From 2020-2025
Notable events:
The most notable event that affected our meetings as well as our planned events was the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. To protect our members as well as our community we unfortunately cancelled all our planned events.
The first event that was scheduled and for which the members of the choir were ready for was a lecture-concert featuring hymns of the Lenten period. The event was scheduled for March 15, 2020. A week prior to the event, the local health authorities deemed that all public events should be cancelled. We had already prepared for this.
The second event that was in the planning stages was a joint choral celebration of the African-American "spirituals" in the context of early Christian ecclesiastical chant, that was in preparation together with the Choir of Eastminster Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, PA. This event was scheduled for the late fall of 2020, however due to the COVID-19, it was postponed for a future date.
Instead, our choir began offering programs (lectures-concerts) in the virtual space, on the internet. Our first such event took place on the 16th of August 2020, with the theme "The Prophets from on High, prefigured You, O Holy Theotokos, Mother of Life", a journey on the theology, history, musicology of the Marian Dormition-Nativity ecclesiastical feast cycle.
*** Between 2020-2025, we welcomed new members to our Choir, representing a younger generation: Zachary Hartlep, Connor Foran, John Vougias, John Petrolias, Nick Vogagis, Justin Madias, Joel Brady, Rev. Fr. Eleftherios Constantine, and Rev. Fr. George Popovich.
On November 2nd of 2020, we were deeply pained and saddened to learn of the passing in the Lord of Metropolitan Maximos. He was the spiritual founder, through his blessing in 1998, of the Choir. He supported us at every step of our evolution, always championing our service to His vineyard and always promoting our outreach activities. He was active in our events, always enthusiastic in ensuring that our membership grew and that the principle of agape defined our relationships. As we were sidelined due to the COVID-19 health crisis, unable to participate in chanting "Καλή Αντάμωση, Γέροντα" at his funeral, we celebrated his life and love for our faith's traditions in an event in 2013.
Την της ποιμνης σου φροντιδα αει εχων ως ποθεις
ολως ολην με ελπιδα να την σωζης προσπαθεις
For a long time, you have had the responsibility of caring for your flock
along with the complete hope that you will try to provide for its salvation.
Ρηματα απλα προβαλλεις εις τον πρεποντα καιρον
κι εις την συνοδον δεν σφαλλεις μετρον εχων σταθερον
You project simple verbs at the most appropriate moment
and at the Synod you do not err in your steady judgment.
Ισον δικαιον και πρεπον βασιμον και τακτικον
τα επωφελη προβλεπων με σκοπον τον τελικον
With fair, appropriate equality you regularly anticipate
the good things for an appropriate objective.
Οθεν φαινεσαι γενναιος και προ παντον σεβαστος
του πιττσβουργκου ο εδραιος ιεραρχης θαυμαστος
Wherefore You look brave and above all respectful,
as the entrenched and admirable hierarch of Pittsburgh
Μετριον απλουν και πραον ταπεινοφρονα σεμνον
ιερον τε Δαυιδ αλλον σεμνολογημα τερπνον
Moderate, simple, and steady humble holy person like another David,
you are delightful in your meekness.
Ω πανσεβαστε πρεσβυτα κατευθυνει ο Θεος
του Πιττσβουργκου αρχιθυτα τριβους σου ως αγαθος
O most respected presbyter, may the Lord God
guide your path as an innocent leader.
Ολοι γουν εις πολλα ετη ψαλλομεν σοι ταπεινως
και ευχομεθα να ζησης ο δεσποτης ο κλεινος
Therefore we all humbly chant to you "Many Years"
and we pray that you be graced with Long Life, O beloved bishop.
On the 3rd of March 2021, we also lost one of the legends of the Psaltic Art in North America, Konstantinos Lagouros, the main teacher of our Director. Our posting on Facebook is HERE.
On the 25th of March, 2021, on the occasion of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, we presented a unique lecture that offered insights into the Soteriological underpinning of St. John the Evangelists choice in beginning his Gospel referring to the "Logos". The lecture was supported by theme-relevant hymns of the feast especially the Canon of the Feast by St. John of Damascus; a dialogue between the Archangel Gabriel and the the Theotokos that brings the Logos to the forefront of the Feast.
