On Sunday, September 28th, the parish family of St. Vladimir celebrated National Choir Appreciation Day.

"In our Orthodox Christian tradition, choirs and musicians play a crucial role for the community of believers to worship.  We are blessed to have a choir which sings beautifully, prayerfully and competently week in and week out, and often more than just on weekends," said Fr. John.  Orthodox Christian music is, in itself, beautiful and challenging.  Far more challenging can be the art of actually putting the services together so that they are conducted according to the Church's tradition. 

After thanking the choir for their weekly dedicated service, the entire parish sang "Many Years!" to the choir in recognition of their on-going efforts. 

In addition to the services of Vespers every Saturday evening, Matins and Divine Liturgy every Sunday morning, the parish choir sings for memorial, festal, lenten, and other special services. 

National Choir Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on the Sunday closest to October 1st, the feast day of St. Romanus the Melodist.

To learn more about Choir Appreciation Day, please visit: 

http://nynjoca.org/liturgical_music.html

To learn more about St. Romanus, please visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanos_the_Melodist