From 2005-2010
This period was very exciting for the choir. More individuals joined the "School" and some very memorable invitations to present lectures-concerts were accepted.
The newer Choir members included Mr. George Sideris, Dr. Michael Apostolis, and Prof. Daniel Nodes.
Among the younger generation who joined the school and choir were Panagiotis Mikroudis, Barbara Pyros, Karen Kietzke, and Amy Hogg.
Notable events:
In 2005, we were graced by the visit of George Chatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ, one of the few remaining Protopsaltae in Greece of the "old time" and among even fewer virtuosos of Byzantine chant and Greek folk song. Archon Chatzichronoglou would visit Pittsburgh twice in this period, in 2005 and 2008.
In 2008, the Choir celebrated its 10th Anniversary, an event blessed by His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, at a lecture-concert at the University of Pittsburgh.
In 2008, the Choir was invited to Ave Maria University in Naples, FL. Joining the choir were Prof. Constantinos Lagouros, Archon Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada), George Chatizichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ, and Mr. Apostolos Combitsis (Protopsaltis, St. Barbara Toms River, NJ) and Mr. Panos Kaskabas, Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Church in Vineland, NJ. The choir presented the oratorio "Ο ΙΗΣΟΥΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ" of Emmanuel Hatzimarkos on the first evening and on the next, a program of traditional songs from Greece and Asia Minor.
CD and DVD productions
In 2005, the Choir produced its second CD featuring hymns of the Transfiguration with the participation of George Chatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ. The CD was donated to the Metropolis of Pittsburgh with proceeds dedicated to the needs of its youth programs.
In 2009, the Choir produced its first DVD dedicated to the "Panaghia Pammakaristos" and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. The DVD was donated to all the major parishes in the USA in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its historic diakonia to the world.
LECTURES-CONCERTS:
In 2005, a joint concert with the Romanos-Ambrose Singers (Gregorian Chant ensemble) was held at the University of Pittsburgh. Joining the Byzantine Choir was George Chatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ.
In 2008, the Choir was invited to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Bethlehem, PA. Joining the Choir were Prof. Constantinos Lagouros, Archon Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada), and George Chatizichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ.
In the same year, the Choir was invited to Ave Maria University in Naples, FL. Joining the choir were Prof. Constantinos Lagouros, Archon Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada), George Chatizichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ, and Mr. Apostolos Combitsis (Protopsaltis, St. Barbara Toms River, NJ), and Mr. Panos Kaskabas, Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Church in Vineland, NJ. The Choir was the first ever Orthodox Choir to chant inside the Basilica.
In the same year, the Choir provided the hymnody to a lecture by Rev. Fr. Dr. Stelyios Muksuris at the University of Pittsburgh.
In 2009, the Choir presented a lecture-concert at the University of Virginia at Richmond at the invitation of the Hellenic Society "Paideia".
This period was very exciting for the choir. More individuals joined the "School" and some very memorable invitations to present lectures-concerts were accepted.
The newer Choir members included Mr. George Sideris, Dr. Michael Apostolis, and Prof. Daniel Nodes.
Among the younger generation who joined the school and choir were Panagiotis Mikroudis, Barbara Pyros, Karen Kietzke, and Amy Hogg.
Notable events:
In 2005, we were graced by the visit of George Chatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ, one of the few remaining Protopsaltae in Greece of the "old time" and among even fewer virtuosos of Byzantine chant and Greek folk song. Archon Chatzichronoglou would visit Pittsburgh twice in this period, in 2005 and 2008.
In 2008, the Choir celebrated its 10th Anniversary, an event blessed by His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, at a lecture-concert at the University of Pittsburgh.
In 2008, the Choir was invited to Ave Maria University in Naples, FL. Joining the choir were Prof. Constantinos Lagouros, Archon Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada), George Chatizichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ, and Mr. Apostolos Combitsis (Protopsaltis, St. Barbara Toms River, NJ) and Mr. Panos Kaskabas, Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Church in Vineland, NJ. The choir presented the oratorio "Ο ΙΗΣΟΥΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ" of Emmanuel Hatzimarkos on the first evening and on the next, a program of traditional songs from Greece and Asia Minor.