In July, 2021, were were honored to be part of the “Cyprus 1821-2021: A Tribute to the Cypriot Heroes” 5-day program (July 7-11, 2021). This was a first-in-USA program commemorating
the Cypriot heroes and martyrs in the Greek War of Independence, 1821. Our contribution to the program was the Hymnologic Encomium "Triodion of the Hieromartyr", a hymnologic tribute and dedication to the hieromartyr Kyprianos, Archbishop of Cyprus who, together with more than 500 Cypriots, was slaughtered in July, 1821. The hymns are translations in English of the original Greek and metered to the originals. This hymnologic tribute was presented in three parts, where each segment ("Ode") hymnologically-introduced the events on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of July, 2021.
On the 1st of July 2021, a good friend of our Choir, Fr. George Livanos, passed away in the Lord. We presented a musical tribute to his legacy, as he had participated in an earlier project with us and was highly-supportive of our endeavors, from our early days.
On Account of the 10th Anniversary of His Elevation to the Throne of the Holy Metropolis of Pittsburgh, our Choir sent Gifts and a Greeting to His Eminence, Metropolitan Savas:
The first, a unique and first-in-kind commemorative plaque that presents an epigram representative of His Service and His Ministry to the Church and the Faithful of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh. The second, is a book by the Great Greek Man of Letters, Alexandros Papadiamantis (in English translation) whose content is timeless and universal. Through these meek gifts, we offered our sincerest respect and agape as we embraced His Right Arm and Hand, beseeching Christ God to grant Him every good and goodness, every gift, ironclad strength and health from on High to continue serving Christ God and His Vineyard for many many more decades.
«Πολυχρόνιον ποιήσαι Κύριος ο Θεός τον Σεβασμιώτατον και Θεοπρόβλητον Αρχιερέα,
Ποιμενάρχη, και Πατέρα ημών, Κύριον κύριον Σάββαν.
Κύριε, φύλαττε Αυτόν εις πολλά έτη».
«Fashion and bestow Many Years, Lord God, on the Eminent, God-presented Archpriest,
Shepherd, and Father of ours, Kyrios kyrios Savas. Lord, protect Him unto many Years»
On the 2nd of February 2022, our choir offered a first-in-history presentation that weaved together the themes of a medical condition first described by the ancient Greeks, a musical meter that was considered profane in the early Christian church hymnody later adopted and "Christianized" by Patriarch Germanos the 1st, inspiring and adopted by the Byzantine Imperial musicians to produce acclamations to the emperor and his family. And, to further weave how this unique hymn, only one of two of its kind that remain to this day, inspired a "profane" dance in the West.
As part of the Centennial Commemoration of the Genocide of the Christians of Anatolia, the Pontus, and Asia Minor, on the 12th of September 2022, our Choir contributed "A Tetraodeon Tribute to the Neomartyrs", a historical, musical and hymnologic commemoration of those who were slaughtered in the first recorded Genocide of the 20th century between 1915-1922. Our participation joined the Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities of Western PA who came together to "Remember September"
In February of 2023, our Director was interviewed by the Orthodox Christian Network as part of our 25th Anniversary.
In March of 2023, our Choir was invited to participate in the "Celebrating Greek Independence Week 2023" series of events dedicated to the lesser-known heroes of the Greek Struggle for Independence. With a lecture-concert dedicated to the "Kollyvades Fathers" as lesser-known heroes (Teachers of the People), the Choir kicked off its commemoration and celebration of its 25th Anniversary since its blessing into Diakonia by the beloved Metropolitan Maximos of late-blessed memory.
In April of 2023, our Director - in his capacity of Instructor of the School of Byzantine Music of our Archdiocese - launched a Podcast Series - with content and themes that dive deeply into the Foundations of Hymnology.
In June of 2023, we commemorated His Eminence Polyefktos of Aneon, the first hierarch of the Sixth Archdiocesan District with its center in Pittsburgh. Very little was known about his activities in the region until recently, when a wealth of information was uncovered about his exceptional work as an educator and inter-cultural leader at a time when the topic was frowned on by the American general public. This commemoration to his legacy was also motivated by a historical first in America - the 25th anniversary of the Byzantine Choir of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh. Consisting of our chantors and of younger people, it is the longest in existence choir of its kind in the USA.
