Русская Версия

June 5, 2010
Kernersville, NC: The EAD Youth Choir sang at the Great Consecration of St. Basil’s Serbian Church

On the Sunday of All Saints, the Eastern American Diocesan Youth Choir traveled to Kernersville, NC as the guests of St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Church for the Great Consecration. Before departing on the long journey on Friday, May 28, the group of travelers said prayers before the icon of St. Nicholas at the Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Albany, NY, coincidentally the location of the first meeting of the Youth Choir in 2009.

After spending the night in Washington, DC and meeting participants of the diocesan choir conference, the group said morning prayers together and set off for North Carolina. Arriving in the afternoon at St. Basil’s, the choir began rehearsing promptly at one o’clock under the direction of Melanie Reff before singing the Vigil with several hundred of the faithful present. Bishop Vasilije of Srem led the Vigil service, while Metropolitan Christopher of Libertyville-Chicago, Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America, and Bishop Maxim of Western America praying on the kliros. Joining the Youth Choir was a local choir from the nearby Holy Cross Church (OCA), which sang parts of the service antiphonally with the Youth Choir under the direction of Reader Dan Kowalcheck. Following the service, the choir was invited to sing at a celebratory banquet at a nearby Greek parish hall, where they performed several concert pieces under Michael Perekrestov’s direction and met with many in the parish community.

On Sunday, the parish, clergy, and choir gathered to greet the metropolitan and bishops as they arrived at the church. Following the vesting, the Great Consecration began, during which the bishops dedicated the altar and church, followed immediately by Divine Liturgy. For most in the choir, this was their first opportunity to witness this unique and rare service of the church. During his sermon, the Metropolitan noted the importance of youth participation in church life and protecting oneself from cultural trends that run contrary to Orthodoxy, and with moving words he encouraged the choir in its holy efforts. The services were followed by an outdoor reception with Serbian food, singing, and dancing. After spending the afternoon at a nearby lake, the evening ended with the choir singing an Akathist to the Mother of God and discussing future plans.

Before going their separate ways Monday, the group stopped at Holy Trinity Church in Mebane, NC (ROCOR). The choir said morning prayers at the mission and prayed before the icon of St. Nicholas before traveling home. Alexander Andreev described the life of the parish and the difficulties of a mission church. Because it was the first day of the Apostles’ Fast, the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian was read, and having thus started the fast together, the choristers went their separate ways, eager to attend the next Youth Choir event.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese