www.byzcath.org Forums Mysteries: The Life of Worship Vespers, Matins & the Divine Liturgy The Revised Divine Liturgy English Cherubic Hymn podoben

A question of protocol has arisen in our mission about the legitimacy of singing the Cherubikon in English podoben Nova Radost' Stala. It is not part of the RDL music promulgation, but a very nice rendition in English was a usual part of John Vernoski's music sheets, and it is quite popular with us.

Here it is in Slavonic link [patronagechurch.com] .

The question is, however, if sung in English using the RDL translation would it be in adherence with the RDL promulgation? (I presume there is no issue about singing it in the Slavonic as in the link.)

Deacon Anthony

It is my understanding that since there is no official approval for such a setting it may not be used.

A Note to All:

I do not mean to misinterpret or misrepresent Father Deacon�s post in any way, so what follows below is not intended for him but is in the way of a general explanation.

Last January when the Revised Divine Liturgies were promulgated it was made very clear to me that the only materials that may be used at the Divine Services were those texts and music that were officially approved by the Council of Hierarchs, and that the distribution or use of private publications of any sort were prohibited and that I was to stop distribution of all my various private publications for Vespers, Matins and the Divine Liturgy (including those which previously carried an Imprimatur from the bishop). In obedience I immediately discontinued distribution of all publications and sent a letter to the 200+ subscribing parishes notifying them.

My English setting of the Cherubic Hymn to the melody of Noa Radost� Stala now falls into the category of a private publication. Therefore, to me it is a matter of obedience to the bishops that I ask the parishes of the Pittsburgh Metropolia not to use it (or any of my publications). I recommend that those with questions not discuss them here but seek guidance from their bishop through the channels designated by him.

John Vernoski