On Monday, 6 February 2023, with the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta conducted the Agiasmos Blessing on the occasion of the beginning of the lessons for the new academic year for the Byzantine School of Music of Australia, of the Archdiocesan District of Northcote branch, which are held on the premises of St John’s College, Preston.
Bishop Evmenios, who during the Agiasmos Blessing was joined by clergy from the Archdiocesan District of Northcote, first conveyed to the teachers and students of the School the wishes and blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Bishop Evmenios then reminded them that the Byzantine School of Music was established immediately after the Archbishop’s arrival in Australia, with the aim of preserving Byzantine music and the art of chanting on the fifth continent.
In addition, Bishop Evmenios focused on the sanctity of Byzantine Music, pointing out that it must be cultivated with humility for the glory of God. “Byzantine Music is different from other types of music and singing”, he underlined and continued: “It is not for entertainment or show. The chanters and choirs of Byzantine Music do not simply present an ancient tradition, but become instruments of prayer, instruments which orient the Church Body towards prayer and the worship of God.”
