1

Notes From The Top

Choir Loft

Official Newsletter of the Federation of Greek Orthodox Church

Spring/Summer 2017 www.chicago.churchmusic.goarch.org

Board Members

Ruth Faklis - President

Rena Meintanis - Vice President

Joanne Volakakis -Treasurer

Maria Meintanis - Secretary

Peter Condos - Past President____

Elena Biessener

Nick Chimitris

Angie Condos

Denise Karras

Bobbie Korfias

Diana Ott

Nick Paloumpis

Audrey Polite (Covello)

Gia Xenakis

Mary Zaharis

Spiritual Advisors___________

+His Eminence,

Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago

Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos

Fr. Sotirios Malamis www.chicago.churchmusic.goarch.org

Choir Conference Saint Spyridon Church Palos Hts, IL Oct. 12-15, 2017

May the Lord Our God re-member His Archpriest-hood in His Kingdom unto the ages, Amen. May His memory be ever eternal. We remember our beloved Metropolitan as we pre-pare for the 60th Anniver-sary Year of the Chicago Metropolis Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians Choir Conference. In anticipation of writing this article I have been thinking back to the found-ing members of our Feder-ation, and how they had the foresight to unite, to share, to network and to build on those delivering the "music" within our church. This year we will be saluting the founders and the members who were instrumental in sus-taining our organization.

Our 60th Anniversary con-ference will be held at the St. Spyridon Church in Pa-los Heights the weekend of October 12-15. We are asking you to reach out to your current and former fellow choir members - ask them to come and cele-brate this landmark occa-sion with us. We want this conference to be a reunion - a celebration - a 'coming together' and remeber-ence. To this end, all Chi-cago area practices will be held 'on the floor' (no lofts) for easy access to our most senior members. The conference liturgy itself will also be held on the main floor of the church. All ac-tivities are being planned with physical access in mind. Please - please - please: spread the word!

Also note that the St. Spyr-idon Parish will be simulta-neously celebrating its 100th Anniversary. Arch-Bishop Demetrios, Metro-politan Nikitas*, Bishop Demetrios, Fr. Anargyros Starvropoulos*, and Fr. Athenagoras of Cuba* have all been invited to join in the celebration of the Liturgy with Proestami-nos Fr. Tilemachos Ali-kakos*. We already have confirmation for some invitees.

(Continued on Page 4)

+Metropolitan Iakovos of Blessed Memory

Page 2

==================================

Saint Paraskeva

October 14

The Saint and the Monastery

In Her name

Page 5

Musicians Chicago Metropolis

In This Issue

Notes From The Top 1&4

St. Paraskeva 5, 11,12

Rehearsal Schedule 13

Conference Packet 14-21

Memorials 22

Round Table Discussion 6-10

+Metropolitan Iakovos 2-3

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3

His Eminence Blessing the children at St. Demetrios Church

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2017 - 60th Anniversary Conference: St. Spyridon/Palos Heights, IL Liturgy: Anastasiou/Minor Conductor: Marlene Ego/Wisconsin Organist: Alexis Bratsakis/Indiana As your President, I wish to review highlights of the Board and organization this past year - 2106- in no particular order:

A "Roundtable" was be held for members at St. Nectarios on Saturday, March 18th see Pages 4-9. National Representation: Rena Meintanis, Vice President, represented the Federation at Nation-al President’s Meetings and at the 2016 Clergy Laity Convention. Choir Loft: Immediate Past President Peter and Angie Condos have produced and sent out the year’s newsletters. Youth Conference: First time we combined the Religious Education Seminar and Choir Conference into one event. Audrey Polite as Chairman undertook this unique request at St. Demetrios, Ham-mond, Indiana. Ruth Faklis (President) presented the music workshop with assistance from Mary Zaharas. Conductor: Diana Ott Organist: George Panagopoulos.

