DAYTON, OH [DOM] – On October 26-27, St Paul the Apostle Church in Dayton, OH welcomed over 50 Orthodox faithful from five states for an enriching workshop focused on liturgical music, prayer, and fellowship. Sponsored by the Diocese of the Midwest’s St Andrew of Crete Music Ministry, the event was a benefit and blessing to all who participated.
The workshop commenced on Friday evening with Great Vespers for the feast of St Demetrius, followed by a rehearsal and a delightful reception. Saturday was filled with rehearsals, Divine Liturgy, music instruction, and fellowship, concluding with another Great Vespers service.
Participants were guided by a talented group of conductors and vocal instructors, including Priest Gregory Ealy (St Paul’s, Dayton), Matushka Miho Ealy (St Paul’s, Dayton), Matushka Elizabeth Frase (St Gregory’s, Columbus), Ms. Amedee Royer (St Paul’s, Dayton), and Mr. Jonathan Wey (St Stephen’s, Lima).
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. One participant from St Elizabeth Church in Walbridge remarked, “We just had a wonderful time at the workshop and all of us were so blessed to participate…how wonderful of you to share it with us all! It was both humbling and encouraging to be there!”
Archpriest Herman Kincaid, Diocesan Chancellor, traveled from Chicago to serve at the Divine Liturgy and Great Vespers on Saturday. A former choir director himself, he expressed his gratitude for the vibrant atmosphere of the workshop: “I wish that I could capture and bottle up the energy here today and distribute it to all the parishes in our diocese. It’s a blessing for me to be here with you at the Divine Liturgy.”
One of the highlights of the workshop was the performance of a 15-voice children’s choir led by Ms. Amedee Royer. At Great Vespers on Saturday evening, the children sang the prokeimenon and verses at the First Kathisma, filling the church with their sweet and spirited voices.
Plans are already underway for the fourth annual workshop, scheduled for Fall 2025 at St Paul’s in Dayton. Those interested in participating next year can contact Fr Gregory Ealy at frgregory@stpdayton.org to be placed on the contact list.
