GOARCH Approves Saint Romanos Church Music Festival

Children perform Nativity hymns at GOARCH headquarters. Photo: GOARCH / Flickr

NEW YORK — The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians has announced that the Saint Romanos Church Music Festival has received unanimous approval from the Holy Eparchial Synod, marking a significant step forward for youth engagement in sacred music. In a formal letter, Abp. Elpidophoros praised the initiative as an “inspiring endeavor” and commended its organizers.

Modeled after the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, the new program will focus on cultivating musical excellence among young people. Participants will compete at parish and metropolis levels, researching and performing hymns while learning their historical and liturgical significance. Winners from each metropolis will advance to a national festival, encouraging deeper appreciation of Orthodox hymnography.

Initial events are already underway, with finalists set to participate in the 2026 Clergy-Laity Congress. The inaugural national festival is scheduled for early 2027, aiming to inspire a new generation to preserve and share the Church’s sacred musical tradition.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Alexander Lingas retired as Cappella Romana music director.

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