Bishop Michael's commitment to preach and teach the Gospel was manifested at Saints Peter & Paul Church in Syracuse NY on 13-14 December 2014. On Saturday, many parishioners and visitors were treated to a tremendous "Overview of the Gospel of Saint John" with an emphasis on "The Good Shepherd." The day began with an Akathist (service of praise and worship) to Saint Herman of Alaska and included two sessions, a light lunch, confessions, and was sealed with His Grace anointing all the participants with holy oil from the Alaskan reliquary of Saint Herman.

On Sunday, Bishop Michael celebrated the Divine Liturgy and blessed six new stained glass windows, installed to complete the "Handicap Access Project" in the church. This  project, along with many others, has been completed by the grace of God in anticipation of the 100th Parish Anniversary Celebration in June 2016.

"His Grace has been kind enough to dedicate this annual Advent Retreat weekend at our Church [for many years] since the time he was Dean at Saint Tikhon's Seminary," said Father John Chupeck (parish rector). "We are ever-grateful to Bishop Michael for every visit and blessing!"