St. Tikhon’s Seminary Choir is thrilled to perform a special Christmas program, “The Cavern and the Tomb: A Concert of Carols and Hymns for the Coming of Christ,” December 9th, at Three Saints Orthodox Church in Ansonia, Connecticut. Beginning at 4pm, the program will also feature special performers from the director’s own family — the Sheehan Family Singers!

Additionally, the Seminary Choir is pleased to have six new voices from this year’s freshman class to participate in singing of the wondrous mystery of our Lord’s incarnation. The concert promises to be an enchanting and cultural experience, showcasing an array of musical traditions from around the world, with pieces specially arranged by director Benedict Sheehan. As a sneak peak to this special event, the program will include familiar selections such as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Silent Night,” and “Coventry Carol,” along with a variety of Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, and even Appalachian pieces.

We are also honored to share the joy of the season with one our own alumni, Fr. Patrick Burns, pastor of Three Saints Orthodox Church, who serves as president of St. Tikhon’s Alumni Association, and whose fellowship we eagerly anticipate, along with his wife, Matushka Mara, and their wonderful parish.

All are encouraged to join us for this special celebration performed by the Seminary Choir, as we magnify together the condescension of Eternal God into our midst — the Lord Jesus Christ, born in a manger. And may we also, this season of the Nativity, hearken to the words of John of Kronstadt: “Let us, then, O brothers and sisters, bring these virtues as a gift to the One Who was born for the sake of our salvation – let us bring them in place of the gold, frankincense and myrrh which the Magi brought Him, as to One Who is King, God, and Man, come to die for us. This, from us, shall be the most-pleasing form of sacrifice to God and to the Infant Jesus Christ.”
 

-Article by Seminarian Ryan Stephen Ray