A message from the Choir Director Peggy Stilianos

The Direct Archdiocesan District Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians will hold its 26th Annual Conference at our Parish, during the weekend of February 13th and 14th. The Church Musicians consist of Psalti, Organists and Choir Singers.

Saturday lectures will be presented by noted Choral Director Spyro Kalas, our own Rev. Demetrios Calogredes, and Archdeacon Pantelemon. Music Rehearsals as well as a business meeting have been scheduled around a luncheon. Constitutional Amendments will be considered, and elections of a new Board will be conducted. The Scholarship Committee will discuss any applications timely received and submissions will be accepted for the selection of a Choir Member of the Year. Saturday evening will feature a Dinner Dance for members and their families, which will be held at our Parish Center.

Sunday we will gather early and members of the Orthros group “Axion Estin”, together with Psalti, George Kaneris, will present the Holy Orthros. Members of Choirs from the New York parishes of Astoria, Blue Point, Bronx, Brookville, Greenlawn, Hempstead, Island Park, New Rochelle, New York City, Port Washington and Southampton are expected to join us for the Liturgy. Our Connecticut members from parishes in Bridgeport,
Danbury, Hartford and Orange are also expected to attend. Installation of the new Board and presentation of all Awards will be officiated Sunday, after Liturgy.

This year, the Federation will be presenting the music of the First Liturgy written by Demetrios Pappas. Our beloved “Jimmy” is recognized within the National Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians as a significant composer and contributor to Greek Orthodox Church music and one of our “golden” conductors. He will celebrate his 80th birthday this year. A Tribute Concert has been planned in his honor, to be held May 8th at the Church of the Resurrection, Brookville, New York.

On behalf of our gracious Federation President Anna Dounelis, I offer my sincere thanks to Rev. Demetrios Calogredes, who has always welcomed Church Musicians with open arms and a warm heart.