CHICAGO, IL (MW Communications - In early summer of 2007 during the
darkest days of the OCA Crisis, Archbishop Job undertook a personal
project - the musical arrangement of the Paraklisis (supplicatory canon
to the Most-holy Theotokos) in four-part harmony, employing the
Carpatho-Rusyn Sacred Chant (Cerkovnoje Prostopinije). In the
hymnographical Spirit of "Come, all who love the feasts, let us form a
choir...' several singers were recruited informally from among the
various parishes and practice sessions were scheduled. On three evenings
during the Dormition Fast, the Paraklisis was celebrated at Christ the
Savior Church a the Diocesan Chancery in Chicago by Father John Baker
and Deacon Joseph Matusiak, with the singers - who would eventually be known at the St. Alexis Male Choir of Greater Chicago rendering the
beautiful hymns and responses. The "sound" of the choir was enhanced by
the gradual addition of new members. During the Nativity Fast of the
same year the Paraklisis was served at Holy Trinity Cathedral by Father
John Adamcio, a "charter member" of the group. Enthusiasm on the part
of the singers inspired the mastering of the Great Canon of Repentance
of St. Andrew of Crete, also in the venerable chant, which has been
sung at both Holy Trinity Cathedral and Christ the Savior Church for
the last two years.
Encouraged by comments and suggestions of the faithful present at those
Divine Services, it was decided to produce a recording of the
Paraklisis by the St Alexis Choir, as well as a book containing the
complete service with music for choir and congregational use. Proceeds
from the sale of the CD's and books will go to the Midwest Diocesan
Department of Missions and Parish Development especially to further
missionary outreach.
On Sunday, July 19, 2009, a recording session was held at Christ the
Savior Church. Mr Michael Tagge, a member of the choir, supervised the
recording, and is now doing the mixing and editing. Additional
information regarding the date of issue and other particulars will be
forth coming. It is anticipated that another recording project will
begin in the fall.
Any men interested in joining the St Alexis Male Choir are encouraged
to contact Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak at the Diocesan Chancery, by
email at
chancery@midwestdiocese.org or by phone on 312.202.0420.