God is With Us chanted in Appalachian bluegrass style | Orthodox Americana

[@Joshualbatross]

***UPDATE: Many people have asked about a version of the audio without the echo that was added in a post-production edit. It can be found on the "Right Glory" KZbin channel, from which this video originates. I stole this video from a Facebook post and uploaded it to my KZbin channel, and in just a few days it's already received over a thousand views. It's a very good sign: people are yearning in their hearts to see an authentic American Christianity that is commensurate with ancient Holy Tradition. Appalachian bluegrass is one of a very few wholesome art forms which America has that is truly traditional and wholly American. Bluegrass is entirely American, in a somewhat surprising way: it's an organic mixture of Irish/Scottish Celtic roots and the strong influence of Southern Creole culture, affected musically by the contribution of the banjo- an African American instrument which is tonally unique and characterizes the basis of all bluegrass music. Even the strings of the banjo traditionally have a unique tuning, which many recognize as the origin of all blues and American "soul" music. The existence of rock music and the electric guitar today ultimately finds its beginnings in the blues standards which are rooted in bluegrass. Although the chant in this hymn is choral, having only the human voice (as all Orthodox music does), it incorporates those authentic bluegrass tones, and illustrates for the modern world the timeless manner in which Orthodoxy joins itself to a people. We have, so far, the Paschal "Christ is Risen" hymn offered in the Appalachian bluegrass style, and now the Nativity hymn "God is With Us" coming into its own, and I am glowing to see what other beautiful Orthodox hymns will come to be stylized in this genuine American way. The future is honestly looking pretty gloomy, but there are plenty of silver linings.

[@byzantineladybug9471]

Amen! ☦🙏☦

[@vtino4825]

the fact is, the biblical worship of God's people is choral AND also instrumental, with shouts calling on the Name of the LORD

[@fallen605]

Amen Americans still have strong beliefs, I'm Irish and this is beautiful 🌹

[@HamiltonProvonsha]

The church is St John of the Ladder Orthodox Church in Greenville, South Carolina (OCA). Credit for the video goes to Daniel Gutierrez; credit for the singing goes to Ilaria O'Keefe, Alex Vernet, and myself. Credit for the composition goes to Father Gregory Potter, a former seminarian at St Vladimir's in Yonkers, New York.

[@Realsovietholyman]

I spent the first 6months of my life in the chapel at St Vlads, 83-84. My Dad Got ordained in like 94ish in St Augustine Florida in the GOCA. Dont let my pic and name misjudge me, i dont remember how to change it.@@HamiltonProvonsha

[@olgarql]

American Orthodoxy is alive and breathing. ☦ Greetings from a South American sister in Christ! 🇧🇷

[@antiglobaljoel532]

Christ is risen!

[@RainedOnParade]

The purity spiraling of Protestants, Catholics, and the Orrhodox… It is to such an extent and has happened for so long that no one knows how things should be done any different. On the matter of the song. God is with us ❌ We are with God ✅

[@wesleyerickson8661]

@@RainedOnParade “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” God is with us.

[@samchaves3191]

Αμήν from a Brazilian American! 🇧🇷☦️🇺🇸

[@DusanTodorovicDukeBgd]

I'm Serbian Orthodox and I feel deeply connected and touched. Thank you for sharing your love for God. Христе Боже, помилуј нас грешне. Амин!

[@DusanTodorovicDukeBgd]

I would love to hear this himn in your interpretation kzbin.info/www/bejne/qouqeqWladZnbKcsi=GCNMTGe7qHJ8cucX kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqDbn5KQaNWaqK8si=vsWBMFTLqtc9b8Ta

[@DusanTodorovicDukeBgd]

I would love to here your adaptation to this hymn kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKfLnKSdq8don9Usi=wcHqpHmxWkN6YXT9 I think it would sound great Pobedna Pesma (Победна Песма) Lyrics Evo Gospoda, s vojskama ide Dušmani naši nek' se postide Nek' se postide, nek' se pokaju Gle - vojske Neba kako blistaju Kako blistaju kako se ore Sležu stenama visoke gore Visoke gore, i gordi cari Ide Gospod da se zacari Serafi napred pa heruvimi Sva zemlja gori, sav se svet dimi Sav svet se dimi, teško se diše Radost i užas ko da opiše Ko da opiše čudo čudesa Kad Zemlju grešnu stegnu Nebesa Stegnu nеbesa svojom blizinom Tad' zemlja plodu slična je gnjilom Vojskе za vojskom iz neba niču Angeli trube, pravedni kliču Pravedni kliču: "Evo Gospoda" Neka iščeznu zemlja i voda Zemlja i voda na što nam više Gle sad se zbiva što pismo piše Što pismo piše, sve se događa Novo se Nebo i Zemlja rađa Evo Gospoda ustajte ljudi Evo Ga ide svetu da sudi Svetu da sudi, stado da luči Od stopa svemir tutnji i huči Tutnji i huči zemlja i nebo Šta će nam sada zlato i srebro Zlato i srebro neka počine A ti nam blistaj BOŽIJI SINE

