On January 15, 2024, the “Romanos O Melodos Greek Orthodox Chanters Society of Greater New York” held its inaugural elections for its first ever Executive Board following the Society’s official recognition by the State of New York as a Domestic Not-For-Profit Corporation.
The individuals listed below were elected to serve a two-year term on the inaugural Executive Board:
-Evangelos Zaharatos, President
-Achilles Tsingas, Vice President
-Dimosthenis Papaioannou, Treasurer
-John Mavrogiannis, Secretary
-Christopher Tripoulas, Public Relations Officer
-Christos Stavropoulos, Advisory Member
-Christos Vitelas, Advisory Member
In light of this news, on February 2, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited the Society’s headquarters at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration in Corona, New York, where he administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected Executive Board and performed the Society’s annual Vasilopita Cutting.
In addition to the Oath Ceremony and Vasilopita Cutting, welcoming remarks were offered by the new President, Evangelos Zaharatos, who provided an overview of the Society’s current aims and objectives, together with its future goals to help promote Byzantine Music in the Archdiocesan District. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros concluded with his Archpastoral Address by commending all the members of the Society for their dedication and interest in preserving the Church’s ecclesiastical music and encouraging them to put forth their best efforts in assisting and supporting the Society’s educational initiatives. His Eminence also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who labored to bring this endeavor to fruition and wished every member much strength and success from above in the year ahead.
Thereafter, a dinner followed in the Community Fellowship Hall for all in attendance, and a musical program was offered by the Society’s talented musicians.
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Weekly lessons in Byzantine Music and traditional instruments are offered every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Transfiguration of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Corona, New York. Classes are free to all members of the Society, and complimentary parking is available on site.
If you would like to remain informed of the Society’s news and events, or if you are interested in becoming a member, you are welcome to communicate directly with the Executive Board at the following e-mail address: [email protected].
For further information on how to support the Society and its mission, as well as other details, please visit the Society’s forthcoming website at https://romanosomelodos.org/. Here you will be kept up to date with the Society’s activities and will be able to follow its events on social media.
Photos: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos
