Church Music In The Greek Orthodox Church

Almost the entire Orthodox liturgy is sung, most often to centuries-old melodic formulas. In addition to chanted liturgical texts, hymns play an important role in Greek Orthodox worship. Over 60, 000 hymns, following one of a variety of prescribed patterns, have been written for use in these churches. Though local custom may influence the way in which this music is chanted, most singing follows traditional practice. Music is uniquely integrated into the worshiping traditions of the Eastern churches. In the Orthodox churches music and liturgy are interdependent. In well-endowed churches the singing is by choirs; in a humble village church, the priest and people sing. Following the injunctions of the church fathers, musical instruments have never been accepted. The sound of the human voice raised in song is central. As Basil the Great wrote as far back as the fourth century: A psalm is tranquillity of soul and the arbitration of peace; it settles one's tumultuous and seething thoughts…