Letter from Protopsaltis Stelios Kontakiotis

Dear Fathers, Instructors, Board Members, and Participants of the Liturgical Arts Academy,

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Liturgical Arts Academy for the gracious invitation to participate in the Summer 2026 Workshop and for entrusting me with the privilege of serving as an instructor for the Master Class students. It was truly an honor and a blessing to share in this beautiful experience of learning, fellowship, and service to the sacred tradition of our Church.

I would especially like to extend my sincere and personal thanks to Fr. Anthony Salzman and Presvytera Christine for their extraordinary hospitality, kindness, and love. Their dedication and generosity created an atmosphere in which everyone could experience not only musical growth, but also genuine Christian fellowship and brotherhood.

I would also like to express my deep gratitude to Fr. Anthony Salzman, Fr. Andreas Houpos, and Fr. Constantine Carros for presiding over the divine services throughout the workshop. Their prayerful presence and pastoral leadership gave us the opportunity to experience what we study and teach in its proper and most sacred setting: the worship of the Church. Our chanting finds its true meaning and purpose when it becomes prayer and an offering to God within the Divine Services.

My warmest thanks also go to my fellow instructors, John, Michael Boyer, and Samuel Herron. It was a great joy and privilege to serve alongside you, to exchange knowledge and experience, and, above all, to share our common love and devotion to the sacred art of Byzantine chant.

I am equally grateful to the Board of the Liturgical Arts Academy for their trust, hospitality, and tireless commitment to the mission of the Academy. The spirit of brotherhood and unity that I experienced throughout the workshop made my time with you especially meaningful and memorable.

Finally, I wish to offer a very special word of appreciation to all of the participants. Your dedication, enthusiasm, humility, and commitment were truly inspiring. Through your willingness to study, learn, and serve, you are contributing to the preservation, cultivation, and dissemination of the holy and sacred art of Byzantine chant for generations to come.

May God bless the Liturgical Arts Academy and all those who labor for its sacred mission. May He strengthen each of you in your ministry and grant that our beautiful psaltic tradition may continue to flourish, always serving its highest purpose: the glorification of God and the edification of His Holy Church.

With profound gratitude and brotherly love in Christ,

Stelios Kontakiotis

2026 Summer Academy