Acolyte Ministry and Church Choir
Acolyte Ministry
Stephen was the first of the seven deacons chosen by the Apostles
All young men and boys baptized and confirmed as Orthodox Christians ages ten through High School are invited to assist the Clergy at the Holy Altar for Sunday Divine Liturgies as well as other services throughout the ecclesiastical year.
Acolytes also referred to as Altar Boys learn to work together in a team environment. The younger boys are lead by captains or older Altar Boys in addition to two adult coordinators who are present to instruct and advise them.
The word Acolyte is derived from the Greek word akolouthos, meaning companion, attendant, or helper. The Acolyte ministry has its roots in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, where the prophet Samuel is seen assisting Eli, the Levite Priest, and Elisha is seen assisting Elijah the Prophet.
In addition to their symbolic representation of Angels among us, Acolytes today assist the clergy in tasks originally carried out by Deacons and Sub Deacons in the earlier years of the Orthodox Church. Some of those duties include participating in Processions and Entrances, monitoring the censer and incense, cutting the Prosphoron, (blessed bread), and guarding over candles at Memorials to name a few.
A blessing or anointing into the Acolyte order known as Tonsuring is performed by the local Bishop, (Metropolitan Isaiah) when schedules and timing permits, usually once a or twice annually. This ceremony is similar to and resembles the Holy Sacrament of Chrismation.
St Catherine currently has twenty Altar Boys divided up into four teams of five boys each. Each team has two adult leaders to help guide them, Dino Bardossas, Robert Fritsch, Brian Jones, Greg Krochta, George Paich, Kirk Skogen, Louis Sokach, and John Van Milligan.
Contact Kirk Skogen for information:
St. Catherine Church Choir
As members of the body of Christ, WE THE CHOIR, individually and collectively, offer Glory and Praise to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, through the prayerful hymns of the Divine Liturgy and Sacred Services.
Membership: Ages 12 and up. The desire to sing his praises through the hymns of the Church in a Choir setting. Some knowledge of music requested by not required.
Rehearsals: Regular rehearsals are the single most important component of a Church Choir. Choirs consist of many people; rehearsal will help the group to develop the synchronicity needed during church services. Regular Rehearsals are the Choirs opportunity to review changing hymns from week to week and learn NEW music and offers a time for fellowship among one another.
Attendance: Be at every practice & Service as scheduled unless discussed with choir director.
Devotion: As a member of the choir this is part of your Stewardship Time & Talent of giving back for the Glory of God during the eight months of the choir season.
Activities: Divine Liturgy on Sundays, Ecumenical Service in November, Christmas Eve Service, Christmas Concert, Holy Week and Pascha, Special Services, Fellowship events & other activities or services as announced.
Use the form below to send comments or questions about the choir to Jenée Pappas
