Archbishop Michael offers this List of Family Activities for the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple, on February 2 (also known as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord). These activities were prepared by Holy Trinity Church in East Meadow NY. Download the PDF file and enjoy them at home, as you keep the Feast!

PITTSBURGH, PA [Orthodox Youth Directors in North America Communications]

Join The Orthodox Youth Directors in North America (OYDNA) virtually on Thursday, January 28th and Friday, January 29th for their Annual Youth and Camp Workers Conference!

Thursday, January 28th

6:30 pm EST: Welcome, Opening Prayer, and Introductions

7:00 - 9:00 pm EST: Session 1 – Youth Panel Presentation & Discussion

Friday, January 29th

11:00 am - 1 pm EST: Session 2 - The Beauty in Youth Formation

2:00 - 4:00 pm EST: Session 3 - Practical Youth Formation

4:15 pm EST: Akathist for Youth

The objective of the Youth and Camp Workers Conference (YCC) is to offer an enriching and uplifting experience that will connect youth and camp workers and provide them with inspirational and challenging ideas to help them refine and improve their work. YCC is hosted by OYDNA, a working committee of individuals who serve as the departmental heads of the youth, college, and young adult ministry departments of the different Orthodox churches represented in the Assembly of Canonical Bishops of the United States.

The Orthodox Church in America is co-hosting the Conference and invites all Clergy, Youth Group Advisors, Church School Teachers, Youth Workers, Camp Directors, Camp Counselors, and anyone with an interest in serving our young people to attend!

Two of the main speakers are from the OCA, Dr. Peter Bouteneff and Fr. Sergius Halvorsen, and OCA youth will be featured during a panel presentation and discussion on the evening of January 28th. Information on other speakers can be found on the Conference website.

Click here to register, and email Danielle Geeza with any questions.

Click here for the conference flyer.

On Thursday, December 31, 2020, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America has issued an encyclical entitled, “We Rejoice Even in Tribulation”: An Encyclical of Hope. The Holy Synod offers this work out of love and gratitude to its faithful at the end of this year. The Synod also intends for the encyclical to be seen as an encouragement for the year to come. In the encyclical, the Synod seeks to find meaning in the year that has past, which has been marked by a pandemic, political polarization, economic anxiety, and civil unrest, and calls the faithful to a renewed faith and hope in Jesus Christ, and service to one another.

Presently the encyclical is available as a PDF for download. In January 2021, printed copies will be mailed to all parishes, monasteries, and institutions of the Orthodox Church in America.

This article first appeared on www.oca.org on December 31, 2020.

Archpriest Paul Shafran, Pastor Emeritus (retired) at St. Vladimir's Church in Trenton, on December 28th celebrated the 73d anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood.  He was ordained by Bishop Nikon at Holy Protection Cathedral in NYC when the famous "Blizzard of 1947" dropped several feet of snow on the city.  He and Matushka Mary also celebrated their 73d wedding anniversary in November.  Congratulations and may God bless them for their continued love and ministry in the Church.  M'nogaya L'yeta!    

Our Diocesan Chancellor, Mitred Archpriest Joseph Lickwar, celebrating his birthday today, December 23.

Grant, O Lord, peace, prosperity, health, salvation, visitation, and good hastening in all things, to Thy servant, the Mitred Archpriest Joseph, celebrating his birthday today; and protect and preserve him for many blessed years!  "Mnogaya Lyeta!"