Di: Hi, Angel sister, what's new?

Angel:  It's been snowing everywhere but Hawaii lately...

Di: ...so a lot of flights have been postponed or cancelled in 49 of the 50 states...

Angel:  but one musical flight takes off every Sunday all over the world... the Divine Liturgy!

Di: Speaking of that, how are you faring as choir director at Holy Cross Church in Farmington, MI?

Angel: With no cantor on most Sundays, our choir members are readers too...

Di: That requires coordination.  Don't you have both kids and adults in the choir?

Angel: Yes, our youngest is nine, and sings angelically...

Di: How do you manage to achieve those seamless notes when folks come in late?

Angel: Big sister, am I glad you asked.  We used to have so much tardiness that I often sang solo responses to our priest's petitions until the Trisagion (Thrice Holy Hymn), but now the choir comes early ...

Di:  What happened to change the picture?

Angel: I kept thinking of how the angels sing with us in the liturgy, and how they travel so quickly that they are often portrayed with wings, although they are bodiless spirits...

Di: Yes...

Angel: And I had a personal epiphany...

Di:  which was...

Angel: Well, I wrote a letter to the choir...

Di: What did it say?  Maybe it can help some parishioners, and not just choir members, come to church on time. 

Angel: Why don't we put it on our Eleos Blog?

Di: A resounding idea!

  EARLY CHOIR

As Orthodox Christians, participating in the Divine Liturgy is absolutely THE MOST IMPORTANT thing we do all week, particularly in the choir, as we "mystically represent the Cherubim...

So, I had a "personal epiphany" and have likened it to a plane flight. After all, Father has said the Divine Liturgy is like "going to heaven and back again!"

 When we are to take a plane flight, we are required to come VERY, sometimes several hours, EARLY, and we make this a major priority. Just this Sunday after church, I heard a young adult say, "Mom, we have to leave to go to the airport, now!" 

 So, for our choir's "flight" I would like us to "check-in" (arrive) at 9:30, put our robes on, rehearse and warm up until "boarding" (entering the church all together as a choir) at 9:50 so that we will be prepared for "lift-off" at 10 A.M.

 If we have a rehearsal/warm-up every week, we would all know and be familiar with the Apolytikion and/or Hymn of the Day, know what the Epistle is and who would read it, and be aware of any other changes. This would greatly decrease "in-flight turbulence." Also, I would not have to schedule any rehearsals during the week/at night except preceding Great Lent and Easter/Pascha.

 If there are not eight people in the choir loft at 10, I will be up at the microphone until we reach "cruising altitude" at the Trisagion Hymn. At that time, it is "safe for me to freely roam about the cabin" (return to the choir loft.)

 If we want to be an exceptional choir, we have to make exceptional effort. We are stewards (and "stewardesses") of the church and are to donate freely of our time, talent and treasure. A lot of us are lacking in the latter in these lean times. However, we are still able to donate our time and talent - just as valuable!

 By the Grace of God we can have an "on-time flight" and truly soar as a choir!

 In Christ's service and with His love,

 Angel

 P.S. No one will be required to take off his/her shoes. :)

Many blessings, Di and Angel

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