, 309 762-3186. Email: deejaquet@aol.com 

ZES, TIKEY

Unpublished Liturgical Music for the Greek Orthodox Church

Single copies of hymns from the below categories are available for examination from the composer. In most of the categories, hymns are available in English as well as Greek: Holy Week services: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Easter.

Zes Press, 2503 Booksin Ave., San Jose, CA 95125. Phone: 408-723-0640. E-mail: tzes@SBCglobal.net

 

Additional Music Resources

St. Romanos Chorale

The SFGOCM is pleased to announce the availability of a new CD entitled "Rejoice O Queen". This CD is a collection of hymns dedicated to the Theotokos performed by the St Romanos Chorale, a Pan-Orthodox group under the able direction of Dr. William Attra of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Houston TX. Funds from the sale of this CD will be used to further the mission of the St. Romanos Chorale which is to reach out to non-Orthodox people with the music of Orthodoxy. They offer concerts at no cost at major universities and non-orthodox churches and other venues. The CD is priced at $18 and a copy can be ordered as follows:

George Stefanidakis
Tel: 281-469-0986
Fax: 281-469-5886

Additional Links

 

Byzantine Music Activity in the Archdiocese of America

How Byzantine Music is expressed, heard, and enjoyed today in 2005

 

Liturgical

  1. Byzantine music is a living, dynamic liturgical art form in the Archdiocese of America, found universally in the liturgical services if the parishes.
    1. Most vespers, matins, weekday liturgies, Lenten services, Holy Week, paraklisis, baptisms, weddings, funerals are done in chant, with either a psalti or a choir of chanters.
    2. Most Sunday Divine Liturgies are sung by mixed choirs, with choral music based on chant melodies, a tradition that has evolved on the Archdiocese of America since the 1930's. Mixed choirs also sing at Lenten and Holy Week services, and at some sacraments.
    3. Eleven parishes in the Archdiocese have all their Sunday Divine Liturgies done in Byzantine chant: Saint Sophia Cathedral in Washington, DC; Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene in Cumming, GA; Holy Trinity in Baton Rouge, LA; Sts. Constantine & Helen in Cambridge, MA; Sts. Peter and Paul in Frederick, MD; St. Katherine in Burlington, NC; St. Nektarios in Charlotte, NC; St. Andrew in Randolph, NJ; St. Barbara in Toms River, NJ; St. Demetrios in Jamaica, NY; St. George Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA; and St. George in Knoxville, TN.
    4. As our current chanters age, the role of chanter is being replenished by young Orthodox who have studied professionally in Greece and at the Patriarchate and/or who have been students of the Byzantine Chant program at Holy Cross School of Theology. Many of those who are joining the ranks of psalti are coming from the mixed choirs, who have become interested in learning to chant using mentors in their parishes, training programs of their metropolises, and/or by taking advantage of the chanter training programs offered by the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians and its Church Music Federation affiliates.
  2. Traditional Byzantine melodies are also being taught to the children in Sunday School Hymnology programs and in their Greek School classes, using both chant traditions and choral styles based on Byzantine melodies. Children offer singing of hymns during the Divine Liturgy, at special services such as the Heretismoi, the Saturday of Lazarus, and the Saturday morning Pre-Anastasi service, and at mini-concerts for the Feast of the Annunciation/Greek independence Day and the Nativity season.

Training in Byzantine Music: Conferences, Symposia, Church Music Institutes

 

The following are some recent examples of educational opportunities offered in the Archdiocese whose purpose has been to increase the knowledge of Greek Orthodox church musicians, other Orthodox faithful, and non-Orthodox inquirers about Byzantine Chant:

