ABOUT OVC
Who is behind OVC?
Orthodox Virtual Chanter was created by Toma Nikolić, tonsured Chanter and Reader at Saint Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Woolloongabba, Brisbane.
I have been part of this parish throughout my life, singing and chanting for more than 20 years. Along the way, I have sung in Serbian, Greek and Russian Orthodox choirs and spent several years leading our church choir.
My musical background is practical rather than academic. Much of what I have learned has come through church services, choir experience, listening, practice and a lifelong love of Serbian Orthodox music.
Becoming a chanter.
On 19 December 2022, the feast of Saint Nicholas, I was tonsured as a Chanter and Reader at Saint Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Siluan (Mrakić).
It was an important milestone in a journey already shaped by many years of chanting, choir singing and service to the parish. The Gramotom presented on the day is shown below.
The problem.
I kept seeing the same challenge.
There is no shortage of beautiful Orthodox chant, but for someone learning, it is not always easy to know what to sing, when to sing it or where to find practical guidance.
Resources can be spread across books, recordings and local traditions, while choir music often assumes experienced singers.
There was an opportunity to make learning and practicing our sacred music simpler and more accessible.
A simple idea.
OVC began with a simple idea.
Make Orthodox chanting easier to learn, practice and access.
Bring useful books, recordings, music and learning resources together in one place, shaped by the services and melodies used in our parish.
The goal was not to replace tradition, but to make it easier for people to learn and participate in it.
Blessing and support.
Shortly after I was tonsured, I began turning the idea into a dedicated OVC project.
In March 2023, OVC received the blessing and support of His Eminence Archbishop Siluan (Mrakić) and our parish priest, Father Miloš Raketić.
That support gave the project a clear foundation: helping people learn the services and sacred melodies of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
+ HIS EMINENCE SILUAN
Archbishop of the Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand
The Serbian Orthodox Church
FATHER MILOŠ RAKETIĆ
Parish Priest of Saint Nicholas Church, Woolloongabba (Brisbane)
The Serbian Orthodox Church
What OVC stands for.
MISSION
PURPOSE
COMMUNITY
Help people learn, practice and chant the sacred melodies of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Make practical chanting resources easier to find, understand, learn from and use.
Welcome anyone with a genuine interest in Orthodox chant and sacred music.
The project grew.
What began with music recordings and a small collection of resources gradually became something much bigger.
Music. Website. Videos. App.
OVC now brings together recordings, books, choir practice resources, learning materials and digital tools for chanters and choirs.
The project continues to grow one piece at a time, while keeping the same purpose that started it.
Sound Designer/Audio Engineer
Editing, Mixing & Mastering
Srđan Đurđević
W: https://surgeisit.wixsite.com/producedbysurge
M: 0403 241 499
Graphics Design & Editor
OVC Logo & Type Setting
Kevin Tuazon
Special Thanks.
A great deal of time, skill and generosity has gone into OVC.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed through music, audio, design, photography, technical work, advice, encouragement and support.
OVC would not be what it is today without their contribution.
Thank you and God bless!
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