Chanting Born into the Greek Orthodox faith, Steffi grew up in a church tradition steeped in the ancient practice of chanting.     The Greek Orthodox Sunday service, or “Divine Liturgy,” as well as the many other special services celebrated by Orthodox Christians, are almost entirely sung or chanted.  Hymns, Psalm verses, and antiphons or responses, are sung alternately and together by priest, chanter, and congregation.  Chants are traditionally sung a cappella or “without accompaniment.”  Frequently, a second chanter will provide a drone or “ison” as an accompaniment to the principle chant.  The melodies utilize scales or “modes” developed during the Byzantine era and have a unique, mysterious quality.  Set within the sacred atmosphere of the Orthodox Church, with its beautiful icons and fragrant incenses, the effect on the listener is profoundly moving. As a committed and continuing student of chant herself, Steffi invites you to listen to a few samples of her chanting some of the melodies heard in the Greek Orthodox Church.   I Ghenisis Sou I Ghenisis Sou (Your Birth) This hymn is sung at Christmas, and celebrates the birth of our Savior. I ghenisis Sou Christe o Theos imon Anetile to kosmo to fos to tis gnoseos En afti gar i tis astris latrevontes Ipo asteros ethithaskonto Se proskinin to iliontis thikeosinis Ke Se ginoskin ex ipsus anatolin Kyrie thoxa Si Translation: Your birth, O Christ our God Did shine the light of knowledge upon the universe For by Your birth, those who beheld the stars Were taught by a star to worship You the Sun of Justice And came to know You the Light from on high O Lord, Glory to You Soson Kyrie Soson Kyrie (Lord, Save Your People)   This hymn is sung every September 14th, commemorating the Elevation of the Holy Cross, and also during Lent.   Soson Kyrie ton laon Sou Ke evloghison tin klironomian Sou Nikas tis vasilefsi kata varvaron dhorumenos Ke to son filaton dhia tu Stavru Sou politevma   Translation: O Lord, save your people And bless Your inheritance Grant victory to the faithful Against the adversaries of the faith And protect Your people By Your Holy Cross, Your Holy Cross