Byzantine Music Summer School

by Stefan Morariu *

In the times we live in, Orthodox Christian parishes are increasingly being sought out by people who express a profound need for spirituality. Policies and ideologies, which no longer adequately address the human person’s needs, are being replaced at an increasing rate by members of society from the most diverse fields and social strata with the teachings of Holy Scripture and the prayers and services of the Church.

The Church’s response must live up to these expectations. The Gospel message, the liturgical message, and the musical message should be expressed in this new context in a way that is as explicit and easily accessible as possible. Otherwise, new candidates for membership in any Orthodox Church risk remaining in a state of personal ambiguity mixed with a zealous ideological fervor – this time of an Orthodox nature – reminiscent of the deviant policies of secularized laicism, from which they wish to disassociate themselves.

Bilingual worship, supported by bilingual printed liturgical texts, a relaxed, oratorical style – unconstrained by excessive theological language yet catechetical at the same time – coupled with social activities carefully…