What is Byzantine Music?

Byzantine Music is the monophonic, vocal system of liturgical music of the Orthodox Church, which developed during the Byzantine Empire and uses the human voice exclusively, without instrumental accompaniment.  

It is based on eight distinct musical modes (the "Εchoi") that define the style and emotion of each hymn, while utilizing its own specialized notation (Parasimantiki) to record not only the notes, but also the subtle nuances, ornaments, and spiritual character of prayer. 

"Byzantine music is one of the highest achievements of human culture." - Egon Wellesz  (Musicologist & Professor at Oxford University) 

"Byzantine hymnology and its chant possess one of the richest and noblest musical structures in the history of humanity." - Olivier Messiaen (Composer & Organist) 

"The Byzantine musical tradition possesses a strict, pure, and unmatched spiritual beauty." - Igor Stravinsky (Composer) 

Chanting in Our Parish

Since October 2025, people of Saint Sophia Church have had opportunity to experience Byzantine chanting live during the church services. 

Byzantine Music Classes for Beginners 

Our parish offers, in-person Byzantine music classes open to members of our parish. 

• Start Date: September 2026 

• Prerequisites: No prior experience required 

• Registration: pzournatzoglou@saintsophiachurch.org 

Youth Choir: Weekly Teen Gatherings (Ages 12–18) 

We invite the teenagers of our community to discover the richness of our liturgical hymns! 

• When: Every Wednesday at 6:00 PM 

• Ages: 12 to 18 years old 

• Purpose: Learning basic liturgical hymns and experiencing active participation in church life. 

• Registration: pzournatzoglou@saintsophiachurch.org 

Contact & Information  

For more details regarding the classes and activities, please contact the Church's Protopsaltis, Panagiotis Zournatzoglou, at: pzournatzoglou@saintsophiachurch.org