[@b.r.holmes6365]

My maternal great grandparents were Serbs who ended up in Appalachia. Have a blessed Lent brother in Christ.

[@E.OrthodoxMHNIN]

Love always, to the ever faithful Orthodox Christians of Serbia from your Orthodox brother in the United States. ☦️

[@Thejudge4545]

American Orthodoxy is growing☦️. In Colorado at my parish every vespers is full and when it is Divine Liturgy it is packed to the gills with families with many children! 80 people have been baptized just this last year alone!

[@osstoj7155]

The ancient ways are returning more and more. Atheism is crumbling everyday

[@Linkolite]

Where in Colorado? I am looking more into orthodoxy, I grew up as a Protestant and fell out of the faith as a teenager. I am interested in traditional Christian religions moreso because of the hypocrisy of so many Protestant churches changing their values and allowing women to preach, which I think is a sad sign of the times for Protestant churches. I live in Colorado as well, glad to see someone living by virtue in this state. God bless you and your family. :)

[@Thejudge4545]

@@Linkolite I am in the colorado springs area where there is a OCA (my church) church, small Greek church, and another OCA church being built. In Pueblo there is a Orthodox church and Denver has quite a few orthodox churches, loveland has a greek church. Those are the ones off the top of my head. Interesting fact is that Colorado is #4 in the most Orthodox populated state. I was in the same boat as you coming from a protestant background. Come, see, and receive you won't regret it.

[@b.r.holmes6365]

God be praised 😊

[@curtwayne4089]

We are so back brothers and sisters

[@johnkutnar8501]

God is with us !

[@Vishalmaha88]

Sounds older than present day bluegrass… strong influence of the Scottish/Irish traditions brought to Appalachia. Very emotive and powerful. A fitting way to praise our God.

[@justforever96]

Bluegrass was invented in the 1960s, it's based on the much older Appalachian sound, and "old timey" music. They took the old sounds and sped it up and added solo parts, etc. I definitely prefer the older style myself. And yes, it sounds fantastic blended with the Orthodox sound. This is only the second time I have seen this, the other video was just a couple of seminary students playing around, but it is amazing. I hope this is a trend.

[@francesb5004]

So beautiful 😢

[@VLADPowder]

@@justforever96 Yo thanks for introducing me to this, I had no clue this existed and I'm quite enjoying this playlist I found on YT of it 😎

[@berndtherrenvolk1951]

Bluegrass was only invented around 1940 by Bill Monroe.

[@JesusChristisgreat-pj6nd]

​@@berndtherrenvolk1951modern recorded bluegrass yes, bluegrass in general? Heck no! Our people are still playing jigs and reels brought from the British isles, Star of the County Down and such. We only tweaked the sound slightly with some African influence. Some even argue we made it sound better.

[@MsMark2001]

I am Russian, Orthodox Christian, I live in Russia. Your performance is great! It seems to me that I almost stopped breathing listening to you. Thank you, Orthodox brothers! God bless you!

[@The_WatchList]

As a fun bit of information for you that you may appreciate, the Orthodoxy is growing rapidly in the US. A huge expansion is occurring. America will become Orthodox one day ☦️

[@MsMark2001]

@@The_WatchList Я очень этому рад! - I am very happy about this!

[@The_WatchList]

@@MsMark2001 Я тоже! Слава Богу! I speak a little Russian from my time in college. Я не знаю много слов хаха.

[@MsMark2001]

@@The_WatchList Cool! I also speak a little English. I know about 1500-2000 words, but it's still hard to speak ).

[@The_WatchList]

@MsMark2001 Ах, как хорошо! Молодец друг. Что тебя зовут? Меня зовут Константин (It is my baptismal name)

[@VwB94]

Me being born and raised in Virginia, I know the Orthodox Church isn’t the traditional Appalachian church, but I thank God I found it.