  1.  Training programs specifically for Byzantine Chanters:
    1. Metropolis of Chicago Psalti Training School (two sites: Chicago metropolitan area and Northwest Indiana). Instructed by Mr. Georgiafentis, Protopsaltis.
    2. Metropolis of Atlanta Psalti Training Program under the auspices of Metropolitan Alexios.
    3. Byzantine Music Workshop of the Pittsburgh Metropolis: systematic teaching of Byzantine music, typikology and the tradition of chant through the training of solo and choral performance. Dr. Nick Giannoukakis, Coordinator and Protopsaltis, Metropolis of Pittsburgh.
    4. Byzantine Music Chanter Training Class, Peter Papadakos, J.D., Protopsaltis, Pittsburgh, PA.
    5. Byzantine Music instruction classes at the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute, Berkeley, California. John Boyer, Protopsaltis.
    6. The Chanter Training Program of the Church Music Federation of the Metropolis of San Francisco. George Duvall and Rev. Michael Pallad.
  2. Byzantine Music tracks at the Theological Institute on Religious Education, co-sponsored by Department of Religious Education and National Forum of Church Musicians. Held at Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, MA. Bi-annual Conference: August 2003 and June 2005.
  3. Church Music Institutes sponsored by the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians and the Church Music Federations of the Metropolises:
    1. "Approaches to Use of the Modes in the Divine Liturgy" and "United in Prayer: Seamless Interweaving of Church Singing." Metropolis of Atlanta Church Music Institute. Instructors: Kevin Lawrence and Rev. Stavros Akrotirianakis. Diakonia Retreat Center in Salem, SC 3/26/05.
    2. "The Chanters' Repertoire: Opportunities for Choir Singers." Metropolises of Pittsburgh and Detroit Church Music Institute. Instructor: Dr. Peter Papadakos. Pittsburgh, PA, 7/14/05.
    3. "Byzantine Chant" workshop in the Metropolis of Chicago Church Music Institute. Instructor: Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis. St. Louis, MO, 11/3-5/05.
    4. Annual Workshops for Psalti, Metropolis of Boston, October 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005. Various instructors.
    5. Byzantine Chant 101, Metropolises of Pittsburgh and Detroit Church Music Institute. Instructors: Stanley and Nancy Takis, Toledo, OH, 7/15/04.
    6. Psaltiki Workshop, Metropolis of Denver, Instructor: Rev. Nicholas Kastanas, 7/1/04.
    7. Chanting the Orthros Service in English, Metropolis of Atlanta, Instructor: Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis, 7/2003.
    8. Learning More about the Hymns and Services of the Greek Orthodox Church: The Apolitikia, Hymns of Orthros, and the Doxology. Metropolises of Pittsburgh and Detroit. Instructor: Rev. Nicholas Kastanas and Nancy Takis. 7/2003.
    9. "Orthros, the Neglected Service," A Byzantine chant Church Music Institute of the Metropolis of New Jersey. Instructors: Rev. Nicholas Kastanas, Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis, and Dr. John Bletsos. October 2001.
  4. Annual Byzantine Chant Workshops. Metropolis of Boston. Instructor: Rev. Nicholas Kastanas. Since 2002.
  5. "Beyond Sunday Morning: Choral Singing at Vespers" and "An Overview of Orthodox Musical Traditions." Church music workshop presented by Kevin Lawrence. Sponsored by the Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church, Rochester, NY, 10/23/04.
  6. "Byzantine Music for the Divine Liturgy." Presented by Dr. Alexander Lingas at the St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary Symposium. Held at Crestwood, NY, 6/25/04.
  7. In addition, a host of Church Music Institute and workshops are presented each year to provide instruction in church music to singers of mixed choirs. These are held in the various Metropolises.

 

Academic Instruction

The following are examples of some of the individuals who teach courses related to Byzantine music at academic institutions in America:

  1. Mr. Photios Ketsetzis, Professor, Byzantine Chant at Holy Cross School of Theology.
  2. The Rev. Nicholas Kastanas, Adjunct Professor, Byzantine Chant at Holy Cross School of Theology.
  3. Mr. Richard Vanderhoef, Adjunct Instructor, Byzantine Chant at Holy Cross School of Theology.
  4. Mr. Dean Limberakis, Adjunct Instructor, Byzantine Chant through western notation and voice classes at Holy Cross School of Theology.
  5. Dr. Alexander Lingas, Professor, Music History at Arizona State University, School of Music.
  6. Dr. Diane Touliatos, Professor, Historical Musicology of Medieval Byzantine Chant at University of Missouri at St. Louis University, Department of Music.
  7. Nektarios Antoniou, Fellow, Department of Sacred Music, Yale University.

