The Pursuit of Beauty with Matthew Wilkinson

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Chris Hoyt, composer and church musician, as we explore the rich tradition of Anglican church music and the ongoing debate between traditional and contemporary worship styles. This comprehensive discussion covers everything from organ repertoire to hymn arrangements, making it essential viewing for church musicians, worship leaders, and anyone interested in Anglican liturgical music. (The Pursuit of Beauty Podcast Episode 23)Traditional Anglican Music Heritage and Cultural Continuity - Chris Hoyt emphasizes that being Anglican encompasses more than theology and church government - it means embracing 500 years of artistic and cultural tradition. He argues against the casual dismissal of this heritage in favor of personal musical preferences, highlighting how Anglican chant serves as a "tremendous gift to the church Catholic" and a flexible tool for singing scriptures. The discussion delves into what constitutes appropriate church music, with both speakers agreeing that context is crucial. Hoyt shares examples of using challenging repertoire like Messiaen's works in specific liturgical moments, emphasizing that music must serve the worship experience rather than showcase artistic expression. They explore how the Psalms provide a model for incorporating a wide range of human emotions - from joy to anguish - into liturgical music.A significant portion of the conversation addresses the practical reality facing the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), where many parishes only have guitar players rather than organists. Hoyt advocates for gradually growing congregations toward traditional music while acknowledging the integrity of contemporary Christian music. The speakers discuss successful examples of churches incorporating hymnal repertoire with contemporary instrumentation.We explore the complexities of blended worship services, with both musicians sharing their experiences. They discuss the technical challenges of combining traditional and contemporary elements effectively, including the importance of keyboard-driven arrangements over guitar-driven ones for aesthetic continuity. Specific examples include incorporating brass ensembles with both traditional hymns and contemporary songs during major feast days.We share our approaches to challenging repertoire, from Duruflé's works to Bach's organ compositions. They emphasize the importance of preparation and giving one's best effort as an offering to God, rather than pursuing perfection for its own sake. The conversation touches on the balance between artistic excellence and pastoral sensitivity in choosing appropriate music for different congregational contexts.Hoyt discusses his published collections, including "20 Hymn Voluntaries" and "75 Hymn Tunes Reharmonized," explaining how these works arose from practical liturgical needs. He shares specific examples of reharmonizations that reflect the emotional content of different hymn verses, particularly those dealing with penitential themes or the Passion of Christ.We include examples from Ethiopian Orthodox, Syriac, and other Eastern Christian traditions, exploring how different cultures approach the balance between reverence and celebration in communion music. This includes fascinating insights into liturgical dancing and the use of drums during the Eucharist in some traditions, challenging Western assumptions about appropriate worship music.We conclude with deeper theological reflections on music's role in Christian formation. Hoyt argues that church music should be the "fountainhead" that flows out to transform community life, bringing back simple pleasures like communal singing and dancing. They discuss how authentic Christian culture can serve as an "oasis in a desert place" by recovering God's good gifts in creation, including music's role in the cosmic choir of worship.

In this episode of The Pursuit of Beauty Podcast, host Matthew Wilkinson sits down with thinker and entrepreneur Jordan Hall for a wide-ranging conversation about beauty, truth, goodness, and the challenges of modern civilization. Hall, co-founder of mp3.com and a key figure in the early internet streaming revolution, brings his unique background in technology, philosophy, and faith to a dialogue that touches everything from Christian theology to the future of urban planning. Together they explore how the transcendentals—beauty, goodness, and truth—intersect with our personal lives, our politics, and the spiritual destiny of culture.Early in the conversation, Wilkinson frames beauty not simply as an aesthetic category but as a divine name, drawing on the writings of Dionysius and Aquinas. Hall responds by questioning how truth-based discourse can limit our apprehension of the beautiful, and whether we must learn to “presence beauty” rather than merely analyze it. This sparks a deep reflection on how different art forms can all reveal aspects of the same transcendent essence, even while each medium brings forward different facets of reality.The dialogue turns to the difficult question of what makes something beautiful versus ugly. From abstract modern art to glass-and-concrete high-rises, Wilkinson and Hall wrestle with the criteria by which one can render judgment. Hall suggests that beauty itself is a faculty capable of defending its judgments without needing to be laundered through truth or goodness. This leads to an illuminating exploration of how propaganda often disguises itself by borrowing from truth and beauty.Politics and propaganda naturally enter the discussion, as both men consider how mass media and later the internet shape our understanding of truth and values. Hall provides a penetrating analysis of how twentieth-century propaganda techniques optimized for television are breaking down in the digital age, creating both dangers and opportunities. They compare Soviet and Western approaches to truth distortion, asking what happens when societies abandon shared standards of reality.From there, the conversation broadens into urbanism, architecture, and the fate of cities. Wilkinson references conversations with architects like Michael Diamant, while Hall argues provocatively that the urban itself is a category in decline. They discuss whether it is possible to have a truly beautiful city or whether the urban form is inherently tied to scarcity, opulence, and spiritual distortion. This thread leads naturally into reflections on cathedrals, new urbanism, and the tension between monumental architecture and the simplicity of monastic cells.Hall situates these questions within a larger framework: the transition from the third industrial revolution (the digital/communication age) to the fourth industrial revolution (decentralization, bespoke production, AI, and new community forms). He argues that society is moving from scarcity to abundance, though currently abundance is often distorted into mere opulence. The key challenge is learning how to inhabit abundance spiritually, not just materially.Abundance, in their view, will not look like endless skyscrapers or gilded palaces, but like the everyday beauty of love, family, and community—a grandmother rocking her grandchild, or the intimacy of shared worship. Wilkinson and Hall emphasize that the future of civilization may rest in our ability to unify beauty, goodness, and truth in the spirit of love, creating societies marked not by opulence but by genuine harmony.The theological dimension remains central throughout. From Eucharistic gratitude to the New Jerusalem, from Schmemann to David Bentley Hart, the discussion roots cultural renewal in the Christian vision of creation as fundamentally beautiful and good. For Hall, the New Jerusalem is not merely a future city but the living body of Christ, distributed wherever believers gather in the spirit of God.

