Diocese of New York-New Jersey

Regional Parish Council Conferences in June 2013

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

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 >

Father Joseph & Matushka Shirley Lickwar: 50th Wedding Anniversary

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The "First Couple" of the Diocese of New York & New Jersey, Chancellor Archpriest Joseph and Matushka Shirley Lickwar, were honored by a special gathering of friends from among the faithful laity and clergy lead by His Grace, Bishop Michael, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. The celebration on 8-9 June 2013 at Saints Peter & Paul Church in Jersey City, was a testimony to the love, faithfulness, and dedication exhibited by Matushka Shirley and Father Joseph to one another in the bond of marriage, and to their shared labors and sacrifices in service to Christ and His Holy Church. May God grant them "Many Years!"

Continuing Clergy Education Opportunities

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America established the Department of Continuing Education [DCE] to provide for the ongoing development of clergy and lay leaders. They simultaneously mandated a continuing education requirement of twenty (20) hours annually for all priests and deacons. The DCE carries out its mandate primarily through the Continuing Clergy Development [CCD] Program. To fulfill requirements, clergy must complete Continuing Clergy Education [CCE]. Our diocese is offering clergy opportunities to fulfill this continuing education requirement this year.

REVISED on 4 June! Information & details >

Wantage NJ: Holy Spirit Church 25th Anniversary

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Holy Spirit Church in Wantage NJ celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its founding on Saturday, 1 June 2013. A Grand Banquet at the Lafayette House followed the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Many faithful from parishes in the New Jersey Deanery, and beyond, came to the celebration. Remarks were offered by Father George Hasenecz, Father John Nehrebecki, Father Joseph Lickwar, Father Samuel Kedala (parish rector), and Bishop Michael. A superb meal was served and many wonderful memories were exchanged.

JUNE 9 (SUNDAY): Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America has issued a 2013 Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday Encyclical. In part, they write: “We call on all Orthodox Christians -- both clergy and laity -- to emulate the faithfulness of the Apostle Luke by participating in the Church's ministry to those who are in prison, and by offering support and encouragement to all those who bring the Gospel of hope and salvation to the incarcerated.” Read the entire encyclical HERE!

Princeton NJ: College Ministry Conference on 8 June 2013

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

This conference, on June 8th, is for college students, laity, and clergy. The goal is to take positive action to impact the spiritual lives of the college students of our diocese. God has blessed this effort with great speakers: Mr. Evan Bittner (student chapter president of OCF at Penn State University); Mr. Andrew Boyd (Director of the OCA Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries); Deacon Alexander Cadman (Secretary of the Board of Directors of OCF, North American office); and Father John Diamantis (Chairperson, NY & NJ Diocesan Department of College Ministry). Interested college students, laity, and clergy are encouraged to attend!

Information & Details >

Saint Tikhon’s Monastery: Memorial Day Weekend Pilgrimage

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

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/

Whitestone NY: Saint Thomas Sunday

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Staten Island NY: Bright Monday Liturgy

Sat, 11 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

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

Bishop Michael: 3rd Anniversary of Episcopal Consecration & Enthronement

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

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!

PASCHA: The Resurrection of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Sun, 05 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

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 >

Great and Holy Saturday

Sat, 04 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

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)

Great and Holy Friday

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

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)

Great and Holy Thursday

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

When Your glorious disciples were enlightened at the washing of their feet before the supper, then the impious Judas was darkened by the disease of avarice, and to the lawless judges he betrayed You, the Righteous Judge. Behold, O lover of money, this man Judas who because of avarice hanged himself. Flee from the insatiable desire which dared such things against the Master! O Lord who deals righteously with all, glory to You! (Troparion of Holy Thursday).

