The clergy and faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey extend heartfelt congratulations to His Eminence Archbishop Michael on the 16th Anniversary of his Consecration to the Holy Episcopacy. We give thanks to God for Vladyka’s many years of faithful archpastoral ministry, his steadfast leadership, and his loving care for the Diocese. May the Lord continue to grant him strength, wisdom, peace, and good health for many blessed years! “Mnogaya Lyeta!” “Eis Polla Eti, Despota!”

By Fr. Jason Vansuch

“This is The Day that The Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
 
Over the weekend of April 25-26, our parish was filled with a wonderful celebration and blessed weekend within the life of our parish with The Archpastoral Visit of His Eminence Archbishop Michael for the 3rd Sunday of Holy Pascha - The Sunday of The Myrrhbearing Women.

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, clergy and altar servers from across the New York State Deanery gathered at Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Endicott, NY, for a blessed and inspiring Altar Servers Retreat led by Archbishop Michael. Centered around the words of Christ, “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14), the retreat offered young men serving in the Holy Altar an opportunity to deepen both their liturgical knowledge and their spiritual formation.

On the weekend of May 2–3, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Michael made an archpastoral visit to Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission in Lansing, NY. On Saturday evening, Vladyka joined the faithful for the celebration of Great Vespers and a Moleben to the Holy Apostles, offering special prayers for the mission’s ongoing land search and future church building project. Following a light meal, Archbishop Michael met with members of the Parish Council and Building Committee to discuss several promising developments regarding the property search.

Christ is Risen!

With deep gratitude, we announce the retirement of Stephanie Burk from her position of Assistant to the Diocesan Treasurer, effective today. 

Stephanie has held this position for 20 years, serving under three successive Diocesan hierarchs and assisting three Diocesan treasurers.  Over these years, the Diocese has grown incredibly in souls, in ministries, and in stewardship – and the work of the Treasurer’s Office has grown along with it.  Stephanie has served with steadfast, cheerful, and selfless devotion throughout her tenure, as her responsibilities have expanded.  

We ask God’s choicest blessings on Stephanie, her husband Greg, their sons John and Stephen and daughter-in-law Marissa, and their loved ones.  May He protect and preserve them for many blessed years!

Stephanie passes the torch of the Assistant to the Treasurer, to Sub-deacon Mark Federoff, who has served as first Sub-deacon to the Archbishop for the past 15 years.  Mark has also recently been appointed Administrator of Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in New York City.  We joyfully welcome Mark to his new role within the Diocese!

Effective immediately, all correspondence to the Diocesan Treasurer’s office, formerly sent to the Lake Hiawatha, NJ, address, should be sent to:

Diocesan Treasurer’s Office
Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection
59 East 2nd Street 
New York, NY 10003

Email:  mark.federoff.mf@gmail.com

Mail that is sent to the previous address will be temporarily forwarded to the new address. 

Our sincere thanks, once again, to Stephanie for her yeoman efforts these 20 years, and to Sub-deacon Mark for accepting this assignment! 

With love in our Risen Lord,

+ Archbishop Michael 

This year’s Diocesan Spring Youth and Young Adult Retreat at Frost Valley was marked by joy, fellowship, and a spirit of faith. From hiking along rain‑soaked trails and team‑building challenges to reflective discussions, prayers during meals, and church services, every moment drew hearts and minds toward Christ with purpose and gratitude.

The April 2026 issue of Koinonia, published by the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, reflects on the renewed call to mission through the reception and formation of catechumens, emphasizing that their presence is both a gift from God and a responsibility for every parish. Drawing on patristic wisdom and contemporary pastoral experience, the issue highlights the importance of prayer, intentional catechesis, and authentic Christian living as the foundation for evangelism. It also explores practical challenges and opportunities in mission contexts—such as ministry among military communities—underscoring the need for creativity, love, and faithfulness in guiding newcomers into the life of the Church.

St. Andrew’s Camp & Retreat Center invites faithful from across the diocese to participate in the 2026 Springtime Weekend Retreat, taking place Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 3, 2026.

The retreat will focus on the theme:

“Tools for Developing Peace in a Chaotic World.”

The featured speaker will be Father Peter A. Baktis, who has served the Church for more than forty years in a wide range of pastoral ministries. For twenty-five years he served as a U.S. Army Chaplain, ministering to soldiers, families, and military communities in diverse settings. Fr. Peter currently serves as rector of Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Orthodox Church in Princeton, New Jersey.

You are invited to a special Concert & Reception in memory of Metropolitan Dimitrios of Xanthos, founding director of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). All proceeds from this event will support Orthodox missions.

This uplifting program, titled “Come, Receive the Light! Orthodox Music for the New World,” will be offered by the Spirit of Orthodoxy Choir, bringing together sacred music and a spirit of missionary outreach.

Orthodox Youth Ministries (OYM) is offering a new online course titled Removing the Veil, intended for youth workers, parents, clergy, and young adults who desire to deepen their relationships with God, with others, and within themselves.

Rooted in the wisdom of the Orthodox Fathers, the course begins with honest self-examination in the safety of God’s loving presence. Participants are invited into a process of reflection and transformation, guided by the spiritual tradition of the Church.