The Chant Stand
Born from a 60-year legacy at the chant stand, and built for the generation that comes next.
A 60-year legacy
The Chant Stand was born from a 60-year legacy.
Sam Atalis grew up watching his Papou (his grandfather) serve as a Protopsaltis for six decades. For 60 years, his grandfather stood at the chant stand and led his parish in the ancient melodies of the Orthodox Church. That inheritance shaped Sam's life, and it became the seed of The Chant Stand.
Sam and Andreas Stamatakis co-founded The Chant Stand with a single conviction: this sacred art belongs to every generation, not just those who grew up hearing it. They built the gathering they wished had existed for them: a space where young Orthodox Christians could come together to learn, to worship, and to belong.
The Chant Stand held its inaugural Young Aspiring Chanters Conference in Boca Raton, Florida in March 2026. Young chanters came from across the country to worship, learn, and chant together, leaving inspired to deepen this art form and bring it back to their parishes. Next stop: Dallas.
What we are for
The Chant Stand exists to educate, inspire, and unite the next generation of Orthodox chanters. Through conferences, instruction, and community, we preserve the sacred art of Byzantine chant and deepen its place in the life of the Church.
Fellowship
Build lifelong friendships with young chanters from across the country.
Education
Learn from respected Protopsaltis including Samuel Herron, Joshua Boyd, and Peter Elgohary.
Worship
Chant the Divine Liturgy and apply what you learn in a true liturgical setting.
A world where the sacred art of Byzantine chant flourishes across generations: heard, practiced, and passed on by young Orthodox Christians who carry this living tradition forward.
The team
- AS
Andreas Stamatakis
President, Co-Founder
- SA
Sam Atalis
Treasurer, Co-Founder
- CA
Claire Atalis
Secretary & Director of Communications
- SS
Sophia Stamatakis
Creative Director
- FM
Father Mark Leondis
Spiritual Advisor