Jacob’s Well is the official publication of the Diocese New York-New Jersey (Orthodox Church in America). It provides, as did the well in ancient communities, a place for the distribution of news and activities regarding the life of the Diocese and its parishes. It seeks to highlight functions sponsored in the areas of youth and liturgical music, and the efforts taking place throughout Diocesan missions. Of special interest is the presentation of iconographic examples from Diocesan parishes.
But like the story of the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well (John 4), it also seeks to be a vehicle which provides not just news but opportunities for reflection on the living encounter with Jesus Christ. In this way it attempts to examine the role of Tradition as the "ongoing life of the Holy Spirit in the Church" (Vladimir Lossky). Through a variety of themes and materials – articles, reviews of books, films, and theater, studies of moral and even environmental issues, as well as poetry – it tries to acknowledge the many ways which the Holy Spirit seeks to make Christ known.
Finally, while input from members of the Diocese, both clergy and lay people is encouraged, contributions from those outside of the Diocese are welcome and utilized whenever possible.