[@RelentlessRevolver7]

Mega Based Fellow Virginian

[@Chance_Rice]

Virginia is peak America

[@hjc1402]

Wow beautiful. I’m an Appalachian and haven’t heard any Christian chant in our style. Really shows the beauty of this style when used for the kingdom of God.

[@larrym.johnson9219]

Appalachian myself WV goes back to Celtic throat singing it's beautiful.

[@hjc1402]

@@larrym.johnson9219 WV also! Yeah I thought it mostly went back to Irish, even still today they sound pretty similar.

[@ANIND123]

the Traditional Roman Catholic Hymnal from the SSPX has some music of Celtic roots.

[@Tikhon88]

The Appalachian and south in general are largely English and the last anglo part of the country with exception of the northern Appalachians were it starts to become Celtic and Germans

[@dystopian2153]

There's an Orthodox Christian church and monastery in Appalachia. I saw a short documentary on it on you tube. Many Protestants there attend it. Very interesting..

[@ginarose8634]

I am from Eastern Kentucky and GOD IS WITH US!! Praise Him! Lately I have felt a moving of His Holy Spirit, oh the depth, the cry in my soul, My King is COMING BACK and SOON! Watch and pray beloved, Christ is returning soon!

[@JesusChristisgreat-pj6nd]

Amen from East Tennessee

[@TheSouthernLady777]

East Tennessee here, my sister! Soon enough we will be going home ❤!

[@harrietharlow9929]

@@TheSouthernLady777 Amen and //glory ti /gid!

[@TawannainTN]

Maranatha🙏

[@TheRealEvilRoy]

This slaps incredibly hard

[@peggycone8255]

Good! Praise God!

[@heathsavage4852]

Reminds me of the Gaelic chants of the western isles of Scotland. Spine-tingling.

[@itsgettingold]

I hear the old Highlands and Western Isles music that the Appalachian music grew from when the Scots emigrated there. - Love from an old Scot far from home with so many memories of this sound.

[@hanseldsilva2393]

I hear Native American folk and a hint of African American blues

[@Aromatic.Bleach]

​@@hanseldsilva2393 LOOOOOOL you poor thing. I hope this comment is a joke LOL

[@dianakidd4219]

@@Aromatic.Bleach I agree. It’s nothing like bluegrass or Black music

[@jan_sobieski444]

This seems so natural. There’s nothing contrived or strained about it. It isn’t hokey, overproduced, or otherwise insincere. Thank you. I really needed this today.

[@9FisterSpit9]

No one can pin down true freedom. We all know who invented the lightbulb... Separation of Church and State was too protect you and your true value's. Not the modern clergymen who not only avoid knowing any of your true value, but thinks that it "owns" all of it, and in a parental sense. Lmao. The bastards that produce modern music, knew nothing of Christian Folk music, until it was accompanied by some of our naked women dancing too it for them. Since than the picture has looked off if it wasn't a green crayon that drew out your grass. In there eyes, it really needs to be the blue one.

[@ValidityJ]

Applachian Orthodox need to do a CD. Do you know how proud I am to be an American, Orthodox, and FINALLY have a style of Orthodoxy that is not Greek....not Russian.... but AMERICAN?! PLEASE, Applachian Orthodox, turn out a CD in this style with digital download and I'll buy it.

[@g01tr3]

I second that 👍

[@Olivia-Saturday]

I would buy it!

[@SalyLuz-hc6he]

Yes, please do release a CD! I’d be glad to buy it! 💙🌅🫶🏼

[@scottlewis9127]

I would buy it without hesitation

[@UnOrthodox_Christian]

Amen. Glory to Jesus Christ! ☦️

[@jamesbarksdale978]

I love this! Orthodoxy may just have discovered it's American identity!

[@natasastankovic2708]

Beatufiful and unique! ❤ I love it! I am Orthodox from Serbia! May God always be with us and unite us!!!😊

[@emmaschauer5409]

I feel that if there is ever a true Orthodox Church of America, this is what it will sound like. Glory to God for all things.

[@SL-yy4bk]

That's not the way this works though. Native populations adopt existing traditions within Orthodoxy and over time it organically takes on its own character--but its never entirely separate from it original form. Romanian Byzantine chant sounds different than the kind you would encounter in Syria which is different than the kind you would in Greece...but its still Byzantine chant.

