www.byzcath.org Forums Mysteries: The Life of Worship Vespers, Matins & the Divine Liturgy The Revised Divine Liturgy Ruthenian Workshop in Phoenix

We had a workshop presented by Prof. Thompson at St. Stephen's Pro-Cathedral in Phoenix today and I wanted to say if you all have a chance to attend such a workshop by him ... attend! There were about 55 cantors, clergy, lay persons present. It was informative and uplifting. For someone who hates change, for me his presentation shed light on the need for a restoration. I'll reserve my comments on the actual changes and the book as those have been/are being thoroughly discussed in other threads. But DO attend the workshop as it was wonderful! And thank you to St. Stephen's for the great food and hospitality!

I wish to ditto Mrs. H's post. It was the most interesting full-day workshop I have EVER attended on ANY subject. I was not ready for it to end when time ran out.

Professor Thompson did an excellent job of explaining many of the changes and reasons therefor, particularly from a musical standpoint. He also ran through the entire Liturgy, and the St Basil the Great parts, with us quickly, pointing out places that might initially give us trouble and suggested ways to cope. He also gave us hints on how to help the congregation learn the new music, most of which is different only in accent. I am very psyched about learning the new music.

The work on the music seems to be one of the more redeeming aspects of the Metropolia's RDL. Professor Thompson is to be commended for his efforts, IMHO. Had they left out the so-called inclusive language and kept in other prayers, this could have been a mighty reform. It is too bad that the political leanings of others have vacated (at least partially) much of the positive effect it could have had and scandalized others to the point of leaving.

Glad the workshop went well, though.

Gordo

It would be interesting indeed to find out who is footing the bill to pay Michael Thompson's jet-setting trips around the country in an ailing church. The best change that could have been would have been to adapt to the Orthodox Liturgicon. Proper Proskomedia would be a start, the list goes on from there. Already the current Liturgy varies in many ways from the Orthodox Liturgicon.
If we are to become more "orthodox" then why not simply adapt the Orthodox Liturgicon? Make the Liturgy more complete. But no, it is a backwards step, with people roaming the country spending countless dollars on something that shouldn't be. While the ship is sinking, the leaders are acting like all is well. Nevermind focusing on saving what we have, let's spend all our money on new books, and business trips. Spasi nas Boze.
I know churches that barely turn heat on because they can't afford the bill, what justifies flying someone in to promote a liturgy that is a step backwards from what John Paul II called the Byzantine Catholics to do... return to their roots.

It had to be done, it's the kind of proactive effort that must be done. I think it is time to be thankful for little favors.

Probably so. I cannot argue with this, it is a major problem in my opinion, far more of a problem than the old liturgy was.

Good luck and God Bless!
Michael

It was well worth any amount spent for Professor Thompson to come out to us in the West. It was certainly more cost-effective than 50+ of us individually to fly to Pittsburgh to participate in the monthly programs of the Cantor Institute. Many of us who are cantors have been begging for some training since before they announced the new liturgy/music.

Our group included participants from not only Phoenix but also Tucson, Las Vegas and, I believe, Albuquerque. The program was also videotaped so that it can be shared with our parishes in Denver and Anchorage.

I attended as well. Prof. Thompson had many tips for effective implementation of the new service book, to help cantors introduce its use gradually.

The point is, why the revisions in the first place? Then there wouldn't be any need for any business trips! Come take a look-see at some of the Eastern USA parish's weekly collections and then put a few things together and try to figure out why money is being spent on projects that need not be even started.

The point of this thread is the Ruthenian workshop in Phoenix, which was a complete success. The service book studied in Phoenix is for all BCC parishes, not just a few, and is the most comprehensive ever introduced for English, when you consider the extensive offering of prostopinije within it. It gives visitors an opportunity to participate musically, something they have had difficulty doing because of a lack of resources. Facilitating its use is everyone's responsibility, made easier by sessions like the one just held in Phoenix. I hope sessions like this are held elsewhere.

"Jet-setting trips around the country"?

As one who travels frequently and has spent much of his career on a plane, it is not as glamorous as it sounds. This is actually an efffective "change" strategy on the part of the Metropolia. Better to send someone out personally to train - to put a face with the change and to equip people to be successful with it - than to cause them to flail and fail.

I don't see your point about the travel. But I agree with your other points, Save the Liturgy.

Gordo