Hymn Singing Practices in Orthodox Churches: A Study of Methodist Church Cathedral Aapara, Oyo, Oyo State

Abstract

This study examines the roles of hymn singing and practices in Methodist Church Cathedral Apaara, Oyo town, emphasizing the influence of spiritual identity and worship practices. The concept of hymnology has to do with the study of hymns, which serves as one of the major ways to express Christian faith in the act of worship. Hymn singing foster communal unity through a reinforced religious teaching. There has been a noticeable decline in the study of roles of hymn singing and its worship practices of Orthodox churches especially, Methodist Cathedral Apaara, Oyo. This study therefore explores how hymn singing shapes the spiritual lives of an individuals and collective identity of the congregation at Methodist Church Cathedral, Apaara Oyo town. This paper engaged in qualitative research methods which include participant observations, historical method, using ethnographic approach. The study also examined the singing and compositional techniques, musical instrument used in accompanying the hymn singing and the juxtaposition of the service with their faith in God through an act of worship. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of hymn singing and its significance in Christian worship tradition.