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June 14,
2009
Boston, MA: Diocesan Youth Choir celebrates ROCOR Youth Day in
Massachusetts
On
June 12-14, the Eastern American Diocese Youth Choir gathered in the
Boston, MA area to celebrate the feast recently designated for the
youth of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, the Feast of All Saints.
On this festive weekend, the choir sang divine services both in
Holy Epiphany Church in Roslindale, MA, and also at St. Xenia’s
Church in Methuen, MA. Their singing coincided with the Lilac
Nights-themed Boston Ball, which took place on Friday, resulting in a
large number of guests present at the divine services on Saturday and
Sunday.
This
is the second time that the choir has officially gathered since its
inception at St. Herman’s conference in December 2008. Previously,
the choir met in Albany to celebrate Palm Sunday and the beginning of
Holy Week, and this time came together again immediately before the
Sts. Peter and Paul fast.
On
Saturday afternoon, the choir came together at Holy Epiphany parish
under the direction of Regent Elias Dubelsten, beginning rehearsal
promptly at 1 PM. After
practicing for several hours on a set repertoire consisting of both
mixed and male choir pieces in both Slavonic and English, the choir
was provided dinner in the basement hall by the Holy Epiphany Parish.
Immediately following dinner, the All-Night Vigil began at 6
PM. Prior to the service,
Holy Epiphany’s long-time choir director, Vladimir Pavolovich
Roudenko, spoke with Elias and other choir members about their work,
and later congratulated the Youth Choir Regent on a well-sung service.
Prior
to the veneration of the gospel by the faithful during Matins, parish
rector Victor Boldewskul addressed the choir and the faithful,
thanking them and reminding them that no matter which path they chose
in life, to ensure that they fully served God within that profession
or occupation. Joining Fr.
Victor in serving was Epiphany Priest Thomas Reske and Deacon Victor
Ganson as well as visiting clergy: Protodeacon Joseph Jarostchuk from
Utica, Deacon Dimitry Temidis from Synod, and Deacon Michael
Soloviev from Albany, NY. The service was served entirely in the
Slavonic language.
After
a bonfire and games at a parishoner’s home, the choir was housed at
various homes in the area. The
following morning, they traveled to Methuen, MA to sing the Divine
Liturgy at St. Xenia’s. Joining
rector Fr. Michael Crowley were once again deacons Dimitry Temidis and
Michael Soloviev, as well as visiting Priest Onouphrey Kieth from St.
Nicholas Church in Fletcher, NC. Following
the singing of Many Years, Eternal Memory was sung for the
newly-departed servant of God Andrei Malinin, and then Protodeacon
Dimitry Temidis once again entoned Many Years, this time for all of
the members of the choir.
The
choir joined the parish at a luncheon following the service, and then
returned to parishioner’s homes to plan future activities and
prepare to return to their homes.
- Alexander Cooley
