St. Euphrosynos Taverna and Ouzeri 44 (6)

Kylissa said:

Church was wonderful yesterday. Of course, Church is always wonderful. But I'm getting adjusted to being in the choir. Formerly I had moved near the front of the Church to be able to see my favorite icons better and not be distracted by others (at least until later in the liturgy when that area fills us). In the choir loft, there is chatting - both personal and preparation for the Liturgy, and we are insulated both by sound and sight from the service - it's like being in the Narthex.

But yesterday I was finally able to both really begin to participate in the Liturgy, and also sing. I've "missed" Church in a sense. Our Orthros is an hour shorter than normal (I hope they go back to regular in the Fall!) and with all the distraction in the choir loft, my experience of Church seemed to be about 20% of what I'm used to. I felt like I was starving. I want to stay in the choir, but I need Church. So I'm VERY thankful that I'm starting to learn how to do both!

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I've been in the choir since around the end of 2007 - for about 6 months before I was chrismated. I always struggled to not have music with singing (since I love to sing), so I was grateful to be able to see the words and participate with ministry. That said, I have found at times that I don't experience the service in the same way, since I am focused more on the notes and on the words rather than the experience. I have mixed feelings about it . Thankfully we don't have much trouble with the chatting, as we are pretty much within the congregation (just slightly off to the side).

My husband mentioned once that it is really important for people to learn to not be hooked to the liturgy book the entire service, since they can't fully experience the service when they do that. I honestly never tried that before joining the choir. He suggested that I periodically spend time just as a congregation member, rather than in the choir. I have done that now, and it is a completely different experience. Both are wonderful - but they are different.

I've found for me, it is important to have at least one service during Lent, one service during the Nativity fast, and one service outside of that where I just participate in the congregation and don't sing in the choir. I often time that with when my family visits, or when the choir is full with my part (when there is a strong alto singing in the choir). This has been a huge help for reminding me what parts of the service I still need to focus on despite being in the choir.

I'm glad you are learning how to do both! I still struggle with it today so hopefully I will learn to do better soon as well!

For a bit of levity in a far too serious forum...


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Yes, choir is definitely a very different thing, we are sacrificing to do it. Though I severely dislike choir lofts for this reason.

My husband mentioned once that it is really important for people to learn to not be hooked to the liturgy book the entire service, since they can't fully experience the service when they do that.

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Definitely. I mean, okay, giving people some of the variable material is okay, but when people throw in the entire service and put it in their hands, they end up standing there reading. No no no no no.

Antony in Tx said:

For a bit of levity in a far too serious forum...

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haha, awesome.

I had already thought I will probably take a service here and there and be in the congregation instead. Once summer is over, we should have a fuller choir, and it shouldn't be a problem.

Also, I don't mean to say I've got it all figured out. It's just ... before I was VERY present in the services. And when I began in the choir, I was about 80% focused on what part comes next, which part I'm to sing, stopping at the exact right moment, and all of that. I'm next to someone who sings my same part very strongly, so I follow her at times when it can get confusing (Enite - while Father finishes preparing the Eucharist - it varies in length, and we have differing parts so much attention is required).

When I first began to go to Church, I used to glue myself to the books, even during Matins. I quickly realized that I was missing out, so I would use the books some, but mostly just experience the service. As far as the Liturgy, I have a good memory for things I hear, so I know the regular part of the service just about perfectly - of course some hymns change, but it is mostly the same. And I can't read music that well anyway, so ... except for the Greek parts I don't yet know, I don't really use the book.

I guess it's going to be individual for each person. I have seen choir to the side, and I think that is less of this kind of situation. Though the sound coming from the loft, if you are in the congregation, is AMAZING.

A lot of this does get better with practice, of course.

gzt said:

A lot of this does get better with practice, of course.

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Of course. It took some time for me to begin to really participate in the Liturgy as just part of the people. In fact, that was probably a longer learning curve. It was just starting to get especially rich in the couple of months before I started with the choir. So to have made some progress when I've only been in the choir - probably less than 2 months still? - is encouraging.

I don't mean to complain. In fact, I was posting to say how pleased I was that things ARE better.

And I'm sure it should continue to improve.

Thanks for the encouragement.

gzt said:

A lot of this does get better with practice, of course.

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It gets better, yes, but you do still have to give part of your attention to the director for the timing, flow, musicality...even if you memorize the songs, that still is very important to do no matter how well practiced you are.

Balance does come more easily though.

All4Christ said:

It gets better, yes, but you do still have to give part of your attention to the director for the timing, flow, musicality...even if you memorize the songs, that still is very important to do no matter how well practiced you are.

Balance does come more easily though.

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True. And my eyes are nearly always on the director, and my ears always tuned to everyone else. But ... still it was very good for me last week. I can't explain the difference, but I'm thankful for it.

I wonder something else just casually. I wonder if mistakes by the choir are glaringly more noticeable when you're in it? I think that must be the case? There have been I think about three times that something (usually timing) was quite a bit off that I've noticed, and yet in the entire time in Church before, I can't recall a single mistake they made. Maybe one doesn't realize so much unless one can see the director and hear the sections separately. That's good, if the people don't realize!

so, since I am training here at Ft Chaffee, the chapel that used to be the one Elvis (yes, that Elvis) frequented has been changed into an Orthodox Church. when I went back after the service, the following discussion ensued:

Chaplain F: do they have a picture of the King at your Church?
Me: yessir.
CH F: really?! they have a picture of Elvis?
Me: no, sir. not that King.

ArmyMatt said:

so, since I am training here at Ft Chaffee, the chapel that used to be the one Elvis (yes, that Elvis) frequented has been changed into an Orthodox Church. when I went back after the service, the following discussion ensued:

Chaplain F: do they have a picture of the King at your Church?
Me: yessir.
CH F: really?! they have a picture of Elvis?
Me: no, sir. not that King.

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My first reaction is to laugh. My second is to wonder that an Orthodox priest would be asking the question and mean it in that way ... just mildly wondering. No criticism intended.

I do like your answer though.

Kylissa said:

My first reaction is to laugh. My second is to wonder that an Orthodox priest would be asking the question and mean it in that way ... just mildly wondering. No criticism intended.

I do like your answer though.

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I'm guessing AM means another Army chaplain (hopefully non-Orthodox)?

yeah, non Orthodox

what, you've not heard of St Elvis of Tupelo?

IS OUTRAGE!!!

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St Elvis was British To give him his proper spelling: 'Eilfyw' baptiser of St. David of Wales.
Speaking of which, I have been told my username is working.,..here goes!

um, evidently not. "Anon." ?

Too many gremlins.

Dewi Sant btw

Dewi Sant - it could only have been you posting about a Welsh Saint

Patronal feast tomorrow. Vigil tonight. I think I have all the texts prepped. Let's just say I have all the texts that we'll use prepped.