On Sunday, October 3, 2021, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will celebrate National Church Music Sunday. This is a day that is designated to honor the contributions of adult and youth choir members, chanters, directors, music educators and organists who serve their parishes through their participation in the music ministry of the Orthodox Church and recognize their commitment to learn and perpetuate the rich hymnology of our faith.

“I am grateful to all the church musicians in our Metropolis, and especially for the good works of our Metropolis Church Music Federation Ministry. They have demonstrated renewed commitment to expanding their efforts to provide more educational opportunities to enrich the music ministry in our parishes and bring even more beauty to our Divine services,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “While the Church Musicians are honored on this day, we give thanks for the time and talent they so generously share with the Church throughout the year, and for so many of them who have devoted decades of service to this ministry.”

National Church Music Sunday was inaugurated by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America in 1982, and has been re-affirmed by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros. This observance is scheduled annually on the first Sunday in October, on or after the Feast of Saint Romanos the Melodist, the patron saint of church musicians. It is also a day to recognize the work of the Metropolis Church Music Federations as well as the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, who through their music ministry, strive to enhance the development of church choirs, church musicians, and liturgical music at the Metropolis and Archdiocesan levels.