Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida hosted the first-ever Young Aspiring Chanters Conference from March 6–8, welcoming more than 40 young men and women from across the United States who gathered to deepen their knowledge and love of the sacred art of Orthodox Christian chant.
The three-day conference was designed to introduce and cultivate a foundational understanding of Byzantine chant, the ancient musical tradition that has accompanied Orthodox Christian worship for centuries. Through instruction, workshops, and hands-on chanting, participants explored the beauty, structure, and spiritual depth of this sacred musical form.
The conference was co-chaired by Sam Atalis and Andreas Stamatakis, members of Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church and co-founders of The Chant Stand, a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing and promoting the art of Byzantine chant worldwide. Along with a dedicated team of volunteers, they organized and led a program that fostered learning, mentorship, and fellowship among young people interested in serving the Church through liturgical music.
Photo by Sophia Pavlatos/PAV PhotographySamuel Herron and Joshua Boyd, both respected chanters and teachers of Byzantine music, led the conference’s instructional sessions. Over the course of the three days, they guided participants through fundamentals of chanting, liturgical practice, and the theological meaning behind the hymns of the Church, helping attendees grow in confidence and appreciation for this sacred tradition.
Participants also had the opportunity to chant together during services at Saint Mark, experiencing firsthand how this ancient musical language elevates prayer and unites the faithful in worship.
“This gathering reflects something deeply hopeful for the life of the Church,” said Fr. Mark Leondis of Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church. “These young people are discovering that Byzantine chant is not simply music, but prayer offered through sound — a living tradition that connects us to the faith of the apostles, the saints, and generations of Orthodox Christians.”
Organizers are hopeful that the conference will continue to grow and also serve as a feeder program for the Metropolis’ Liturgical Arts Academy, helping identify and nurture young people with a calling to serve the Church through sacred music.
Saint Mark Church was honored to host this important gathering and looks forward to supporting future initiatives that nurture liturgical leadership and deepen the spiritual life of the Church.
Photo by Sophia Pavlatos/PAV PhotographyAbout The Chant Stand
The Chant Stand is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing and promoting the art of Byzantine chant. Through educational programs, workshops, conferences, and collaborative initiatives, the organization seeks to inspire and equip a new generation of chanters while supporting the continued flourishing of this sacred musical tradition in Orthodox Christian communities around the world.
