March 6, 2013: NY, NY- The Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music is very happy to announce that $100,000 dollars have been raised following their benefit concert at Carnegie Hall entitled, “Glory in the Highest” on December 16, 2012. The concert, which was in front of a sold out crowd of over 600 people, was organized to assist in the effort of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to obtain the 8^th century church of the Holy Archangels in Siyi, Turkey in the ancient Metropolis of Proussa. For the second time in two years the Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music brought to the prestigious stage of Carnegie Hall the Archdiocesan Byzantine and Youth Choirs. In the presence of Archbishop Demetrios of America and members of the diplomatic core from Greece, Cyprus, Russia, Argentina, and Serbia the choirs inspired those in attendance with their angelic voices and excellent Christmas repertoire.

Commenting on the benefit concert and the funds that were raised Archdeacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos, director of the Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music said, “I thank God for the tremendous gift to be part of such a noble cause and for the rich blessings which He has bestowed upon our youth. I thank God for His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. Without the blessing, guidance and encouragement of His Eminence the choirs would never have been able to do what they accomplished. His Eminence has not only been the person responsible for establishing both of the Archdiocesan choirs but also for continually promoting our youth and their talents. Finally, I thank God for the great blessing of our children and  young adults who offer their talents for the glory of God. All their work, together with the generosity of the donors, is indicative of the tremendous offering of love that our faithful have shown in their support of the efforts of our beloved Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. I pray that the Lord, through the intercessions of the Holy Archangels, pour forth His blessings upon all those who have diligently worked in every way to reopen this sacred church.”

The Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music thanks everyone who attended the concert at Carnegie Hall and invites everyone to attend their upcoming Paschal concert on May 19, 2013. The concert will take place at 6:00PM at Holy Trinity Cathedral located at 319 East 74^th Street, NY, NY 10075. More information will be forthcoming.

To view video clips and photos from the December 16 benefit concert at Carnegie Hall visit www.asbm.goarch.org

To donate to the Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music click here: http://www.asbm.goarch.org/donate/

We would like to wish everyone a spiritually uplifting Triodion and Lenten period together with our prayer for abundant blessings from God.

In Christ,

ASBM