Taize at the Armenian Church
Where can one find Taize prayer in Singapore? At the Armenian Church! There was another bimonthly prayer last night, and the church was filled with people.
Many of the core group were not there, especially the musicians and cantors. November seems to be a holidays season for many. Poor Ayap had to bear the burden of coordinating the prayers as well as the music (and to sing as well).
Somewhat heartening was that there were a large group of visitors - people who were attending for the first time. Word had begun to spread about the prayer. I could almost sense the newness as the first song began. It started with full gusto, as if it were a regular hymn. By the third song, the assembly had mellowed and the tempo fell into a simple cadence. Somehow, no matter how new the group, the simplicity of the prayer allows people to participate in the worship. It reminded me that simplicity lies at the core of Taize spirituality.
The Armenian Church had been renovated by its new custodians. The altar and the sacristy had been whitewashed, and the floors paved with marble. Everything looked new, but I still felt a sense of loss. The sense of history had gone, and the hallowed sanctuary looked like an empty house.
There is a mailing list at Yahoo Groups, which allows newcomers to subscribe to information about the prayer.