Greeting to the Festival “Paschal Song” by Metropolitan Ambrose of Tver and Kashin, Chairman of the Patriarchal Church-Public Council for the Development of Russian Church Singing

To His Eminence, the Most Reverend Alexander, Metropolitan of Astana and Kazakhstan

To the organizers and participants of the Choral Assembly “Paschal Song”

Your Eminence, dear Vladyka Alexander!

Your Eminences and Graces! All-honorable fathers!

Dear brothers and sisters!

CHRIST IS RISEN!

I cordially greet all of you in this bright season, filled with spiritual joy and special grace, as we continue to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.

Perhaps there is no more exalted and beautiful way to express the all-conquering Paschal joy than church singing. It is heartening that in Alma-Ata, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, church choral ensembles from all the dioceses of the Metropolitan District of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Kazakhstan have gathered together to glorify the Savior of the world, risen from the tomb.

Church singing is not merely an adornment or musical accompaniment to divine worship. It is theology in sound, prayer clothed in melody. Through choral art, we are able to convey the depth of meaning, teach the heart a special attentiveness to the word of God, and with one voice raise to the Throne of the Almighty the voice of the Church.

I am convinced that the desire of the participants in this festival to exchange experience in the ministry of choir direction, discuss pressing issues concerning the development of the art of church singing, and learn from more experienced choristers will become a meaningful contribution to the future of our liturgical culture.

I wish every choir inspiration, every conductor wisdom and patience, and every singer purity of heart and steadfast faith. May these days become for you a true Paschal song that will echo into eternity. May the experience gained here bear abundant fruit in your parishes.

CHRIST IS RISEN!