[@achilleuspetreas3828]

@@SL-yy4bk But then you have the Georgian chanting styles from Georgia...all regional based on their area of Georgia and in the same style of their pre-conversion. I feel like if there was ever a true Orthodox Church of America, it would vary a ton...maybe the Appalachian style would catch on, but just like this country, I feel it would be a giant mix of styles depending on the local church...much like today

[@francesb5004]

Beautiful, never heard a chant before

[@georgek3261]

@@SL-yy4bkAnd who dictates how is it supposed to work?

[@Sillydilly321]

There is an officially recognized Orthodox Church of America.

[@alexandramaric6040]

I AM A MILITARY BRAT BUT MY GREAT GRAND DADDY is from these parts. I am an Orthodox an Orthodox Christian and my American DNA just merged with my Serbian DNA in this chant. SPECTACULAR!

[@TheMiriam333]

Awesome!!

[@vladodobleja748]

In Romania we are building the largest Orthodox Cathedral that the world has ever seen!

[@Aromatic.Bleach]

What does being military have to do with anything? You got the brat part right. Stop humble bragging.

[@-data]

Why the hostility..?@@Aromatic.Bleach

[@taffowen3993]

I was thinking it touched me in a way like Serbian orthodox chanting

[@marclayne9261]

Scot-Irish Appalachian, ancestors since 1740s, Virginia & Kentucky....I consider myself an Orthodox Christian.....It is filled with the Holy Spirit...

[@truthshammer6748]

I am home! Grew up in a coal camp, raised Baptist and still my heart wasn't settled. But now i know that it was never my home. Orthodox Church was my home all along!

[@someonesomewhere8888]

Beautiful sound. This is the real ecumenical character of Orthodoxy. I love it when people from all over the world adapt their cultural elements in the Holy Liturgy.

[@AlexanderBrown77]

✝️ 1 Corinthians 15 kJV 🩸 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 3 kJV 🩸 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

[@northernkarma9296]

Scotts-Irish Canadian. Ths music resonates to the bottom of my belly! Deep in my soul I know I am an Orthodox Christian. God Bless us all!!

[@mladenbaldzic9645]

Greetings from a Serbian Orthodox Brother. It really touched my heart. ☦️

[@has25252]

Beautiful. Gives me goosebumps. This seems to me to be authentic American Orthodox expression. Glor to God!

[@vladodobleja748]

Orthodox chants are monophonic though...

[@harrietharlow9929]

@@vladodobleja748 Not all. Some chants use a drone (like the eson (sp.?) in Greek and some chant is polyphonic.

[@DFlaminberry]

​@@vladodobleja748 :p bah humbug

[@timfronimos459]

This could be the future of Eastern Orthodoxy in America. A blend of timeless Tradition and taking the best of local culture. Just as has happened over the centuries within every local Church. Praised be Jesus Christ.

[@RoJoMacCready]

For unto us a son is born, Unto us a child is given, For God is with us.

[@osstoj7155]

I instantly started to cry. Be blessed and protected. May the Lord watch over you. Greetings from Serbia

[@alseyhopkins3368]

God bless the South

[@richardgreiner9264]

I am born Appalachian and lived here all of my 67 years and this is absolutely beautiful! Thank you !

[@lockedandloaded6522]

HAIL CHRIST THE PANTOCRATOR THE ALPHA AND OMEGA MY COMMANDER IN CHIEF...SERBIAN ORTHODOX COMBAT VETERAN HERE...GOD BLESS ☦

[@NoYesNoY]

Wow so beautiful Greetings from Orthodox Serbia Love to my American Orthodox Brothers ☦️🇺🇸🇷🇺🇷🇸☦️🙏🏽☝🏽❤️

[@keysofperception4377]

Slava brat moj! Bog je snama!

[@whenpiratesattack]

God is the Ancient of Days and the Appalachian mountains are ancient in their own ways. Older than trees, the Appalachian feel mystic by themselves. With recognizing the sovereignty of God over them, this hymn becomes yet even more powerful as the people of the mountains sing praises to the ones who made them.

[@anthonychilders9549]

Fun geographical fact: It, the Scottish Highlands, and the Atlas Mountains in Africa are apart of the OLDEST mountain range, LITERALLY older than Pangaea.

