As Orthodox Christian young adults raised in the faith or have converted, we are acutely aware of the differences between our mindset and the prevailing ethos of the world around us and the challenges we can face in maintaining an Orthodox lifestyle. 

A wonderful time of prayer, reflection, and fellowship was had at the first annual Lenten Women's Retreat, at Saint Andrew's Camp. Molly Sabourin, known for her "Filled With Less" ministry, podcasts on Ancient Faith Radio, books she authored, and more, shared meaningful incites, with those in attendance, about intentional living.  "Refreshing," "uplifting," and "restorative" are just some of the adjectives used by attendees to describe the weekend, and all said they hope to be able to attend, again, in the future.

On Sunday, March 13, St. Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church in Wappingers Falls, NY hosted the Deanery Lenten Vespers. His Eminence, Archbishop Michael presided at the vespers along with seven clergy of the Deanery including Mitred Archpriest Joseph Lickwar, Chancellor of the Diocese, Archpriest Gary  Breton, Dean of the New Jersey Deanery and Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, the Rector of the parish.

[Sounth River, NJ] - On March 5, 2023, the First Sunday of Great and Holy Lent, known as Orthodox Sunday, a Pan-Orthodox Vesper Service was celebrated honoring the Triumph of Orthodoxy (843 AD) at the Sts. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church in South River, New Jersey. As a parish of the Orthodox Church in America, under the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, His Eminence Archbishop Michael, ruling Hierarch, was the host for the evening celebration. Under the watchful eye of the Very Reverend Archpriest David Garretson, Parish Rector, the host parish truly offered the finest of Orthodox hospitality, both liturgically and in fellowship.

[Ewing, NJ] - On March 3rd, 2023, Matushka Mary Shafran turned 98 years. Matushka Mary celebrated her birthday with two cakes, surrounded by loving family and friends.

May Our Lord continues to keep Matushka Mary in good health, grant her success in every good effort, and protect and preserve her for many years! Mnogaja Leta!

This March, Orthodox Christians for Life is organizing the 3rd Annual National Orthodox Baby Shower, an initiative designed to support women at-risk for abortion by partnering with pregnancy resource centers (PRC’s).

Dozens of parishes around the country will be holding drives to collect diapers and other baby items needed by PRC's for the women they assist, helping them choose life for their children. In this way, the Orthodox community can help transform a difficult circumstance into a profound blessing for many women. The event will take place on the weekends surrounding the Feast of the Annunciation, one of the great pro-life feast days of our Church.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR PARISH

On Saturday, February 18th, we had our 3rd Women’s Fellowship and Service Day. We made borscht and then had dinner and Q&A with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael. Following our Women’s Fellowship Day, His Eminence served the “Service of Intercession for those struggling with an unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy loss, infertility, post-abortion recovery, and sexual trauma or abuse. “ This service is served monthly as part of the Blessed Matushka Olga Ministry of the Diocese.