 

Published Works: Compositions and Transcriptions of Byzantine Chant

The following are some recent examples of works of Byzantine Chant that have been transcribed by Greek Orthodox church musicians in America for chanters and choirs:

  1. George Athanasopoulos, Byzantine Musical Anthology (six volumes 2,802 pages). Includes, in Greek and English (with English phonetics), the various ecclesiastical celebrations, in their traditional and most strict classical Byzantine melodies. Also, Hymn of Kassiani.
  2. Theodore Bogdanos, The Byzantine Liturgy: Hymnology and Order. Over 500 pages in length, the volume contains transcriptions of all the special (substituted) hymns used in the Divine Liturgy on any Sunday and major feast days of the year: dismissal hymns, small entrance hymns, kontakia, megalynaria, and communion hymns.
  3. Hieromonk Seraphim Dedes, Music In Byzantine Notation in English: Dormition of the Theotokos, Hymns for Vespers and Matins. The Canon of Great and Holy Saturday. Sunday Matins Music in the Eight Modes (320 pages). Anastasimatarion - Sat. evening Vespers in the Eight Modes. Original Melodies - Automela. Holy Week Music - Bridegroom Services, Holy Thursday Evening, and more. Katavasias for the whole year. Music In Western Notation (English): Sunday Matins Music in the Eight Modes (on line). Dormition of the Theotokos. Small Supplicatory Canon (Small Paraklesis). Original Melodies - Automela. The Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos. Great Vespers of the Annunciation. The Canon of Great and Holy Saturday. Katavasias for the whole year. 
  4. Ongoing publications of Narthex Press, Northridge, California. Available are service books (Greek and English text), with recordings (cassettes and CDs) of the hymns in English, and accompanying music books in European notation: Office of Supplication (Paraklesis) (service book with cassette recording and music), Funeral Service of the Greek Orthodox Church (service book, cassette recording and music), Holy Office of Orthros: First Tone (CD and music book), Holy Office of Orthros: Second Tone (CD and music book), and Holy Office of Orthros: Eighth Tone (CD and music book).
  5. Harilaos Papapostolou, Patriarchal Byzantine Liturgy. A complete liturgy that contains the Doxology, Apolytikia, Hierarchical responses, Christmas, Palm Sunday, Easter and other additional hymns. Original material based on Byzantine modes.
  6. St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery, The Divine Liturgies as Chanted on the Holy Mountain: Byzantine Music in Western Notation in English and Greek. A transcription of more than 1,000 pages of Byzantine music into Western notation according to the style of chanting used on the Holy Mountain. The scope of this project covers the liturgies of St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil the Great, St. James and the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts, as well as various doxologies. The words of the hymns are provided in Modern English, Elizabethan English, and Greek. Available from the web and in CD format.
  7. George Stefanidakis, Hymns of the Greek Orthodox Sunday Divine Liturgy Volume 1 - Greek. Includes more than 260 hymns, covering the entire ecclesiastical year, including Apolitikia, Kontakia, Megalinaria, and Koinonika in Greek only with English phonetics. The hymns are traditional Byzantine chants presented in western notation as single melodic lines suitable for use by large or small choirs or psalti. Each hymn is referenced as to its source of the original Byzantine notation. The book comes with a compact disk (CD) which contains the entire hymnbook in Portable Document Format (PDF) that allows the user to print individual hymns and to listen to them played on their computer sound system. 
  8. Nancy Takis, The Divine Liturgy of Our Father Among the Saints, John Chrysostom. In Greek and English and in 3-Part Harmony and Byzantine Chant. Also: Doxology In The First Mode in Greek and English; Kyrie Ekekraxa in all eight modes and in Greek and English; Se Imnoumen in Greek and English; The Holy Friday Lamentations (English); The Liturgical Hymns of Christmas in Greek and English; The Sunday Resurrection Apolytikia in Greek and English.
  9. John Velon, A library of more than 7,000 transcribed pages: Anastasimatarion (Sunday) Orthros and Vespers in all eight modes in the Greek language (750 pages in length); (325 pages in length); The Hymns of Holy Week (578 pages in length); The Hymns of the Pentikostarion ( 921 pages in length) plus a wealth of other transcriptions.
  10. In addition, there is a wealth of composition available for choral music that is based on Byzantine chant, developed and being developed by composers of the Church. 
    1. Our current bibliography lists as 59 complete Divine Liturgies plus a host of individual folios containing music for feats days, special services, and specific hymns.
    2. Major composers of Greek Orthodox choral music based on Byzantine melodies include: George Anastasiou, Dr. Theodore Bogdanos, Steven Cardiasmenos, Dr. Frank Desby, Presvytera Anna Gallos, Arthur Kanaracus, Kevin Lawrence, Dr. Nicolas Maragos, Demetrios Pappas, Dr. Michael Petrovich, George Raptis, Nicholas Roubanis, Ernest Villas, Christos Vrionides, Chris Zervos, and Dr. Tikey Zes.

