Jeffrey Economou Church Music Grant

Jeffrey Economou Federation Grant
Honoring a Legacy of Faith, Music, and Leadership

About the Grant

Named in honor of Jeffrey Nicholas Economou, this grant seeks to perpetuate his legacy by
supporting choirs within the Greek Orthodox tradition to empower choirs with the resources to
continue his work in elevating church music to new heights.

 

About Jeffrey Economou

Jeffrey Nicholas Economou was a beloved choir director, organist, teacher and mentor. A figure
of profound influence in the realm of Greek Orthodox church music, he laid the foundational
stones of what is today known as the Archdiocesan District Federation of Greek Orthodox
Church Musicians. His service, spanning from becoming a choir director at the tender age of 17
until his passing in 2002, encapsulates a dedication of 56 years to Greek Orthodox choirs,
including 53 years as a Director and 34 years of devotion to the St. Paraskevi Choir in Greenlawn,
New York.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jeffrey was recognized with the highest honors, including being
awarded the Patriarch Athenagoras Medallion twice, the Choir Member of the Year Award, and
the distinguished St. Paul Medal. His commitment to excellence was further demonstrated
through initiatives like the recorded Christmas Concert series, which set new standards for
performance, rehearsal discipline, and concert presentation within the community.
As the inaugural President who officially incorporated the Federation on October 23, 1983,
Jeffrey's vision was instrumental in fostering a community of musicians who not only excelled in
their craft but also deeply understood the spiritual essence of their service. He completed a
second term as Federation President until shortly before he fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday,
August 18th, 2002. A music therapist by profession and an esteemed member of The American
Guild of Organists, Jeffrey's talents and teachings have left an indelible mark on church music and
its practitioners.

Click to Apply for Jeffrey Economou Grant

We look forward to learning about your group and the impact you envision making with the support of the Jeffrey Economou Federation Grant.