[@harrietharlow9929]

@@anthonychilders9549 Yep. Which might be why my Celtic heart feels a power and familiarity I don't get with, say, the Rockies. Oh and there are mountains in Scotland where the top rock is North American from a time when Scotland was attached to what would become North America.

[@grimble4564]

The Appalachians are older than bones

[@steviov3376]

This is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. Kyrie eleison 🙏🏼☦️

[@justinw947]

Lord have mercy!! I'm taking this as a sign to visit the monastery in West Virginia. I'm currently developing a relationship with christ and need stuff like this more than you know. My hillbilly ass sure does need help God bless

[@sympnia]

As an Orthodox Christian (living in Greece) but of Apallachian descent... I really needed this! :-) More please.

[@colereece3902]

I’ve always greatly enjoyed the presence of the Irish subculture within the Appalachian culture itself. I can hear it coming out in this.

[@lisagleim1436]

Yessssss!!!!

[@thecannibalrobot]

Scottish, not Irish.

[@colereece3902]

@@thecannibalrobot so you’re claiming that there’s no Irish subculture in the American east

[@seirbhiseach]

@@colereece3902 The American East and Appalachia are two different things. They didn't move from Boston and New York to Chattanooga and Pilot Mountain and displace the established British subculture with their own, and the "Irish" that came to Appalachia before the famine sent the actual Irish to those traditionally Irish places in the American East were Scots from Ulster.

[@Peachy08]

​@@colereece3902mist Irish are in the N. East. Like Boston. Appalachian peoples mistly descended from Scots.

[@AltoonaYourPiano]

This sounds like a visit to the Orthodox church up the mountains in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. My mom's side of the family has some Eastern Orthodox family and growing up, we always celebrated January 7 as a second Christmas. To this day I still leave the Christmas decorations up until January 8-10 most years (sometimes later depending on the weather).

[@harrietharlow9929]

When I put them up, I tend to leave them up 'til Julian New Year.

[@cowwdoymac_19]

Слава Тебе Боже слава Тебе!

[@collinsmith6584]

Brings me to tears.

[@richardgreiner9264]

Orthodoxy is totally appropriate for Appalachia !

[@Pea.soup26]

I'm not Orthodox, but this is absolutely beautiful

[@garywhitt98]

Yes, the tonal stylings of the Celts Across the Sea, the Appalachians. Amen and amen from the mountains of the Blue Ridge.

[@harrietharlow9929]

Gotta say, this speaks to my Celtic heart.

[@bdnl6268]

Reminiscent too of Scottish Gaelic psalm singing - check it out.

[@jefferysmith4753]

This is giving this displaced Appalachian boy chills. It is wonderful. I am left with homesickness for the foothills and joy that this exist!

[@Just_Call_Me_Tim]

I grew up within sight of the Smokies, in the foothills, family thrown out when it was turned into a park, and some earlier than that with the Trail. I’ve never heard of anything like this and I do believe I’ve been missing out. 😢

[@csommer4492]

Need a love button, the echo makes me feel like I'm beside the people chanting.

[@scautoharpist]

Another great example of sacred harp singing can be heard in the movie Cold Mountain. Some churches in appalachia still sing in the hollow square and achieve this wonderfully powerful sound that can be heard for miles away.

[@sandraelder1101]

The drone note really gives it that melancholic, almost primeval sound. I can almost imagine Ralph Stanley taking a verse.

[@dianakidd4219]

You’ve got to be kidding. It’s not bluegrass at all.

[@crazychase98]

​@@dianakidd4219I think he means the people singing it there accent it's actual WV singing it. An there Is a Easter. Orthodox church in WV several actual.

[@truthshammer6748]

Well look at that! A natural fit, like it was meant to be! For God is with us!

[@ffs6158]

I would pay good money for a studio recorded version of everything in this ❤

[@flammingstinkstink1178]

Never thought the mountains would be able to treasure the beauty of orthodoxy but thinking about the caucus nations it actually make a lot of sense

[@rassy612]

I think this very sentiment is built into the very fabric of the Church. "Can any good come from Nazareth?"

[@siryizzur]

Tears in my eyes, heart swelling, and feeling close to the Lord. Beautiful music. Thank you and may God bless you.

[@BlueberryGirl723]

Beautiful song, very well done. Thank you. This was a blessing to hear. Christian Americans do submit to a Monarchal Hierarchy, and that is Jesus Christ KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. As free Americans we have no other King but Jesus Christ. Only the Word of God who walked among us in the flesh when He was born in Bethlehem and lived with us for 33 years is our guide and authority. John 1, KJV. May our only King ever be praised!

