Orthodox View on Non-Orthodox Singing/Hymns?

[Dietrich Johnson]

What is the Orthodox view on Non-Orthodox Hymns and Singing? In particular, I'm wondering if it is permitted/encouraged/discouraged for Orthodox laity to sing in a choir (for example a community choir or choir at a Christian church)? Or even to direct, for example, a choir at a non-Orthodox (but Christian) High School/University? In either case hymns are the protestant classics such as "It is well with my soul", "Great is thy faithfulness", "O God our help in ages past", etc.

 

[rusmeister]

There is nothing wrong with many classic Protestant English hymns. I think there’s nothing wrong with singing them, even as part of a non-Orthodox choir. It would be wrong, though, to introduce them into Orthodox worship.

Honestly, once one encounters Orthodox hymnography, the English stuff of relatively recent origin (hardly anything before the 19th century) seems increasingly, well, primitive. It’s like they’re trying to stretch towards Orthodoxy, and praise and worship God as best they know how, but they don’t exactly know how. It’s where they draw on Scripture that they do best.

Over time, heterodox stuff gets worse and worse. Even the traditional Catholics are now constantly (and justifiably) complaining about modern songs introduced into their worship, full of cheap tripe closer to Joel Osteen than to Orthodoxy. Once you open that Pandora’s box, your denomination is screwed. But most 19th century stuff doesn’t cut against our understanding of the Faith, and is fine for non-liturgical use. My two cents.

 

[ArmyMatt]

they are fine to sing (although, a lot of modern stuff can be problematic). so keep it in the proverbial tape deck and you’ll be fine.

 

[Dietrich Johnson]

There is nothing wrong with many classic Protestant English hymns. I think there’s nothing wrong with singing them, even as part of a non-Orthodox choir. It would be wrong, though, to introduce them into Orthodox worship.

Honestly, once one encounters Orthodox hymnography, the English stuff of relatively recent origin (hardly anything before the 19th century) seems increasingly, well, primitive. It’s like they’re trying to stretch towards Orthodoxy, and praise and worship God as best they know how, but they don’t exactly know how. It’s where they draw on Scripture that they do best.

Over time, heterodox stuff gets worse and worse. Even the traditional Catholics are now constantly (and justifiably) complaining about modern songs introduced into their worship, full of cheap tripe closer to Joel Osteen than to Orthodoxy. Once you open that Pandora’s box, your denomination is screwed. But most 19th century stuff doesn’t cut against our understanding of the Faith, and is fine for non-liturgical use. My two cents.

Thanks for this very helpful reply. Also, would there be any issue with being Orthodox while conducting a choir at a Christian High School or University singing the classic Protestant English hymns?

 

[ArmyMatt]

Also, would there be any issue with being Orthodox while conducting a choir at a Christian High School or University singing the classic Protestant English hymns?

I’d say that should not be an issue, especially since it’s an academic setting.

 

[Dietrich Johnson]

I’d say that should not be an issue, especially since it’s an academic setting.

Got it. And academic setting being fine, since it is not a church setting right?

 

[ArmyMatt]

Got it. And academic setting being fine, since it is not a church setting right?

yeah. I am sure Handel’s Messiah has been done by many Orthodox musicians publicly in professional or academic settings.

 

[Justin-H.S.]

yeah. I am sure Hansel’s Messiah has been done by many Orthodox musicians publicly in professional or academic settings.

Had to do it.

We've got Handel's Messiah on vinyl and CD. We absolutely love it, and my wife used to perform it every Easter in her hometown ensemble.

Another good one is St. Matthew's Passion by Bach.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Had to do it.


We've got Handel's Messiah on vinyl and CD. We absolutely love it, and my wife used to perform it every Easter in her hometown ensemble.

Another good one is St. Matthew's Passion by Bach.

haha, fixed. thanks.