OCU in the Lavra: When a recording replaces the choir

“Service” of the OCU at the Church of the Conception of St. Anne in the Lavra. Photo: Screenshot of the OCU’s “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” Facebook page

The OCU keeps finding new ways to leave people shaking their heads. After gaining access to the Lower Lavra, it brought in a new set of rules – and now even the choir has been replaced by a recording. During services, a specially assigned person sits by the equipment and hits “play” at just the right moments.

The Facebook livestream comments say it all. Some viewers – including OCU supporters themselves – are indignant that “a tape recorder sings instead of the choir.” Others see nothing wrong with it: after all, the recording was made in a large cathedral and sounds impressive.

But the issue goes far beyond whether the singing sounds “beautiful” or not.

A church choir is not simply a group of hired vocalists providing background music. Its singers are participants in the service. More than that, they give voice to the entire praying congregation. Ideally, everyone in church should sing “with one heart and one mouth.” That is exactly what happens at many village parishes where there are no professional singers at all. The sound may be far from flawless – but everyone is praying together.

Until recently, the Lower Lavra had what a monastery is supposed to have – a monastic choir. The monks sang on behalf of the entire brotherhood.

And now?

The parishioners have been driven out. The monks are kept out of the churches. In their place is a handful of OCU “monks,” with virtually no congregation of their own.

So where there should be living, common prayer, they press a button – and let the recording sing.

A spiritual wasteland.

Read also