i am an orthodox christian, and this week is holy week. while the west has already celebrated easter, the christian east’s is this upcoming sunday. i have been, since the previous saturday, singing at the chanter’s stand at my parish here in san francisco. each of the services, up until last night, have lasted between 90 - 120 minutes, but last night’s great and holy thursday service of the crucifiction gospels lasted two-and-a-half hours. my voice’s endurance has been taken to its limit and beyond, but i feel high and deeply moved by the language of the service. it’s as if i’ve been transported to the gates of heaven itself and been allowed a glimpse inside.
orthodox spirituality is deeply mystical, meditative, and poetic. its music is very slow, has a hypnotic droning quality. the services are an experience of the entire body and its senses. all five physical senses are used in orthodox worship. it is a very holistic practice, a very “east meets west” form of spirituality.
i pray that my voice holds out for these next four services.
April 25th, 2003 | Uncategorized | No comments