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On Friday, September 8, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops, traveled to Holy Trinity Church in Parma, Ohio, for an archpastoral visit, at which time he presented Michael Pilat with the award of The Order of St. Romanos.
From the age of 13, Michael has been singing in Orthodox church choir, was the first to be accepted into St Vladimir’s liturgical music studies program, tonsured a reader in 1964 under Metropolitan Leonty, and began conducting church choirs in 1964.
Michael’s decades of service as a church choir director was during the period of time which saw the Metropolia transition to the Orthodox Church in America. Michael was a pioneer during that transitional time and, along with many of his fellow directors, played a significant and consequential role writing, adapting and arranging music. He was a participant at the SVS institutes from which he brought back ideas and musical settings to share amongst Cleveland area choirs. Within the ‘Orthodox choral network’ in the Cleveland area, Michael has come to occupy an honored position, supporting and co-working with other directors and choirs. He has directed multiple pan-Orthodox choirs, hosted pan-Orthodox concerts at Holy Trinity, directed the Cleveland Men’s Russian chorus and directed the choir at Vespers during the 2012 All-American Council in Cleveland.
In being honored with this award, Michael Pilat in turn gifted His Eminence with a collection of his life work of musical arrangements and compositions. Michael’s love for the church has been evident and consistent throughout his life and he has been a faithful servant to God and Church.
On the same evening His Eminence also presented a diocesan gramota to Protodeacon Anthony Kall, recognizing 25 years of service in the diaconate at Holy Trinity. He has served under 3 Priests at Holy Trinity, and 4 Bishops through the Diocese of the Midwest.
A festive reception for all was held in the fellowship hall following the service and award presentations.
