“SAVE THE DATE”
A Workshop for Readers and Musicians
September 9, 2017
Instructor: Fr. Sergius Halvorsen
Location: St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood NY
(www.svots.edu)

Church reading is a vital ministry. Do you ever read the Epistle, chant the Hours or read psalms or Old Testament readings at Vespers? Have you ever wondered why we "chant" as opposed to read in a "spoken voice"?

At the workshop we will review the theology that guides and informs our liturgical ministry. We will address practical concerns regarding rubrics, melodic patterns for reading, and how to chant the Prokiemenon and Alleluia in synergy with the choir. You will also have an opportunity to receive vocal coaching and practice the strategies learned at the workshop. Most importantly, we will do all of this within a supportive community of fellow readers and liturgical musicians, so that we may ultimately glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Whether or not you are a tonsured reader, if you read in Church, then this workshop is for you.

Father Sergius Halvorsen received his M.Div. from St. Vladimir’s Seminary in 1996, and completed his doctoral dissertation at Drew University in 2002. From 2000 to 2011 he taught at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell Connecticut, where he also served as Director of Distance Learning. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1999 and to the priesthood in February 2004. Fr. Sergius is an accomplished liturgical musician, he was director of the 1995 SVS Octet, and over the last ten years has contributed to a number of "Archangel Voices" recordings. He is Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Rhetoric at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary.