Choir

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The inception of the choir was in July of 1972, before what is known today as Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church. A few members of the G.O.C.C., Greek Orthodox Community Center as it was then known, were simply Greek Orthodox Christians that built and met in this building, to celebrate and share their Greek culture and traditions. The G.O.C.C. also substituted as a church, and the members would have a visiting priest from Ft. Pierce, celebrate Divine Liturgy on Saturday evenings. After months of several meetings under the leadership of Kosmo Yalourakis they officially organized the choir in January of 1973 and elected Manny Horianopoulos as the 1st Choir Director. The choir consisted of 8 members and Manny’s 15 year-old daughter Joanne assumed the duties of church organist. Jim Kouchelakos became the Choir Director in December of 1975 and held that post until 1980. In June of 1980 Rea Kalessa became the Choir Director with Betty Tsatiris as church organist. Mrs. Kalessa remained Choir Director until June of 1992 when she stepped-down for personal reasons. During her absence Michael Zamakos assumed the duties of Choir Director until he retired in 1994 and moved from the Melbourne area. In June of 1994 Rea Kalessa again resumed the responsibilities of Choir Director. That same year Peggy Murudov was hired as our church organist and still retains that post.

On October 1, 2006, National Church Music Sunday honoring our church musicians, Rea Kalessa was honored for her 25 years of dedication and service as Choir Director.

Father Demetri and the parish council explored the idea of introducing a Junior Choir to assist our choir in their duties on Sundays and special holidays and in December 2008, Mrs. Valerie Karas assisted by Mrs. Stella Triantafylidis debuted the St. Katherine Junior Choir where they have become an integral part of our Sunday worship. In April 2009, Ms. Catherine Psarakis became the Junior Choir Director until August 2012, since then Mr. Alex Theodotou heads the Junior Choir.

Mrs. Rea Kalessa remained Choir Director of Saint Katherine until February 2012 when she was hospitalized and remained there until her passing on July 6, 2012, where she joined her beloved husband Russ. In February 2012, Mrs. Triantafylidis assumed the position of interim Choir Director.

Currently there are 12 senior choir members and 12 Junior Choir members. Our choir is forever aging and requires new voices in order that the choir can continue in its dedicated unending service to Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Volunteers are needed to carry on this important ministry.