CD and DVD productions
In 2005, the Choir produced its second CD featuring hymns of the Transfiguration with the participation of George Chatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ. The CD was donated to the Metropolis of Pittsburgh with proceeds dedicated to the needs of its youth programs.
In 2009, the Choir produced its first DVD dedicated to the "Panaghia Pammakaristos" and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. The DVD was donated to all the major parishes in the USA in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its historic diakonia to the world.
LECTURES-CONCERTS:
In 2005, a joint concert with the Romanos-Ambrose Singers (Gregorian Chant ensemble) was held at the University of Pittsburgh. Joining the Byzantine Choir was George Chatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ.
In 2008, the Choir was invited to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Bethlehem, PA. Joining the Choir were Prof. Constantinos Lagouros, Archon Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada), and George Chatizichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ.
In the same year, the Choir was invited to Ave Maria University in Naples, FL. Joining the choir were Prof. Constantinos Lagouros, Archon Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada), George Chatizichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ, and Mr. Apostolos Combitsis (Protopsaltis, St. Barbara Toms River, NJ), and Mr. Panos Kaskabas, Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Church in Vineland, NJ. The Choir was the first ever Orthodox Choir to chant inside the Basilica.
In the same year, the Choir provided the hymnody to a lecture by Rev. Fr. Dr. Stelyios Muksuris at the University of Pittsburgh.
In 2009, the Choir presented a lecture-concert at the University of Virginia at Richmond at the invitation of the Hellenic Society "Paideia".
Program Notes and Varia from the Choir Lecture-Conferences of the Period
2005. Lecture-Concert with the Romanos-Ambrose Singers. Special Guest: George Chatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ. In the photo, the Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas Palis, Evangelia Palis and Theodosios Palis.
2005. Lecture-Concert with the Romanos-Ambrose Singers. Special Guest: George Chatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ. In the photo, the Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas Palis, Evangelia Palis and Theodosios Palis, Dr. Nicholas Loutsion, Phillip Yamalis, Bill Economou, Bill Papazekos, Steve Andrews, and Ted Kyriazi.
2005. At the vesper service of the celebrating All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Canonsburg, PA. In the picture, the Very Rev. Fr. George Livanos, and George Chatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ. Also in the photo: John Kellis, Bill Papazekos, Bill Economou, Dr. Nicholas Loutsion, Christos Balouris, George Pappas, and Steve Andrews.
2005. CD-Hymns of the Transfiguration.
January 2008. The last practice session of the core choir members prior to departing for Fort Myers, FL en route to Naples. In the photo: Tom Boudros, George Pantelakis, Prof. Constantinos Lagouros, Archon Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) and Archon Protonotarios of the Great Church of Christ, Bill Economou, George Pappas, Steve Andrews, Tom Skias, and John Fekos.
January 2008. Ave Maria Basilica. Naples, FL. The choir during the progam.
January 2008. At St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL.
From L to R:
George Pantelakis, John Kellis, Steve Andrews, John Fekos, Tom Skias, George Chatzichronoglou, George Pappas, Bill Economou, Tom Boudros, Fr. Johannes Jacobs, Bill Papazekos, Constantinos Lagouros, Dr. Michael Apostolis, Konstantine Fekos, Panos Kaskabas, George Sideris, Apostolos Combitsis, Prof. Daniel Nodes, Emmanuel Vougias, (visiting clergy), Nick Giannoukakis
From L to R:
George Pantelakis, John Kellis, Steve Andrews, John Fekos, Tom Skias, George Chatzichronoglou, George Pappas, Bill Economou, Tom Boudros, Fr. Johannes Jacobs, Bill Papazekos, Constantinos Lagouros, Dr. Michael Apostolis, Konstantine Fekos, Panos Kaskabas, George Sideris, Apostolos Combitsis, Prof. Daniel Nodes, Emmanuel Vougias, (visiting clergy), Nick Giannoukakis
George Chatzichronoglou, Archon Hymnodist of the Great Church of Christ.
