Ethos & Yphos

#6 - Shaping the Antiochian Chant Tradition w/ Rev Fr. John (Rassem) El Massih

Episode 6 of Ethos & Yphos features a conversation with Rev. Fr. John (Rassem) El Massih, a priest, teacher, and lifelong servant of Byzantine sacred music. Fr. John currently serves as Proistamenos of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Washington DC. Prior to his priesthood, he was a traveling Deacon for Metropolitan Philip (of Thrice Blessed Memory) and Metropolitan Joseph, where he planted seeds of Byzantine music among the many churches he visited across the country. In this episode, we trace Fr. John's musical journey, with particular focus on his formative studies under the esteemed priest, chanter, and hymnographer, Fr. Nicolas Malek. We also discuss his role in the establishment of the Antiochian Archdiocesan Byzantine Choir, as well as the Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music. Fr. John has played a key role in the advancement of Byzantine chant in America: whether through his teachings, recordings, or compositions, and offers his unique perspective on its development.   🎧 Listen to Ethos & Yphos on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you get your podcasts.  🔔 Early access available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SonsofAntioch  [https://www.patreon.com/SonsofAntioch]   🌐 Sons of Antioch Website: https://sonsofantioch.us/ [https://sonsofantioch.us/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonsofAntioch [https://www.youtube.com/@SonsofAntioch]  All links: https://linktr.ee/sonsofantioch [https://linktr.ee/sonsofantioch]    More from Fr John:  Antiochian Sacred Music Department: https://www.antiochian.org/dashboard?name=Sacred%20Music [https://www.antiochian.org/dashboard?name=Sacred%20Music]   #EthosAndYphos #ByzantineChant #SacredMusic #OrthodoxMusic #LiturgicalMusic #OrthodoxChristianity #ChurchMusic #SonsOfAntioch

#5 - Voice, Yphos, and Ministry w/ Photini Downie Robinson

Episode 5 of Ethos & Yphos features a rich and wide-ranging conversation with Photini Downie Robinson, Protopsaltria at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, soloist with Cappella Romana, and faculty of the Synaxis of Orthodox Women Byzantine Cantors. As a classically trained vocalist and current student of pastoral theology, Photini brings a uniquely integrated perspective to the practice and theology of Byzantine chant. In this episode, we explore her musical formation, her journey to Orthodoxy through her work with Cappella Romana, the vocal and interpretive dimensions of Byzantine chant, and how her studies in pastoral theology inform her experiences at the analogion.   🎧 Listen to Ethos & Yphos on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you get your podcasts.  🔔 Early access available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SonsofAntioch  [https://www.patreon.com/SonsofAntioch]   🌐 Sons of Antioch Website: https://sonsofantioch.us/ [https://sonsofantioch.us/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonsofAntioch [https://www.youtube.com/@SonsofAntioch]  All links: https://linktr.ee/sonsofantioch [https://linktr.ee/sonsofantioch]    More from Photini:   Hymn of Kassiani, English (Boyer/Lash): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_KRzAQDKOo [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dn_KRzAQDKOo&data=05%7C02%7C%7C909bec75142b42b9893208de789daa44%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639080815765441458%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=unMxSH8LpYz0LKQFMsubzbgV0k8zgxy5fgPwMqCrkTc%3D&reserved=0] Yphos Studio: https://www.yphosmusic.com/ [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yphosmusic.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C909bec75142b42b9893208de789daa44%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639080815765478184%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=l%2FxnyM7JxMHGTMYKKtMtomOshqlEFWkqf9NpUO2rVGs%3D&reserved=0] The Liturgical Arts Academy (TLAA): https://www.theliturgicalarts.org/chant [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theliturgicalarts.org%2Fchant&data=05%7C02%7C%7C909bec75142b42b9893208de789daa44%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639080815765498249%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QaKxXR8oi5AmeichzYxguPNZVN4hjL8VYdmR1wMbMns%3D&reserved=0]   Axia Women, Part I (2022): https://www.axiawomen.org/wow/photini-downie-robinson [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.axiawomen.org%2Fwow%2Fphotini-downie-robinson&data=05%7C02%7C%7C909bec75142b42b9893208de789daa44%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639080815765518174%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0C76CWzeYfYJ0zileYJLHyM67TobkmE%2FTOj%2Bq20duzU%3D&reserved=0] Axia Women, Part II (2025): https://www.axiawomen.org/wow/update-photini-downie-robinson-woman-week [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.axiawomen.org%2Fwow%2Fupdate-photini-downie-robinson-woman-week&data=05%7C02%7C%7C909bec75142b42b9893208de789daa44%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639080815765539417%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=uwEmcZDWUwA5jv%2Br%2BDFB2zeQTa11bUB0YB7kl%2B%2FtTFQ%3D&reserved=0]   Ancient Faith Radio, Part I: https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/sacrificeofpraise/a_conversation_with_photini_downie_robinson_part_i/ [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ancientfaith.com%2Fpodcasts%2Fsacrificeofpraise%2Fa_conversation_with_photini_downie_robinson_part_i%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C909bec75142b42b9893208de789daa44%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639080815765561565%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2bUnMW0JD0n1YHk4lTNuYrvYdwWcM4vGlQVn1widwg0%3D&reserved=0] Ancient Faith Radio, Part II: https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/sacrificeofpraise/a_conversation_with_photini_downie_robinson_part_2/ [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ancientfaith.com%2Fpodcasts%2Fsacrificeofpraise%2Fa_conversation_with_photini_downie_robinson_part_2%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C909bec75142b42b9893208de789daa44%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639080815765584269%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Bl4rFTh040bcW%2FpeKgDnuaoX0el70OtsN3CspMv18TY%3D&reserved=0]   Bridging the Gap: Connections from the Kliros Keynote Lecture, Society of St Romanos the Melodist, Orthodox Music Masterclass https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAfrJqtU45Y [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DqAfrJqtU45Y&data=05%7C02%7C%7C909bec75142b42b9893208de789daa44%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639080815765609335%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nDXxGAfg0i3TS%2B7A8B3T3UfUpj%2BvLuvRm%2BHAAjoSV30%3D&reserved=0]   #EthosAndYphos #ByzantineChant #SacredMusic #OrthodoxMusic #CappellaRomana #LiturgicalMusic #OrthodoxChristianity #ChurchMusic #SonsOfAntioch

