The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #137379   Message #3142177
Posted By: Dave the Gnome
25-Apr-11 - 03:38 PM
Thread Name: Khristos Voskrese! (Russian Easter music)
Subject: RE: Khristos Voskrese! (Russian Easter music)
My Grandfather was a Russian Orthodox Priest and I grew up in that tradition - albeit in England. The graveyard of the local church still hoses the Russian style gravestones of my Grandparents and a lot of the parisioners and I still have an Icon or two and a very styalised Russian Orthodox Altar Cross.

I have grown away from all religions but if anyone was to ask me what the best bits were I would pass on the theology and go for the music and mysticism of Orthodoxy. Grandad (Deda) had, like all Russian Priests I have ever heard, an excelent bass voice. Grandmother (Baba) had a wonderful soprano and the parish supplied every voice and harmony between. I also still have his tuning fork which started a lot of the hymns!

My elder cousin (now resident in St Louis) and I used to serve at mass and, like altar boys the world over I suspect, were often told off for swinging the censer too wildly! Happy days :-)

MP.