Nick Kumis and Nick Paloumpis undertook the task of recording and editing our conferences this year – which provides funds to our Federation Chapter. 2015/16 – Ruth Faklis mailed out a thank you to all members who attended the Minneapolis Con-ference, with ‘join us again this year’ request. CMI (Church Musicians' Institute) – Denise Karras as Chairman organized and scheduled this event which was held at the St. Nectarios Church in Palatine, IL (M. Zaharis) Elena Biessener and Maria Meintanis (Secretary) co-chaired the Conference Board Election, and presided over the Officers Election as well. 2016/17 – Ruth Faklis mailed out a ‘hold the date’ flyer/Christmas Card to all members who attend-ed the Minneapolis and Oak Lawn Conferences, and Chicago Metropolis Choir Directors Flash Choirs were initiated – the first (2016) at St. Basil’s in Chicago w/45 members in attendance. Conductor: Nick Paloumpis Organist: Rosie DeSanto Plans were activated for two more Flash Choirs to be held 2017 in Indiana and Illinois (N. Chimitris/N. Paloumpis)

Plans were discussed for a 2018 initiation of an annual ‘recital’ of our Metropolis’ musicians - this will include youth and adults – most likely during Lent. This would be a fund raising event for our Fed-eration Chapter. Plans were discussed for a 2018 initiation of a Karaoke Night. This would be a fund raising event for our Federation Chapter as well. Nick Chimitris, Nick Paloumpis and Mary Zaharis reviewed/prepared conference music. Gia Xenakis corresponded regularly with the members via email regarding any updates and con-cerns of our members. Bobbi Korfias served as historian to the President and oversaw stole needs during the 2016 Con-ference. Joanne Volakakis (Treasurer) worked with all committee representatives (conference, youth con-ference, CMI, etc.) in fiscal oversight. The Federation was represented at the 2016 Vasilopita held at St. Nicholas. Members joined with the St. Nicholas Choir in singing for the event. President Faklis received the Vasilopita from His Emi-nence Metropolitan Iakovos for the Federation.

The Federation was represented at the 2017 Vasilopita held at SS Peter and Paul. Board Member Gia Xenakis received the Vasilopita from His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos for the Chapter. Nick Chimitris initiated steps in rewriting the Endowment Fund rules/regulations. These will most likely be discussed in 2017 for presentation/passage at the October General Assembly. Board members Bobbi Korfias, Mary Zaharas, Maria Meintanis and Ruth Faklis represented the Fed-eration at the Metropolitan Iakovos'Annual Name’s Day Dinner. (Continued on Page 3)

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Board members Rena Meintanis, Maria Meintanis, Nick Paloumpis and Ruth Faklis represented the Federation at the 100

th Anniversary of All Saints Church/Joliet – dinner/dance. Angie and Pete Condos

joined the afore mentioned for their church's 100th Anniversary Liturgy Choir.

In the Chicagoland area, summer practices in anticipation of the annual conference, were scheduled and held at various churches. Ruth Faklis, Nick Paloumpis, Rena Meintanis, and Mary Zaharas were instrumental in their implementation. We sincerely thank all churches and choirs that host our practices. I would be remiss in not stating what I feel was my biggest regret this year, and that was my inability to get the Federation Website changed to my vision. This was strictly my lack of follow through with Jim Kellogg our Webmaster. To this end, I am appointing Denise Karras to this committee. For 58 years, the Choir Conference was held without any conflict of duplication of Metropolis events. In 2016 at our 59th conference held in Oak Lawn, that was not the case. The First Annual Metropolis Folk Dance Event was scheduled on our Annual Choir Conference weekend. In 2017 we will not have this conflict as the Choir Conference is being held in conjunction with St. Spyridon's 100th Anniver-sary. Hopefully our members will join us in opposition to this duplication of events in 2018.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

St. Paraskeva (Petka)

At St Athanasios Aurora, IL Rev. Dr. Fr. Peter Spiro has acquired Relics from many Saints in the Orthodox church and are on display at the Aurora church. Included are a vestment piece or part of St. Paraskeva’s clothing and her pillow case where she rest-ed her head. You are all welcome to visit and venerate these Holy Relics. A few weeks ago a nun visited St. Athanasios, as well as other churches in the US, from St Paraskeva Monastery in Belarus. Belarus is located East of Poland, North of the Ukraine and West of Russia. The Monastery is part of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese. The Monastery is home to many orphan children as well as children of special needs whose parents cannot afford care for their children. The monastery is also home to abandoned children. As you can imagine the monastery faces many challenges. The monastery is run by all volunteers and donations. The nuns also create many or-thodox items including beautiful icons, embroidered cloths, prayer ropes as well as other pieces in order to generate funds to supplement the donations. Their website is www.spcharity.org Pages 9 & 10 briefly discuss St Paraskeva.

