By Henry W. and Austin C.
The Family Foundation School chapel was filled with the sound of music and worship on the final day of May. Father Stephen Morris invited his friend Father John Zharsky, a Greek Orthodox priest, to come and lead a special service for the students.
“This is the third time Father Zharsky has come to the school to lead us in prayer. He’s a good friend to our community, has a deep interest in our recovery, and prays for us. We’re glad and grateful to have him as our friend,” explained Father Stephen.
The service that Father Zharsky and his cantor Gabriel Monforte led is called the Akathist, and is entirely sung.
The Akathist was composed when Constantinople was under siege by the Moors. The people gathered in Hagia Sofia (Holy Wisdom) prayed the Akathist, standing all night, and the city was saved from the Muslim attack.
Catholics devote the month of May to Mary, so Father Stephen, Father Zharsky, and Monforte thought the Akathist would be an appropriate way to close Mary’s month.
Father Zharsky was quite impressed with the students’ participation in the service. He commented, “All the students during the service were very prayerful, and after the service were very respectful. I could see the faith in their eyes. I’m so grateful for the experience.”