Constantinos Lagouros, Archon Protopsaltis of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) and Archon Protonotarios of the Great Church of Christ.
Metropolitan Maximos offering kind words to the Choir and the special guests on the event of the Choir's 10th Anniversary. In the photo: The Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Stelyios Muksuris, lecturer. At the far left: Dr. Robert Hayden (former Director of the Russian and East European Studies Program, Univ. of Pittsburgh)
Metropolitan Maximos offering a special distinction-diploma to Mrs. Angeliki Tsourekis (of late blessed memory) for Angelo Tsourekis, posthumously, on his critical role in the inception of the Choir.
From L to R:
Back row: George Pappas, John Kellis, Steve Andrews, Bill Economou, Ted Kyriazi, Dr. Nicholas Loutsion, Emmanuel Vougias
Middle row: Nick Giannoukakis, John Fekos, Tom Skias, Bill Papazekos, Tom Boudros, George Pantelakis
Front row: Dr. Robert Hayden, (unknown), George Chatzichronoglou, His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, Constantinos Lagouros, Angeliki Tsourekis, Phillip Yamalis, the Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Stelyios Muksuris.
Back row: George Pappas, John Kellis, Steve Andrews, Bill Economou, Ted Kyriazi, Dr. Nicholas Loutsion, Emmanuel Vougias
Middle row: Nick Giannoukakis, John Fekos, Tom Skias, Bill Papazekos, Tom Boudros, George Pantelakis
Front row: Dr. Robert Hayden, (unknown), George Chatzichronoglou, His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, Constantinos Lagouros, Angeliki Tsourekis, Phillip Yamalis, the Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Stelyios Muksuris.
January 2008. At St. Nicholas Cathedral. Special Guests: George Chatzichronoglou and Constantinos Lagouros (not in picture). In the photo: His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos and the Very Revs. Fr. Sarantos Serviou and George Daskalakis with Deacon Evripides Christullides.
From L to R: Nick Giannoukakis, Tom Boudros, Bill Papazekos, Bill Economou, Steve Andrews, the Very Rev. Fr. George Daskalakis, the Very Rev. Fr. Sarantos Serviou Phillip Yamalis, His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, George Chatzichronoglou, Deacon Evripides Christullides, Dr. NIcholas Loutsion, John Kellis, and George Pappas.
From L to R: Nick Giannoukakis, Tom Boudros, Bill Papazekos, Bill Economou, Steve Andrews, the Very Rev. Fr. George Daskalakis, the Very Rev. Fr. Sarantos Serviou Phillip Yamalis, His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, George Chatzichronoglou, Deacon Evripides Christullides, Dr. NIcholas Loutsion, John Kellis, and George Pappas.
January 2008. At St. Nicholas in Bethlehem, PA, together with the Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas Palis.
January 2008. St. Nicholas, Bethlehem. Presentation of the oratorio "Jesus Christ" of Emmanuel Hatzimarkos as well as traditional Greek folk songs.
2009. At St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Richmond, VA.
The members of the Choir who participated in the DVD recording.
L to R:
Back row: Emmanuel Vougias, George Sideris, Konstantine Fekos, Dr. Nick Loutsion, Tom Boudros
Middle row: George Pantelakis, John Kellis, George Pappas, Panagiotis Mikroudis, Tom Skias
Front row: Nick Giannoukakis, Dr. Michael Apostolis, Steve Andrews, Bill Economou, John Fekos, Phillip Yamalis and Dr. Elie Azar.
L to R:
Back row: Emmanuel Vougias, George Sideris, Konstantine Fekos, Dr. Nick Loutsion, Tom Boudros
Middle row: George Pantelakis, John Kellis, George Pappas, Panagiotis Mikroudis, Tom Skias
Front row: Nick Giannoukakis, Dr. Michael Apostolis, Steve Andrews, Bill Economou, John Fekos, Phillip Yamalis and Dr. Elie Azar.
At St. Spyridon, Monessen, PA. Singing traditional songs of Asia Minor with His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos. In the picture is also the sister of His Eminence, Mrs. Eleni Zaloumes of late blessed memory.
