Journal of the International Society for Orthodox Music

Physical and Spiritual Nourishment in the Catechetical Homilies of John Chrysostom

Harri Huovinen — 2024-09-19

This article explores the previously underexamined dimension of physical and spiritual nourishment in John Chrysostom’s catechetical homilies, addressing two central inquiries: 1) Chrysostom’s expectations for new church members’ approach to eating and drinking, and 2) the connection between nourishment and their life as members of the liturgical community. Through a systematic analysis, the study reveals a threefold approach to Question 1. Firstly, Chrysostom cautions against the abuse of sustenance, emphasizing its corruptive impact on both body and soul. Secondly, the author expounds upon the functions of nutritional moderation, using the concept of fasting as an image of salutary abstinence from sin. Thirdly, Chrysostom discusses spiritual nourishment, distributed through homiletical discourse and the Eucharist. Addressing Question 2, the study finds connections between hymnody and nutritional moderation, promoting an “angelic” lifestyle that prepares individuals for deeper spiritual nourishment. The article concludes by highlighting the universal applicability of Chrysostom’s teachings on nourishment, intended for all members of the Church, regardless of their level of spiritual maturity, guiding them from moderate consumption of physical sustenance to participation in spiritual nourishment and the pursuit of eternal life.

Nonsense Syllables in Byzantine Chant Tradition

Vassileios Varelas — 2024-09-19

This article examines the historical phenomenon of nonsense syllables in the chant of the Byzantine church. This practice of non-lexical singing upon the extended use of vocables, appears already in ancient Greek music and has gone by many terms, including kratēmata or teretismata. Three different hypotheses as to the historical roots and development of this singing practice are predominant, namely those of Gregorios Stathis (1979, 2014), Diane Touliatos (1989), and Gregorios Anastasiou (2005). The foundations, results and consequences of these theories are reassessed in the light of critical examination of the fourteenth century treatise Ἁρμονικά (Harmonika) of Manuel Bryennios (Magdalen College MS Gr 13), the tenth century Book of Ceremonies (in Latin cited as De cerimoniis aulae Byzantinae and in Greek cited as Ἔκθεσις τῆς βασιλείου τάξεως) of the Byzantine emperor Constantine Porphyrogennetos, and different versions of the liturgy of the so-called “Service of the Furnace” (Athens, National Library, EBE 2047; Athens, National Library, EBE 2406; Iviron Monastery, MS 1120; S-Sinai, Mt. Sinai, MS 1527; and Lavra Monastery, MS 165).

The critical examination and synthesis of previous theories of the origin and development of Byzantine nonsense-syllable singing offers a number of conclusions, where I argue for new, qualified hypotheses that may be laid as foundations for further research. It is concluded that the nonsense syllables seem to have served a number of semiotic functions and purposes: as incantations (sometimes with pagan and ritual associations), as mimesis of nature (birds and cicada), for the intonation of texted chant, as well as for singing practice and solmization purposes. It is also argued that the non-semantic vocalization that this singing constitutes, amounts to a type of early programmatic music, with layers of mimetic singing and a rare sense of heightened expression in a context which otherwise focuses strongly on a religious text and its context. Finally, the term “mental representations” is proposed for describing the semantic function of nonsense syllables.

In Memoriam Protopresbyter Ivan Moody (11 June 1964–18 January 2024)

Alexander Lingas — 2024-09-19

In Memoriam Jopi Harri (6 December 1967–12 January 2022)

Maria Takala-Roszczenko — 2024-09-19

In Memoriam Bozhidar Karastoyanov (10 June 1940–29 October 2023)

Maria Pischlöger — 2024-09-19

In Memoriam Melitina Makarovskaya (8 July 1970–6 April 2024)

Nora Potemkina — 2024-09-19

Editors' Note

Maria Takala-Roszczenko — 2024-09-19

Eating the Gospel

Thomas Arentzen — 2024-09-19

A series of seven interconnected meditations reflects on what eating, drinking, and tasting could mean for Christian theologizing. What might be the ecological implications of a theology that takes eating and digestion more seriously? The reflections are carried out in company with Romanos the Melodist and the broader Romanos tradition.

Between Heaven and Earth

James Chater — 2024-09-19

Orthodoxy has always been a theology of beauty. Human creativity is a response to the divine beauty manifested above all in the Creation, which God declared “good”, inspires us with awe and invites a eucharistic response. Creating beauty is part of our imitation of Christ. In liturgical services, the conjunction of music and text form an indissoluble and equal partnership serving the unfolding Logos. The kind of beauty that leads to prayer and transcendence is brought about by (among other things) silence (understood as hesychia or inner tranquility), correct breathing and frisson, understood as a physical reaction triggered by a sense of wonder similar to that experienced by the crowds who heard Christ’s teaching.

Slaviq

Nina Shultz — 2024-09-19

Slaviq is an Orthodox Native Alaskan celebration beginning on the feast of the Nativity of Christ, marked by indigenous people throughout Alaska. It is especially celebrated among the Yup’ik people in mainland southwestern Alaska in the Kuskokwim River delta region. Slaviq or “starring” lasts from three to ten days involving processions by the congregation, and especially the choir, from the church to homes of villagers wishing to host the celebration. At each host’s home a short prayer service is sung accompanied by the spinning of the Christmas star affixed to a pole held generally by young men. This is followed by a short sermon delivered by the priest or even a reader, and then by the singing of Orthodox liturgical hymns in praise of the Nativity of Christ, Ukrainian koliady and folk songs from the Carpathian Mountains describing the feast day, and American Christmas carols. This paraliturgical celebration is followed by the distribution of candy and gifts by the hosts to all the guests, and a festive meal for more senior members of the community who are present. Traditionally, this meal consists of dried fish, often salmon, fermented foods, and moose and reindeer soup followed by akutaq, a dessert containing berries mixed with animal fat. This study analyzes the historical and contemporary practice of celebrating Slaviq, viewing it as a cultural adaptation and expression of the indigenous Yup’ik ethical code enacted within an innovative Orthodox practice.

Bringing Christmas Cheer: Carols to Nurture and Witness the Faith

Margaret Haig — 2024-09-19

Western European cultures may vary in their adherence to any form of Christianity, but the feast of Christmas has a special place in society in keeping an open ear, mind and heart. Concerts and carolling are common to Orthodox and non-Orthodox cultures alike, providing an annual opportunity to engage audiences in the Mystery of the Incarnation in a paraliturgical context. This paper will explore the benefits to singers and audiences, and the way that both may be nurtured through Christmas music. The Mosaic Choir, in London, UK, provides a central case study, a choir of Orthodox singers from many different backgrounds. Audiences, clergy and choir members, past and present, provide additional insights into one of the most rewarding musical times of year.