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Chicago Metropolis: Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians ROUND-TABLE EVENT On March 18 at St. Nectarios Church in Palatine the Chicago Metropolis: Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians (FGOCM) held a Round-table event. The purpose of the event was to discuss suggestions and concerns to ‘build and retain (your) choirs. Eighteen FGOCM members participated: Nick Chimitris, Facilitator; Ruth Faklis, Beth Flessor; Bobbie

Korfias; Christine Chimitris; Katie Chimitris; George Panagopoulos; Rosie DeSanto; Rhea Lindemann;

Audrey Polite; Georgia Mitchell; Rena Meintanis; Joanne Volakakis; Elena Biessener; Effie Hanes; Diane

Troy; Mary Zaharis; Peter Condos.

Federation President Ruth Faklis opened the meeting with Nick Chimitris leading the members in prayer. Ideas and concerns brought to the table are listed below. Some were emphasized more than once. They are in no particular order. Choir Directors and members are encouraged to read, adapt and use whatev-er will be applicable to their church setting. It was suggested that we approach the Metropolis in pursing the implementation of technology – such as V-Tel – which would allow all Metropolis organizations the opportunity of holding meetings unimpeded by geographical distances. More interested members and guests would be able to participate.

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On-going, collaborative and regular communication with your clergy and leaders of the church

(Sunday School, Philoptochos, Parish Council, Coaches, etc) was emphasized repeatedly during the Round-table event.

Comment: fearful of lower numbers participating in choirs Translations are not consistent. Use translations that are approved by the Metropolis via the

Federation. Comment: top-down administrative system inhibits growth from the grass roots level Question: where do we now tap younger generations to join choir? Schedule a JOY (GOYA, Scouts, etc.) field trip to the choir loft. Answer questions and encour-

age the youngsters to sing with you during this event. You could schedule a choir practice at this time. Keep in mind that many church members have never been up to the loft and this should be a welcoming/inviting occasion.

If you have a youth choir, schedule Sunday Liturgies where the children are able to sing with the

senior choir members. Even if it’s quarterly. Open the door to the transition from youth to senior choir.

Ask your Priest to speak to the congregation about joining the choir and including a choir recruit-

ment ad or article in your church’s weekly/monthly bulletin. Clergy and choir can join efforts in encouraging congregation participation in the choral aspects

of the Liturgy. For those churches that retain the Sunday School students in the liturgical service through com-

munion; encourage/allow the children to participate via responses such as Kyrie Ellison – and build from there.

Remember congregants are not trained musicians, make the music familiar to the congregation. Approach the Sunday School and the youth organizations in an effort to make choir – it’s purpose

and time obligations – familiar to the children. Encourage them to participate. Have members of your choir serve as liaisons to other church/ethnic organizations, to promote

choir recruitment and purpose. Always invite your Priest to attend your choir practices. Communication and cooperation are cru-

cial to a seamless liturgical experience. It is the role of the Choir Director to meet with clergy, and to verify ‘special hymn needs’ for each

Liturgy/service, making sure the choir members are prepared by scheduling regular and con-sistent rehearsals and having all music ready.

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Make the choir members and potential recruits aware of the religious purpose they serve by being

a choir member. When a new member is added to your choir, ask an ‘established’ member to serve as their mentor/

choir buddy, who makes sure that they have the music, robes and seat that their service requires…a culture of acceptance.

The National Forum should provide Metropolis Federations and choirs with a unified mission state-

ment which reinforces the choral aspects of Orthodoxy. It was noted that non-Greek speaking choir members may find the issue of language intimidating.

In strict cooperation with your clergy, you may wish to add more English in your choral responses, and/or provide clear phonetic text/music for the members.

Approach prospective choir members at church fellowship hours, social functions, sporting events,

etc. The Federation should provide Directors/choirs with a simple outline on recruitment techniques/

suggestions. Host a choir reunion – invite former members and their family members – as well as those who

may be potential choir members where they may witness the ‘family’, welcoming atmosphere ex-hibited by most choirs.

