Rhapsody Players perform at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Bay Ridge
Vocal Ensemble Helps Raise Funds for Church
The Rhapsody Players vocal group, under the direction of founding member John Heffernan, helped usher in the “100th Summer of St. Mary’s Church” on Saturday. The Antiochian Orthodox church, located at 81st Street and Ridge Boulevard in Bay Ridge, is celebrating its centennial this year.
While the church has been at its current location since 1950, its roots reach back to 1917 when the Assumption of the Theotokos Cathedral, now known as St. Mary’s Church, came into existence and took up residence in a former synagogue on Boerum Place in Downtown Brooklyn.
“This is the third time we’ve performed here and it feels like home,” Heffernan told the audience. He then introduced the church’s pastor, the Rev. Michael Ellias, who offered a blessing.