HAMILTON, NJ – The mixed choir of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians (EFGOCM) held its 32nd annual concert, titled ‘The Spirit of Lent’ on Friday, April 11, at the Church of St. George in Hamilton.
Under the artistic direction of Ryan J. Kiel, the choir, made up of 50 voices, presented a program of 18 ancient and contemporary compositions in both Greek and English for the Lenten season.
They performed hymns such as ‘Why Have the Nations Raged’, ‘Save, O Lord, Your People’, ‘I Behold Your Bridal Chamber’, the Hymn of Kassiani, ‘Ti Ipermaho’ – ‘To You, the Champion General’ (hymn to the Theotokos), among others – receiving warm applause from the audience.
The presiding priest of the church, Protopresbyter Anastasios Kousoulas, welcomed the choir members and all guests to the holy church of St. George through The National Herald. “This annual event always brings us the spirit of Lent and Holy Week. The faithful look forward to it with yearning and follow the program with reverence. Prayer and hymns are the essence of our Church, and we are delighted to have the choir with us.”
Fr. Kousoulas explained that “the Church of St. George was built in 1922 in the city of Trenton, mainly by people from Andros and Chios, and moved to its current location in 1976. We have over 400 families, a Greek and Catechetical school, a Philoptochos Society, youth programs, and, above all, faithful and good people – family-oriented and always ready to help and offer what they can. We wish everyone a happy Easter, with health, peace throughout the world, and joy as we celebrate the Resurrection.”
The choir’s artistic director, Kiel Ryan, in his message, offered a brief overview of the choir’s history and its mission:
“As every year, a few days before Holy Week, we present a program of religious hymns. The choir consists of members from many Greek Orthodox churches in New Jersey and is supported by the Holy Metropolis. It includes church musicians – choir members, chanters, and music educators from parochial schools throughout New Jersey.
“It teaches ecclesiastical music, awards scholarships, conducts vocal technique workshops, encourages youth participation, strengthens communication between church musicians and church leadership, and enhances the spiritual and musical knowledge of our church musicians.
“Two major concerts are presented in New Jersey each year – the Spirit of Lent and the annual Christmas concert in December. In September, the choir sings during the celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Asbury Park.”
Former Parish Council President Athanasios Ginis, through the newspaper, invited all members of the Greek-American community to the Vespers of St. George on Tuesday, April 22, in the presence of Metropolitan Apostolos. After the service, there will be a celebration with food and music. He also noted the parish’s annual festival, which will be held May 15-18, which, as he said, is the largest festival in the wider region.
After the concert, a reception with Lenten foods followed in the community hall.