The National Forum and/or Chicago Federation should establish a ‘mission – vision – values’ state-

ment for its members use and for unification of purpose. Comment: Choir Directors are the ambassadors of the choir. Comment: It was noted that young parents – potential choir members – generally stay with chil-

dren in church. The choir is part of the liturgy and its members are “worship leaders” The Federation should prepare a ‘white paper’ which suggests steps that may be taken when

choirs need to mentor a ‘new’ member. Take the time to organize your music folders – hold a choir party – make sure a copy machine and

hole- punch is available. Prepare special packets for “heavy hymn” days – color code as necessary Have a white board available in your loft enabling the Director to list the service needs of the choir

for each particular service. When you get a new member, take a minute to explain your choir director routine The Federation should prepare a ‘white paper’ which suggests a generic job description for choir

directors. This could be adapted as needed by each church. Provide success oriented things: pins, ornaments, Karaoke night, etc. Hold regular practices. The more seamless you become within the liturgical experience, the more

you build a reputation as being a successful entity/choir

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Seek the Priest’s or Federation’s assistance if you (Director) have lack of knowledge of a transla-tion of a hymn. This is extremely significant within a service.

As a choir director be aware of Federation activities that you and/or your members can participate

in and avail yourselves of them. Encourage your members to be active within your local Federation. Approach a learned parishioner or choir member to teach hymnology during Sunday School as part

of their curriculum. If you have your Sunday School children and teachers sitting in a dedicated section during liturgy

(until they leave for school after communion) provide a choir director in front of their pew area to direct them in congregational singing – with the Priest’s approval.

Request that the Religious Education Department emphasize choir as a church ministry by incor-

porating it as a choir issue with their Oratorical topics Help your choir members by reviewing articulation, breathing, diction, explaining a hymn’s purpose,

etc. during your practice sessions Communication is needed/required on all levels. The core being the Priest – Choir Director regular

update/review. The onus is on the Director to communicate regularly with their Priest. The Federation website can provide direction to choir leaders as to what to do/sing during a hierar-

chical liturgy. Question: where do we now tap younger generations to join choir? Comment: no longer a progression of children in youth choir to the adult choir Comment: why aren’t newer graduates from seminary introduced to choral aspects of music in

church? Only taught how to read Byzantine notation Comment: do not create adversarial relationships; build bridges. Comment: clergy may not be trained to “hear” the pitch from choir; trained in Byzantine music Comment: modify what choir is doing so that children and congregation can participate Comment: make things simpler so that clergy and congregation can participate Comment: try to do the same music each week so it is easier to have people participate Comment: provide books with music for the pews to help people sing along Question: how often do you hold rehearsals? Once a month; 4 times/year; every week – were the

attendees responses (varies per church) Question: how often do you meet with your priest? Never; each Sunday; expectation that you will

know what to do; can meet at any given time; may want to invite clergy to attend rehearsal; reli-gious purpose – we are there to serve the Church

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Comment: communication to choir members helps; focus on religious aspect; focus more on choir as a ministry; build relationships; stay with tradition, keep it simple; some clergy require Orthodox music

Comment: our choir does a variety of music – but congregation sings along because they have

heard it a number of times; how can we get someone into choir? Comment: perhaps clergy do not see us as part of the service – build relationships Have your church host a Ministry Sunday to interest people in choir; welcome for new people. Min-

istry Sunday means each arm of the church (Philoptochos, Choir, Olympics, etc.) provide a repre-sentative, a table and handouts to respond to inquiring potential members – and to sign them up on the spot if feasible.

