A difficult year, but full of intense and unique experiences, was officially completed for the students and teachers of the Victoria branch of the newly established School of Byzantine Music of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
On the occasion of the end of the lessons, on the evening of Thursday, November 17, a Doxology was performed at the Axion Esti Monastery by the Archepiscopal Vicar of Northcote, Archimandrite Evmenios Vassilopoulos, with the participation of priests of Melbourne
Speaking to the students and teachers of the School, Fr. Evmenios first conveyed the wishes and paternal blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia. He then praised the initiative of the Archbishop to establish the School of Byzantine Music and stressed his continued support for its staff and students.
In addition, he underlined the value of Byzantine music, noting: “When we chant, we do on earth what we will do for an eternity in the presence of God.” “No group work is more refreshing,” he pointed out, “than one that focuses on the glory of God through the hymn of our Church, which is performed with Byzantine music.”
In his speech, Fr. Evmenios also referred to the life of Saint John of Koukouzelis, and reminded that although his merit had been appreciated by the Emperor himself, who appointed him chief musician of the imperial cantors, he nevertheless preferred to dedicate his life to God, praising Him with the austerity of monasticism.
In closing, Fr. Eumenios thanked the students and teachers of the School for their perseverance and dedication to their duties and learning, under the very difficult conditions created by the pandemic.