An interview on the 25th Anniversary in the National Herald is HERE. A report inside the National Herald, distinct from the interview is HERE.
The Trailer for our 25th Anniversary is HERE.
A greeting from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros on account of our 25th Anniversary is HERE.
In December of 2023, a historic first in the Western PA region was realized: Two historic ecclesiastic choirs came together at the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, PA - the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church Choir and our Choir - came together to celebrate traditional hymns of the Christmas Season in the most authentic expression of the genres.
In February of 2024, a unique lecture-concert specially-crafted and aimed at the younger generation was presented at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh. Focusing on
he theology of memorable and easy to remember hymns of the Triodion period, and offered as a "To-Go" spiritual menu. Following the lecture-concert, a Q&A period followed for a deeper appreciation of the lesser known hymns of the Triodion.
In September of 2024, the Choir presented the theme of "lesser-heard" hymns dedicated to the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Kontakion of Adoration of the Holy Cross was presented in its *entirety* in English; a first in the US.
In April of 2025, our Director was interviewed by the National Herald, offering his insights on the relevance and the role of the Cantor during Orthodox Holy Week.
In May of 2025, our Choir was invited as one of the presenters/performers at the 83rd Serb National Federation SSF Music Festival held in Aliquippa, PA. The theme of our presentation, honoring the community of the people of Serbia in our region, was on the sacred and folk music dedicated to St. George, patron Saint of the Serbs.
In June of 2025, members of our Choir came together, and offered a 3-day mini-course/musical experience at the Dormition of the Theotokos in Aliquippa, PA. The themes consisted of:
Day 1: The Word as the Center of Orthodox Christian Musical Expression: The Earliest Hymns
of the Church.
Day 2: The Theotokos as the Mother of God and of All Christians: Hymns to the Theotokos
as a Central Pillar of the Faith.
Day 3: The Evolution of Music from the 14th Century AD Onward: Melismatic Masterpieces.
On July 11th, our Choir came together with the newly-formed St. Miriam Women's Byzantine Choir, created and led by our own Amy Hogg, to celebrate an 8-hour vigil in honor of St. Paisios at the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, PA.
Notable events:
The most notable event that affected our meetings as well as our planned events was the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. To protect our members as well as our community we unfortunately cancelled all our planned events.
The first event that was scheduled and for which the members of the choir were ready for was a lecture-concert featuring hymns of the Lenten period. The event was scheduled for March 15, 2020. A week prior to the event, the local health authorities deemed that all public events should be cancelled. We had already prepared for this.
The second event that was in the planning stages was a joint choral celebration of the African-American "spirituals" in the context of early Christian ecclesiastical chant, that was in preparation together with the Choir of Eastminster Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, PA. This event was scheduled for the late fall of 2020, however due to the COVID-19, it was postponed for a future date.
Instead, our choir began offering programs (lectures-concerts) in the virtual space, on the internet. Our first such event took place on the 16th of August 2020, with the theme "The Prophets from on High, prefigured You, O Holy Theotokos, Mother of Life", a journey on the theology, history, musicology of the Marian Dormition-Nativity ecclesiastical feast cycle.
*** Between 2020-2025, we welcomed new members to our Choir, representing a younger generation: Zachary Hartlep, Connor Foran, John Vougias, John Petrolias, Nick Vogagis, Justin Madias, Joel Brady, Rev. Fr. Eleftherios Constantine, and Rev. Fr. George Popovich.
On November 2nd of 2020, we were deeply pained and saddened to learn of the passing in the Lord of Metropolitan Maximos. He was the spiritual founder, through his blessing in 1998, of the Choir. He supported us at every step of our evolution, always championing our service to His vineyard and always promoting our outreach activities. He was active in our events, always enthusiastic in ensuring that our membership grew and that the principle of agape defined our relationships. As we were sidelined due to the COVID-19 health crisis, unable to participate in chanting "Καλή Αντάμωση, Γέροντα" at his funeral, we celebrated his life and love for our faith's traditions in an event in 2013.
Την της ποιμνης σου φροντιδα αει εχων ως ποθεις
ολως ολην με ελπιδα να την σωζης προσπαθεις
For a long time, you have had the responsibility of caring for your flock
along with the complete hope that you will try to provide for its salvation.
