The 50th anniversary of ordination to the Holy Priesthood of the Archpriest Joseph Lickwar (Chancellor, Diocese of New York and New Jersey) was celebrated on July 7, 2013 at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Jersey City NJ.  Father Joseph was ordained by His Eminence, Orestes (Chornock) of the American-Carpatho Russian Orthodox Diocese, on July 7, 1963 at Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Johnstown PA following his studies at Christ the Saviour Seminary. He and Matushka Shirley have served parishes in Akron OH, McKeesport PA, and East Pittsburgh PA, Whitestone NY, and are beginning their  23rd year in Jersey City.

Bishop Michael said of Father Joseph: “You have loved and served, taught and spiritually guided the faithful of five different communities. As the Dean of the New Jersey parishes, you showed outstanding leadership, love and support to clergy and their families. And, as Chancellor of our Diocese you have labored with yeoman dedication and zeal as confidant and advisor to four hierarchs.  Indeed, all your efforts have not been for your own glory or personal gain, but that the Holy Church might be strengthened. We give thanks to the Lord for all you have done in His Name with excellence these past fifty years, together with Matushka Shirley who has been your constant help-mate and co-laborer.”

Saint John Chrysostom tells us: "When you honor a priest, you honor the priesthood; when you honor the priesthood, you honor Christ." Thank you, Father Joseph, for honoring the priesthood to the glory of God!  Thank-you, Matushka Shirley, for co-laboring to the glory of God and His Holy Church!

“AXIOS! AXIOS! AXIOS!"

MANY YEARS!