Orthodox iconography, Rothko, sacred art, and the problem of propaganda in beauty—this second interview with Fr. Silouan Justiniano takes us deep into the intersection of faith, modern art, and the revival of Christian tradition. From Mark Rothko’s sublime color fields to the Byzantine legacy of iconography, Fr. Silouan explores how authentic art transcends ideology and points toward the divine, while kitsch and propaganda reduce beauty to mere sentimentality or political utility. For artists, theologians, and lovers of beauty alike, this conversation offers profound insight into the meaning of sacred creativity in a modern world. Fr. Silouan contrasts Rembrandt’s material richness with the chromatic delicacy of Persian and Indian miniatures, arguing that each tradition bears unique spiritual weight through the materials and techniques it employs. Beauty, he insists, cannot be reduced to mere skill or novelty; it is bound to the inner life of the artist and the contemplative power of form itself.The discussion moves to the avant-garde, as Fr. Silouan examines artists like Rothko, Pollock, and Kandinsky, showing how abstraction, when undertaken with depth and authenticity, opens paths to contemplation and the sublime. Rather than gimmickry or intellectual posturing, true abstraction leads the viewer into silence, mystery, and wonder—an experience he connects to the apophatic theology of the Christian East.Yet not all art elevates. Fr. Silouan critiques propaganda in both religious and secular art, distinguishing authentic sacred beauty from works that merely flatter ideology. Whether in political art, sentimental Christian films, or saccharine paintings, he warns against creations that refuse to confront the tragic and broken realities of human life, preferring a false prettiness over truth and transcendence.Even Orthodox iconography, he notes, can be misinterpreted as propaganda when viewed through a secular lens. But true iconography is not mere messaging—it is theology in color, an invitation to prayer and transformation. It exists not to manipulate but to reveal divine beauty, drawing the soul into contemplation rather than coercion.From here, the conversation turns to the revival of Orthodox and Coptic iconographic traditions, offering practical wisdom for artists seeking to recover or reimagine sacred forms. Fr. Silouan stresses the need to study the masters, imitate excellence, and only then begin to synthesize a personal voice rooted in reverence rather than rebellion or trend-seeking.Music and liturgy emerge as parallel concerns: can the innovations of modern music be baptized into the Orthodox tradition without compromising prayerful stillness or theological depth? Drawing on his monastery’s own experience with Byzantine chant in English, Fr. Silouan describes a living tradition capable of growth without surrendering its inner spirit.Innovation, he argues, should flow not from ego or novelty-seeking but from love—love for tradition and love for new influences encountered with discernment. When artists embody this love, their work naturally unites fidelity and freshness, producing art that is alive, prayerful, and enduring rather than clever, shallow, or fashionable.From Rothko’s abstraction to Puerto Rican church architecture, from Byzantine chant to the theology of beauty, this interview unfolds as a meditation on art’s highest calling: to reveal reality truthfully, beautifully, and reverently. Watch now to explore how sacred art can resist propaganda, transcend ideology, and lead the soul toward the mystery of God. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on art, faith, and beauty.Fr. Silouan Justinano's sites: https://hieromonksilouan.org/aboutmy sites:Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/MatthewWilkinsonMusic?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink💻 Website and blog: https://matthewwilkinson.net/

