Apostolic Exarchate of Italy Holds Formation Program for Church Singers
The first formation program of church singing organized by the Liturgical Department of the Apostolic Exarchate of Italy has recently been completed. The course aimed to study the most important church chants of the Byzantine-Ukrainian tradition with the goal of fostering a high standard of liturgical singing, the church communities of the Exarchate can experience divine services in strict accordance with the prescribed guidelines for chants and melodies.
This was reported by the press service of the Apostolic Exarchate for Ukrainians of the Byzantine rite in Italy.
The course began on January 13 and consisted of three weekly evening classes in an online format, conducted by Deacon Yuriy Volbyn, a graduate of the Lviv Conservatory, a teacher of church singing at the Kyiv Three Saints Theological Seminary and a deacon of the Patriarchal Cathedral in Kyiv. The participants studied the church charter, liturgy, the basics of music, and the specifics of the ministry of a church singer. Lecturers in liturgical disciplines were provided by the Liturgical Department.
The course brought together 25 Ukrainian church singers from different parts of Italy, including five seminarians who are studying philosophy and theology at the seminary in Lodi.
In close cooperation with the Department of Pastoral Care, the first ever congress of church singers in the history of the Apostolic Exarchate is being prepared in Rome. This event will provide an opportunity for mutual exchange of experience and discussion of future initiatives aimed at uniting devotees of liturgical singing. The event will conclude with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, after which the course participants will be awarded certificates of successful completion.
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