During Vespers last Sunday, Father Paraskevas chanted alone in the empty Church of Agios Georgios in Katapola, the main port of the Aegean island of Amorgos. However, by Monday evening at the same time, the church was packed to capacity, reminiscent of an Easter night service. Word had spread quickly about the upcoming concert by MusicAeterna Byzantina, a choir founded by renowned conductor Teodor Currentzis. Titled “Terirem,” the performance attracted locals and visitors eager to hear the Cyprus-based choir perform rare Byzantine hymns. The concert began with a haunting rendition of “Kyrie ton Dynameon” (Lord of Hosts), sung in Arabic by Lebanese chanter Ribale Wehbe, setting the evening’s spiritual tone.