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

As the Savior went to his passion, he said to his friends: “Everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another. Be at peace with one another and with every one. Be of humble mind, and you will be exalted. Acknowledge me as Lord! Praise and extol me to all ages." (Matins of Holy Monday)

Palm Sunday: Entry of Our Lord into Jerusalem

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

You have entered the Holy City, O Lord, riding on the colt of an ass; hastening to Your Passion that the Law and the Prophets might be fulfilled. The Hebrew children greeted You with palms and branches heralding Your victorious Resurrection. Blessed are You, O Savior! Have mercy on us! (Vespers of Palm Sunday)

Pearl River NY: Holy Mystery of Unction

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Orthodox Christian Church of the Holy Transfiguration in Pearl River NY was the venue for the Holy Mystery of Unction celebrated by His Grace, Bishop Michael, with six priests on Tuesday night, 23 April 2013. In his homily Bishop Michael recounted many of the healings recorded in the Holy Gospel and emphasized: “We are a healing Church and the same authority and gift to heal given by our Lord Jesus Christ to His Holy Apostles is given, also, to the priests of the Church.”

2013 Diocesan Lenten Youth Retreat

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

With the blessing of Bishop Michael, under the direction of Father Jason Vansuch (Chairperson, Department of Youth Ministry), teenagers gathered for an overnight retreat 19-20 April at Holy Resurrection Church in Wayne NJ. This has become an annual tradition for 7th-12th grade students during their Lenten journey to Pascha. Parishes from Long Island, Manhattan, and throughout New Jersey were represented.

Whitestone NY: Deanery Vespers Service on 21 April

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

On Sunday night, 21 April, the final Lenten Vespers service of 2013 for the New York City Deanery was celebrated at Saint Nicholas Church, Whitestone NY. The church was full of faithful from throughout the deanery and beyond. In his homily, Father Wiaczeslaw Krawczuk (Dean, New York City Deanery) offered a reflection that drew together all of the major themes of Great Lent and encouraged all present to make the Lenten effort to grow in Christian virtue.

Alpha NJ: Hierarchical Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The faithful of Saint John Baptist Church in Alpha NJ welcomed Bishop Michael for a Hierarchical Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Friday evening, 19 April. His Grace inspired all with words of encouragement on the Lenten journey to PASCHA. During the service, Archpriest Bohdan Ostash was awarded the Palitza with a “grammata” (certificate of appreciation) for his many years of priestly ministry on the occasion of his 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood. May God grant Father Bohdan good health and all good things for “Many Years!”

Watervliet NY: Saint Anna Icon at St. Basil Church

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Myrrh-Streaming Icon of Saint Anna visited Saint Basil’s Orthodox Church in Watervliet NY on Friday, 12 April. Over 120 parish faithful and guests attended the Molieben and Akathist to the Holy and Righteous Joachim and Anna celebrated by Father Peter Olsen (parish rector). Assisting clergy were Father Igor Burdikoff and Father Matthew Markewich.

Saint Andrew’s Camp: Bike Event & Camping Program

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Saint Andrew’s Camp in Jewell NY, just north of Syracuse on the shore of Lake Oneida, will sponsor its sag-supported Second Annual Bicycle Ride on SATURDAY, 24 AUGUST. Ride distances are 62 miles, 30 miles, and 12 miles through the beautiful scenery of Upstate New York. The camp has also announced dates and programs for the upcoming summer camping season. Saint Andrew’s offers a complete overnight camping experience (3 week-long sessions) for children ages 7-13 and a “Teen Week” for those 13 and over. Complete information is available on their website: StAndrewsCamp.com

get the Bicycle Ride event flyer >

Syracuse NY: Archpastoral Visit on Sunday of the Cross

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Syracuse NY welcomed Bishop Michael for Saturday evening Vespers, Sunday Divine Liturgy, and an evening Lenten Mission Service on 7 April. The celebrations coincided with the annual Lenten commemoration of the Cross. The parish rector, Father John Chupeck, presented His Grace with a donation to Saint Andrew's Camp (website HERE) . Bishop Michael presented Olga Shewchuk with a certificate of appreciation - “grammata” - for her years of service to the parish and commitment to the OCA.

NJ Deanery: Mission Vespers on 14 April

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

On Sunday afternoon, 14 April, the New Jersey Deanery (Northern region) parishes and priests gathered at Holy Spirit Church in Wantage NJ. The Chancellor of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, Archpriest Joseph Lickwar, led the Mission Vespers Service. An outstanding homily was delivered by Archpriest Stephen Evanina, rector of Holy Assumption Church in Clifton NJ. After the service the parish rector, Archpriest Samuel Kedala, invited all to join in fellowship in the parish hall where refreshments were provided by families of the parish.

