Athanasios Filippis

Selected and appointed by His Grace Metropolitan Gerasimos of Neapolis Crete as Protopsaltis of the Historic Parish of the Annunciation of Theotokos in Moxos Heraklion.

Lead daily divine liturgy as head chanter, upholding typicon standards set by metropolis.

• Protopsaltis, Choir Director, Byzantine Music Instructor
• Cultivated a positive rehearsal environment by fostering collaboration, mutual respect, and camaraderie among choir members, highlighting Orthodox patristic teachings and Byzantine tradition as per our teachers.

• Educated students on proper vocal techniques and vocal warm-ups.
• Mentored individual choir members, providing personalized guidance on vocal technique, stage presence, and musicianship for improved performance quality.
• Inspired a love of choral music in students, leading to an increase in choir participation and student retention.

Dedicated seven years to studying Byzantine music theory under Father Efraim's mentorship. Participated in advanced learning sessions with distinguished masters in a sacred environment. Explored intricate aspects of Byzantine music alongside respected practitioners.

held exceptional privilege of being among first students of Gerasimos Vasilopoulos (Father Efraim at Saint Nektarios Monastery Roscoe).

My Esteemed teacher was still a layperson when I began Byzantine Music studies with him, while he held the position of Protopsaltis at Saint Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria which I later became Lampadarios.

After my teacher received the calling for monasticism

I spent many months at Saint Nektarios Monastery under my teacher Father Efraim's strict tutalage of the Ancient Art to whom ( after God) I owe my experience.