Ρηματα απλα προβαλλεις εις τον πρεποντα καιρον
κι εις την συνοδον δεν σφαλλεις μετρον εχων σταθερον
You project simple verbs at the most appropriate moment
and at the Synod you do not err in your steady judgment.
Ισον δικαιον και πρεπον βασιμον και τακτικον
τα επωφελη προβλεπων με σκοπον τον τελικον
With fair, appropriate equality you regularly anticipate
the good things for an appropriate objective.
Οθεν φαινεσαι γενναιος και προ παντον σεβαστος
του πιττσβουργκου ο εδραιος ιεραρχης θαυμαστος
Wherefore You look brave and above all respectful,
as the entrenched and admirable hierarch of Pittsburgh
Μετριον απλουν και πραον ταπεινοφρονα σεμνον
ιερον τε Δαυιδ αλλον σεμνολογημα τερπνον
Moderate, simple, and steady humble holy person like another David,
you are delightful in your meekness.
Ω πανσεβαστε πρεσβυτα κατευθυνει ο Θεος
του Πιττσβουργκου αρχιθυτα τριβους σου ως αγαθος
O most respected presbyter, may the Lord God
guide your path as an innocent leader.
Ολοι γουν εις πολλα ετη ψαλλομεν σοι ταπεινως
και ευχομεθα να ζησης ο δεσποτης ο κλεινος
Therefore we all humbly chant to you "Many Years"
and we pray that you be graced with Long Life, O beloved bishop.
On the 3rd of March 2021, we also lost one of the legends of the Psaltic Art in North America, Konstantinos Lagouros, the main teacher of our Director. Our posting on Facebook is HERE.
On the 25th of March, 2021, on the occasion of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, we presented a unique lecture that offered insights into the Soteriological underpinning of St. John the Evangelists choice in beginning his Gospel referring to the "Logos". The lecture was supported by theme-relevant hymns of the feast especially the Canon of the Feast by St. John of Damascus; a dialogue between the Archangel Gabriel and the the Theotokos that brings the Logos to the forefront of the Feast.
In July, 2021, were were honored to be part of the “Cyprus 1821-2021: A Tribute to the Cypriot Heroes” 5-day program (July 7-11, 2021). This was a first-in-USA program commemorating
the Cypriot heroes and martyrs in the Greek War of Independence, 1821. Our contribution to the program was the Hymnologic Encomium "Triodion of the Hieromartyr", a hymnologic tribute and dedication to the hieromartyr Kyprianos, Archbishop of Cyprus who, together with more than 500 Cypriots, was slaughtered in July, 1821. The hymns are translations in English of the original Greek and metered to the originals. This hymnologic tribute was presented in three parts, where each segment ("Ode") hymnologically-introduced the events on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of July, 2021.
On the 1st of July 2021, a good friend of our Choir, Fr. George Livanos, passed away in the Lord. We presented a musical tribute to his legacy, as he had participated in an earlier project with us and was highly-supportive of our endeavors, from our early days.
On Account of the 10th Anniversary of His Elevation to the Throne of the Holy Metropolis of Pittsburgh, our Choir sent Gifts and a Greeting to His Eminence, Metropolitan Savas:
The first, a unique and first-in-kind commemorative plaque that presents an epigram representative of His Service and His Ministry to the Church and the Faithful of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh. The second, is a book by the Great Greek Man of Letters, Alexandros Papadiamantis (in English translation) whose content is timeless and universal. Through these meek gifts, we offered our sincerest respect and agape as we embraced His Right Arm and Hand, beseeching Christ God to grant Him every good and goodness, every gift, ironclad strength and health from on High to continue serving Christ God and His Vineyard for many many more decades.
«Πολυχρόνιον ποιήσαι Κύριος ο Θεός τον Σεβασμιώτατον και Θεοπρόβλητον Αρχιερέα,
Ποιμενάρχη, και Πατέρα ημών, Κύριον κύριον Σάββαν.
Κύριε, φύλαττε Αυτόν εις πολλά έτη».