Mentor new people in choirs – make sure they feel comfortable; provide music for them; make the

music easy to follow; keep in tune with what is coming out of the seminary Curriculum based hymnology teaching in Sunday School – start with the young ones and teach ba-

sics during Sunday School Need to encourage children to feel that they belong in choir Understand what we are singing – explain the meaning of the hymns Emphasize ministry of choir from pulpit; intergenerational differences; Choirs may consider singing an English liturgy one time/month – Kevin Lawrence has liturgy that

lends itself to easy use for this purpose – confer with your Priest Important for choir director to teach good diction; good breathing; good music habits when singing

English or Greek Most choirs do not sing acapella, but should be encouraged to attempt this in case of the absence

of an organist. Great idea to sponsor a promotional table for people to join the choir – after the church hosts a

Senior or Youth Conference – ‘strike while the iron is hot’

Facilitator Nick Chimitris closed the meeting by thanking all participants for donating their time and ideas. He stressed that if any choir is struggling – contact a Federation Board member and we will try our best to help them.

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CHOIR FEDERATION– CHICAGO AREA REHEARSAL SCHEDULE 2017

These parishes will be the locations for the 10 Chicago area rehearsals for the 60th Anniversary Choir Conference, hosted by the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Heights IL., from October 12-15, 2017. The music score will be the minor Divine Liturgy arranged by George Anastasiou. Our guest director is Marlene Ego of Milwaukee,WI. Rehearsals will be held TUESDAY evenings beginning at 7:30PM, with the exception of June 24th. All rehearsals will be on held the main floor of each parish, not in the church choir lofts, to accommodate some of our membership. Tuesday, May 16th Holy Apostles 7:30 PM. 2501 S. Wolf Rd.

Westchester, IL 60154 708-562-2744 Tuesday, May 30th St. Athanasios 7:30 PM. 1855 East 5th Ave. Aurora, IL 60504 630-851-6106 Tuesday, June 13th All Saints 7:30 PM. 102 N. Broadway Joliet, IL 60435 815-722-1727 SATURDAY, June 24th St. Basil @10am – 12noon 733 S. Ashland Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607 312-243-3738 Tuesday, July 11th St. Demetrios 7:30 PM. 7021 Hohman Ave. Hammond, IN 46324 219-932-7347 Tuesday, July 25th St. Spyridon – Host Site 7:30 PM. 12307 S. Ridgeland Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463 708-385-2311 Tuesday, August 22nd SS Peter & Paul 7:30 PM. 1401 Wagner Rd. Glenview, IL 60025 847-729-2235 Tuesday, September 5th St. Nectarios 7:30 PM. 133 N. Roselle Rd. Palatine, IL 60067 847-358-5170 Tuesday, September 19th St. Nicholas 7:30 PM. 10301 S. Kolmar Ave. Oak Lawn, IL 60453 708-636-5460 Tuesday, October 3rd Holy Apostles 7:30 PM. 2501 S. Wolf Rd.

Westchester, IL 60154 708-562-2744

February 18, 2017

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60th Anniversary – Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians

³ October 12-15, 2017 ³ St. Spyridon Church ³ Palos Heights, IL

St. Spyridon, Palos Heights, Illinois to Host Conference

2017 is a big year not only for our Federation, but also for our host church of St. Spyridon. This is the 60 th Annual Conference of

the Chicago Metropolis: Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians. It is the 100th Anniversary of our beloved church that began in

the community of Roseland/Chicago and later moved to its current location in Palos Heights.

The Conference weekend will be October 12 -15, 2017. Due to our church’s century anniversary, Parish Priest Fr. Tilemachos

Alikakos has invited His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, and former clergy from our church His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas

and Rev. Fr. Anargyros Stavropoulos; as well as a yearly Holy Week celebrant Rev. Fr. Athenagoras of Havana, Cuba to celebrate

at the liturgy on Sunday, October 15th. On this day the Federation will join them in presenting this Hierarchical Liturgy. Fr.

Tilemachos, members of our Choir and the parishioners of St. Spyridon join in welcoming you to this “double landmark” weekend

of reunions, music rehearsals, site seeing/boat tour, renewed and new friendships as well as lots of laughter and song.

Our host hotel is Georgio’s Quality Inn & Suites [8800 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL 604562 ~ (708) 403-1100]. We secured

an excellent room rate of $104.99 per night. When booking your room, please mention “St. Spyridon Choir” to receive this group

rate.