Will beauty really save the world—or have we misunderstood what that phrase truly means? In this in-depth interview, Fr. Silouan Justiniano joins The Pursuit of Beauty Podcast to tackle some of the most pressing questions about beauty, sublimity, iconography, and Christian art. From Dostoevsky’s famous line to the challenges of modern aesthetics, this conversation digs into what beauty actually is, how it relates to God, and why our understanding of sacred art often misses the mark. (The Pursuit of Beauty Podcast Episode 24) (This is part 1 of that interview)Fr. Silouan begins by exploring the classical model of beauty and how Western art history—from the Renaissance to the Romantic era—shaped both Orthodox and Catholic approaches to sacred images. He examines how Byzantine iconography was dismissed for centuries in favor of naturalistic and sentimental styles before experiencing a revival in the 20th century, and why this tension still affects the way churches think about art today.The discussion turns to the difference between East and West in Christian aesthetics. Fr. Silouan explains why Orthodox iconography tends to resist the overly emotional or sensuous, while Western art often embraces dramatic realism and pathos. Yet he also argues against simplistic East vs. West narratives, noting that sacred art has always existed on a spectrum of expression, shaped by theology, culture, and history.One highlight of the conversation is the deep dive into beauty and sublimity as philosophical categories. Drawing on thinkers like Pseudo-Dionysius, Aquinas, Kant, and Edmund Burke, Fr. Silouan unpacks how beauty is both terrifying and glorious—how it attracts and comforts, yet can also overwhelm with divine mystery. This tension, he suggests, is essential to understanding why beauty in Christian art cannot be reduced to mere prettiness or sentimentality. The conversation also touches on tradition and creativity—how the Church can preserve the integrity of sacred art without turning it into a lifeless museum piece. Fr. Silouan warns against both extremes: rigid traditionalism that fears innovation and reckless modernism that abandons theological grounding. Instead, he calls for a discerning synthesis that keeps sacred art rooted in theology, liturgy, and prayer, while allowing for authentic, Spirit-filled creativity.Fr. Silouan and Matthew Wilkinson explore how Western Rite liturgy, the Philokalia, and the Palamite tradition all shape Orthodox spirituality and aesthetics. They also discuss whether Western Christian piety—with its focus on Christ’s suffering and the drama of salvation—offers insights that Orthodox theology sometimes neglects, or whether it risks distorting the Church’s understanding of beauty and holiness.A recurring theme is the relationship between beauty, goodness, and truth—the transcendentals. Fr. Silouan draws on both classical and modern sources to argue that these realities are ultimately united in God, and that sacred art must reflect this unity rather than collapsing beauty into mere aesthetic pleasure or sentimentality. He even engages the Romantic movement, showing how artists like Caspar David Friedrich and William Blake point toward the divine even outside explicitly liturgical settings.Throughout the interview, viewers will encounter a rich tapestry of ideas: iconography and abstraction, tradition and modernity, aesthetics and theology, East and West. Fr. Silouan insists that beauty in Christian art is never neutral; it shapes our imagination, our worship, and even our souls. Sacred art, rightly understood, participates in God’s own beauty, drawing us toward Him in love and awe.Whether you are an artist, theologian, or simply someone seeking to understand the role of beauty in the Christian life, this conversation offers profound insights. By the end, you will see why the question “Will beauty save the world?” is far more complex—and more urgent—than it first appears.

Discover the fascinating world of Anglican hymnody, sacred music composition, and church tradition in this in-depth interview with composer, organist, and hymnal editor Chris Hoyt. As the lead editor of the Book of Common Praise 2017—the official hymnal of the Reformed Episcopal Church—Chris shares the story behind creating a modern hymnal that bridges ancient liturgical traditions with contemporary needs. From editing challenges to theological debates over hymn texts, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a historic Anglican music resource.We also explore Chris’s musical journey—from studying composition at the University of North Texas and the Royal College of Music in London to his role as organist and choir director at Good Shepherd Church in Tyler, Texas. Chris discusses the challenges of writing music within a tradition, balancing beauty and craft, and drawing inspiration from legendary teachers like Joseph Horovitz and historical figures such as Nadia Boulanger. The conversation delves into the art of melody writing, the revival of Znamenny chant, and the influence of composers like Vaughan Williams, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky on church music.Whether you’re a church musician, composer, or lover of sacred music, this interview offers valuable insights into composition, hymnody, and the enduring beauty of traditional liturgy. Learn how melody, theology, and history intersect in the world of Anglican church music—and why projects like the Book of Common Praise 2017 matter for future generations.Chris Hoyt's sites: https://hoytcomposer.com/#:~:text=CHRISTOPHER%20HOYT%20(b.,of%20North%20Texas%20in%20Denton.the REC hymnal: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/#:~:text=Description,available%20to%20traditional%20Anglicans%20today.my sites: my sites:💻 Website and blog: https://matthewwilkinson.net/Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/album/24DSGAdbVt7by0JHEqTwMh?si=skyeFs1xQWCB6QtSNae23Ahttps://patreon.com/MatthewWilkinsonMusic?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkmy intro is the Second Organ Sonata of Mendelssohn, played by myself00:00 Introduction to Chris Hoyt09:49 Navigating Composition Pedagogy27:42 Exploring Chant and Traditional Influences41:00 Exploring Ancient Musical Modes/Orthodox Octoechos47:44 The Hymnal Project Overview/Book of Common Praise 201754:48 Copyright Challenges in the REC Hymnal Production59:17 The Typesetting Journey01:04:53 The Role of the Jester in Society/Calvin Robinson01:14:05 Contemporary Christian Music in Worship01:24:22 Criteria for Evaluating Church Music

