2022 Workshop - Back in full force!

After two years of limitations and reduced offerings due to the pandemic, The Liturgical Arts Academy returned in full force in August of 2022. This year’s Academy was a great blessing to all who attended.

This year, 33 chanters from 18 states across the country came to learn and improve their skills in Byzantine chant. The Chant classes have broad appeal to many who are actively chanting in their parishes in both English and Greek.  The beginner students receive an intensive overview of Byzantine notation; the intermediate students improve their skills with ornamentation and modulations; while our advanced chanters - many who are protopsaltis - have a master class in more difficult repertoire such as Cherubic and Communion hymns.  Each day begins at 7:00 am with an hour and half of Matins in the magnificent Panagia Chapel followed by 5 to 6 hours of class instruction, and ends with an hour and half of Vespers. Delicious meals and evening discussions, coupled with the opportunity to worship and chant with skilled psaltes, round out the overall immersion in what some of our chant students call “life-changing”.  

The Iconography Workshop is held in the beautiful St. Gregory Hall downstairs in the Panagia Chapel.  This year, 13 iconography students completed an 8” x 10” gold gilded icon of St. Demetrios the Myrrhbearer. Beginning with a gessoed panel, students learn the history of iconography and the skills of line drawing, gold gilding, color mixing and painting according to traditional methods, which include development of form from dark to light. The artists especially enjoy the rhythm of prayer, work, and fellowship during the week  - and the opportunity to worship amidst the heavenly chanting in the acoustically grand Panagia Church.

The Liturgical Arts Academy is especially grateful for the grant we received from The Renaissance Fund. Their support helps subsidize the registration costs to our students, who then take what they learn back as a gift to their parishes.  All things work together to the glory of God!