[@Winaska]

The strange and amazing thing for me is that by chanting these tones and giving them that ancient or timeless treatment it becomes easier to hear the echo of original Celtic sounds from Ireland and Scotland. And yet... something eerily native to America comes forth as well. Something almost like Native American singing. Deeply beautiful and haunting

[@donnakrauss94]

Blessings to all Orthodox Christians. ☦️☦️☦️

[@TheTruthBarrier]

Deeply stirring. Am I the only one who prefers the echo version?

[@davidmckelvey2601]

I'm Protestant but this makes me want to join an Orthodox monastery in the Appalachian mountians.

[@brettsmith2119]

Holy Cross Monastery. Wayne, WV. I'm Protestant as well.

[@BS-np8xt]

Do it!

[@williamcordasco945]

There is one- Holy Cross in West Virginia- Godspeed you!

[@DavinaMaryMagdalene]

so beautiful you can truly hear those slightly bluesy riffs in Bluegrass- GLORY TO GOD ☦️🙏🏻🤍🕯️

[@CharlieOscarDeuce]

I am Catholic and part of my family is from the WNC mountains. This is beyond powerful. I need to know if there is more chants like this somewhere.

[@Itstwofourteen]

I broke down crying listening to this... This is truly beautiful.

[@SonOFaNUN-jd7ov]

Love and prayers from a Roman Catholic. 🙏 ☦️✝️

[@user-jx7uo5jo4q]

Christ is King

[@carmell51]

This is so beautiful! I love hearing it with a Appalachian voices. Haven’t grown up in the Appalachian area. It’s something that stays with you. I’ve heard it said if you move away, you always come back you can’t get away from. I found that true. I thank you for this beautiful, beautiful singing, and the word of God. God bless you.😊

[@jojen4083]

Greetings from Bulgaria

[@dockbabington422]

When I hear this I imagine a ragged patrol of foreign soldiers. Lost in the Appalachian wilderness, after weeks of searching for "resistance fighters". They breech the thick woods, finding themselves in a small clearing. All around them from the depths of the forest comes the lilting chant of God is with us. It is only when the chanting stops, do they fully understand the hubris of their leaders, and futility of the mission.

[@MrNedsaabdickerson]

I have never heard Angels utter words until today.

[@BlueDusk95]

God bless you from France! It's gorgeous. It sounds like these Scottish laments called pibroch.

[@miketalley5476]

I keep coming back to this song over and over. The feeling of comfort I get from it is indescribable. I hear the cadence of the songs that I was raised with in the South, but within the words of an orthodox chant. It seems almost otherworldly to me. And I LOVE the echo effect! I find that I go through my day, with the refrain, "For God---- is with us", ringing in my ears!

[@kokotepeyac]

This is the best attempt of Appalachian / Scots Irish CHANT I have yet found. Bravo! It carries several melodic patterns from the Sacred Harp Songbook and Ballad tradition and retrofits them with phrasing and text of Greek Christian chant tradition. It’s a match made in Heaven! Please make more!!! But you should really change the title… it is DEFINITELY NOT bluegrass. (Though it is in the same cultural patrimony.) You should rename it to something like … Appalachian Chant / inspired by Sacred Harp / Ballad singing.

[@simriths.s5976]

Amen

[@SpearOfLughh]

One of the most beautiful versions of chant I have ever heard, being so avidly into bluegrass & Appalachia as an Englishman & being so intwined with Christianity as an Anglican-Catholic, this speaks to my heart and soul.

[@Aromatic.Bleach]

Yall need to drop it with the bluegrass comments. This has no relation to it, nor does it share any similarity.

[@SpearOfLughh]

@@Aromatic.Bleach Just pointing out I enjoy the southern sound, not solely bluegrass, I never said it was anything like bluegrass.

[@SpearOfLughh]

@@Aromatic.Bleach I just worded it poorly, I hope you have a blessed day

[@player1playforfun]

I hope you find the truth in Orthodoxy, my brother in Christ!

[@RickSimmons-ej1pv]

There are undeniable traces of bluegrass in this chant my friend. Take the plugs out of your ears.@@Aromatic.Bleach

[@thankyou8622]

for those curious, there are a few more videos of this parish and its music here www.youtube.com/@RightGlory

[@tomz1daful]

Sounds like it wants to break into sacred harp music... Hearing each groyp singing is so solumn... Beautiful....

