In its wisdom, the Orthodox Church in America set aside the Sunday closest to the feast of the Protection of the Theotokos, and of St. Roman the melodist (Oct. 1st) as a day to recognise the labours and contributions of those who sing and read in our Churches.
Truly we are blessed at St. Nicholas with a full choir, and six willing and capable people to lead the singing of our services. Yet on that particular day (and the following weekend) most of our choir directors were away. The fact that our services did not grind to halt, or devolve into a dirge or cacophony, over those two weekends, but rather were as beautiful and harmonious as ever, bears witness to the commitment and dedication in guiding and cultivating the singing at our parish. Truly inspiring and worthy of recognition.
So this past Sunday (ironically on the Sunday closest to the Old Calendar feast of the Protection and St. Roman) we were able to recognise the praise worthy labours of all our choir directors – Fr. Deacon Greg Wiebe, Lisa Douma, Robyn Schantz, Matushka Dianne Kennaugh, Mary Thorn, and even Helena Letkemen (the choir director from the Christ the Saviour Mission in Winkler).
By the prayers and intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos, and of St. Roman the melodist, our parish and the Mission in Winkler have been blessed beyond measure, to the Glory of God!
May the Lord bless them, and all our singers and readers with many blessed years.
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