INTRODUCTION

Music is an integral part of worship in the Orthodox Church, serving as a vehicle for the words which enlighten the soul, praise the Living God and call to remembrance the holy ones who have gone before us. It is not simply art for art's sake, rather it is a heightened form of speech, speech befitting the temple of God. The term "choir" is often used in Orthodox writings as a metaphor for those of like mind and kindred spirit, and so it is that, in the Divine Services, we join as one acoustically, intellectually and spiritually when we form a choir and sing together. The musical settings on this recording are drawn from several different traditions and are indicative of the beautiful blending which takes place in our community: English and Romanian, Middle Eastern and Slavic, immigrant and native. Our primary musical expression during services is Byzantine chant as handed down to us in the Romanian tradition. These melodies are sometimes harmonized and arranged for mixed voices but are typically sung simply with an Ison (similar to a drone in Western music). There are also pieces in the Slavic four part tradition and modern compositions as well. They all share a simplicity and prayer- fulness that focus the attention and create an atmosphere which is celebratory and reflective, dignified and humble, terrestrial and celestial.

We owe a debt of gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop NATHANIEL and Archimandrite Roman (Braga) for their work in developing and codifying the Romanian American liturgical tradition we enjoy; Archimandrite Joseph (Morris), who so greatly influenced our spiritual and liturgical life; Fr. John Limbeson of blessed memory, who initiated me as an Orthodox cantor and choir director; and to those at St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, PSALM and the Communities of New Skete who write, collect, preserve and publish liturgical music. This humble offering is dedicated to our friends and loved ones of the parish who departed from us before its completion.

CD's can be purchased for $10 each (Shipping: 1-9 = $3, 10+ = $5)
For more detail please contact Max Murphy at maxmurphygroup@aol.com