 

Print Publications

The following are some recent examples of recent print publications about Byzantine Chant developed by Greek Orthodox church musicians in America:

  1. A Guide to the Transcription of Post-Byzantine Chant by Dr. Frank Desby; edited by Dr. Nicolas Maragos, Dr. Alexander Lingas, and Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis. Presents standards for the transcription of Byzantine Chant into western notation. Published by the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians.
  2. The Notation Transcription and Rendition of Post-Byzantine Chant: A Training Manual for the Eastern Orthodox Precentor (Psalti). Volume I - Post-Byzantine Notation and Tonality and Volume II - Modal Characteristics and Rendition. By Dr. Frank Desby, Edited by Dr. George Stefanidakis. Published by the National Forum of Greek orthodox Church Musicians (in press).
  3. Sacred Songs: Studies in Byzantine Hymnography by Eva Catafygiotu Topping. This book brings together seventeen important studies that examine in detail the richness of Byzantine Hymns. The author describes Byzantine Hymnographers, including significant women hymnographers. Her chapters analyze Orthodox hymns for major feast days, Lent and Holy Week, and specific saints.

 

 

Web-Based and Other Electronic Resources

The following are some recent examples of web-based and electronic instructional materials related to Byzantine Chant developed by Greek Orthodox church musicians in America:

  1. Learn Byzantine Chant: a web-enabled multimedia instructional site that includes fully interactive presentations of the hymns for over twenty of the most important Orthodox feasts.
  2. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America - GOARCH website's Online Chapel. Includes "Learn to Chant: Sunday Orthros, Divine Liturgy, Service of the Small Paraklesis, Akathist Hymn and Byzantine Chant." Also Multimedia section includes audio files in Greek and English of chant selections for the major feasts of the Church; Orthros hymns; Divine Liturgy; Vespers; Great Lent, Holy Week and Pascha; and Other services of the Church. Hymns chanted by various Byzantine music choirs.
  3. "Cyber Psaltiri." E-Matins website that provides liturgical texts, PDF downloads, music, and recordings for weekly Sunday Orthros. In Greek and English, or in English alone. From St Gregory Palamas Monastery (Fr Seraphim Dedes).
  4. "EZ Psaltica" Byzantine music fonts. Contains macros, templates, drop caps, headers, examples, and rules of orthography. Prepared by St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery: http://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/music/ByzMusicFonts.html
  5. "ByzanWrite" Byzantine music fonts. Contains all the neumes and special symbols for transcription of Neo-Byzantine (Post-Byzantine) chant. Developed by Dr. Nicholas Maragos.
  6. Email chat groups and distribution lists:
    1. Church Music email listserv hosted by the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians.
    2. Byzantine Music Chat group, privately hosted via Yahoo groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/byzantinechant 

