The abundance of talented female voices in the San Francisco Bay Area became the ultimate inspiration for Fr. John Kocolas to cultivate a melodious Byzantine choir. In December of 2019, he organized a performance of Christmas hymns to be chanted at the Metropolis of San Francisco Light the Path Luncheon at Holy Cross in Belmont, CA. The quality of the performance and response from the attendees revealed the group’s tremendous potential.
After a long delay due to the pandemic, but with the continued blessing and encouragement of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, the group began rehearsing prominent Orthodox hymns. Through the hospitality and faithful commitment of Dr. Nick Costouros, these hymns were professionally recorded. Most recently, the choir chanted its first Divine Liturgy at Nativity of Christ in Novato, CA. Through these significant milestones, the group officially became the Melodia Byzantine Choir.
Their album, "Follow Me: 12 Hymns of the Orthodox Fatih” is available on their website and all major online music platforms (YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, etc.). Video recordings are also available on the group’s YouTube channel.
“I truly believe that learning the hymns of the Church is the best way to grow our love and appreciation for our worship services.” Fr. John continued to explain, "The goal of the choir is really twofold: first, to cultivate the talents and knowledge of ecclesiastical music for those in the choir, and secondly, I pray that it encourages others to learn and even memorize these beautiful melodies.”
Additionally, Fr. John expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Fr. Steven Klund for his graphic design, Fr. Athanasios Minetos for his musical assistance, as well as John Mellas for creating the website. Along with the group of dedicated women, this joint effort has truly been an inspiring initiative for everyone involved.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Melodia Byzantine Choir is encouraged to contact Fr. John Kocolas.
Congratulations to the members of Melodia!
- Kristen Azar
- Samira Bitar
- Presvytera Iulia Cupsa
- Lexi Doukakis
- Zoe Doukakis
- Antonia Fanourgiakis
- Jonna Hohenthal
- Nicole Kozas
- Laila Louridas
- Markella Macrodimitris
- Afroditi Dionysia Masouras
- Presvytera Anysia Metrakos
- Meredith Passaris
- Irene Ritterman
- Presvytera Angie Sotiras
- Jennifer Walters