On January 14, 2025, with the blessing of Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, a ceremonial opening of the School of Eastern Church Singing took place in Plovdiv, reports the website of the Bulgarian Patriarchate. The event, including a prayer service, was led by Bishop Polycarp of Belogradchik, the first vicar of the metropolitan, in the hall of the Plovdiv Theological Seminary and Academy (PTSA) of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
Bishop Polycarp described the opening of the School of Eastern Church Singing as a historic event for the Plovdiv Metropolis and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church as a whole. He expressed hope that the school would become a source of spiritual renewal and unity for the faithful.
Professor Ioannis Papachronis emphasized that the art of singing is a gift bestowed by God to both humans and angels. He noted that mastering church singing requires patience, deep knowledge of the faith, and an understanding of the meaning behind the hymns.
The program has enrolled 113 students and includes studies in Church Slavonic, hymnography, solfeggio, and neume notation—a unique type of musical notation used in the Byzantine tradition. Students will learn all types of Eastern church chants, gain proficiency in working with musical texts, and acquire comprehensive knowledge of liturgical practices.
The school is also publishing a textbook on Eastern Orthodox Church music, edited by Professor Ioannis Papachronis, which will be used as a core resource in the curriculum.
Upon completing the course, students will take an exam before a commission and receive a certificate qualifying them to serve as church chanters in Bulgarian Orthodox churches.