Recordings and CD's

The following are some recent examples of recordings that have been produced by Greek Orthodox church musicians in America that have featured Byzantine Chant:

  1. Ted Alevizos CDs in Greek: "A Greek Byzantine Christmas" and "A Greek Byzantine Easter."
  2. Eikona CDs and tapes in English: "The Akathist Hymn," "Great Vespers," "O Gladsome Light," "Pascha - Come Receive the Light," and "Paraklesis - The Mother of Light."
  3. Boston Byzantine Choir CDs and tapes in English: "First Fruits," "Mystical Supper" and "Thy Passion" (Holy Week).
  4. Yiorgos Bilalis/Romeika Ensemble CD in English: "Thy Cross We Adore."
  5. Hieromonk Seraphim Dedes CDs: "Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos." "Basic Vespers in the Eight Modes." "Great Doxology in the 8 Modes." "Sunday Matins Music for Modes 1 & 2" (English), "Sunday Matins Music for Modes 3 & 4" (English), "Sunday Matins Music for Modes Grave & PL4" (English), "Sunday Matins Music for Modes PL 1 & PL 2" (English), "Sunday Matins Music Vol. 9, Eothina" (English). "Holy Week Music - Bridegroom Services of Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and Holy Thursday Evening," 3 CD set, English. "Anastasimatarion - Saturday Evening Vespers in the Eight Modes," 3 CD set, English.
  6. Presvytera Katerina Sitaras Makiej CD in English: "Ancient Hymns for Modern Times."
  7. Cappella Romana CDs: "The Akathistos Hymn" by Ivan Moody, "Epiphany: Medieval Byzantine Chant," "Music of Byzantium," and "When Augustus Reigned: Christmas Music from the Byzantine Tradition."
  8. GOTELECOM VHS tapes: Holy Cross Live Series. "Music for Our Souls: Orthodox Hymnology - Part 1" and "Music for Our Souls: Orthodox Hymnology - Part 2."
  9. "Hymns of the Transfiguration of Our Lord" (2 CD set), featuring the original Greek performed by Georgios Hatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ and in English/Greek by the Byzantine Choir of the Pittsburgh Metropolis (in mastering stage).
  10. "Byzantine Gems," a CD of the 50th Anniversary Concert at St. Sophia Cathedra; of Los Angeles, CA. Presents Byzantine Chant both in its original form sung by the men of the 50th Anniversary Chorale and a wide selection of Byzantine Chant from the Liturgical Year harmonized for four-part chorus by Dr. Frank Desby.
  11. Narthex Press: "Sunday Orthros in English." CD 1: Mode I. CD 2: Mode 2. Text in English of the Sunday Orthros of Fr. Spencer Kezios (Narthex Press) set to music by Rev. Michael Pallad. Further modes are forthcoming.
  12. "Lamentations And Praises" by John Tavenor and sung by Chanticleer. Warner Classics International C2001. Teldec Classics.
  13. "Rejoice O Queen: Hymns To The Theotokos" by the Saint Romanos Chorale, Houston, TX. Dr. William Attra, Choirmaster.
  14. Recordings by the Byzantine Choir of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh: "Hymnology of Pentecost" (2000), "Byzantine Soundscapes" (2003), "Hymnology of the Transfiguration" with George Hatzichronoglou (2005 in production), and "Hymnology of the Feast of St. George" (2005 in production).
  15. Additionally, various parishes and church music publishers have made recordings and CDs of choral music selections that are based on Byzantine chant.

