www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Titles for the wives of priests and deacons

Prostopinije is functionally nonexistent in the OCA. This wasn't always the case; even until the 70's and 80's you could find the random parish that used it (like St. John's in Passaic). There still might be some isolated pockets where some prostopnije is preserved, but overall OCA parishes have choirs and sing Russian choral music. Occasionally, choral settings of prostopinije will find their way into OCA choirs or into well-known music collections (like the SVS books), but they're usually chosen because they're "pretty" rather than out of any identification with the Rusyn heritage.

While some of us think that it would be adventageous for the OCA to revive the congregational chant traditions of the vast majority of its founders, namely Rusyn prostopinije and Galician samoilka, most people are either unaware, uninterested, or hostile towards these musical traditions.

Dave

About the word "matushka" -- how is it pronounced? I have heard that this title for a priest's wife is very close in sound to another word in Russian that is very naughty. I do not want to make that kind of a gaff, so can someone please advise?

Honey.
Lovey.
Dear.
Ma'am.
Boss.
My gal.
My love.
Sweetie.
Cutie.
Darling.
My lady.

All from the priest, of course.

Dear Joe,

Can you beat my title for my Boss at home - "She who must be obeyed?"

Sometimes when I MIGHT say something untoward at home, I simply say, "Yes" or "No." When I'm asked why the brevity of my replies, I paraphrase the Scriptures to say, "Anything else (might come) from the evil one . . ."

Alex

Dear Harmon,

It is "Mah/toosh-ka" with the accent on the "Mah" as in "Mahi Mahi" or just plain "Ma."

In Russian, swear words are invariably related to another's mother for some reason and so the terrible curse words that begin with "Mat" with the softened "t" as "tyeh." (What do you expect from barbarians? )

That is why you have to be careful.

Alex