The 2017 Choir Conference activities include a Thursday evening welcome at the home of Federation President Ruth E. Faklis *

Friday will include a dinner and ‘sock hop’ featuring the ‘oldie’ sounds of the Claremont Drive Band * Saturday night members

will board Chicago’s First Lady Cruise Line for dinner and a tour of the Chicago Skyline *Sunday morning we will worship to-

gether and sing Anastasiou’s Minor Liturgy – which was sung at our Federation’s first conference 60 years ago at St. Andrew

Church in Chicago.

This year’s conference will be directed by Marlene Ego from Annunciation Church (Milwaukee, WI) and accompanied by Alexis

Bratsakis (Indiana). Following the Liturgy, we will enjoy a delicious luncheon in our community center before heading back

home.

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60th Anniversary – Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians

³ October 12-15, 2017 ³ St. Spyridon Church ³ Palos Heights, IL

Friday Night – “Sock Hop”… …featuring the sounds of the Claremont Drive Band!

Get ready to sing and dance along to Rock and Roll music as you remember it! What better way to celebrate our Federation’s 60th Anniversary than to relive the music of its decades…..with a touch of Greek

music added in!

Saturday Night – Dinner Cruise… …see the Chicago Skyline from Chicago’s First Lady!

With a buffet provided by Chicago’s very own Harry Carey’s Restaurant, sit back, dine and enjoy the sights and sounds of Chicago – from the Chicago River and Lake

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60th Anniversary – Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians

³ October 12-15, 2017 ³ St. Spyridon Church ³ Palos Heights, IL

2017 Choir Conference Schedule

Thursday, October 12, 2017

7:00pm – 9:00pm Hospitality Event Home of Ruth E. Faklis

Friday, October 13, 2017

All Day Registration Georgio’s /Hallway

8:00am – 9:00am Continental Breakfast/Hotel Guests Georgio’s/Main Floor

9:00am – 10:30am Rehearsal Georgio’s/Clarion Room

10:30am – 11:00am BREAK Georgio’s/Clarion Room

11:00am – 12:30pm Rehearsal Georgio’s/Clarion Room

12:30pm – 2:00pm Lunch/Awards Event Georgio’s/Clarion Room

2pm – 4pm Rehearsal Georgio’s/Clarion Room

4pm – 5pm General Assembly Meeting Georgio’s/Clarion Room A

5:30pm – 6:30pm Free Time

6:00pm – 7:30pm Dinner-served 6:30 p.m. Georgio’s/Clarion Room

7:30pm Introduction of newly elected Federation Board Members/Officers

7:35pm - ? “Sock Hop” with Claremont Drive Band Georgio’s/Clarion Room

Saturday, October 14, 2017

8:00am – 9:00am Continental Breakfast/Hotel Guests Georgio’s/Main Floor

9:30am – 10:30 Rehearsal St. Spyridon Church

10:30am – 10:45am BREAK St. Spyridon Church

10:45am – 11:45am Rehearsal St. Spyridon Church

12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch Georgio’s/Clarion Room

1:45pm – 3:30pm Rehearsal Georgio’s Clarion Room

5 pm Board Buses for Tour Georgio’s/Back Entrance

6:45pm sharp Board: Chicago’s First Lady Chicago River

7-10pm Dinner & Boat Tour (open to the community)

Chicago River/Lake Michigan (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)

Sunday, October 15, 2017

8:30am – 9:15am Warm-up & line-up St. Spyridon Community Center

9:15am – 9:30am Process to Church *

9:30am – 9:45am Doxology St. Spyridon Church

:45am – 12:00pm Hierarchical Divine Liturgy St. Spyridon Church

12:00pm – 12:30pm Choir Picture Solea

12:30pm Farewell Luncheon

Community Center (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)

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60th Anniversary – Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians

³ October 12-15, 2017 ³ St. Spyridon Church ³ Palos Heights, IL

Conference Overview

Dates: October 12-15, 2017 Hotel: Georgio’s Best Western

8800 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL 60462 (708) 403-1100 We secured an excellent room rate of $104.99 per night. When booking your room, please mention “St. Spyridon Choir” to receive this group rate.

RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH. Liturgy: Anastasiou’ Minor Liturgy * Available for $7.00 from Nick Paloumpis Email: np_ha_director@yahoo.com or (1-630)629-0071 Director: Marlene Ego from Annunciation Church (Milwaukee, WI) Organist: Alexis Bratsakis (Indiana) Conference site: St. Spyridon Church – 12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Palos Height, IL 60463 (708)385-2311 Registration fee: $150.00 if paid by September 8, 2017.

