From 2010-2015
The choir grew with the addition of a younger generation.
The newer Choir members included Deacon Charalambos (Robert) Lykos, Louis D'Amico, Amy Hogg, Nikolaos Ligerakis, Argyrios Apostolis and Mr. Theodore Nerris-Kakoulides. It is worth noting that Mr. Nerris-Kakoulides is the son of the great Protopsaltis Nikolaos Kakoulides (of late blessed memory), who was one of Greece's most elegant Protopsaltae of "old time" and one of the two Archon Protopsaltae of the (then) Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America.
On December 8, 2011, His Grace Bishop Savas (Zembillas) of Troas was elevated as the new Metropolitan of Pittsburgh following the retirement of Metropolitan Maximos due to health matters. The Choir welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Savas serving as the Dexios Choros during his elevation ceremony and his first liturgy (on December 9th).
Notable events:
A number of lecture-concerts were presented that focused on novel aspects of Byzantine music, hymnology in the context of theology and culture.
In 2014, the Choir presented an innovative tribute to His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's "Notebook" of poetry. Special guests included Prof. Dr. Grammenos Karanos (now Rev. Fr. Dr. Romanos Karanos), Professor of Byzantine Music at the Theological Seminary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Mr. Apostolos Combitsis, Protopsaltis of St. Barbara in Toms River, NJ, and Dr. Elie Azar. A unique commemorative album was made and submitted to the Cathedrals of all the Metropolis' that constitute the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
In January of 2014, the Choir was joined by musicophile friends in response to an invitation by CBS Pictures and the casting company responsible for the movie "Love the Coopers" that was shooting in Pittsburgh. At the request of the very renowned T. Bone Burnett, the Choir was invited to perform some Byzantine hymns in addition to well-known western Christmas carols for one of the movie scenes. The Choir was shot on location inside St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Churchill, PA, in the presence of the respected film Director Mrs. Jessie Nelson. While the performance was well-received, the actual scene with the Choir was not included in the final public version of the movie.
Choir community outreach:
This period marked the beginning of our Choir reaching out to sister communities and faiths through lecture-concert events.
The Choir was invited to St. Bernard Catholic Church and the Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin, PA.
Possibly, the most notable outreach activity involved our presence at Cornerstone Broadcasting Network TV on two occasions during this period. This was a first in the USA as the Network has millions of viewers. The Choir presented hymns of the Triodion and Hymns dedicated to the Theotokos on these occasions together with interviews on the subject matter.
LECTURES-CONCERTS:
"St-Kosmas the Melodist: The Hymnographer of Holy Week" (2012) St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA
"The Choir of the Holy Fathers: A Musical Synaxis for the 6th Ecumenical Council and St. Maximos the Confessor" (2013) Concert dedicated to His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos (formerly Pittsburgh), St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA
"Triodion Pathos: The Soliloquy Treasures of Lenten Byzantine Hymnology" (2014) St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA
"From Pascha to Pentecost: A Musical Journey through Byzantine Hymn and Sacred Organum" (2015) Concert at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Pittsburgh, PA
"My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord: A Musical Celebration of Christmas through the Hymnology of the Magnificat" (2015) Concert at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Irwin, PA
The choir grew with the addition of a younger generation.
The newer Choir members included Deacon Charalambos (Robert) Lykos, Louis D'Amico, Amy Hogg, Nikolaos Ligerakis, Argyrios Apostolis and Mr. Theodore Nerris-Kakoulides. It is worth noting that Mr. Nerris-Kakoulides is the son of the great Protopsaltis Nikolaos Kakoulides (of late blessed memory), who was one of Greece's most elegant Protopsaltae of "old time" and one of the two Archon Protopsaltae of the (then) Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America.
On December 8, 2011, His Grace Bishop Savas (Zembillas) of Troas was elevated as the new Metropolitan of Pittsburgh following the retirement of Metropolitan Maximos due to health matters. The Choir welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Savas serving as the Dexios Choros during his elevation ceremony and his first liturgy (on December 9th).
Notable events:
A number of lecture-concerts were presented that focused on novel aspects of Byzantine music, hymnology in the context of theology and culture.
