Our concert this past weekend in Montreal was an occasion too grand for words. It was an incredible honor to sing such a concert with two wonderful choirs, both ours, the Boston Byzantine Choir, and the theirs, the two choirs of St. George Orthodox Church of Montreal. And also with commentary from the fathers of the Church provided by Pres. Dr. Eugenia Constantinou, whose podcast on Ancient Faith Radio is well known in the Orthodox world. What topped the concert off was the fact that our new CD has just been produced and the reception after the event provided a chance to roll that out. Here are a few highlights of our tour of this world class city:
But the biggest and best highlight of the entire evening was hearing the priest of St. George chant the 15th antiphon from Great and Holy Friday in Arabic. The famous antiphon commemorates the crucifixion of the Lord of Glory and presents the amazing paradox of his voluntary self-emptying and passion on the cross. At the end of his moving tribute to the Lord, with not a dry eye in the house, Fr. Anthony Gabriel dedicated the piece, “to the people of Boston.” Listen to the loving heart of this dear, venerable pastor during the rehearsal prior:
Today is suspended on a tree He who suspended the earth upon the waters.
The King of the angels is decked with a crown of thorns.
He who wraps the heavens in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery.
He who freed Adam in the Jordan is slapped on the face.
The Bridegroom of the Church is affixed to the Cross with nails.
The Son of the virgin is pierced by a spear.
We worship Thy passion, O Christ.
We worship Thy passion, O Christ.
We worship Thy passion, O Christ.
Show us also Thy glorious resurrection.
And in English by the Boston Byzantine Choir:
Like Mendicant Monks... 
Magnificent! Thank you for sharing.