Chapters02:48 Interview begins - The Smuggling20:10 The Mission of Musica Russica26:41 Steinberg Passion Week32:14 The Legacy of Choral Music: A Call to Action39:22 Need for Sacred Music Programs and Conservatories46:59 Unknown Masters of Russian Choral Music55:23 Modern Composers57:40 Tchaikovsky and the Evolution of Liturgical Music01:06:18 Understanding Chant Traditions01:14:55 The Future of Orthodox Music01:26:29 Exploring Traditional Chant and Adaptations01:40:47 Scholarly Insights on Russian Polyphony - Strochnoy and Demestvenny01:45:42 Understanding the Polish Musical Influence01:55:31 The Polish Style in Bach's Era02:00:20 Creating New Modes in Contemporary Orthodox Music02:10:55 Appalachian Orthodox02:24:36 Perspectives on Western Rite Orthodoxy02:29:37 Challenges in Unifying Orthodox Music Traditions02:36:40 Incorporating Znameny Chant in Modern Worship02:43:19 The Future of Znameny Chant and Translation ChallengesIn this conversation with renowned musicologist and publisher Vlad Morosan, we uncover the fascinating story of how Russian Orthodox sacred music was preserved and revived during a time when it was nearly silenced. From photographing manuscripts in Soviet archives to founding Musica Russica, Vlad shares how clandestine efforts and scholarly dedication helped bring forgotten treasures of Orthodox chant and choral music into the modern era. Along the way, we hear about extraordinary figures like Gardner, Uspensky, and Yevgeny Yevets, as well as the remarkable rediscovery of Steinberg’s Passion Week—a work hidden for nearly a century.Beyond the dramatic tales of smuggling and preservation, this episode dives into the living tradition of Orthodox church music: the survival of chant, the artistry of composers like Tchaikovsky, Kastalsky, Chesnokov, and Gretchaninov, and the ongoing challenge of training and supporting Orthodox musicians today. Vlad explains the differences between Znamenny chant, Kievan chant, and the so-called “common chant”, and why recovering lost idiomela and model melodies is vital to restoring the fullness of the Orthodox liturgical tradition. These insights open a window into both the beauty and the struggles of maintaining authentic Orthodox worship in the modern world.We also explore the future of Orthodox music through projects like the Orthodox Sacred Music Reference Library and the new Orthodox Church Music Journal, which aim to make thousands of scores, articles, and recordings available for musicians, choirs, and scholars around the globe. Whether you are a choir director, a lover of Orthodox chant, or simply curious about how faith, culture, and history intertwine, this conversation sheds light on the profound legacy of Russian and Orthodox sacred music—and why its preservation matters for the Church today.#OrthodoxChristianity #OrthodoxChant #sacredmusic Vladimir Morosan's sites: https://www.musicarussica.com/https://www.orthodox-psalm.org/teamhttps://www.orthodoxchoral.org/welcomeThy Bridal Chamber, by Olivia Insignares Rehmet on the RightGlory YT Channel: https://youtu.be/Edof5mW6C30?si=To0Uj5vsV0igCTWShttps://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@RightGlory⁩ Evgeny Skurat and the Chronos Ensemble: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@EvgenySkuratChronos⁩ in partnership with https://orthodoxartsjournal.org/and https://newworldbyzantine.com/

Discover the fascinating world of Baroque organ improvisation with Dutch master Sietze de Vries, who can spontaneously create 45-minute fugal treatments in the style of Bach and Buxtehude. In this captivating conversation, Sietze reveals how he developed his extraordinary improvisational abilities by learning music as a "native language" from childhood, rather than starting with written notation. From growing up surrounded by 50 historic organs in the Netherlands to his international career performing on instruments dating back to Gothic times, Sietze shares insights that will transform how you think about musical education and creativity.We explore why improvisation—once standard practice for Bach, Liszt, and César Franck—has virtually disappeared from modern conservatory training, and discuss the ongoing tension between traditional sacred music and contemporary worship styles. Sietze offers practical advice for developing improvisation skills, compares different European organ building traditions, and shares his philosophy on what makes truly effective church music. This episode is essential listening for musicians, music educators, church leaders, and anyone interested in the intersection of faith, tradition, and artistic excellence in our modern world.#BaroqueMusic #OrganMusic #Improvisation #ChurchMusic #ClassicalMusic #MusicEducation #Bach #Netherlands #SacredMusic #MusicPodcast

