New Divine Liturgy Setting Honoring Abp. Dmitri to Premiere in Dallas

DALLAS — A new musical setting of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom dedicated to the memory of Abp. Dmitri of Dallas and the South will receive its premiere later this month at St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral, with His Grace Bp. Gerasim of Fort Worth presiding over the services.

The composition, titled "The Divine Liturgy for Small and Large Choirs," was written by Dr. Nicholas Reeves for the cathedral's various liturgical ensembles. Designed to be adaptable, the work includes arrangements suitable for both smaller parish choirs and larger cathedral ensembles. The version for smaller choirs will debut during the Divine Liturgy on Aug. 28, while the full cathedral choir will present the larger-scale setting on Aug. 30. Both Liturgies are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Central Time.

The new setting also honors the legacy of Abp. Dmitri, whose English and Spanish translations from the original Greek and Church Slavonic texts are incorporated throughout the work. Choirs at St. Seraphim Cathedral have spent the past two years preparing for the premieres through workshops, sectional rehearsals, and full ensemble practices, ensuring the composition is ready for its first public performances under the leadership of Bp. Gerasim, who currently serves as locum tenens of the Diocese of the South.

A preview of the musical setting can be seen here.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Bp. Gerasim was nominated as Bishop of Dallas and the South.