For Musicians of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey

The Commission on Liturgical Music (CoLM) is pleased to announce the inaugural Archpriest Daniel J. Skvir Memorial Scholarship.

For 2026, the scholarship will provide a $1,000.00 stipend to “a deserving diocesan musician(s)” to support Orthodox music education and further their service to the Church through the study of Orthodox liturgical music.

Applications will be accepted through September 1, 2026.
(application below)

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a member in good standing of a parish in the Diocese of New York and New Jersey.

• Use the scholarship to attend an Orthodox music education or training program, regardless of jurisdiction.

• Demonstrate a commitment to current and future participation in parish and diocesan music ministry.

• Submit a completed application, including a recommendation from their parish rector.

Scholarship recipients will be selected using an objective evaluation process that considers parish and diocesan musical involvement, educational goals, future service to the Church, and the rector's endorsement. If appropriate, the scholarship may be divided among two or more qualified applicants.

The 2026 scholarship funds will be available in October, 2026, and may be applied toward tuition for an Orthodox music education program attended earlier in 2026 or for an upcoming program later in the year.

About Archpriest Daniel J. Skvir

Archpriest Daniel J. Skvir (1945–2025) was the first Clergy Chairman of the Commission on Liturgical Music and a lifelong church musician dedicated to the ministry of Orthodox sacred music.

Before his ordination to the priesthood, he served as choir director in East Meadow, New York, and Jersey City, New Jersey. Throughout his life, he was a gifted arranger of choral music, an accomplished collector of liturgical repertoire, and a discerning advocate for excellence in Orthodox church singing.

In 2022, the Holy Synod of Bishops awarded him the Order of Saint Romanos in recognition of his distinguished service as a choir director, arranger, and steward of Orthodox liturgical music.

May his memory be eternal!