In this conversation with renowned Georgian Orthodox chant expert Dr. John Graham, we discuss the origins, history, and preservation of Georgia’s ancient three-part polyphonic sacred music. Dr. Graham—widely regarded as the foremost English-speaking authority on Georgian Orthodox liturgical chant—explores the early development of this musical tradition, from the creation of the Georgian alphabet and the earliest neumed manuscripts to the spread of Christianity in the Caucasus. We examine how chant functioned as a prayer in music, the cultural and theological meaning behind its distinctive sound, and why this tradition remains unlike Byzantine chant, Gregorian chant, or any other form of Orthodox Christian music.We delve into the unique harmonic language of Georgian polyphony, including parallel fifths, stacked fourths, open intervals, and the influence of regional folk music on church repertoire. Dr. Graham explains the differences between the Gelati, Shemokhmedi, and Svetitskhoveli chant schools, revealing how ornamentation, melodic formulas, and harmonic style evolved within each. We also discuss the centuries-long mystery of when liturgical polyphony began in Georgia, its tenuous connections to Mount Athos and Byzantine liturgical music, and how political, cultural, and geographic isolation shaped its development.Finally, we address the urgent question of preservation: how this 1,500-year-old musical tradition was nearly lost during the Soviet era, and the revival efforts that followed. Dr. Graham shares insights into modern performance practice, oral transmission, and the challenges of keeping authentic Georgian Orthodox chant alive in a rapidly changing world. This interview is an essential resource for anyone interested in sacred music, Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Caucasus history, or the world’s oldest forms of polyphonic choral music.John Graham's sites:website: https://johnagraham.com/his amazing dissertation: https://johnagraham.com/dissertation/his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCV0vT4n6QKcbk6lAS1CSO9Q Georgian chant website: https://www.georgianchant.org/about/my sites:💻 Website and blog: https://matthewwilkinson.net/🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/MatthewWilkinsonMusicSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/album/24DSGAdbVt7by0JHEqTwMh?si=pWqSpiw4SNOa2PRlG1UpeA

In this never-before-seen interview, Jonathan Pageau sits down with organist and arranger Matthew Wilkinson, long-time friend of The Symbolic World and the musician behind its theme, to explore the profound symbolism, theology, and cosmic patterns embedded in the music of J.S. Bach. Matthew shares the inspiration and recording process for his new album of Bach’s Clavierübung III (the “Organ Mass”), performed on a historic 18th-century organ (recorded on the Waltershausen Trost Organ in Germany, and released through Spektral Records). From the Trinitarian key of E-flat to the intricate structure of fugues, he reveals how Bach infused his compositions with theological meaning, numerology, and a vision of music as a microcosm of the “harmony of the spheres.”The discussion ranges widely-touching on Lutheran chorales, the role of symbolism in key signatures, and how Bach’s contrapuntal mastery reflects the unity-in-diversity of creation. Matthew demonstrates musical concepts at the piano, showing how progression and return, layered fugue entrances, and harmonic architecture embody deep metaphysical ideas. Jonathan and Matthew also compare Gothic and Baroque aesthetics, exploring how architecture, acoustics, and theology shaped the sacred soundscapes of Bach’s era.Beyond historical analysis, the two dive into broader themes: the interplay between tradition and innovation, the role of ornamentation, and parallels between sacred art and music across time. They discuss modern composers like Arvo Pärt, the influence of film scores, and how technical innovation - even from dissonant or avant-garde movements - can be integrated into a living tradition. This is a rich, multi-layered dialogue for anyone interested in Bach, sacred music, symbolism, theology, and the enduring power of beauty.my sites:💻 Website and blog: https://matthewwilkinson.net/🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/MatthewWilkinsonMusicSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/album/24DSGAdbVt7by0JHEqTwMh?si=pWqSpiw4SNOa2PRlG1UpeAJonathan Pageau's sites: Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau 🗣 Join The Symbolic World Community for discussions about symbolism: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe 🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe

In this fascinating deep dive into Ethiopian Orthodox chant and theology, Deacon Henok offers a rare insider's view of the Tewahedo tradition—an ancient Afro-Asiatic form of Christianity with rich liturgical practices, poetic chant, and distinctive theology. Host Matthew Wilkinson and Deacon Henok explore everything from the structure of the Ethiopian liturgy and the use of sacred instruments like the sistrum and kabaro drum, to the complexities of Ge’ez chant and the creation of one-time-use poetic verses composed and memorized weekly. Henok explains the centuries-old school of poetry and exegesis in Aksum, where students train in sacred language, theology, and chant.The conversation also highlights Akwakwam, the choreographed, instrumentally accompanied vigils that take place before major feast days—alongside an explanation of the ancient chant system developed by Saint Yared, the 6th-century Ethiopian composer and mystic. Henok reflects on the vibrancy and challenge of maintaining this rich tradition in the modern Ethiopian Church, including differing parish practices, missionary efforts abroad, and the realities of post-imperial Ethiopia. Listeners get an inside look at fasting customs, veneration of the Ark of the Covenant, and cultural habits—like widespread circumcision and Sabbath observance—that retain echoes of ancient Semitic life.The conversation also traces Ethiopia’s unique Christology (Tewahedo/Miaphysitism), the preservation of sacred books like Enoch and Jubilees, and the church’s musical taxonomy—from ancient Mazmur to modern lay chant. With reflections on Orthodox liturgical rhythms, Ethiopian fasting, and missionary efforts from Africa to the Caribbean, this interview offers a rare bridge between ancient tradition and modern expression. Whether you're a scholar, musician, or curious Christian, this is an essential introduction to one of the world’s oldest and most mystically rich Christian traditions.

