I'm not a huge fan of Russian music, especially the typewriter chants, but the old Znamenny chant is something to behold when executed well. This is the choir at a Russian church, presumably in Moscow, presided over by His Beatitude, Patriarch Kirill. The Choir begins each ode of the Canon with the Irmos. For the first irmos, which you hear while the Patriarch proceeds to the lectern is "He is my helper and my defender and hath become my salvation. He is my God and I will glorify Him, my Fathers' God; I will exalt in Him. For gloriously hath He been glorified." While the patriarch chants the troparia of the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, the choir responds with "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me."
Small digression: One thing that you should notice is how the people are not singing along but they are still praying. Notice how they make the sign of the cross and bow at each "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me." It shows that in Orthodoxy, the whole idea of congregational singing is not the norm, nor should it since the music is difficult. Unlike here in the states, where Orthodox people (mainly converts from Protestantism) think that they "have" to sing because otherwise they are not participating even when they have not an iota of musical ability. The people in this video are clearly participating; they are praying and lamenting and asking God for mercy. How is that NOT participation?
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I can imagine that lamentation can seem like a disappointing substitute for clapping and singing upbeat Christian pop-rock, right up until you ponder Christ's Passion. Then, you rather keenly feel the need for God's mercy. "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven", eh? It's a teachable moment. Thanks for posting, Chris. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never understood how those churches which have some sort of liturgy but use guitars and drums for their music can even begin to reproduce the bright sadness of Great Friday or anything in Lent. I don't think they can. So, they de-Lentize Lent and make it just another day. I've heard so many evangelicals tell me that they celebrate Easter but won't commemorate Lent. That's ridiculous.
DeleteI definitely think there are some limitations when you have the band you have and the songbook. I know in my parish they often sang a cappella during Lent and limited the selection to songs about needing Christ, waiting for Christ to come, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe thing about Evangelicalism is, if you believe you have already been saved, what do you need Lent for? It doesn't fit into their theology.
And despite the crowded church,(looks like barely room to stand), they manage to cross, bow, prostrate. The involvement of all the senses and physical actions in Orthodox worship are a help, but every person must still struggle moment by moment to be attentive and truly participate in the worship of God, whether in corporate or private prayer. Of course, only the Holy Spirit knows who is truly participating.
ReplyDeleteAnd that was precisely my main point. Too many converts from Protestantism to Orthodoxy still want to import their "congregational" worship style to Orthodox worship and it doesn't really work. They also see people in Orthodox countries not singing and they assume that they are passive listeners. There are many who want to say the same prayers as the priest and there are priests who actively encourage people to pray those parts reserved for the clergy. It becomes a mess. The laity and clergy each have parts to play. THey should not encroach on one another.
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