AECMC

On August 2, 2024, the second year of study at the ROCOR Church Singing School (European Department) ended. Classes, as in 2023, were held daily for two weeks on the territory of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon in Cologne (Germany).

 

Three groups of students were formed. Participants in the main programme (1st and 2nd years - 17 students in total) for choir directors, singers and readers mastered more than 100 hours of study load in ten subjects and participated in 10 services. For those who could not come to the full course (8 participants), a seven-day training seminar was offered. The main goal of this option was to get acquainted with the work of the school, gain individual knowledge and skills, gain practical experience in participating in services, as well as the opportunity to ask questions of interest to experienced teachers. During the seven-day course in this area, theoretical and practical classes were offered on the Typicon, liturgical books, skills of correct reading on the klyros (including vocal training) and the specifics of reading various texts. ​

 

A total of 25 students from Germany, Ireland, Estonia, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, England and the Czech Republic took part in the proposed programmes. ​ The training aroused great interest among the students, many noted the large number of theoretical and practical skills acquired during this time. The opportunity to participate in the services allowed the students to experience in practice the differences in the structure of the services, to practice conducting the choir. The large number of participants made it possible to divide people into two choirs and conduct services with antiphonal singing. This experience is almost impossible in parishes today due to the small number of singers.

 

The festive services on July 27 and July 28 were led by Bishop Job of Stuttgart, Vicar of the German Diocese. After the Sunday Liturgy, Bishop Job gave a lecture on the Typicon, and Priest Andrei (Herman) held a master class on bell ringing.

 

The organizers and teachers of the school express their gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan Mark and His Grace Bishop Irenei, as well as His Grace Bishop Job for their support of such an important mission, as well as deep appreciation to the parish of St. Panteleimon for the excellent organization of housing and educational conditions.