In this rich and wide-ranging interview, scholar and publisher Vlad Morosan (founder of Musica Russica) unpacks the fascinating history of Russian Orthodox chant, from its Byzantine roots to the polyphonic masterpieces of composers like Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. He traces the evolution of Znamenny chant, Kievan and Obikhod traditions, and explores the liturgical reforms that sparked the Old Believer schism — including its dramatic implications for music, worship, and cultural identity.Morosan also delves into how Soviet suppression of sacred music forced generations of Russian composers to write "into the desk drawer," secretly preserving spiritual traditions through coded composition. Along the way, he explains why some communities rejected polyphony in favor of preserving monophonic chant, and how post-Soviet revival efforts have brought this repertoire back into the light. He also explains how he himself was able to bring some of this music to the US, such as the Kastalsky Requiem. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in Orthodox liturgy, sacred choral music, Chesnokov, Tchaikovsky, Bortniansky, Kastalsky, Znameny chant, Slavic cultural history, and the spiritual power of chant. Whether you're a choir director, theologian, historian, or curious listener, this conversation offers insight into the beauty, survival, and renewal of a living tradition.Vladimir's sites: https://www.musicarussica.com/p/aboutcopublished with: https://orthodoxartsjournal.org/https://newworldbyzantine.com/my sites:💻 Website and blog: https://matthewwilkinson.net/🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/MatthewWilkinsonMusic

In this deep and engaging interview, filmmaker Josh David Jordan joins Matthew Wilkinson to explore the inspiration, philosophy, and cinematic influences behind his latest project, El Tonto Por Cristo. From Tarkovsky’s meditative pacing to the spiritual starkness of Robert Bresson, Jordan opens up about his creative process, the challenges of low-budget filmmaking, and the delicate balance between art, audience, and authenticity. The conversation covers everything from editing heartbreaks to the importance of restraint in storytelling, as well as the legacy of great directors like Wim Wenders, Béla Tarr, and the Coen Brothers.The two also dive into broader artistic questions—what makes great cinema, how to avoid chasing novelty for its own sake, and why true art often finds its audience years later. Jordan reflects on the tension between humility and confidence, the value of patience in a fast-paced digital age, and how his Orthodox Christian faith informs his vision as a filmmaker. Whether you're a cinephile, a student of filmmaking, or simply interested in spiritual cinema and the fool-for-Christ tradition, this conversation offers a rare look into the heart of a director creating boldly outside the Hollywood mold.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Filmmaking and Influences07:22 The Role of Editing in Film13:33 The Importance of Patience in Art19:26 The Evolution of Acting and Performance25:22 The Impact of Technology on Creativity31:15 The Legacy of Art and Its Reception42:02 The Impact of Art on Family and Community47:45 The Balance of Humility and Confidence53:13 Influences in Filmmaking: Directors and Philosophies01:13:04 The Balance of Art and Authenticity01:18:05 The Impact of Iconic Cinema01:24:47 The Emotional Resonance of Cinema01:31:16 Tarkovsky's Legacy and Influence01:37:30 The Importance of Mystery in Storytelling01:44:17 The Fine Line of Comedy and Drama01:52:06 Balancing Creativity and Mental Health01:57:25 The Impact of Iconic Directors02:03:24 The Role of Entertainment in Cinema02:14:33 Intentionality in Filmmaking02:19:41 Literary Influences and Symbolism02:25:40 Cultural Reception and Audience Response02:41:32 Black and White Aesthetic Choices