Buffalo NY: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy on 12 April

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Bishop Michael joined clergy and faithful of the Buffalo NY area for Pre-Sanctified Liturgy on Friday, 12 April, at Saint George Orthodox Church. The faithful of the parish were joined by members of their sister parish (Saints Peter and Paul Church, Buffalo), and friends from around Western New York State who gathered for worship together with His Grace and local clergy. Bishop Michael inspired all present with words of encouragement on the Lenten journey to PASCHA.

Lenten Youth Retreat on April 19-20, 2013

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The diocese will sponsor an over-night Lenten Youth Retreat at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Wayne NJ for 7th-12th grade students on 19-20 April 2013. The retreat is entitled: “Keeping It Real: Isaiah 41:10”. Orthodox and non-Orthodox students are encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity for Orthodox young people to invite their non-Orthodox friends! Complete information, details, and registration documents are available HERE.

Watervliet NY: St. Basil Church Supports “Open Table Soup Kitchen”

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

On Wednesday, April 3rd, students and teachers of Saint Basil Orthodox Church in Watervliet NY, together with Archpriest Peter Olsen (parish rector), helped out at the “Open Table Soup Kitchen” (an outreach project of the Watervliet Methodist Church). The activity involved food preparation and set-up for the meal served later in the day. The soup kitchen serves approximately 100 people every Wednesday. Saint Basil Church School is also leading an effort to increase the on-going food collection by the parish for the “Open Table Pantry” during Great Lent.

New Video: “Lessons in Our Faith”

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Bishop Michael offers a new video installment in the acclaimed “Lessons in Our Faith” series. The topic is “Great Lent (Our Spiritual Life).” Using his popular 7 Questions & 7 Answers format, His Grace presents the fundamental teaching and experience of the Church regarding this subject in a clear and concise manner ... in 8 minutes. Other topics in the series are also most appropriate for viewing during the Lenten season: Fasting ~ Confession ~ Time, Talent, Treasure ~ and more. See all of the videos in the “Lessons in Our Faith” section of this website. Or, go HERE!

New Jersey Deanery: Mission Vespers Service

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Bishop Michael joined the clergy and faithful of the New Jersey Deanery for a Lenten Mission Vespers Service on Sunday, 31 March (2nd Sunday of Lent: Saint Gregory Palamas) at Christ the Savior Church in Paramus NJ. There are several Lenten Mission Vespers Services planned throughout the diocese on the Sunday evenings of the Lenten season. See the “Upcoming Events” section of this website for details.

Dix Hills NY: Visit by Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Octet

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

On 31 March the Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Octet visited Saint Andrew's Church, Dix Hills NY, for a morning parish visit during the Divine Liturgy and to participate in the New York City Deanery Lenten Mission Vespers that evening. Attending along with the Octet were the seminary’s Chancellor (Archpriest Chad Hatfield) and SVS Press Marketing Manager (Deacon Gregory Hatrak).

Saint Tikhon's Seminary: Search for New Dean

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Board of Trustees of Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, South Canaan PA announces a vacancy in the office of Dean, to be filled effective July 1, 2013. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Dean are now being accepted. Additional information is available HERE.

Great Lent: Mission Vespers in NJ and NYC

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

UPDATED 21 MARCH The New Jersey and New York City Deaneries will sponsor Lenten Mission Vespers services on several Sunday evenings during Great Lent. These provide an opportunity for clergy and faithful from local parishes to assemble together for prayer and worship as the journey of the Great Fast progresses. Information and details are available in the “Upcoming Events” section of this webpage.

Release # 2013.14.2 (REVISED: Continuing Clergy Education)

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Release # 2013.14.1 (Continuing Clergy Education)

Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Release # 2013.13.1 (2013 Parish Council Conferences)

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Release # 2013.12.1 (Bishop's Pilgrimage)

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Release # 2013.11.1 (PASCHA: Archpastoral Letter)

Sun, 05 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Release # 2013.10.1 (New Video: "Lessons in Our Faith")

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400