$160.00 if paid by September 15, and $170.00 if paid after September 15. Registration fee does NOT include cost of CD. CD purchase is optional and separate. The CD cost is $15. You may order CD’s on the registration form.

Federation stole: $5 to Rent or $18 to purchase.

Stole REQUIRED. See registration form to reserve stole. Host Choir Contact: Ruth E. Faklis (708) 530-9064 (cell/text) or

7949 West Cambridge Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 Rodothea52@Hotmail.com

Co-Chairs: Nicky Glikas, St. Spyridon Director/Organist Ruth E. Faklis, President: FGOCM Hotel Deadline: Sunday, September 17, 2017 Registration Deadline: September 8, 2017 Ad Book Deadline: September 8, 2017 Delegate Form: September 22, 2017 Guest Event Tickets: September 22, 2017 The St. Spyridon Church website is: www.saint-spyridon.org/ You may download forms from http://www.saint-spyridon.org/. We are able to accept credit cards at the church’s website: http://www.saint-spyridon.org/ (Scroll to “Choir Federation Conference” button) or make checks payable to: St. Spyridon Church - Conference (send all U.S. mail to Ruth Faklis)

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60th Anniversary – Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians

³ October 12-15, 2017 ³ St. Spyridon Church ³ Palos Heights, IL

Official Delegate Credentials Form Required for Representation in the General Assembly

The General Assembly Meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 13, 2017 ~ 4 pm – 5pm

To fill out this form online, please visit: http://www.saint-spyridon.org/

(Please Print)

Parish Name: _________________________________________________________________

Parish Street Address: _________________________________________________________

Parish City: ________________________________ State: ______ Zip Code: ____________

Delegate: __________________________ Alternate Delegate: _________________________

Delegate: __________________________ Alternate Delegate: _________________________

Delegate: __________________________ Alternate Delegate: _________________________

Signature of Parish Priest: ______________________________________________________

Printed Name of Choir Director: _________________________________________________ Make two (2) copies of this form, filled in and signed. Bring the original copy with you to the General Assem-bly Meeting. Mail the other copy or scan and send (along with your completed registration packet) to: Mail: Ruth E. Faklis, 7949 West Cambridge Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 Email: Rodothea52@Hotmail.com Choirs of parishes in good standing are permitted to vote in the general assembly. Please be sure your parish’s stewardship is up to date. Everyone is welcome to attend the general assembly, but only delegates or alternates are allowed to vote. You may confirm your parish’s membership status by contacting the Federation treasurer, Joanne Volakakis, by phone at (312) 371-6019 or e-mail JoanneVolakakis@yahoo.com.

*** DEADLINE FOR DELEGATE CREDENTIALS FORM IS SEPTEMBER 22, 2016***

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E-mail or mail the completed form to: Mail: Ruth E. Faklis, 7949 West Cambridge Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 If you pay by mail, please make all checks payable to St. Spyridon Church - Conference. Email: Rodothea52@Hotmail.com To pay by credit card visit the church’s website: http://www.saint-spyridon.org/ (Scroll to “Choir Federation Conference” button) – follow directions

***GUEST MEAL TICKET DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 22, 2016***

Event Cost Number of Tickets

Total Guest Name Guest Name

Friday

Luncheon

$20

Friday Dinner & Evening of Enter-tainment

$30

Saturday

Luncheon

$20

Saturday Dinner & Chicago Skyline BOAT TOUR

$75

Sunday Farewell Luncheon

$25

TOTAL ENCLOSED

60th Anniversary – Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians

³ October 12-15, 2017 ³ St. Spyridon Church ³ Palos Heights, IL

Guest Meal Ticket Order Form If you would like to order meal/event tickets for a family member or other guest who is not a registered participant to the Choir Conference, please fill out this order form and return it, along with your payment and registration form.

Name of Conference Participant: __________________________________________________________________________________

Please specify any food allergies or other dietary considerations: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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60th Anniversary – Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians October 12-15, 2017 St. Spyridon Church Palos Heights, IL

It’s the 60th Anniversary of our Federation, so let’s join in keeping it going strong!

