A Gregorian choral singing as contributing factor of developing the system of spiritual values of youngsters

With advances of modern technologies our post- modern society increasingle has to deal with lack of aesthetics and culture. The analysis of spirituality phenomennon enables us that, above all. spirituality is very significant because it has to do with the human essence and his divine origine. Secondly, spirituality os of grate importance from the pedagogical point of view when we wish to develop an all- rounded personality. Spirituality involves everything asociated with human vitality, his povers, energy, strength and will the system of spiritual values is comprised of main values such as kindness, beauty, the truth, as well as harmony between the mind and feelings, faith, freedom, transcendental alation, responsibility, decency, concience, duty, peace of mind, kindness, friendliness, love of God and one's neighbour, spirituality activities and prayers. The development of personality by means of sacred art is one of effective ways to encourage the development of spiritual values. Gregorian chorals, as the most spiritual way of singing distinguishes itself by its singing peculiarity such as peace, beauty, perfect expression of the word , simplicity, meaning fullness and sacredness. These features stimulate spiritual development. How actively the spiritual value system works depends on the experience of choral singing, the environment, theoretical knowledge and understanding of its designation. The subject of the study is the spiritual value system of youngsters. Two studies have been carried out in order to find out whether Gregorian chorals do have an effect on the person's spirituality, what factors influence this process and finally which particular spiritual values are developed by singing Gregorian chorals. The research findings have shoved that the very process of singing chorals and its use according to designation contribute to development of spiritual values. According to the data obtained spiritual values are classified according to the two eriteria: The experience of kindness, unity, peace of mind, sacredness, transcendental experience of God, enjoyment of socializing, certainty, and the truth. The eriteria of spiritual activity involve spiritual manifestations such as prayer, dedication, conversion, love of God and closeness, revitalization, experience of mystery, better knowledge of self, respect, faith, hope and decency. For many those who sing Gregorian chorals singing itself is spiritual self- actualization, prayer, which contributes to the development of spiritual values. To sum up the research findings we can state that Gregorian singing may be one of ways of encouraging and developing the spiritual value system of youngsters, when they perceive their meaning.Švietimo akademijaVytauto Didžiojo universiteta