Church Musicians Gather in Phoenix for Winter Institute

Photo: antiochian.org

PHOENIX, AZ — More than 120 church singers from across the Antiochian Archdiocese gathered February 5–8, 2026, at St. George Church for the annual Winter Sacred Music Institute, hosted by the Department of Sacred Music. Participants were joined by His Grace Bp. Anthony and department leaders for a weekend dedicated to liturgical study, musical formation, and worship.

This year’s institute focused on the hymnography of Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday—a distinct liturgical period between Great Lent and Holy Week. Faculty from the Antiochian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Online Music School and diocesan leaders offered instruction in Byzantine chant, music theory, conducting, and vocal technique, helping attendees deepen both their theological understanding and artistic expression.

In keynote addresses, Bp. Anthony reflected on preparation for Great Lent, emphasizing that “Limitation is liberation” and describing fasting as a gradual release from earthly attachments. The weekend included Great Vespers, a sacred concert, and concluded with a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Holy Dormition Convent will host a 2026 liturgical-music program.

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