CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – Sunday, October 2, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada presided over Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago, IL, the Diocesan Cathedral of the Diocese of the Midwest.
His Beatitude was greeted by His Grace Bishop Daniel of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest who was a concelebrant at the Divine Liturgy. The Hierarchs were joined by Priest Alexander Koranda, Archpriest Chad Hatfield, Archpriest John Zdinak, Archpriest John Parker, Archpriest Alexy Karlghut, Archpriest Andrew Bartek, Priest Jan Cizmark, Deacon Peter Ilchuk, Deacon John Weiss, Protodeacon Thomas Keith, Deacon Paul Garklavs, Deacon Joseph Whittaker. The choir was led by Reader Philip Sokolov.
This particular Sunday was one of importance in the OCA as it was designated “Church Musician Sunday” by the His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, to honor the important ministry in the Church.
In a letter issued earlier this month, addressed to the clergy and faithful, the Metropolitan wrote, “Today in our churches, we carry on the tradition of sacred song, bridging the gap, as it were, between those ancient songs sung by prophets and patriarchs and the eternal song sung by angels and saints. Our traditions of church music are both a continuation of the ancient worship of the Old and New Covenants and a participation in the heavenly liturgy. This is why the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America has set aside the Sunday following the feast of Saint Romanus the Melodist for an annual celebration of church musicianship, to honor singers, choir directors, composers, arrangers, chanters, readers, bell-ringers, hymnologists, translators, hymnographers, and all who help our parishes and their congregations to make a ‘joyful noise unto the Lord’ (Ps. 98:4) so that our temples resound with the praise of God.”
The Metropolitan, who was in Chicago for the enthronement of Bishop Daniel on the previous day, congratulated the singers following the Divine Liturgy and offered a word to those gathered about the significance of Church Musicians in the life of the Church, and the importance of building up that ministry by welcoming future generations.
Bishop Daniel welcomed His Beatitude and also offered his gratitude to the singers for their efforts throughout the weekend, especially.
Following Divine Liturgy a festive meal was held in the hall in honor of the Enthronement weekend and “Church Musician Sunday.”
Read Metropolitan Tikhon’s Letter here.
Read Bishop Daniel’s Letter here.
