On the evening of Friday, August 29, 2025, the Byzantine Choir “Romanos o Melodos (the Melodist)” of the Holy Metropolis of Limassol, Cyprus, presented a Byzantine concert at the Saint George Cathedral of Stockholm, under the direction of the Reverend Protopresbyter Fr. Nikolaos Lymbouridis.
The choir was composed of the esteemed chanters Mr. Byron Bryonis, Mr. Pavlos Yiorkas, Mr. Pavlos Damianou, Mr. Kyriakos Demetriou, Mr. Eleftherios Eleftheriou, Mr. Michail Ellinas, Mr. Michail Theodorou, Mr. Ilias Kranos, Mr. Kyprianos Kyprianou, Mr. Alexandros Latzias, Mr. Arsenios Lymbouridis, Mr. Heraklis Mavrommatis, Mr. Sotirios Nikiforou, Mr. Haris Xiaris, Mr. Loukas Pantelidis, Mr. Georgios Papadopoulos, Mr. Fanourios Papakyriakou, Mr. Miltiadis Pafitanis, Mr. Vasileios Pilavakis, and Mr. Petros Chasapis.
During the concert, hymns were performed in four thematic sections, drawing from the feast of the Great Martyr Saint George, the services of Vespers, Matins, and Divine Liturgy, as well as hymns dedicated to the Theotokos.
The concert began with the introductory vigil hymn “I shall enter into Your house” («Εισελεύσομαι εις τον οίκον σου»), in the plagal first mode, composed by Mr. Christos Psomiadis.
This was followed by “Lord, I have cried” («Κύριε εκέκραξα») from the festal Vespers of Saint George in the fourth mode, the “Agyia” («Άγια»), in a setting by Iakovos the Protopsaltis, and verses from the Psalm “Set a guard, O Lord” («Θου Κύριε»).
Next, two prosomoia hymns in slow and brief melodies were chanted: “In the sea as I sailed” («Εν θαλάσση με πλέοντα») and “As a noble among the martyrs” («Ως γενναίον εν μάρτυσιν»).
This section concluded with the fifth verse of “O Virgin Theotokos” («Θεοτόκε Παρθένε») by Petros Bereketes, in the plagal first mode, accompanied by the “terirem” («τεριρέμ») refrain.
The second section focused on the Matins service, particularly the “Polyeleos”.
Verses were chanted in four modes — plagal first, “legeto”, “agia” («λέγετο, «άγια»), and plagal fourth — following the tradition of Mount Athos.
The hymn dedicated to the Theotokos “All-hymned Lady, Queen of All” («Παντάνασσα πανύμνητε») concluded this section in the plagal first mode, composed by Petros Lampadarios.
The third thematic unit, dedicated to the Great Martyr George the Trophy-bearer — patron and protector of the Stockholm Cathedral — followed, featuring hymns from the Matins service of his feast day.
The choir chanted the troparia of the first ode from both canons, in the first and second modes, followed by the doxastikon from the praises “Spring Has Dawned” («Ανέτειλε το έαρ»), in the plagal first mode, set to music by Elder Theophanes of Vatopedi Monastery of Mount Athos.
As is customary, Matins concludes with the Doxology. Selected verses were presented in the same mode as the doxastikon. This setting belongs to the Archon Protopsaltis of the Holy Metropolis of Limassol, musicologist Mr. Nikos Papasavvas.
The fourth and final section included “As many as have been baptized into Christ” («Όσοι εις Χριστόν εβαπτίσθητε»), in the first mode, in a setting by the late Archon Protopsaltis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Konstantinos Pringos.
Also chanted were the “Kyrie Eleison” (Lord, have mercy) («Κύριε ελέησον») from the Divine Liturgy, and the brief communion hymn “I will receive the cup of salvation” («Ποτήριον σωτηρίου λήψομαι») in the plagal first mode.
The concert concluded with “It is truly worthy” («Άξιον εστίν») in the seven-tone first mode, composed by the renowned Constantinopolitan church composer and professor of the Halki Theological School, the late Michael Chatziathanasiou.
The concert program was presented in Greek by Ms. Iliana Antoniou and in Swedish by Mr. Isaak Isaksson.
The event was attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, who at the conclusion of the concert expressed his full satisfaction with the performance, noting:
“As tonight’s sacred musical feast draws to a close, I feel compelled to express my gratitude — echoing the sentiments of all present — to the Byzantine Choir of the Holy Metropolis of Limassol. Under the inspired leadership of their Choir Director, the Reverend Protopresbyter Fr. Nikolaos Lymbouridis, they have offered us a unique experience of devotion, prayer, and spiritual upliftment.
Through the sacred art of chanting, these honorable chanters conveyed to us the fragrance of the Mother Church’s tradition, reviving hymns which through the ages have nurtured and uplifted the souls of the faithful towards the Creator.
The sound of their voices was not merely musical harmony, but a spiritual awakening in our hearts, breathing into us a living faith.
We wholeheartedly thank His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol, who, with his paternal care and blessing, constantly supports the choir and every effort that promotes our chant tradition and cultivates the spiritual ethos of God’s people.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Choir Director and beloved Brother in Christ, Fr. Nikolaos, for his dedication and tireless effort, and to each member of the choir, who with love for God and His Church, dedicate their time and talent to the sacred ministry of ecclesiastical chanting.
We thank all of you, our esteemed guests, for gracing tonight’s gathering with your presence and celebrating with us, proving that Byzantine Music — as the living voice of Orthodoxy — continues to move and inspire the hearts of the faithful.
May the Lord, through the intercessions of the Theotokos, the Holy Forerunner, Saint Romanos the Melodist, and all the Saints, grant the members of the Choir health, longevity, and divine inspiration, so they may continue their work to the glory of God and the spiritual edification of our devout people.
Once again, thank you for undertaking the effort of this journey. God willing, we look forward to hearing you again during the Sunday Divine Liturgy.”
