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     Archbishop Cyril Aphrem Karim announces the formation of the official choir of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of the Eastern United States and extends his fatherly blessings upon the choir and its members.  His Eminence reminds all youth who wish to join the choir to sign up for their first practice Saturday, July 11, 2009 for a series of concerts being held in November 2009. 

For more information, please contact Gabriel Aydin at gabrielaydin@hotmail.com or Phone: 401-744-9549. 

Earlier this month, Gabriel Aydin, President of the Syriac Music Institute met with Dr. Susan Harvey, Professor of Religious Studies at Brown University to discuss the progressions as well as the future directions of the Institute.   

            The meeting proved to be very productive from the start as Dr. Harvey was excited to learn about the various projects SMI has been undertaking, beginning with a standardized Anaphora, completed by His eminence Cyril Ephraim Karim with musical assistance provided by Mr. Aydin, for all churches in the Eastern Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church.  Mr. Aydin was also happy to inform Dr. Harvey of the completion of one of the Institutes first projects, a children’s bible entirely in Syriac, with an audio CD accompaniment, containing both vocal and instrumental Syriac music.

            Being rather pleased with the progress of the Syriac Music Institute, Dr. Harvey was eager to discuss ideas for the future direction of the Institute.  Mr. Aydin shared his vision of creating a standardized choir and hymnal throughout the archdiocese.  In addition to this, Mr. Aydin suggested having an SMI member travel to various parishes throughout the east coast to instruct their choirs via musical and theological seminars. 

            The meeting concluded on a high note, each being pleased with the successes so far as well as the future aims of the Institute.