Saint Spyridon Choir

In 1931, St. Spyridon’s first choir was organized in the Roseland neighborhood.  Under the leadership of George Gretses, an accomplished violinist and Olga Massias as organist, the choir was off to a fine start.  

St. Spyridon‘s choir has continued to flourish musically over the years with a variety of dedicated directors, including Ida Trakadas of blessed memory, Nicki Karioris, and Nicky Glikis.  Our talented organists included, Helen Dremon, Becky Petrakos, Christine Yrapsis, Helen Xenos, Georgia Malamis, Lynn Parr, Christ Kutrubis and Nicky Glikis.  

The St. Spyridon Choir is an active member of the Metropolis of Chicago Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs. In 1991, 2002, and 2017, St. Spyridon had the honor to host the annual Metropolis of Chicago Federation of Greek Orthodox Choir Conference with over 150 voices participating at each event. 

The 60th Choir Conference was held simultaneously with the 100th Anniversary of Saint Spyridon, and our choir chanted the responses at the Sunday Liturgy on October 15th, 2017.   Directing the choir was Marlene Ego of the Annunciation Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The organist was Alexis Bratsakis who played the Anastasiou Minor Liturgy.  At the conference, our very own Ruth E. Faklis was awarded the National Forum's "Patriarch Athenagoras Medal".  It is given to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to church music in their Metropolises.  

Today, the St. Spyridon Senior Choir is under the direction of  Nicky Glikis and consists of about twenty members who devote their time, energy and talents chanting the Divine Liturgy and special liturgical holidays.