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St. Cyril of Jerusalem Choir Releases New Album of Orthodox Hymns

08:26 Author Aaron Hickman

Photo: St. Cyril of Jerusalem Orthodox Church/Facebook

“Treasury of Blessings” features 23 sacred hymns from the Orthodox Christian tradition, performed by the choir of St. Cyril of Jerusalem Orthodox Church in The Woodlands, Texas.

THE WOODLANDS, TX — The Orthodox Church in America's (OCA) Diocese of the South has announced that the choir of St. Cyril of Jerusalem Orthodox Church has released a new album, “Treasury of Blessings,” featuring 23 sacred hymns drawn from the liturgical tradition of the Orthodox Church.

The recording brings together hymns from throughout the liturgical year, including settings of the Troparion of the Transfiguration, Troparion of the Cross, Nativity and Theophany hymns, Paschal hymns, the Cherubic Hymn, and hymns honoring the Theotokos and St. Cyril of Jerusalem.

The album also showcases a variety of Orthodox musical traditions, including Byzantine, Znamenny, Romanian, Serbian and Russian Obikhod chant, alongside contemporary arrangements and compositions.

According to the parish, the project seeks to share the beauty of Orthodox hymnography beyond the walls of the church and to help listeners renew their prayer through the sacred music of the Church.

"Every day the Holy Church lifts up her voice in praise of her Bridegroom, Christ," Archpriest Benedict Crawford said. "She sings her sacred hymns, rejoicing in the Lord with words inspired by the Holy Spirit. Joining our voices to the voice of the Church, our hearts are filled with joy, and deep within us prayer is renewed, and we are strengthened by God's grace. In the hymns recorded here, the choir of our mission seeks to uplift the hearts and minds of Christians, helping them in their work of 'singing and making melody' in their hearts to the Lord. May these sacred hymns, selected from services and seasons throughout the year, be for all who hear them a 'treasury of blessings.'"

The choir is directed by Josh Hortman, with Nicholas Crawford serving as assistant director. The recording was produced by Brad Sayles of Crescendo Recording and made at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Spring, Texas.

“Treasury of Blessings” is now available to stream on major music platforms. The complete album, including notes on each of the 23 hymns, is available through St. Cyril of Jerusalem Orthodox Church.

Previously, the UOJ reported that registration has opened for the Fall 2026 semester of the Antiochian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Online Music School.