Concerts

The following are some recent examples of concerts that have been recently performed in parishes and other venues in the Archdiocese that have featured Byzantine Chant:

  1. Lecture-Concert: "Byzantine Music and Gregorian Chant: East Meets West." Featured are the Byzantine Choir of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh and Mr. George Hatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist. Sponsored by the Byzantine Music Workshop of the Pittsburgh Metropolis, Location: Bellefield Auditorium, Pittsburgh, PA, 7/1/05.
  2. Classical and Byzantine Music Concert, featuring Hellenic American Conservatory of Music and the Hellenic Opera House. At Carnegie Hall , 5/28/05.
  3. A Classical and Byzantine Music Concert by the Hellenic American Conservatory of Music and the St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Piscataway, NJ, 5/28/05.
  4. "Musical Mysticisms of Byzantium" presented in conjunction with the Metropolitan Museum of Art's exhibition of "Byzantine Faith and Power. Directed by Dr. Dino Anagnost. Held in New York City, 5/7/05.
  5. Annual Spring Concert: Seeking the Resurrection - Ancient and Modern Chants, Hymns, Motets and Orthodox Music of the Lenten Season. American premier of Ivan Moody's John in the Desert. Held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, New York City, 4/17/05.
  6. A Lenten Concert of Byzantine Music: chanted by the Greek Orthodox Byzantine Choir of the Greater Delaware Valley. Directed by Paul Combitsis, Protopsaltis and Choirmaster at St. George Cathedral in Philadelphia. Held at St. Spyridon Church, New York City, 4/9/05.
  7. Concert: "Byzantine Hymns from the Dodekaimeron and Folk Carols of Greece." Directed by Dr. Michael Lagoudakis. Held at the Metropolis Chapel of the Archangel Michael, Atlanta, GA, 1/2/05.
  8. Christmas Byzantine Concert by Demetrios Fousteris, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Piscataway NJ, 12/4/04.
  9. Mystical Music of Constantinople - Byzantine Chant & Turkish Sufi Music by the Romeiko Ensemble, under the direction of Giorgios Bilalis. Times Square, NY, 12/11/04.
  10. Music of Byzantium, The Fall of Constantinople, Cappella Romana, Harold Williams Auditorium, Getty Estate, Los Angeles, CA, 11/20/04.
  11. A series of concerts: "A Historical Journey Through the Sounds of Byzantine and Traditional Music." Petros Gaitanos with the Pancretan Choir of Byzantine Music and Nikos Psilakis, Journalist, Author and Researcher. Held at Notre-Dame de Namur University Theatre , Belmont CA on 11/21/04, in Brunswick NJ, 11/26/04, and at the St. Bartholomew Cathedral, in New York City on 11/27/04.
  12. Cappella Romana concerts: "Music for the Fall of Constantinople" at the Bloomington Early Music Festival, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN and in Indianapolis, IN 5/04.
  13. Commemoration of the Fall of Constantinople: A Memorial in Byzantine Hymns and Folk Songs - Laments of the Fall of Constantinople. Directed by Dr. Michael Lagoudakis, Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta, GA, 5/04
  14. Concert: "Great Vespers and Byzantine Holy Week Music." Boston Byzantine Choir. Held at the St. Michael's Romanian Orthodox Church in Southbridge, MA, 4/8/04.
  15. Byzantine Concert by the Masters of the Psaltic Art. Directed by Gregorios Stathis. Held at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 4/04. 
  16. Cappella Romana concerts: "Music for the Fall of Constantinople" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Yale University (3/31/04) and Princeton University (4/17/04). Directed by Dr. Alexander Lingas.
  17. Lecture-Concert: "Medieval Byzantine Sacred and Secular Music" presented by Professor Diana Touliatos and performance by the Byzantine Choir of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis under the direction of Dr. Nick Giannoukakis. Touhill Performing Arts Center. University of Missouri at St. Louis , 1/24/04.
  18. "The Ecclesiastic Music of Byzantium" performance by the Byzantine Choir of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis at the University of Pittsburgh, 11/03.
  19. 50th Anniversary Concert: "Byzantine Gems" by the 50th Anniversary Chorale, St Sophia Cathedral of Los Angeles. Byzantine hymnology chanted by the men of the 50th Anniversary Chorale as well as hymns arranged chorally by Dr. Frank Desby. 2002.
  20. St. Louis Byzantine Music concert with Licourgos Angelopoulos and his choir. Held at the Cathedral Basilica.
  21. Concerts of Byzantine Music by the Pan-Orthodox Chorale. Directed by Dean Limberakis. Held annually for ten years at the Maliotis Cultural Center, Boston, MA.
  22. The Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology Chorale has performed Byzantine chant at various occasions during the academic year including commencement ceremonies for Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology, Boston, MA, under the direction of Dean Limberakis.
  23. The St. Romanos Byzantine Choir of Holy Cross School of Theology presents various programs during the year in Boston and as invited chanters elsewhere. Conducted by Mr. Fotios Ketsetzis.
  24. There have also been various choral concerts featuring parish and Metropolis mixed choirs performing liturgical music based on Byzantine chant in a choral style, including Nativity concerts, Lenten concerts, and special occasion concerts

