The Diocese of New York & New Jersey's Department of Christian Education invites all parish church school teachers, coordinators, and those involved in parish religious education to participate in a virtual Zoom Meet & Greet later this month.

The purpose of these informal gatherings is to connect with church school leaders from across the Diocese, learn about the unique needs and challenges of parish education programs, and discuss ways the Department can better support local ministries through resources, collaboration, and future opportunities.

Family Week at Saint Andrew's Camp was a beautiful reminder that some of life's greatest blessings are found in simply being together.

Throughout the week, families stepped away from the busyness of everyday life to worship, learn, laugh, play, and grow together. Daily services, religious education, and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, kept Christ at the center of everything. Campers also enjoyed kayaking, swimming, crafts, sports, campfires, games, and plenty of time to relax and connect with one another.

By God’s grace, Archpriest Paul Shafran, Pastor Emeritus (retired), St. Vladimir Church, Trenton, marked his 104th birthday on July 2, 2026.  His daughters arranged an in-home celebration, joined by several other family members including two of his great grandchildren.  On Sunday July 5, the celebration continued at the church with Father Volodymyr Chaikivskyi, Pastor, along with family members and parishioners.  After everyone sang Happy Birthday, Father Paul led them in singing “God Bless America” to honor our nation’s 250th anniversary.  We sincerely thank Father Paul for his long life of dedicated service to the Church, and we extend our best wishes and prayers to him for peace, health, and salvation!  Mnogaya Leta!

His Eminence, Archbishop Michael will present an evening seminar during the Summer Institute of Theology at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, on Tuesday, July 14, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The lecture will take place in Clark Hall.

The presentation, "The Council of Nicaea: An Ancient Formula for the Christian Faith of the Future," is the third installment in Archbishop Michael's ongoing series marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. Previous lectures explored the historical events leading up to the Council (2024) and the Council itself (2025). This year's seminar will consider how the Council of Nicaea continues to provide a compelling witness to the Orthodox Christian faith and its relevance for the challenges of the twenty-first century and beyond.

[Medford, NJ] - The faithful of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Medford, New Jersey, gathered on Tuesday, July 1, to celebrate a historic milestone in the life of their parish as His Eminence Archbishop Michael ordained John Carpenter to the Holy Diaconate during the Divine Liturgy.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey's Commission on Missions and Evangelism has published the July 2026 issue of Koinonia, continuing its mission of providing practical and theological resources for clergy, catechists, and faithful engaged in the work of evangelism and Christian formation.

This issue is dedicated to the mystery of the Holy Trinity and the importance of building catechesis upon the foundational teachings of the Orthodox Faith. It features a pastoral reflection by Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, Start With the Basics, encouraging catechists to begin with the Nicene Creed when instructing those seeking to enter the Church. Additional articles include selections from St. Gregory the Theologian, Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, and Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald on the Holy Trinity, as well as practical guidance from Archpriest Matthew Markewich on organizing an effective parish catechetical program.

We invite clergy, parish educators, and all who are interested in the ministry of evangelism and catechesis to read and share this latest issue.

[Plattsburgh, NY] - Parishioners, friends, family, and invited guests were all present at St. Olga’s Mission for Great Vespers and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on June 27 and 28.

In attendance were Archbishop Michael, Archpriest Alexey Karlgut (NY State Dean), Archpriest Terent Wasielewski (St. Nicholas, Cohoes, and founding clergy of the Mission), Priest Paul Fedoroff (Priest-in-Charge), Protodeacon Michael Burdikoff (Christ the Savior in Ballston Lake), Subdeacon Andrew Karlgut, Reader Stephan Sveshnikov, and altar servers Benjamin Goes and Whitaker (George) Foutch.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey's Commission on Liturgical Music is pleased to announce the release of the inaugural issue of The Tuning Fork, a newsletter dedicated to supporting Orthodox church singers, choir directors, and everyone involved in the sacred ministry of liturgical music.

Revived after nearly two decades, The Tuning Fork seeks to provide practical guidance, encouragement, and educational resources for parish choirs of all sizes and levels of experience. While many resources are available for professionally trained musicians, this publication is written with the everyday parish singer in mind—those who faithfully offer their voices in worship out of love for Christ and His Church.

[Herkimer, NY] - On June 20–21, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Michael made an archpastoral visit to Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Herkimer, New York, in celebration of the parish’s 110th Anniversary.

The highlight of the weekend was the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday. During the service, two parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Nikita Zaitsev and Milan Djurdjevich, were tonsured by His Eminence to the rank of Reader.

[Alpha, NJ] - On Sunday, June 14, 2026, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, made an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Alpha, New Jersey.

His Eminence presided at the Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by Archpriest Bohdan Ostash, rector of the host parish. Assisting in the altar were Subdeacon Mark Federoff and Subdeacon Andrew Karlgut.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful gathered for a festive fellowship meal prepared by the parish women. Despite the fasting season, a delicious meal was enjoyed by all, providing an opportunity for clergy and parishioners to spend time together and continue the celebration of the day’s visit.