Approximately twenty cantors and church singers of the Edmonton Eparchy attended the third annual “SingCon” Church Singing Conference in Welland, Ontario, held at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church. Participants from Alberta hailed from Assumption and St. Stephen parishes in Calgary, and St. Josaphat’s Cathedral and St. Basil’s in Edmonton. Among the participants from Alberta were eight youth and young adult participants who were sponsored by their parishes, thanks to a grant from the Eparchial “E-Fund”.

“SingCon,” held from September 28 to October 1, including workshops, rehearsals, a public lecture by Subdeacon Dr. Brian Butcher on the centrality of singing in the Christian tradition, and a round table discussion with four panelists on contemporary issues facing English-speaking liturgists, singers, and faithful in the UGCC. Attendees also participated in the divine services: daily vespers on Thursday and Friday evenings, two celebrations of the parastas, great vespers on Saturday evening, festal matins on Sunday morning, and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided over by Bishop Bohdan Danylo of the Parma Eparchy.

Participants left the gathering inspired by the beautiful worship, more knowledgeable of UGCC singing tradition, better informed by the discussions, and energized by the fellowship and new friendships formed over their four days together.

“Singcon reminded me of the beautiful diversity in spiritual expression within the Catholic Church – even just in North America. Whether we are baptized Byzantine or Latin, or live on the east coast or west coast, what unites all cantors is that we have a serious and intentional ministry in the Church that can move the tallest of mountains and the hardest of hearts. Singcon was both amazing and challenging in so many ways. I grew in my ability to lead liturgical services in my parish but also in my personal faith journey, guided by deepening connections with new and old friends.” ~Alicia Chichak

The “SingCon” organizing committee, led by Deacon Daniel Galadza, includes three representatives from the Edmonton Eparchy: Deacon Cyril Kennedy, Damein Zakordonski, and Namisha Hlus. For more information, see https://ugccmusic.com/ or email deacon.kennedy@eeparchy.com.