[@kaldo8429]

This chant is so beautiful. Upon hearing it for the first time I was overcome by the Holy Spirit and was compelled to kneel and offer a prayer of pure submission. After which I read scripture.

[@mad7206]

I have goosebumps listening to this

[@Stephen-zq2wf]

Appalachian Gregoria Chant - Prayers to God are Always Beautiful

[@AnastasiaTheConvert]

Please visit Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne W Virginia to experience the Holy Apostolic Church of Christ Jesus. They are in process of building a temple but take visitors and donations.

[@stevecochran9078]

Whoa.......Appalachian-American and Orthodox Christian (OCA) here. THAT was Awesome!

[@donnimiller6709]

This is amazing 😭🙌🏼 God is with us.

[@porter9812]

Ok this is just beautiful. Thank you for the upload

[@betsysingh-anand3228]

Appalachia born and bred. This is one of the best things I've ever heard ❤

[@dianakidd4219]

I’m Appalachian too. This song isn’t anything like bluegrass. I like real bluegrass music better.

[@sayChristIsKing]

Im smiling like a kid right now, this is refreshing.

[@fireproofvb]

I have been dabbling in Orthodoxy recently and as a southerner with deep Appalachian roots this hit me like a brick wall. Thank you. I have never felt more at peace spiritually than in the 3 and a half minutes of this.

[@joshepherd9095]

God is with us!

[@innocente7795]

Glory to Christ God☦️This short video is so wonderful. The images and the words and of course the amazing American Orthodox style chant… such a beautiful three and half minutes. I keep coming back to see it over again. Thank you so much. Lord bless

[@RosaryWarrior15-bf2nc]

I go to Saint John of The Ladder, Thank you for featuring Our Church in The Doxology!

[@ermisliviosakapoobah669]

Συγχαρητήρια. How moving, especially for a Greek-American cantor in the psaltic tradition. The execution in English and with the Appalachian style demonstrates the deep genetic and cultural roots that tie the Scottish and Irish nations with the Greeks in our shared Celtic lanugage, music and culture. God is with us indeed! And I am uplifted to see the adaptation of the verse to our present day with the invocation of the Government and Council of the Lord in Justice and Truth. God Bless you in mythic Appalachia from from our communities here in Olympos and the Alps through which you traveled and once and still live! May the voices of the angels bring us ever closer to one another and to Him!

[@Outrider74]

My daughter and I both agree that this works very well. Nice

[@victoriabutanu5400]

So beautiful and awe inspiring! So happy to see people coming to Orthodoxy. Greeting from the East. Слава Богу за всё!

[@stekas5003]

Thank you brother that hymn gave tears and joy altogether (χαρμολύπη) ,god bless from Greece.

[@ValidityJ]

As an American. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Appalachian style singing. It makes me want to move there. Y'all, I feel, are truly representing Orthodoxy with an American undertone in your style....which is SO REFRESHING! YES. We speak ENGLISH. YES. We have own own style. It's HAUNTINGLY beautiful.....full of strength, sorrow, humility, full of proclamation power!! It's truly amazing.

[@Wenum32]

This truly is beautiful and brings tears to my eyes. I hope you release more of this style of hymns. If anyone knows where else to find hymns like this please let me know! That being said stay in prayer brothers and sisters for Christ our Lord and Savior is coming soon 🙏👑

[@mattmackmack9173]

This blows my mind.

[@pinetreeriots]

This is so amazing. As an Orthodox American, I need more of this.

[@troyhavok8605]

Wow.. I was afraid to listen to this at first, but it actually gives me hope for the resurrection of Logos in this nation. Glory to God in the Highest! This true participation in the life of God.

[@mariaashot5648]

I utterly love this. Thank you so much, everyone!

[@90sretrodad]

It's just what I needed, the words to remind me of the Truth, Way and the Life There Of and There In. Immanuel, GOD is with us amen!

[@youKnowWho3311]

One way or the other. God shall reign over this domain and sculpt it as he desires. Prepare for glory!

[@robinh.524]

Oh how I miss the Carolina Mountains. Reminds me of Scottish Highlands musicof old times with a hint of Native Cherokee! Gorgeous. Pulls at the soul.

[@dianakidd4219]

It’s not anything like bluegrass.