International Conference on Orthodox Church Music

At the eleventh International Conference on Orthodox Church Music, which explored the theme of eternity in the liturgical arts, Dr Andrew Mellas presented a paper titled Between Mortality and Eternity: Songs of Sorrow and Hope at Chora Monastery. The conference took place at the University of Eastern Finland and featured a number of eminent speakers, including two good friends of St Andrew's Theological College, His Grace Bishop Damaskinos of Haapsalu and Professor Peter Bouteneff (St Vladimir's Seminary). Bishop Damaskinos has delivered guest lectures at St Andrew's in the past and Professor Bouteneff will be a keynote speaker at the College's symposium later this year.

During the conference Dr Mellas also had the honour of being elected to serve as a Board Member of the International Society for Orthodox Church Music. He will serve alongside the new Chair of the Board, Professor Alexander Lingas (Archon Mousikodidáskalos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate).