Annual Christmas Concert of Sacred Songs. Dec 27. At St Vitus Church

St Vitus Parish, established in Aug 1893 as the first American Slovenian Roman Catholic parish in the state of Ohio and diocese of Cleveland, will have its annual all parish Mass at 11:30AM on DEC 27 (SUN.) followed by a “Concert of Sacred Songs” in St. Vitus Church, 6019 Lausche Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44103. 

The St. Vitus Christmas Choir consists of nearly 60 soprano, alto, tenor or bass singers able to sing in multiple languages of English, Slovenian, Latin, and Italian. The choir is under the direction of John Srsen with principal organist, William Patrick. Accompanying the choir and organist will string musicians (I Violin, II Violin, Viola, and Cello). The highlight will feature the recently restored church’s historic Holtkamp organist, originally built in 1932 and completely restored in Nov 2009.

The St. Vitus Christmas Choir has been presenting the “Concert of Sacred Songs” concert to the Greater Cleveland community since 1977. Compositions include but are not limited to “Hallelujah Chorus,” “And The Glory,” and “Glory To God” (composed by Handel), “Ave Maria (by Arcadelt),” Bozji Nam Je Rojen Sin (Born Unto Us Is His Son),” (composed by Ivan Zupan), to “Polnocni Zvon (The Midnight Bell ),” (composed by Fr. Bricelj).  

The Concert of Sacred Songs is free admission with free-will offering accepted to continue to support the work of the St. Vitus Christmas Choir as well as the parish choirs. St. Vitus has two choirs: 9AM Youth Choir and its LIRA Choir. A social and fellowship will immediately follow the Concert of Sacred Songs in the parish auditorium located by St. Vitus Church. Light food and refreshments will be provided as well as secured parking.

St Vitus has 725 registered households with 1,300 parishioners. The parish operates a senior ministry, a St. Vincent de Paul Society to assist indigent and needy individuals, monthly Food Bank, delivery of hot meals at Thanksgiving, delivery of Christmas food baskets and other items to seniors or home bound individuals, St Vitus Village (independent living for seniors), Saturday Language School and has supported St Martin de Porres High School, a Cristo Rey network school, that lease the parish school, auditorium , and parking lots.

St. Vitus is located one block south of East 61st Street and St. Clair Avenue and easily accessible off the East 55th exit of I-90 coming either east or west. Parking is available across the street from the church and around the parish school and parish auditorium buildings. For more information contact the parish house at (216) 361-1444.