The GOA DCS (Digital Chant Stand) app for iPhone and iPad gives you access to a growing library of free online Orthodox Christian liturgical texts and music. It brings together available texts, musical scores and audio recordings of hymns and entire services, to facilitate learning, preparation, and performance in church.
All content and functionality is available at no cost.
You will need to be online to download the DCS materials.
AGES DCS is the evolution of eMatins, previously produced and offered by Fr. Seraphim Dedes. You can print PDF booklets of services as well as individual scores directly from your iPad.
This public version of AGES DCS is offered for free and as is. The translations, rubrics, Greek and English texts are for the purposes of worship only and are subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by the authors, translators, developers, and personnel associated with their publication. Every effort has been made to make the materials as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty of fitness is implied.
For information about other versions of AGES DCS and the inclusion of different texts and music, contact AGES Initiatives.
AGES Initiatives envisions all Orthodox Christian churches having the texts, music and trained singers needed to maintain the fullest possible liturgical life.
I’m a layperson who can read the Greek but cannot understand it so I love having Greek on one side and English on the other, as the church I attend does Sunday Orthros and Liturgy 100% in Greek. I truly appreciate all the hard work and time spent to make this available to pay people! I used to print off a copy each week but now I just use my phone. Such a simple app to use!
Revolutionary, But Getting Worse
9TonyOil9
The Good: We have to acknowledge DCS is revolutionary and has changed the service landscape in America. They must be commended for this. I hope it will encourage people to learn the services rather than simply becoming a permanent crutch, but that’s not on them.The Bad: The translations are constantly changing and getting progressively worse. Many are to the point of comedy at this point and every chanter talks about it. Moreover, since Ages was subsumed under the GOA, the order and wording of services can be and has been changed at will. This is not a healthy precedent if we become reliant on the DCS tool. This app has been and continues to be glitchy, though I am sure that will improve with time.Recommendation: Use Ages as an outline if you need it but sub the English text for HTM books, which will not change.
New Translations Are Indefensible
Sirartvandelay
The original translations of Fr Seraphim are being systematically replaced by horrendous new ones. It’s so sad — this app has become unusable liturgically.Not sure if it is the diocese is responsible or not, but these new translations are simply unacceptable. They’re inaccurate, unpoetic, and cringey. I’m a proponent of updating works when necessary, but it is crucial to have the humility to acknowledge when a mistake was made in updating, and not doubling down on the changes merely for the sake of preserving pride and ego. Please revert to the old translations ASAP and I will return to using this app again, along with my original five star rating.
Great resource
wymaria
I am an experienced western singer trying to learn the music of the Eastern Orthodox Church. This is a helpful resource for me. I do wish everything that is supposed to be sung has music or audio, but this has been a super helpful start. I also love hearing Fr Seraphim Dede’s voice (Father Bless!) - His style is simple and his voice is pleasant and not distracting :) Thank you!
Updated for support Table of Bookmarks in services
Version 8.3.5
The developer, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
