World Premiere of Kurt Sander’s “Serbian Liturgy” at Holy Resurrection Cathedral
On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the faithful gathered at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago for a truly heavenly and unforgettable celebration of the Divine Liturgy.
The occasion was the world premiere, sung in divine worship, of The Serbian Liturgy by composer Kurt Sander – a new setting of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom rooted in the rich tradition of Serbian Orthodox chant. Drawing on the melodies preserved by Kornelije Stanković and Stevan Mokranjac, Dr. Sander has given these beloved chants new life, keeping them clear and recognizable to the worshipper while clothing them in a fresh and prayerful harmonic language. The result was a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting experience.
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was presided over by His Grace Bishop Serafim, concelebrated by V. Rev. Darko Spasojević, Cathedral Dean, and V. Rev. Dobrivoje Milunović, together with Protodeacon Jovan Aničić. A great number of faithful filled the Cathedral and joined in this prayerful and blessed gathering.
Adding extraordinary beauty to this sacred celebration were the heavenly voices of the St. Romanos Choir, under the exceptional direction of Dr. Peter Jermihov, founder and artistic director of the Society of Saint Romanos the Melodist. From the opening litany to the final blessing, the choir carried the prayers of the congregation with remarkable warmth, precision and devotion.
The Serbian Liturgy was commissioned by the Society of Saint Romanos the Melodist and made possible by a generous grant from the Hilandar Foundation, in honor of the Serbian Singing Society “Branko Radičević” – which has preserved Serbian Orthodox singing and promoted beauty in divine worship at our Cathedral since 1906. Following the Liturgy, the Branko Radičević Society hosted a celebratory luncheon in the Cathedral social hall, where clergy, singers, the composer and parishioners shared in fellowship and gratitude.
At the luncheon, Jelena Stojaković, choir director of the Serbian Singing Society “Branko Radičević” and executive secretary of the Society of Saint Romanos – who was instrumental in bringing this project to life – greeted the guests and thanked all who supported the project and the day’s celebration. She expressed particular joy that a new Serbian Liturgy had been born here, in the diaspora.
Dr. Jermihov likewise greeted and thanked everyone, especially the Cathedral clergy and community. He remarked that he often comes to Fr. Darko with his lofty ideas and always feels heard – above all on the idea of creativity in the Church and of commissioning new liturgical works and music.
In recognition of their devotion to the beauty of Orthodox worship, Hierarchical Gramatas from His Eminence Metropolitan Longin were presented by His Grace Bishop Serafim to Dr. Gradimir Vučković of the Hilandar Foundation, Dr. Peter Jermihov and composer Kurt Sander.
Sunday’s premiere is only the beginning. The Society plans to bring the Serbian Liturgy on a tour of Serbia, joining the St. Romanos Choir with Serbian singers to celebrate the Liturgy in the holy places of our people, and to produce a professional recording so that this work may be preserved for future generations.
Through the beauty of sacred music, prayer and divine worship, we truly felt Heaven present on Earth. It was a magnificent and blessed Sunday – one that will remain forever in our hearts.
We thank His Grace Bishop Serafim, composer Kurt Sander, Dr. Peter Jermihov and the St. Romanos Choir, the Society of Saint Romanos the Melodist, the Serbian Singing Society “Branko Radičević,” and all the faithful whose prayers and presence made this day so blessed. We are especially grateful to the generous sponsors whose support made this project possible: Jovan and Jelena Govedarica; the Hilandar Foundation, Gradimir and Marija Vučković; the Steve & Delores Sarovich Foundation; and the Paul & Mary Yovovich Charitable Fund, Paul and Mary Yovovich.