What makes Carpatho-Russian (Carpatho-Rusyn) Orthodox chant so unique—and so powerfully congregational? In this in-depth conversation, Fr. Nicholas Mihaly explores the distinct features of Carpatho-Rusyn plainchant (Prostopinije), a living tradition rooted in the Carpathian Mountains and shaped by the faith and memory of its people. Unlike composed liturgical music often sung by choirs, Prostopinije is deeply congregational, learned organically by generations of faithful through active participation in worship. Fr. Mihaly explains how its melodic formulas (rather than scales) and relative simplicity make it accessible for laypeople, especially in comparison to the more ornate or exotic-sounding Byzantine or Kievan chant traditions. The result is a spiritually rich and theologically formative experience, where even the simplest villager comes to know the faith by singing it.Fr. Mihaly also traces the historical development of this chant tradition—from its Byzantine roots to its transcription in modern notation by Fr. John Boksaj and cantor Joseph Malinich. He explains technical concepts like tones, the octoechos system, irmoi, troparia, and kondakia, and he highlights how oral tradition and cultural memory sustain the chant's vibrancy. Beyond musicology, this episode speaks to the heart of Orthodox worship: the idea that theology is learned not just through reading, but through communal prayer and song. If you're interested in Orthodox liturgy, Slavic chant traditions, or the intersection of culture and faith, this is an essential listen.my sites: https://matthewwilkinson.net/https://www.patreon.com/c/MatthewWilkinsonMusiclink to more Carpatho-Russian music: https://www.acrod.org/prayercorner/hymnsmusic/plainchant/liturgicalmusic/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Carpatho-Rusyn Chant04:03 Historical Context of Carpatho-Rusyn People04:24 Understanding Chant Systems05:47 Evolution of Carpatho-Rusyn Chant09:44 Influences on Carpatho-Rusyn Chant13:25 Contemporary American Orthodox Music20:24 Exploring Carpatho-Rusyn Chant26:33 The Role of Congregational Singing37:09 Comparative Analysis of Chant Traditions44:58 The Role of Chant in Orthodoxy46:48 Congregational Singing: A Shared Experience48:43 Comparing Chant Traditions: Plain Chant vs. Byzantine52:40 Understanding Chant Terminology53:00 The Structure of Canon and Hymns58:45 Exploring the Octoichos and Its Significance01:03:44 Cultural Context of Carpatho-Rusyn Chant01:09:38 Understanding the Ukrainian Orthodox Landscape01:12:02 The Role of Language in Liturgical Practices01:15:32 The Historical Context of Slavic Liturgical Languages01:23:16 The Significance of Carpatho-Rusyn Chant

In this wide-ranging conversation, JP Marceau discusses his intellectual journey from materialism to a non-reductive naturalist worldview that integrates science, philosophy, and Christian theology. Drawing from his experience studying philosophy alongside thinkers like Jonathan Pageau and John Vervaeke, Marceau critiques the limits of materialist reductionism and explains how modern cognitive science increasingly aligns with a Neoplatonic or hylomorphic understanding of reality. He argues that consciousness, mind, and form exist at various levels of reality and cannot be reduced to mere physical components. His recent book, "Post-Reductionist Christianity", published by The Symbolic World Press, aims to bridge the scientific worldview with classical metaphysics in an accessible way for readers shaped by modern scientific assumptions.The dialogue explores complex metaphysical categories—such as materialism, naturalism, idealism, hylomorphism, and panpsychism—while contrasting contemporary thinkers like David Bentley Hart, Bernardo Kastrup, and John Vervaeke. Marceau raises concerns about labeling classical Christian metaphysics as “panpsychist” due to its current association with materialist attempts to explain consciousness. He emphasizes that classical Christianity sees love—not qualia or mind—as the deepest ontological ground. The interview also touches on the metaphysical implications of Galileo, Kant, and Descartes, and compares Christianity’s incarnational descent with the ascendant tendencies in other religious traditions. This episode offers a thoughtful discussion for viewers interested in Christian metaphysics, philosophy of mind, and the intersection of science and faith.my sites: https://matthewwilkinson.net/https://www.patreon.com/c/MatthewWilkinsonMusicJP Marceau: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/team/jean-philippe-marceauJP's book "Post-Reductionist Christianity" https://store.thesymbolicworld.com/collections/frontpage/products/post-reductionist-christianity-a-way-out-of-the-meaning-crisis

In this in-depth conversation, Matthew Wilkinson speaks with Alexander Hatcher about the distinctive musical and theological heritage of the Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church. Hatcher shares how liturgical music in this tradition is shaped by rhythmic and melodic diversity, seasonal variation, and cultural influence—particularly the contrasting styles found in India and the Middle East. The discussion highlights how ornamentation, chant forms, and vocal production reflect both regional language patterns and centuries-old sacred expression.The episode also explores the theological richness of the Malankara Church, including its use of dozens of Eucharistic anaphoras, its rigorous fasting and prostration practices, and the poetic beauty of its dialogue hymns, such as the beloved Good Friday exchange between the two thieves. Hatcher and Wilkinson reflect on the legacy of Syriac Christianity in India, ecumenical hope between divided Orthodox traditions, and how deeply rooted liturgical forms continue to unify and inspire across continents. A must-watch for anyone interested in Syriac chant, Oriental Orthodoxy, or sacred music traditions of the East.my sites: https://matthewwilkinson.net/https://www.patreon.com/c/MatthewWilkinsonMusicChapters