The annual conference ad book helps to underwrite the host chapter’s expenses. Therefore: seriously consider purchasing one for yourself

ask your choir to purchase an ad

ask your church/parish council to purchase an ad

etc.

We are asking you to consider sending in an ad that contains a photograph of your choir for this special anniversary edition. We will NOT be printing the ad book in color – so all submissions will

be printed in black ink/toner.

We further suggest that this could be an opportunity for you to honor past conferences your

church hosted, or chanters/choir members that served your church, or board members of the Fed-eration that represented your church during our 60 year history.

Church musicians are a cornerstone of our Liturgical Tradition. The Federation has served as a

central hub offering conferences, educational seminars and assistance to all churches within the

Chicago Metropolis for 60 years. It is here that together we can learn new liturgies, experience

techniques of visiting directors, network and support one another as musicians, as we join in serv-ing our church and its Holy Traditions.

The Program/Ad Book, will be distributed at the conference. The cost of an ad is the same as last

year so most everyone can show his/her support of our Choir Federation. An Ad Contract is en-

closed for your use to complete and return with your payment as instructed.

Thank you for your every consideration…

St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church

Choir Conference

Program/Ad Book Committee

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60th Anniversary – Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians

October 12-15, 2017 St. Spyridon Church Palos Heights, IL

AD BOOK CONTRACT

To pay and fill out this form online, please visit: http://www.saint-spyridon.org/

(Please Print)

Last Name: ___________________________ First Name: ____________________________

Business Name: ______________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________________ State: _______ Zip Code: _______________

Phone: (___ ___ ___ ) ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___

Email: _______________________________________________________________________

All levels of support are sincerely appreciated! Please check your preferred level:

q Patron: $25.00 (name will appear in list)

q Quarter Page: $50.00 q Half Page: $75.00 q Full Page: $125.00

q Inside Back Cover: $150.00 q Outside Back Cover: $175.00

If you would like us to design your ad, please PRINT below your sentiment as you would like it to appear: ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Business cards or coupons are welcome as part of your ad. If submitting a photograph as part of your ad, please e-mail it as a TIFF or JPEG file.

NOTE: We regret that we cannot return any materials submitted. Please E-MAIL your AD COPY to Rodothea52@Hotmail.com

*Please make your check payable to St. Spyridon Church – Conference* or

*on-line payment: http://www.saint-spyridon.org/ - Scroll down for “Choir Conference” button E-mail or mail the completed form to:

Mail: Ruth E. Faklis, 7949 West Cambridge Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462

Email: Rodothea52@Hotmail.com NOTE: If you use email – we will respond to confirm

***AD SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 8, 2017*** Thank you for your patronage!

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Memorials

Katherine "Kay" Pappas nee Argyros. Beloved wife of James W. Pappas.

Loving mother Fr. Euphrosynos, John Pappas, Matina (Paul) Kantzavelos and Angela (the late Dr. Tom) Georginis. Proud grandmother of Peter (Jamie), Stacy and Katherine Georginis and Alexa and Anastasia Kantzavelos. Devoted daughter of the late John and Amalia Argy-ros. Dear sister of Ernest Argyros.

Katherine was a member of the Pan Orthodox Choir Federation and St. John the Baptist La-dies Philoptochos Society. Family and friends met Tuesday morning at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church 2350 W. Dempster St. Des Plaines for visitation until time of funeral service at 10:00 am. Interment Ridgewood Cemetery. Memorial donations to Rainbow Hos-pice 1550 Bishop Ct. Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 would be appreciated.

We received word today that Lesa Potos, devoted choir member from Annunciation Milwaukee, past away.

"We lost a true friend and devoted Annunciation choir member, +Lesa Potos. Lesa's lovely and strong voice will sorely be missed in more ways than one. You all will remember her lovely contribution to the alto section as well as her husband Chris's bass voice."

Please keep Chris Potos, their families and Annunciation Church, Milwaukee, in your prayers.

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Choir Loft

Peter Condos

1612 Apache Dr.

Naperville, IL 60563

www.chicago.churchmusic.goarch.org