St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) is pleased to announce forthcoming public events highlighting the sacred music of Oriental Orthodox traditions. The events are supported by a Worshipping Communities Grant of $24,990 from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW).
The purpose of this grant, one of seventy-nine that commenced on January 1, 2026, is to support a year-long project to explore commonalities and differences in Eastern and Oriental Orthodox approaches to sung worship in the context of theological education. The project’s primary aim is to cultivate mutual understanding at St. Vladimir’s Seminary, where members of Oriental Orthodox churches form an integral part of SVOTS’ educational community.
Grants for Worshiping Communities are part of CICW’s Vital Worship, Vital Preaching program, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
Serving as project lead is Dr. Alexander Lingas, Professor of Music and Associate Director of the Institute of Sacred Arts at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. An Implementation Team of Seminary faculty supported by advisory committee of Seminary students will implement a program of events that will include:
- Spring and fall workshops on Oriental Orthodox liturgical chant led by master practitioners of their sacred traditions. The first workshop will be co-sponsored by St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and held on May 1–2, 2026, with Dr. Gabriel Aydin and Dr. Haig Utidjian presenting, respectively, on Syriac and Armenian chant. A detailed announcement of this event is forthcoming.
- Hosting an international colloquium on “Liturgical Music in Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Theological Education,” on October 29–30, 2026. The keynote address will be given by Bishop Daniel Findikyan.
Dr. Lingas commented on the project, saying, “Having led an earlier initiative sponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship at St. Vladimir’s Seminary devoted only to Eastern Orthodox traditions, I am thrilled at this opportunity to learn more about the ancient chant traditions of our Oriental Orthodox brothers and sisters.”
Institute of Sacred Arts Director Dr. Peter Bouteneff added, “The Calvin Institute grants have been about sharing our experience of liturgical music across ethnic and jurisdictional lines. It’s a special joy to expand this now to Oriental Orthodox traditions, with whom St. Vladimir’s Seminary has partnered for decades.”
ABOUT THE CALVIN INSTITUTE OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW), located at Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an interdisciplinary study and ministry center that promotes the scholarly study of the theology, history, and practice of Christian worship and the renewal of worship in worshipping communities across North America and beyond.
Photo: St. Nersess Armenian Seminary