Other:

The following are examples of other activities related to the development and perpetuation of Byzantine Chant in the Archdiocese of America:

  1. The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, established in 1976 as the musical arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that strengthens and perpetuates its liturgical music. Also included are eight regional Church Music Federations who work to support the development of liturgical music in their respective Metropolises.
  2. The American Society of Byzantine Music and Hymnology: An international organization devoted to the scholarly, scientific, and academic study of the development of early Christian music, literature, and hymnology and its evolution throughout the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods. Contains links to other helpful sites.
  3. Axion Estin: A Radio Program about Byzantine Chant. Hosted by Angelo Lampousis, Hellenic Public Radio Cosmos FM - WNTE 91.5 FM. New York area audience and worldwide via the internet. Programs offer a blend of informative historical commentaries from experienced Byzantine musicologists in the US and around the world on the medieval traditions of the Greek musical heritage, along with examples of Byzantine music performed by various groups or individuals. Every Saturday from 12:30 - 1:00 pm.
  4. National Public Radio (NPR) program "Harmonia" featured interviews with Dr. Alexander Lingas and excerpts of Cappella Romana's recent recording of Ivan Moody's Akathistos Hymn.

 

 Prepared by Dr. Vicki Pappas, National Chairman
National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians
For His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios
May 30, 2005

Music by Kevin Lawrence

Published by the Southeastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs and Musicians

THE DIVINE LITURGY FOR CHOIR, VOLUME 1

Along with complete music for the Divine Liturgy,  this volume includes:
3 settings of the Great Doxology
5 settings of the trisagion
Festal substitutions for the trisagion
4 settings of the cherubic hymn
2 complete settings of the anaphora
The megalynaria for Palm Sunday, Pentecost, Christmas, the Lenten and Paschal seasons
All possible substitutions for the second antiphon (Soson imas) on Sunday
Music for the hierarchical liturgy. 
The major source for the English text is the provisional pan-Orthodox translation developed for SCOBA and based on the translation by the faculty of Holy Cross School of Theology. All settings presented both in Greek and English.

241 pages. Price: $25.00 plus postage

THE DIVINE LITURGY FOR CHOIR, VOLUME 2 (2008)

This supplement to the 1996 volume includes:
The extended melody of the Trisagion, with Dynamis
Hierarchical versions of Ton Stavron Su and Osi Is Hriston
The Alleluia and Gospel responses in the 8 tones
5 Cherubic Hymns
3 settings of the Anaphora
All megalynaria not included in Volume 1
Psalms and other music for use during Communion
Music for the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, 
Music for artoclasia, ordinations, and the elevation of the cross 
English translations match those used in Volume 1. 
247 pages. Price: $25.00 plus postage

