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Successes of the Conservatory of the Holy Metropolis of Kissamos and Selinostranslated

July 2, 2026 · 1 min read

The Conservatory of the Holy Metropolis of Kissamos and Selinos, recognized by the State, with Schools of Byzantine Music, Choirs: Byzantine, Traditional, Artistic, Children & Adolescent, Classical and Modern Music (Classical Guitar, Classical Violin, Harmonium, Drums), Folk and Traditional Music (Violin, Lyra, Lute, Bouzouki, Oud), Music Pre-Education (Ages 4 to 7) and Music Technology and Sound Engineering, had the joy of reaping rich fruits. The student of the Conservatory Kalliroi Melaki, after passing the examinations prescribed by the Ministry of Culture, is the first student of the Conservatory, who received a State Degree in Musical Instrument (Violin) from the Conservatory of the Holy Metropolis of Kissamos and Selinos.

In a special event held at the Orthodox Academy of Crete, the awarding of the Degree took place.

The absent, outside of Crete, Rev. Metropolitan of Kissamos and Selinos Mr. Amfilohios was represented by Rev. Prot. Fr. Antonios Koumis, for many years Director of the Conservatory, who conveyed the greeting, the wishes and the love of Rev. Pastor Mr. Amfilohiou, noting among other things: "Kallirroi is writing her own golden page tonight, as she is the first graduate to...

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💬 Comments (14) 🌐 Show original

Николай Соловьёв

We must pay tribute that in Kisama and Selina they so successfully preserve the Byzantine tradition - as in the Kazan choir of the Transfiguration Cathedral, where children also study the lute and balalaika. Congratulations to Callirrhoe Melaki on her first diploma in this field - may her path in music be as bright as the prayers in our church.

Miloš Marković

For us in Serbia, the violin is also difficult to find among young people. Every time I hear that someone is learning the violin in church, it seems to me that something has been done well.

Ευάγγελος Αναγνώστου

Very happy for Kallirroi and the first violin degrees from the Conservatory! What a great success for the Byzantine Music program.

Юлія Шевченко

In our parish in Kremenchuk, they still teach the lyre, not the violin. Will the lyre be taught in this department?

Danica Ristić

Yes, there are two violins in our church that do not work, so a couple of years ago we had to have them repaired by a local carpenter's company. What do you think, would it be a good idea for our youth committee to start teaching young people to play the violin?

Βασίλης Αθανασίου

I am glad that he found a violin teacher at the Conservatory, because in Athens it is difficult to find a violin teacher for children. How useful is the program for news.

Дмитрий Морозов

Yes, it’s nice to see how in such places children not only sing in Byzantine, but also master the violin at a serious level. In our Sunday school in Samara they are also trying to combine tradition with instruments, but they are still far from a state diploma. Well done Kallirrhoya, the first pancake didn’t come out lumpy at all.

Μιχάλης Κωνσταντίνου

I agree, Calliroi did very well on the violin. From what I know, however, the Conservatory started first with Byzantine and traditional violin, so classical violin came a little later and it is nice that it now also issues such degrees. How do you see it, does knowing classical violin also help in Byzantine?

Ευάγγελος Παπαγεωργίου

I'm glad you say that about Callirroi, but I think you've confused things a bit. The degree he got is classical violin, not Byzantine. The Byzantine program is strong from the beginning, that's true, but the classical violin came later and gives new opportunities to the children. Do you have a child at the Conservatory?

Светлана Волкова

Yes, Callirhoe is really great, the first diploma is a serious step. In our Sunday school in New York we also try to combine Byzantine singing with classical violin, but most often the children choose one or the other. Do you already have someone in Samara who has passed the instrument exams?

Marija Savić

Yes, violins are sensitive, they break easily if they are not played regularly. Carpenter repair sounds like a necessity, but it would be better to find someone who understands musical instruments. As for the youth committee, maybe we should first see if there are children who already want to learn - and only then should we think about classes. What do you think, would you prefer to start with a church song or something lighter?

Νίκη Χατζή

Yes, you are right, the degree is classical violin. The Conservatory also opened this door and it seems to be going well. Do you have a child there? My own daughter used to go to the traditional choir.

Світлана Коваленко

In Kharkov, we also have more violin and classical music in such schools, and the lyre is less common. I wonder if many people in Kremenchuk sign up for the lyre? Maybe it should be combined with folk singing to make it livelier.

Κώστας Παπαδόπουλος

Yes, I agree, Calliroi did it very well. Classical violin did come later, but I think it helps in Byzantine because you learn better technique and precision in the notes. Have you tried combining the two?