protopsaltis

English

Alternative forms

• Protopsaltis

Etymology

From Ancient Greek.

Noun

protopsaltis (plural protopsaltai)

1. (Christianity) The cantor in charge of the music for a service of the Byzantine Rite.
   • 1889, “Byzantine ecclesiastial music”, in The Scottish Review, volume 14, page 279:

     For the transliteration of the Oriental characters into European notation the musical world is indebted to the care and ability of Mr. Evstratios Pappadopoulos, Protopsaltis of the Church of the Panaghia in Stavrodromion, Pera, Constantinople.

   • 2015, Merih Erol, Greek Orthodox Music in Ottoman Istanbul: Nation and Community in the Era of Reform:

     In his letter to the parish board, Nikolaos's father complained about the Protopsaltis of the church, who first decreased the salary of his son and then dismissed him from the choir.

   • 2016, Ruth Macrides, Pseudo-Kodinos and the Constantinopolitan Court: Offices and Ceremonies:

     The protopsaltai, the domestikoi, and the anagnostai who, according to an old custom, were called kraktai in these festivities and celebrations, stand on platforms made of wood that have been erected on both sides of the nave for this purpose and chant some hymns composed for and suited to these kinds of occasions.