Biography

Photini Downie Robinson is the Protopsaltria at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, where she co-directs the Music Ministry and assists with pastoral care. She holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance and Computer Science from DePauw University in Indiana and a Certificate in Byzantine Music from Hellenic College Holy Cross in Boston. She was tonsured into the office of Cantor in 2022 by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.

Photini is a long-time touring artist with professional vocal ensemble Cappella Romana (since 2007) and recently made her directorial debut with the group. She is the Founding Director of Yphos Voice Studio, a virtual learning space that is uniquely tailored to serve Orthodox cantors and clergy. Photini is in national demand as a cantor, director, ensemble artist, teacher, writer, speaker, and workshop leader. Her work has been featured by Axia Women, Ancient Faith Radio, and the GOA Metropolis of San Francisco.

Formerly a multi-genre crossover artist, Photini has opted to fully dedicate her career to the advocacy of Orthodox music and liturgical life. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Her research interest is how the theology of Orthodox hymnography informs and influences a practical approach to pastoral ministry. After completing her M.Div., Photini hopes to serve as a Chaplain in combination with her music ministry.

She was recently awarded the prestigious James J. Tembelis Scholarship by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to continue her theological studies at Holy Cross.

 ——————————————————————————

Performing Artist, Cappella Romana

Founder + Teacher, YPHOS Voice Studio

Protopsaltria, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Certificate in Byzantine Music, HCHC School of Theology

Graduate Student (MTS), HCHC School of Theology