The Second Anniversary Celebration of the consecration of Bishop Michael was a most joyful and inspiring gathering at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Jersey City NJ on Saturday, May 12th.  His Grace was joined by twenty-four clergy and many faithful of the diocese for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with magnificent responses by the Spirit of Orthodoxy Choir under the direction of Aleksei V. Shipovalnikov. 

His Grace summarized his past two years of shepherding the diocese. He thanked the clergy and faithful, who shared in this labor.  He said that he could not have done this without the love, dedication and support of his clergy, faithful and friends.  He stated that there is still much to be done; we need to be faithful stewards to accomplish the tasks before us.

On behalf of the clergy and faithful of the diocese, Archpriest Joseph Lickwar (Diocesan Chancellor) thanked His Grace and equated his work to that of Moses, who led his wandering and wavering people to the Promised Land.  He noted that "A Vision for Our Future" and associated Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors program, designed by His Grace, is a remedy for indecisiveness and apathy.

A reception followed prepared by Matushka Shirley Lickwar and guests enjoyed great fellowship.