NEW YORK – The Story of Christmas is about the greatest miracle. The story of Amahl and the Night Visitors is about one of the most beautiful: A child that was crippled becomes able to walk, his life’s potential restored both by the Grace of God and the love and faith of those around him.

Created by Gian Carlo Menotti in 1951 for NBC as the first opera specifically composed for television in America, Amahl was presented in a moving production of the Kyrenia Opera at Kimisis Church in Brooklyn on December 19.

According to the invitation sent by Kyrenia Opera’s Founding General Director and Conductor Constantine Yiannoudes, “the opera tells the story of the crippled Amahl and his mother, poor shepherds, as they are visited by the Three Kings on their way to visit the infant Jesus.”

Amahl has a penchant for telling tall tales, so his mother does not believe him when he tells her first of a star in the sky “as big as a window” and then of three dazzling kings from the East at their door.

The passion and excellence of the performers – the children were as poised and polished as the adults – was reflected in the enthusiasm of Yiannoudes, who is also a noted international baritone. Archbishop Demetrios during his remarks after the performance, turned to the conductor, who is also Performing Arts Director at the Cathedral School, and said “you were singing from the beginning to the end.”

The performance took place in the Church’s solea, the dazzling costumes of the Three Kings poignantly contrasting the threadbare clothing of the mother and son.  There was also a chorus of children and after their procession down the center aisle and up to the balcony they sounded like a choir of angels.

Yiannoudes noted during his greetings to the audience that Amahl, a one-act work, is the most frequently performed opera in the world, thanks to its accessibility he said, but also due to its appeal to children and their parents alike, noting that his own twin children,  a boy and girl, are the light of his life.

Robert Stivanello of Venice, whose efforts as director did justice to his countryman’s masterpiece, humbly deflected all credit to Yiannoudes, who in turn praised the former’s contribution to the unique Christmas event.

Yiannoudes thanked and congratulated everyone who made the production possible, and then pointed to the youngest cast members and declared “I can’t be more proud of these kids.”

The Archbishop expressed his deep appreciation “for this amazing performance” and thanked Yiannoudes and the Very Rev. Father Ganas and the Kimisis parish for hosting the opera. He also acknowledged the presence of Holy Cross pastor Father Gerasimos Makris, the Consul  General of Cyprus Amb. Vasilios Philippou and his wife Anthea, and National Philoptochos President Maria Logos.

“But the night belongs to the performers – as musicians and as actors…and the Maestro,” he said beaming, and added “Everyone was really impressive,”

The adults and 12-year of Hudson Orfe were professionals and the rest of the children were drawn from two schools, including the Cathedral School.

Everyone was especially moved by Orfe’s performance as Amahl. The Archbishop pointed out that up front he could tell that the boy’s costume made him be cold. “I was thinking ‘how can he do it’ – but you know that if you have a very warm heart, and you know what you are doing and it is a beautiful thing, then you don’t mind the cold or any adversity.”

The Archbishop then thanked the families “of all these wonderful children” for supporting them as they develop “the beautiful tool that God gave us – music,” and concluded with praise for the parish, which he noted was one of the favorites of his predecessor, Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory.

During his remarks Archbishop Demetrios took a moment to tell the audience about the City of Kyrenia. “It is a very beautiful place. For years it was a tourism jewel, but now it is under Turkish army occupation,” he said.

He was thinking about it during the opera. “As we saw the miracle of the boy throwing away his crutches and walking and dancing, I see a day  – soon – when Kyrenia will throw away the chains that keep this city down, and jump and become again a part of a united Cyprus,” he said to a burst of applause.

“Kyrenia Opera is dedicated to bringing great vocal music from around the world to audiences in both the United States and Cyprus. With its home base in New York, Kyrenia Opera brings vibrant productions and educational outreach to children and adults in both countries,” according to its website. “This year, Kyrenia Opera proudly announced the third annual Cyprus Vocal Scholarship Competition, which encourages and supports emerging vocalists from Cyprus. In addition to monetary awards, scholarship recipients receive invaluable mentoring from respected experts on classical singing.”

The audience enjoyed food, refreshments, and fellowship at the reception which followed the opera.