Orthodox chanter question.

[Critters2]

I have a friend who's unemployed. He's an Orthodox Christian (Greek Orthodox, though he isn't ethnic Greek--that's just the only Orthodox church in our area). He invited me to his church's Easter matins and Easter vespers services, where he served as chanter. It was clear that he was really committed to doing this well, enjoyed it, and, based on the compliments he received from parishioners, was well received. I keep thinking he's be really happy if he could somehow make a living at this.

Are there congregations that are large enough to support someone as a professional chanter? Are there such people?

I actually think my friend should consider that he may have a vocation, but I'm sure he'd say he couldn't afford seminary, and, at 50, is too old to begin. But I think it's worth considering for him.

Thanks for any thoughts!

[rug]

1. National Association of Pastoral Musicians

http://www.npm.org/main/current.html

[Critters2]

2. This is great info! Thanks! nt

[nxylas]

3. I've never heard of one in an Orthodox church

Even when Orthodox churches pay musicians, it is not usually enough to live on, at least not in the ones I'vve been to. But just because I've never known it to happen doesn't mean such things don't exist.

[Critters2]

4. I think you're probably right.

The church where he chanted during Holy Week (not his home parish) paid him--$600 for the whole week. Of course, that was for the special circumstance of being Holy Week. One couldn't make a living at this, it appears. A real shame. My friend finds it so fulfilling. I'm still trying to encourage him to go to Holy Cross or St. Vladimir's to study for the priesthood. I've known lots of second career people in Protestant ministry. Don't see why he couldn't do the same.