LIVING THEIR FAITH: 'Sounds' and 'Voices' of Orthodoxy on WJMJ

At left, Father Dennis Rhodes, a pastor from St. Mary's Orthodox Church, chats with radio producer Ivor Hugh after recording a show of "Voice of Orthodoxy," a weekly program at WJMJ at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. Josalee Thrift / Republican-American

BY TRACY SIMMONS REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

There's something about a strong voice crooning a liturgical chant and the harmony of an Orthodox choir caroling in the background that somehow lifts Theodore Rozum.

That's part of the reason why, three decades ago, the Waterbury resident helped create a radio broadcast dedicated to exploring Orthodox liturgical chants — or prayers — and sacred music.

His goals, he said, were fourfold:

To bring Orthodox liturgy to those in nursing homes or to the sick that are unable to attend church.

To make people aware of Orthodoxy.To reach those who wandered away from the Orthodox church.

To inspire people to go to church — whatever denomination they are.

Rozum's goals, he said, have been met.

"We've had a few converts and have had a few people go back to church," he said. "People call me and say they were inspired by the music. It's very rich."

Rozum said listeners have told him the music fills a void in their lives and makes them feel "good head to toe."

"He added that the radio programs, "Voice of Orthodoxy" and "Icons in Sound," manage to give listeners an image to visualize.

"It's sound that gives you a picture so you can visualize the music in the church," he said.

Mary Ann Sporcic, a music teacher and choral conductor who resides in Meriden, and Father Dennis Rhodes of St. Mary's Orthodox church, host the shows.

Rozum said Father Rhodes uses biblical stories to introduce and explain the music.

But, Rozum said, the radio ministry wasn't actually his own idea. A former bishop came up with the idea because he wanted something on air he could listen to each Sunday. Because of Rozum's background in media as a freelance videographer, he was nominated to be chairman. It started with six committee members and their wives. Today, Rozum, 80, is the only original active member.

Archdiocesan radio station, WJMJ, based in Bloomfield, has donated air time for both shows since 1976. However, Rozum said, the program still tries to raise money to keep the show alive. Getting donations has always been the biggest obstacle, he said. Partly, he noted, because the Orthodox church in Waterbury is not as large as it once was.

"It's dying out, like other churches. People go to school and don't think to come back," he said.

The Orthodox church stems from the book of Acts with the descent of the Holy Spirit, according to the Voice of Orthodoxy web site. The church came to America around the 1800s.

But Rozum remains optimistic despite the declining church population, especially after a recent anniversary celebration. On Oct. 21 the Orthodox Layman's League of Connecticut celebrated its 50th anniversary and the radio ministry's 30th. Mayor Michael J. Jarjura read a citation at the event honoring the program's "significant milestone."

"It inspired us," Rozum said.

The Russian Orthodox Layman's League, or ROLL, which sponsors the radio ministry, was formed in Bridgeport in 1957. It was originally meant to be an organization for men from various Orthodox churches.

The radio ministry can be heard Sundays on WJMJ f.m. beginning with "Voice of Orthodoxy" at 1:15 p.m. and "Icons in Sound" at 3 p.m.

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