#4 - Tradition, Education, and the Antiochian Yphos w/ Joseph Yazbeck

Episode 4 of Ethos & Yphos features a wide-ranging conversation with Joseph Yazbeck, founder of the SEM (School of Ecclesiastical Music) Choir of Mount Lebanon and composer of over 20,000 pages of Byzantine music. As the founder of SEM, Yazbeck has trained generations of chanters and performed in numerous concerts, playing a significant role in the growth and preservation of Byzantine music in Lebanon. In this episode, we explore the founding of SEM, his pedagogical approach, and his monumental compositional project currently underway. The discussion culminates in a particularly poignant reflection on the character, history, and common misconceptions surrounding the Antiochian yphos. 🎧 Listen to Ethos & Yphos on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 🔔 Early access available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SonsofAntioch 🌐 Sons of Antioch Website: https://sonsofantioch.us/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonsofAntioch All links: https://linktr.ee/sonsofantioch

#3 - Purpose, Practice, and Psalmody w/ Fr. Panteleimon Papadopoulos

Episode 3 of Ethos & Yphos features a conversation with Fr. Panteleimon Papadopoulos, a priest, teacher, and lifelong servant of Byzantine sacred music. Fr. Panteleimon currently serves as Proistamenos of Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Brookville, New York. Prior to his priesthood, he spent over 20 years as an Archdeacon under both Archbishop Demetrios and Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, where he played a key role in the organization and operation of the Greek Archdiocesan Byzantine Choir and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese School of Byzantine Music. In this episode, we trace Fr. Panteleimon’s musical journey, with particular focus on his formative studies under the late Archon Musikodidaskalos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Nikolaos Steliaros. We also discuss his role in the establishment of the GOA School of Byzantine Music and GOA Byzantine Choir, his insights into the development of Byzantine chant in English, and his perspective on the future of chanting in America. 🎧 Listen to Ethos & Yphos on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 🔔 Early access available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SonsofAntioch 🌐 Sons of Antioch Website: https://sonsofantioch.us/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonsofAntioch All links: https://linktr.ee/sonsofantioch

#2 - The Living Tradition in Beirut w/ Fr. Romanos Joubran

On Episode 2 of Ethos & Yphos, we are honored to welcome Archpriest Romanos Joubran. Fr. Romanos serves as the Director of the St. Romanos the Melodist Choir of Beirut, the Director of the Byzantine Music School at the Archdiocese of Beirut, and a Professor of Byzantine Music at both the Balamand Seminary and the Lebanese National Conservatory. In this episode, we trace Fr. Romanos’s musical journey—from his early formation under Master Chanter Henry Neaimeh, to his body of compositions, including his notable Divine Liturgy Book. We also explore his leadership of the St. Romanos Byzantine Music School and Choir, his work in developing a formal Byzantine Music curriculum, and his teaching philosophy and approach. 🎧 Listen to Ethos & Yphos on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you get your podcasts. 🔔 Early access available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SonsofAntioch 🌐 Sons of Antioch Website: https://sonsofantioch.us/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonsofAntioch All links: https://linktr.ee/sonsofantioch