Bishop Michael fervently reminds all Parish Rectors and Parish Council Members of his expectation that they attend one of the three regional "Parish Growth & Evangelization" Parish Council Conferences scheduled during the month of June. All parishioners interested in growing their parishes and spreading the Gospel should be encouraged to attend as well! The Conference leader, Very Reverend Father Constantine Nasr, oversaw the growth of a modestly sized parish in Oklahoma City OK to a truly thriving community of over 1,000 souls during his three decades of pastoral ministry. Parish leaders from across our diocese agree that bringing new life into our churches is an urgent priority. Father Constantine will share his years of expertise and highly practical methods for making our faith contagious and our churches inviting ~ to new visitors and to those who have fallen out of regular participation in parish life. See "Upcoming Events" on this webpage for dates and details!

information & details >

Clergy and faithful of our diocese are warmly invited to join hundreds of their brothers and sisters in Christ in the 109th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Pilgrimage at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan PA. Events and liturgical celebrations will begin on May 24th and continue through May 27th.  The complete schedule of events is available HERE!  You may also visit the monastery website for details: http://sttikhonsmonastery.org/

On “Saint Thomas Sunday,” 12 May, Bishop Michael visited Saint Nicholas Church in Whitestone NY. His Grace illustrated his sermon and punctuated important points on the true meaning of Pascha ~ the Risen Christ ~ by walking among those present and distributing eggs to the delighted children. He then joined the community after liturgy for a joyous and bountiful Saint Thomas Sunday Feast.

Bishop Michael celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the morning of Bright Monday (6 May) at Saints Cosmas and Damian Adult Home, Staten Island NY.

His Grace, Bishop Michael was consecrated to the Episcopacy on May 8th, 2010 and the following day (May 9th) he was enthroned as “Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey.” Since that time, our diocese has seen new life and vitality as our beloved bishop leads by an example of sacrificial service, pastoral care, loving compassion, ceaseless visitation, fervent prayer, and seemingly boundless energy. We have been abundantly blessed by God, witnessing an overflowing of enthusiasm and labors as the “good fruits” of the Lord’s vineyard in New York & New Jersey are planted and harvested. May God grant our beloved Archpastor MANY BLESSED YEARS!

This is the day of resurrection! Let us be illumined by the feast! Let us embrace each other! Let us call “brothers” even those that hate us, and forgive all by the resurrection, and so let us cry: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!” (Paschal Canon)

read Bishop Michael’s Archpastoral Letter >

Russian language version >

Ukrainian language version >

The great Moses mystically foreshadowed this day when he said: “God blessed the seventh day.” This is the blessed Sabbath; this is the day of rest, on which the only-begotten Son of God rested from all His works. By suffering death to fulfill the plan of salvation, He kept the Sabbath in the flesh; by returning again to what He was, He has granted us eternal life through His Resurrection, for He alone is good and the Lover of man.  (Vespers of Holy Saturday)

Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the tree of the cross.  The King of the Angels is adorned with a crown of thorns.  He who wraps the heavens in clouds is wrapped in a purple robe of mockery.  He who is the new Adam, manifested at His baptism in the Jordan, is slapped on the face.  The Bridegroom of the Church is affixed to the cross with nails.  The Son of the Virgin is crucified and pierced by a spear.  We worship Your passion, O Christ!  We worship Your passion, O Christ!  We worship Your passion, O Christ!  Show us also Your glorious resurrection!  (Antiphon Fifteen)