Cantors and Readers

 

The Divine Music Project by St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery >

Digital Chant Stand of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America >

 

 

MISSION

In the Byzantine liturgical tradition, the cantor (ψάλτης-psaltis in Greek) is the person responsible for leading the faithful in singing the responses to the celebrant clergy and for singing the many hymns called for during the Sacred Services and the Divine Liturgy. A cantor must be knowledgeable about the ecclesiastical eight-tone musical modal system and the complex structure (rubrics) of the services.

Readers assist the cantors by reading the prayers, the lives of the saints, the psalms, and the epistles during the worship services and the Divine Liturgy.

PARTICIPATION

A cantor/reader is always present at an Orthodox Christian worship service or sacrament. This ministry is open to all those who desire to learn the ancient art of Byzantine chant. Anyone who would like to read the Psalms and Epistle on a Sunday or feast day should contact George Dalagelis at the email address below to be added to the Reader's Schedule.

CONTACT