Almost every word of every Orthodox Church service is sung or chanted, hence leading the people in song, in prayer, becomes an indispensable ministry of the Church. Singers even are mentioned specifically in the Great Litany chanted in the Divine Liturgy. We pray for "...those who serve and those who sing".

We sing so much in part because of the ability of music to go where the mere spoken word cannot. Speaking primarily communicates cognitive ideas to the rational mind, but music takes the same words through the mind and continues deep into the heart and soul. There the hymns and prayers of the Church touch the inner core of a person, provoking and nourishing his or her passion to know God. Leading music in an Orthodox Christian worship service is, therefore, a heady responsibility to be taken with both joy and solemnity.

At St. Athanasius Church the congregation is encouraged to sing along as much as possible. Individuals with a talent for singing are encouraged to volunteer as choir members and/or cantors. The St. Athanasius Church Choir, directed by Valeie Yova, leads the singing in the Sunday Divine Liturgy and most of the other Eucharistic (where communion is offered) services throughout the year. Singing in the non-Eucharistic services is led by small groups of usually 2-4 cantors, headed by Reader Howard Lange. Contact either of these music leaders if you are interested in serving in the St. Athanasius Church music ministry.