DIVINE LITURGY RECORDING

A recording of the Greek and English choral settings by Kevin Lawrence, sung by the choirs of the Southeastern Federation under the direction of the composerat the 24th Conference of the Southeastern Federation, Greensboro, NC, June 25, 2000, Bishop Alexios of Atlanta presiding, with diocesan clergy and Rev. Fr. Alkiviades Calivas.
CD
Price: $18.00 This price includes postage

The above are available from SEF Publications Chairman

Toula Chininis
215 Medoc Lane, Moore, SC 39369
Phone: 864.486.1869
email: 2La@bellsouth.net "


Other Publications and recordings of Music by Kevin Lawrence
The following are available from 

Kevin Lawrence

4132 Snyder Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27127

Phone: 336.784.5128

E-mail  kjlawrence@aol.com

PREPARE THE FEAST: A CD OF MUSIC FROM THE DIVINE LITURGY

Sung by the choir of Dormition of the Theotokos, Greensboro, NC, this CD was professionally recorded in cooperation with the Southeastern Federation. Includes extensive selections from the first volume of the Lawrence Liturgy book, as well as beloved feast day hymns from Lawrence's Apokitikia and Kontakia and Kinonika collections.

Price: $15.00 plus postage

THE DIVINE LITURGY: A HYMNAL IN GREEK AND ENGLISH

An outgrowth of the hymnal chosen by the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians for use at the 1996 Clergy Laity Congress, this is a book designed to encourage congregational participation. The volume contains the text of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom with familiar melodies for congregational singing, a comprehensive section of seasonal apolitikia, kontakia, megalynaria and koinonkia, as well as hymns for Vespers, Salutations, Wedding and Memorial services. Greek and English are presented on facing pages throughout.
9"x 6" Lexatone or hardcover binding 366 pages
Price for Lexatone binding: $10.00 plus postage
Price for hardcover binding: $12.75 plus postage
50 to 99 copies: deduct $1 per book from above prices 100 or more copies: deduct $2 per book from above prices

APOLITIKIA AND KONTAKIA

Choral settings in Greek and English
This volume contains choral settings of the eight Sunday resurrectional hymns in Greek and English; complete apolitikia in English for the 12 Great Feasts and Sundays of the Lenten, Paschal and Christmas seasons; apolitikia for the major feasts in Greek; complete seasonal kontakia in English, with most in Greek also.
184 pages. Price: $23.50 plus postage

KOINONIKA

Communion Hymns in Greek and English
This book contains complete Greek and English settings of communion hymns for the Lenten and Paschal seasons, for all feast days and for weekday liturgies, plus five settings of the Sunday communion hymn Anite/Praise the Lord from the heavens and three settings of Soma Hristu/Receive the body of Christ.
83 pages.
Price: $13.50 plus postage

SERVICES FOR THE DEPARTED

Choral settings in Greek and English by Kevin Lawrence
This volume contains the Memorial and Trisagion services in Greek and English, the complete funeral service in English, and hymns for the Divine Liturgy sung on the Saturdays of Souls.
89 pages.
Price: $14.00 plus postage

ORTHROS OF HOLY AND GREAT SATURDAY (THE LAMENTATIONS)

This book contains choral music for the service of Holy Friday evening including
the opening troparia, the katavasias of the canon, the Encomia in Greek & English (with music repeated for each verse), the Evlogitaria, the Praises, the Great Doxology and procession litanies, the prokimena and readings, and the final litanies. The price includes a copy of the Encomia texts in a format suitable for copying and distribution to the congregation.
130 pages.
Price: $17.50 plus postage

THE WEDDING SERVICE

Choral Music in Greek and English
This is a bilingual setting of this service on facing pages, as well as choral selections for use before the service and for the bridal procession.
43 pages.
Price: $9.25 plus postage

THE TROPARION OF KASSIANE

Bilingual settings for Orthros of the Bridegroom sung on the evening of Holy and Great Tuesday. Includes choral settings of the Alleluia and Apolikition, the Exapostilarion and the celebrated troparion of Kassiani the Nun in Greek and English, plus an English setting of Kassiani with melody and ison only.

Price: $9.00 plus postage.