Sunday mornings at the Cathedral of Saint Clement of Ohrid
The congregation gathers in the Church sanctuary
There, traditional Byzantine frescoes on the ceiling and walls
Depict the Birth, Life, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus
In whose memory the communion service is celebrated.
Stand at the back, unobtrusively taking in the whole scene
Inhale the wafting scent of incense and melting candles
Observe the people, the Priests in their area of surreal blue light
Open your ears to the rich blended voices of the Choir
Rising in harmonious response to the Priest's liturgy.
Appreciate this Choir, who make music with words
Enriching our partaking of the communal worship
Listen as the Choir in full chorus sing Gods praise
First for themselves and then as our representatives
In song, they voice thanks to our heavenly Father.
Many come with pain and sorrow, seeking comfort
At the death of a loved one, sickness, or personal distress
The choir sings for those who have no song
It also sings for others, who are glad and things are well
Weekly in song, they affirm Christ's benevolence for us.
As practiced in the mother land, so here in Canada
Sacred words sung in the beloved Macedonian tongue
Swell forward from the Choir to behind the Iconostasis
Returning, to flow back over the people in spiritual refreshment
As dew and rain refresh the earth, this Choir refreshes us.
Psalm. 101. 1 "Unto thee oh Lord, I will sing"
Saint Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Prof. Filip Angelovski Music Director