[Norwood, NY] – On Saturday, November 15, St. Tikhon’s Seminary Choir sang Vespers at St. Olympia Orthodox Church. What a blessing of worship, song and fellowship!

The choir included seminarians Paul Batz, Andrew Benton, Deacon Seraphim Crossman, Michael Katalenich, Ignatius Leonardo, Christopher Mescher, and Deacon Paul Schlafer. It was also a reunion for the director, Father Caleb Lewis, and our priest, Father Gregory Fedorchak, who had been classmates at St. Tikhon’s. And while he could not make the trip, we are thankful to Dean of the seminary Father John Parker for giving his blessing for this trip to occur.

After Vespers, we shared some of St. Olympia’s parish music−Byzantine chant composed by Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis, our choir director and head chanter−followed by fellowship and a Lenten potluck meal. One of the most meaningful moments came when we asked the seminarians how we could pray for them amid the challenges they face during seminary. How poignant it was to hear them express not concern for themselves, but for their children’s spiritual health! We were honored to support their families, including offering gift cards for St. Olga's Closet, courtesy of our Women’s Group.

As a parish with a choir of mostly treble voices, it was a particular treat to hear the deep, sonorous voices of a men’s choir. One of St Olympia’s musicians described the worship as a “spiritual sonic shower.” Indeed!

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. – Colossians 3: 16