Choir

The choir at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Grand Rapids has been singing since the 1930s. the choir led by a director who works closely with the parish priest in preparing the choir for the Sunday liturgy. Membership in the choir is an honor and several have been members for over 60 years.

Currently, the director is Elizabeth Sarafis, who introduces the members to new music and new interpretation of current music. In 2006, she was honored at the Choir Federation with an award from Metropolitan Nicholas. The choir sings in four-part harmony, using Byzantine tonality. The intricacy of the unusual beat and tonal intervals have led our director to strongly recommend that members attend choir practice, which is held during the academic year (September to May) on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 until 9PM. Additional practices can be called for special occasions.

In 1983, the choir hosted the Mid Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs (MEFGOX) in their annual conference, a major venture. Certain choir members have consistently attended these conferences, held in mid-July, in a variety of cities from upstate New York, Ontario, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, northern Kentucky, and Indiana. In addition, choir members attend workshops to improve breathing, conducting, Byzantine notation; they also are an opportunity to learn new music and a chance to renew acquaintances with choirs from other parts of the district.

The choir has been involved in fund-raising and other community activities over the years as it is showcased and demonstrates Byzantine Christian music.

Visit the Web site of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians.