For the second Sunday of Great Lent, the feast of St. Gregory Palamas, Holy Trinity Seminary Choir made a historical first visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto, Ontario. The octet came at the invitation of Holy Trinity Cathedral rector and HTOS graduate Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko (1973). Although Holy Trinity Cathedral enjoys an excellent choir under the direction of choirmaster and HTOS graduate George Skok (1976), the Seminary Choir sang alone for the All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy. The services were well-attended. The Choir sang Holy Trinity Monastery chant and select arrangements from its repertoire, which communicated the sense of a Lenten pilgrimage to Holy Trinity Monastery.

Following the Divine Liturgy and trapeza, the Choir gave a concert of select Lenten arrangements from the preparatory weeks prior to the beginning of the Fast to Holy Week, with inspirational commentary by Choirmaster Nicholas Kotar (HTOS 2014). Afterward he described the academic life and current events in the Seminary. Deacon Peter Markevich (HTOS 2013) instructor of Liturgics gave a brief talk about the history and current mission of Holy Trinity Publications. The choir’s new CD release, titled “Cycles and Seasons” was announced and is now for sale. Michael Perekrestov, Curator of the Foundation of Russian History, which manages HTOS library, archive, and museum resources, gave a brief talk and PowerPoint presentation about recent developments in his department and showcased some interesting museum collection items. Finally, Priest Ephraim Willmarth (HTOS 2011) the Seminary’s administrative assistant, congratulated Fr. Vladimir on behalf of Rector Archimandrite Luke (Murianka) for having completed more than 40 years of priestly service.

Holy Trinity Seminary would like to express its gratitude to Fr. Vladimir and all of Holy Trinity Cathedral parish for their warm hospitality and for the opportunity to pray together.

(Photographs courtesy of Michael Pjawka)