In this rich and illuminating conversation, Deacon Rubik Mailian offers a rare glimpse into the profound musical and spiritual heritage of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church. He explains the unique categories of Armenian chant—from the simple Gospel intonations and Psalm tones to the deeply melismatic Sharakaner (hymns) and treasured solo works like Sirde Sasani. Deacon Rubik shares how these chants are structured, performed antiphonally, and grounded in a sacred tradition that has resisted both translation and modern dilution. He also discusses the fascinating development of Khaz notation—an indigenous system used for centuries to preserve the musical line—and how 20th-century scholars attempted to recover its meaning after it was lost.The conversation also explores the deep connection between Armenia’s turbulent history and the somber, haunting quality of its sacred music. From the invention of the Armenian alphabet for liturgical translation to the cultural preservation efforts of Komitas Vardapet, Deacon Rubik paints a compelling picture of a church whose liturgical music has remained an essential form of worship and resilience. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in ancient Christian chant, Eastern Orthodox liturgy, or how music carries the soul of a persecuted people.my sites: https://matthewwilkinson.net/https://www.patreon.com/c/MatthewWilkinsonMusic

In this insightful interview, German organ improviser and cathedral cantor Julian Beutmiller discusses his extensive training in church music, organ improvisation techniques, and the unique German approach to educating church musicians. Julian explains the rigorous curriculum involved in earning a church music degree in Germany, highlighting the necessity of proficiency in multiple instruments, conducting, music theory, Gregorian chant, and liturgy. He shares valuable insights on mastering organ improvisation, including how aspiring musicians can develop skills through structured practice, imitation of historical styles, and dedicated ear training.Additionally, Julian explores the cultural differences between church music traditions in Germany, England, France, and the United States, emphasizing Germany’s strength in historical replication, particularly in improvising Baroque forms such as fugues and chorales. He also touches on the unique sound and pedagogical methods of European boys' choirs, sharing his experience directing a large boys’ choir and discussing the importance of maintaining this cultural heritage. This conversation offers practical tips and an inspiring look at Julian Beutmiller’s journey as a leading figure in church music and organ improvisation.

Seraphim is one of the most important iconographers in the Western World today. Greatly Inspired by Ouspensky and Gregory Kroug, he eschews formalism, and seeks to provide an encounter with God through the use of color and line. We discuss a wide variety of topics, including his experience living in a monstery, getting married, living in Georgia, falling off a cliff, painting landscapes, getting started in iconography, and working full-time as an iconographer, currently in Greenville, SC at St. John of the Ladder.

We discuss the beauty of this ancient chant from the Malankaran Church in India, which follows West Syriac rites and is attached to the Patriarch of Antioch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, an Oriental Orthodox Church.

In this conversation, Matthew Wilkinson and Tom Podhrazsky explore the intersections of cultural heritage, architecture, and design. Tom shares his family's immigration story from the Czech Republic and how it has shaped his identity and work ethic. He discusses his passion for historical architecture, particularly 18th-century design, and the collaborative process involved in creating unique spaces. The conversation delves into various architectural movements, including the aesthetic movement and mannerism, highlighting the importance of design constraints and storytelling in architecture. They also touch on the complexities of cultural appropriation in art and architecture, emphasizing the significance of cross-pollination in creative practices. In this conversation, Tom Podhrazsky and Matthew Wilkinson explore various themes related to art, architecture, and personal transformation. They discuss cultural appropriation, the complexities of Frank Lloyd Wright's work, the aesthetic appeal of brutalism, and the authenticity in art, particularly contrasting figures like Picasso and Thomas Kinkade. The dialogue also delves into Podhrazsky's journey into Orthodoxy and how it has shaped his life and work, as well as the creative processes in music and architecture. Finally, they touch on contemporary architectural influences and the importance of looking back at historical precedents in design.TakeawaysTom Podhrazsky's family immigrated from the Czech Republic in 1985, which instilled a sense of pride and responsibility in him.His parents' escape from communist rule has deeply influenced his perspective on life and work.Tom designed his office space with a focus on 18th-century paneling and trim, showcasing his love for historical architecture.He collaborated with craftsmen to create a unique and elaborate office design, reflecting his architectural vision.The aesthetic movement in architecture combines various styles, including Victorian and Asiatic influences, to create unique designs.Mannerism in architecture involves playful and unconventional arrangements of classical elements, challenging traditional norms.Design constraints are essential for creativity, as they provide a framework within which architects can innovate.Cultural appropriation in art and architecture can be a complex issue, often depending on the intent and execution of the artist.Tom emphasizes the importance of storytelling in architecture, creating narratives that inform design decisions.The conversation highlights the significance of cross-pollination in art and architecture, leading to innovative and unique creations. Cultural appropriation can be a paradoxical issue.Frank Lloyd Wright's work elicits mixed feelings due to craftsmanship issues.Brutalism has aesthetic appeal but may not be practical for living.Art's value can be subjective and influenced by cultural context.Orthodoxy offers a path to personal transformation and self-improvement.The creative process in architecture parallels that of writing and music.Confession in Orthodoxy serves as a form of therapy and self-reflection.Designing is fundamentally about solving problems through questioning.Contemporary architects can inspire, but historical precedents are crucial.Art and architecture should aim for beauty and truth.