Cappella Romana

I went to my first Cappella Romana concert last night at St. Mark's. With soprano Patricia Rozario taking center stage, I heard more of my patron saint's work last night than ever before. St. Kassiene was a 9th century hymnographer - fairly late for Orthodox hymnography and also the only known woman composer whose works have survived. (Another woman's work does exist though her name has been lost to history.)

A few quick musings:

There was too much to process last night. The music was mostly in Greek (with a bit of Tavener in English) but the program had English translations to go with a few of the hymns. It was amazing. I didn't become Orthodox for the music, but I am constantly in awe that these hymns and songs are a regular part of my life. I have been given the richest of traditions and cultures. It's humbling. I have much to consider about the hymns of St. Kassiene. I'm so thankful for the translated texts.

She was human, human, human. So often I forget that the saints were people, people who would likely not welcome the attention we give them. St. Kassia was a fiesty, opinionated, incredible woman. Her model of repentance will last me if I choose to follow it. More than ever, I am becoming convinced that she was given to me as my patron, not me who chose her. That is pure comfort.

St. Mark's has really lost it. They have literally stripped the cathedral of Christianity and instead hoisted a variety of multifaith banners, of which the cross is one piece. In their brochure, it was stated that they are there so that St. Mark's can be a place of prayer where people of all faiths are welcome. I have to wonder what St. Mark thinks of it all. Stripping a Christian cathedral of Christ leaves a fairly empty shell of what could be. It was disheartening to see one of Seattle's most recognizable churches as having left its past. There were still hymnals, they haven't changed the name (yet), and there is still a small chapel that has not been stripped, but for the most part, St. Mark's is a faithless shell. I hate to be so judgmental, but when a church no longer proclaims Christ, what is left? A nice place to hear a concert, I guess.

After the concert, I went to the reception next door. I felt out of place, as I'm not a musician and am just a first time subscriber who likes what she likes but doesn't know what it is about - but I'm glad I went for the eight minutes I stayed. All in all a lovely night for some music and a brisk walk home.

Too bad my body gave out overnight and I could not wake up for church. I almost cried when I realized I had slept through the alarm. Ever out of control, I guess.

way over yonder in the minor key

Glarg

Ah fair ego, how precious and fragile thou art. Thou that art blown over in the faintest of breezes, perhaps it is best if you remain deflated for awhile.