In 2014, the Choir presented an innovative tribute to His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's "Notebook" of poetry. Special guests included Prof. Dr. Grammenos Karanos (now Rev. Fr. Dr. Romanos Karanos), Professor of Byzantine Music at the Theological Seminary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Mr. Apostolos Combitsis, Protopsaltis of St. Barbara in Toms River, NJ, and Dr. Elie Azar. A unique commemorative album was made and submitted to the Cathedrals of all the Metropolis' that constitute the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
In January of 2014, the Choir was joined by musicophile friends in response to an invitation by CBS Pictures and the casting company responsible for the movie "Love the Coopers" that was shooting in Pittsburgh. At the request of the very renowned T. Bone Burnett, the Choir was invited to perform some Byzantine hymns in addition to well-known western Christmas carols for one of the movie scenes. The Choir was shot on location inside St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Churchill, PA, in the presence of the respected film Director Mrs. Jessie Nelson. While the performance was well-received, the actual scene with the Choir was not included in the final public version of the movie.
Choir community outreach:
This period marked the beginning of our Choir reaching out to sister communities and faiths through lecture-concert events.
The Choir was invited to St. Bernard Catholic Church and the Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin, PA.
Possibly, the most notable outreach activity involved our presence at Cornerstone Broadcasting Network TV on two occasions during this period. This was a first in the USA as the Network has millions of viewers. The Choir presented hymns of the Triodion and Hymns dedicated to the Theotokos on these occasions together with interviews on the subject matter.
LECTURES-CONCERTS:
"St-Kosmas the Melodist: The Hymnographer of Holy Week" (2012) St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA
"The Choir of the Holy Fathers: A Musical Synaxis for the 6th Ecumenical Council and St. Maximos the Confessor" (2013) Concert dedicated to His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos (formerly Pittsburgh), St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA
"Triodion Pathos: The Soliloquy Treasures of Lenten Byzantine Hymnology" (2014) St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA
"From Pascha to Pentecost: A Musical Journey through Byzantine Hymn and Sacred Organum" (2015) Concert at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Pittsburgh, PA
"My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord: A Musical Celebration of Christmas through the Hymnology of the Magnificat" (2015) Concert at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Irwin, PA
Program Notes and Varia from the Choir Lecture-Conferences of the Period as well as from other Notable Events
On December 8th, 2011, His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas, elevated now as Metropolitan of Pittsburgh, began his ministry to the Metropolis. Photo from the Hierarchical Orthros and Divine Liturgy on December 9, 2011.
"The Choir of the Holy Fathers: A Musical Synaxis for the 6th Ecumenical Council and St. Maximos the Confessor" (2013) Concert dedicated to His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos (formerly Pittsburgh)
From L to R:
Tom Boudros, Panagiotis Mikroudis, Emmanuel Vougias, Steve Andrews, Bill Papazekos, Dr. Elie Azar, Konstantine Fekos, Argyrios Apostolis, John Fekos, Bill Economou, John Kellis, Nikolaos Ligerakis, Tom Skias, George Pantelakis, Deacon Robert Lykos
From L to R:
Tom Boudros, Panagiotis Mikroudis, Emmanuel Vougias, Steve Andrews, Bill Papazekos, Dr. Elie Azar, Konstantine Fekos, Argyrios Apostolis, John Fekos, Bill Economou, John Kellis, Nikolaos Ligerakis, Tom Skias, George Pantelakis, Deacon Robert Lykos
"The Choir of the Holy Fathers: A Musical Synaxis for the 6th Ecumenical Council and St. Maximos the Confessor" (2013) Concert dedicated to His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos (formerly Pittsburgh)
From L to R:
Nikolaos Ligerakis, Steve Andrews, Tom Boudros, Panagiotis Mikroudis, Emmanuel Vougias, Bill Papazekos, the Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Bender (Dean, St. Nicholas Cathedral), Dr. Elie Azar, John Fekos, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, Bill Economou, Konstantine Fekos, John Kellis, Argyrios Apostolis, Deacon Robert Lykos, Tom Skias, George Pantelakis, Nick Giannoukakis
From L to R:
Nikolaos Ligerakis, Steve Andrews, Tom Boudros, Panagiotis Mikroudis, Emmanuel Vougias, Bill Papazekos, the Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Bender (Dean, St. Nicholas Cathedral), Dr. Elie Azar, John Fekos, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, Bill Economou, Konstantine Fekos, John Kellis, Argyrios Apostolis, Deacon Robert Lykos, Tom Skias, George Pantelakis, Nick Giannoukakis