«Fashion and bestow Many Years, Lord God, on the Eminent, God-presented Archpriest,
Shepherd, and Father of ours, Kyrios kyrios Savas. Lord, protect Him unto many Years»
On the 2nd of February 2022, our choir offered a first-in-history presentation that weaved together the themes of a medical condition first described by the ancient Greeks, a musical meter that was considered profane in the early Christian church hymnody later adopted and "Christianized" by Patriarch Germanos the 1st, inspiring and adopted by the Byzantine Imperial musicians to produce acclamations to the emperor and his family. And, to further weave how this unique hymn, only one of two of its kind that remain to this day, inspired a "profane" dance in the West.
As part of the Centennial Commemoration of the Genocide of the Christians of Anatolia, the Pontus, and Asia Minor, on the 12th of September 2022, our Choir contributed "A Tetraodeon Tribute to the Neomartyrs", a historical, musical and hymnologic commemoration of those who were slaughtered in the first recorded Genocide of the 20th century between 1915-1922. Our participation joined the Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities of Western PA who came together to "Remember September"
In February of 2023, our Director was interviewed by the Orthodox Christian Network as part of our 25th Anniversary.
In March of 2023, our Choir was invited to participate in the "Celebrating Greek Independence Week 2023" series of events dedicated to the lesser-known heroes of the Greek Struggle for Independence. With a lecture-concert dedicated to the "Kollyvades Fathers" as lesser-known heroes (Teachers of the People), the Choir kicked off its commemoration and celebration of its 25th Anniversary since its blessing into Diakonia by the beloved Metropolitan Maximos of late-blessed memory.
In April of 2023, our Director - in his capacity of Instructor of the School of Byzantine Music of our Archdiocese - launched a Podcast Series - with content and themes that dive deeply into the Foundations of Hymnology.
In June of 2023, we commemorated His Eminence Polyefktos of Aneon, the first hierarch of the Sixth Archdiocesan District with its center in Pittsburgh. Very little was known about his activities in the region until recently, when a wealth of information was uncovered about his exceptional work as an educator and inter-cultural leader at a time when the topic was frowned on by the American general public. This commemoration to his legacy was also motivated by a historical first in America - the 25th anniversary of the Byzantine Choir of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh. Consisting of our chantors and of younger people, it is the longest in existence choir of its kind in the USA.
An interview on the 25th Anniversary in the National Herald is HERE. A report inside the National Herald, distinct from the interview is HERE.
The Trailer for our 25th Anniversary is HERE.
A greeting from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros on account of our 25th Anniversary is HERE.
In December of 2023, a historic first in the Western PA region was realized: Two historic ecclesiastic choirs came together at the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, PA - the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church Choir and our Choir - came together to celebrate traditional hymns of the Christmas Season in the most authentic expression of the genres.
In February of 2024, a unique lecture-concert specially-crafted and aimed at the younger generation was presented at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh. Focusing on
he theology of memorable and easy to remember hymns of the Triodion period, and offered as a "To-Go" spiritual menu. Following the lecture-concert, a Q&A period followed for a deeper appreciation of the lesser known hymns of the Triodion.
In September of 2024, the Choir presented the theme of "lesser-heard" hymns dedicated to the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Kontakion of Adoration of the Holy Cross was presented in its *entirety* in English; a first in the US.
In April of 2025, our Director was interviewed by the National Herald, offering his insights on the relevance and the role of the Cantor during Orthodox Holy Week.
In May of 2025, our Choir was invited as one of the presenters/performers at the 83rd Serb National Federation SSF Music Festival held in Aliquippa, PA. The theme of our presentation, honoring the community of the people of Serbia in our region, was on the sacred and folk music dedicated to St. George, patron Saint of the Serbs.
In June of 2025, members of our Choir came together, and offered a 3-day mini-course/musical experience at the Dormition of the Theotokos in Aliquippa, PA. The themes consisted of:
Day 1: The Word as the Center of Orthodox Christian Musical Expression: The Earliest Hymns
of the Church.
Day 2: The Theotokos as the Mother of God and of All Christians: Hymns to the Theotokos
as a Central Pillar of the Faith.
Day 3: The Evolution of Music from the 14th Century AD Onward: Melismatic Masterpieces.
On July 11th, our Choir came together with the newly-formed St. Miriam Women's Byzantine Choir, created and led by our own Amy Hogg, to celebrate an 8-hour vigil in honor of St. Paisios at the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, PA.
Program Notes and Varia from the Choir Lecture-Conferences of the Period as well as from other Notable Events
