Who is the Psaltis? Why Do We Need Him? What is His Role? - Clergy-Laity

Presentations, SESSIONS, WorkshoPS, and Ministry PANELS

VIDEO ARCHIVE

Video Archive

Who is the Psaltis? Why Do We Need Him? What is His Role?

The Psaltis (cantor) is an integral participant and enabler of all our liturgical services and sacraments. The role, clerical position, and service to the people of a Psaltis remains substantially unknown and incompletely understood by many of the laity. This presentation is intended to raise awareness of the proper role of the Psaltis in the Liturgical life of the Church.  This workshop was presented by Archon Music Instructor Georgios Theodoridis.

This workshop was offered on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 in San Diego as a part of the 47th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. 

Congress Events

Ministry Panels

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    Equipping Parishes to Reclaim the Great Commission (Ministry Panel #1)

    The Great Commission calls us to focus our parish ministries on renewing the faith of our members in order to share our faith with inquirers and the unchurched. We do this through our actions as well as our words. This interactive ministry panel of priests, leaders and educators will share proven practical methods, successful ministries, information and resources to inspire and equip parish leaders to obey the command of Christ to 'make disciples of all nations.'

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    Artificial Intelligence, Personhood, and Theosis (Ministry Panel #2)

    researchers create ever more refined and sophisticated artificial intelligence, conversations have naturally arisen in response to the breadth of possibilities that better AI brings to the world. From discussions about how to regulate student use of chatbots like ChatGPT, concerns over election security, deep fakes, and threats to national security, AI raises ethical, safety, and practical concerns in almost every arena of our lives.

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    Women In Orthodoxy: Past, Present and Future (Ministry Panel #3)

    This panel will reflect on the needs and experiences of women today, and examine the vital ways in which women have served historically, the roles they undertake today, and possible paths of future service, covering philanthropic, pastoral, liturgical, administrative, and educational roles. 

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    Engaging the Youth in the Body of Christ (Ministry Panel #4)

    This panel was an engaging discussion on how parishes can and should actively involve youth in the vibrant life of their parishes. In exploring the true needs of young people and the challenges they face in today’s world, the panel will explore strategic approaches centered around the transformative core of the Orthodoxy – Christ.

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    The Role of the Assembly of Bishops (Ministry Panel #5)

    This panel discussion will feature Orthodox Christian hierarchs, members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA to share their visions on the imperative topic of Orthodox Unity in America. The panel, representing a diverse array of perspectives within the Orthodox Christian tradition, will engage in a thoughtful exchange that transcends ecclesiastical boundaries.

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    Fully Human: Toward Full Participation of People with Disabilities in the Orthodox Church (Ministry Panel #6)

    Participants can expect an in-depth look at the efforts of the Fully Human ministry, including those being made toward accessible worship for Deaf and blind persons, how to create accessible Sunday School rooms and tailor educational materials for atypical learners, and the vital importance of churches addressing physical access needs.

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    Developing Effective and Christ-Centered Parish Leadership (Ministry Panel #7)

    This engaging ministry panel will offer thoughtful discussion, as well as practical tools and resources, on the formation and development of strong parish leaders to serve the Church and its mission. It will address how to equip all parish leaders for ministry-oriented leadership, as well as effective succession planning for lay leadership to ensure ongoing stability and growth.

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    Youth and Young Adults in the Church (Ministry Panel #8)

    Centered around the theme of the Clergy Laity Congress, this ministry panel aims to foster a compelling dialogue on enhancing the ministry to and involvement of young adults in the Church - transcending generational gaps to forge robust Orthodox Christian communities. 

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Workshops

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    A Proactive Lifespan Development Model for Clergy Health and Well-Being

    The Clergy Family Initiative was established in 2016 through the generosity of the Lilly Endowment as a ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, spurred by research by the Danielsen Institute of Boston University.

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    Creating a Singing Parish: Congregations and Beyond

    Geared for clergy and parish delegates, presenters Dr. Vicki Pappas and Ms. Barbara Minton share ideas for building a parish program of church music that extends beyond the choir and the chanters. Starting with the premise that hymns are prayers and excellent vehicles for learning about our faith, presenters will share practical ideas and available resources for initiating congregational singing as well as using hymn singing in various non-liturgical settings of a parish.

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    Creating Vibrant Family Ministries

    This workshop offers vision, strategy, and practical tools for those interested in establishing life-giving family ministries that are both needed and relevant in the local parish.

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    HCHC Outbound: Accessible Education, Publications, and Spiritual Formation

    This presentation by faculty and staff of Hellenic College Holy Cross highlights several recent innovative initiatives that invigorate our educational outreach to everyone who wants to learn, bringing the good news to places where people live and work.

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    How to Get Started in Prison Ministry with Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry

    An inspirational and tactical conversation on how you may begin or further your local prison ministry, through the training and ongoing support of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry followed by a 20-minute Q&A.

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    Inter-Parish Associations – A Futuristic Vision

    Inter-Parish Associations promote communication, camaraderie, and cooperation across Orthodox Christian parishes of all jurisdictions in a given geographical area. Their purpose is to break down barriers across Orthodox Christian jurisdictions and, as a unified Orthodox Christian community, witness Christ's love in local society through common ministry. 

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    Preserving Greek Heritage: Fostering Cultural Identity and Community Cohesion

    Explore the profound influence of the Department of Greek Education within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, focusing on its strategic initiatives dedicated to the preservation and rejuvenation of the Greek language.

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    The Assembly of Bishops’ Mental Health Ministries

    This panel invites you to examine the complex space where spiritual care and ministry can intersect with the mental health needs of parishioners.  Panelists discussed the prevalence of mental health concerns in our communities, the impact of socio-cultural stigma around mental health, the implications this can have for an individual's spiritual development, and the various resources available to attend to these growing needs.

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    The Saint Anastasia Fellowship – Addictions Ministry and Support Group

    This workshop unveils the innovative approach of The Saint Anastasia Fellowship, an Addictions Ministry and Support Group within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. We showcase the profound integration of our faith into the realm of recovery, combining Orthodox Christian Ontology with modern clinical insights.

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    Who is the Psaltis? Why Do We Need Him? What is His Role?

    The Psaltis (cantor) is an integral participant and enabler of all our liturgical services and sacraments. This presentation is intended to raise awareness of the proper role of the Psaltis in the Liturgical life of the Church. 

    Read More
47th Biennial
Clergy-Laity Congress
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America