2012. At the vespers of the celebrating Dormition of the Theotokos in Aliquippa, PA.
L to R:
Steve Andrews, Konstantine Fekos, Emmanuel Vougias, Nick Giannoukakis, Rev Fr. George Callos (Metropolitan Chancellor), His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, the Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Bender (then Oikonomos of the church), Tom Boudros, Bill Economou, Louis D'Amico, and Nikolaos Ligerakis
L to R:
Steve Andrews, Konstantine Fekos, Emmanuel Vougias, Nick Giannoukakis, Rev Fr. George Callos (Metropolitan Chancellor), His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, the Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Bender (then Oikonomos of the church), Tom Boudros, Bill Economou, Louis D'Amico, and Nikolaos Ligerakis
2013. Vespers service at the Dormition of the Theotokos, Aliquippa, PA.
L to R:
Bill Economou, George Pappas, Tom Boudros, Tom Skias, Deacon Frank Dickos, Nick Giannoukakis, Dr. Nicholas Loutsion, and Emmanuel Vougias.
L to R:
Bill Economou, George Pappas, Tom Boudros, Tom Skias, Deacon Frank Dickos, Nick Giannoukakis, Dr. Nicholas Loutsion, and Emmanuel Vougias.
2013. Prior to Vespers service celebrating the historic church of St. Anthony in Clairton, PA (January 16, 2013).
L to R:
Tom Boudros, Konstantine Fekos, Tom Skias, Steve Andrews, John Kellis, Bill Papazekos, and Bill Economou.
L to R:
Tom Boudros, Konstantine Fekos, Tom Skias, Steve Andrews, John Kellis, Bill Papazekos, and Bill Economou.
2013. From L to R:
Back row: Emmanuel Vougias, John Fekos, Bill Economou, Nick Giannoukakis
Middle row: Deacon Robert Lykos, George Pantelakis, Argyrios Apostolis, John Kellis, the Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Bender, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, Bill Papazekos, Tom Skias, Nikolaos Ligerakis, Karen Kietzke, Panagiotis Mikroudis, Tom Boudros
Front row: Theodore Nerris-Kakoulides, Panagiotis Nerris-Kakoulides, Michael Azar, and Dr. Elie Azar
Back row: Emmanuel Vougias, John Fekos, Bill Economou, Nick Giannoukakis
Middle row: Deacon Robert Lykos, George Pantelakis, Argyrios Apostolis, John Kellis, the Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Bender, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, Bill Papazekos, Tom Skias, Nikolaos Ligerakis, Karen Kietzke, Panagiotis Mikroudis, Tom Boudros
Front row: Theodore Nerris-Kakoulides, Panagiotis Nerris-Kakoulides, Michael Azar, and Dr. Elie Azar
2014. "The Patriarch's Notebook"
From L to R:
Deacon Robert Lykos, Phillip Yamalis, George Pantelakis, Theodore Nerris-Kakoulides, Tom Skias, Michael Nerris-Kakoulides, Karen Kietzke, Panagiotis Nerris-Kakoulides, Despina Hages, the Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Bender, Bill Papazekos, Tom Boudros, Steve Andrews, Dr. Elie Azar, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, Apostolos Combitsis, Bill Economou, John Fekos, Prof. Dr. Grammenos Karanos (back), Nikolaos Ligerakis, Konstantine Fekos, the Very Rev. Fr. Theophanis Nacoupoulos (Erie, PA), Nick Giannoukakis, Victoria Mavrogeorgis, (unknown) Elianna Paljug, Steve McGarrity, Annette Kukunas.
From L to R:
Deacon Robert Lykos, Phillip Yamalis, George Pantelakis, Theodore Nerris-Kakoulides, Tom Skias, Michael Nerris-Kakoulides, Karen Kietzke, Panagiotis Nerris-Kakoulides, Despina Hages, the Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Bender, Bill Papazekos, Tom Boudros, Steve Andrews, Dr. Elie Azar, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, Apostolos Combitsis, Bill Economou, John Fekos, Prof. Dr. Grammenos Karanos (back), Nikolaos Ligerakis, Konstantine Fekos, the Very Rev. Fr. Theophanis Nacoupoulos (Erie, PA), Nick Giannoukakis, Victoria Mavrogeorgis, (unknown) Elianna Paljug, Steve McGarrity, Annette Kukunas.
2014. "The Patriarch's Notebook"
2014. "The Patriarch's Notebook"
2015. At St. Bernard Catholic Church
L to R:
Nick Giannoukakis, Karen Kietzke, Theodore Nerris-Kakoulides, Michael Nerris-Kakoulides, Steve McGarrity, John Kellis, Mr. Chaz Bowers (Director of Music Ministries at St. Bernard Catholic Church), Bill Economou, Bill Papazekos, Phillip Yamalis, Steve Andrews, Despina Hages.
L to R:
Nick Giannoukakis, Karen Kietzke, Theodore Nerris-Kakoulides, Michael Nerris-Kakoulides, Steve McGarrity, John Kellis, Mr. Chaz Bowers (Director of Music Ministries at St. Bernard Catholic Church), Bill Economou, Bill Papazekos, Phillip Yamalis, Steve Andrews, Despina Hages.
2015. Vespers at the Dormition of the Theotokos, Aliquippa, PA
L to R:
Nick Giannoukakis, Steve Andrews, Argyrios Apostolis, Emmanuel Vougias, Bill Economou, John Fekos, Tom Boudros, John Kellis, Bill Papazekos, Emmanuel Maginas, Tom Skias, Dr. Nicholas Loutsion, George Pappas, Louis D'Amico.
L to R:
Nick Giannoukakis, Steve Andrews, Argyrios Apostolis, Emmanuel Vougias, Bill Economou, John Fekos, Tom Boudros, John Kellis, Bill Papazekos, Emmanuel Maginas, Tom Skias, Dr. Nicholas Loutsion, George Pappas, Louis D'Amico.
2014. Shooting musical scene for the movie "Love the Coopers" at St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Churchill, PA
L to R:
Back Row: Tom Boudros, Panagiotis Mikroudis, Jim Callas, Konstantine Fekos
3rd Row: George Macroglou, Steve Andrew, Argyrios Apostolis, Nick Giannoukakis
2nd Row: Hope Hanafin (Movie Costume Designer), Michael Rodites, Mary Scoumis, Peggy Smyrnes-Williams, Georgina Callas
1st Row: Joanne Melacrinos, Victoria Mavrogeorgis, Jessie Nelson (Movie Director), Dr. Suzanne Bertera, Dr. Rita Bottino
L to R:
Back Row: Tom Boudros, Panagiotis Mikroudis, Jim Callas, Konstantine Fekos
3rd Row: George Macroglou, Steve Andrew, Argyrios Apostolis, Nick Giannoukakis
2nd Row: Hope Hanafin (Movie Costume Designer), Michael Rodites, Mary Scoumis, Peggy Smyrnes-Williams, Georgina Callas
1st Row: Joanne Melacrinos, Victoria Mavrogeorgis, Jessie Nelson (Movie Director), Dr. Suzanne Bertera, Dr. Rita Bottino
A kind word from the Director, Jessie Nelson.
In addition to the Choir, in this photo, front row, are:
L to R: Alyssa Batchelor (Film Second Unit, second second assistant director) and Jason Roberts (Film Second Unit, second assistant director)
L to R: Alyssa Batchelor (Film Second Unit, second second assistant director) and Jason Roberts (Film Second Unit, second assistant director)
2015. Together with the Parish Choir at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Irwin, PA.
2014. "The Orthodox Byzantine Hymnology of the Lenten Period" on the TV program "His Place", Cornerstone Broadcasting TV Network
L to R:
Back row: Konstantine Fekos, Despina Hages, Steve Andrews, Dr. Elie Azar, Michael Rodites, Nick Giannoukakis
Front row: Bill Papazekos, Argyrios Apostolis, John Kellis, Bill Economou, John Fekos, Karen Kietzke, George Pantelakis, and Tom Boudros.
L to R:
Back row: Konstantine Fekos, Despina Hages, Steve Andrews, Dr. Elie Azar, Michael Rodites, Nick Giannoukakis
Front row: Bill Papazekos, Argyrios Apostolis, John Kellis, Bill Economou, John Fekos, Karen Kietzke, George Pantelakis, and Tom Boudros.
