The clergy and faithful of the OCA Diocese of NY & NJ, New Jersey Deanery invite you to join us for a Lenten Mission Service on the Sunday of the Cross.

This issue of KOINONIA, Volume 7, Issue 2 (March 17, 2025), centers on the theme of miracles and their transformative power in the lives of believers. The feature article, "Miracles Finding You" by Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, sets the tone by exploring how the miraculous works of Jesus are not only divine gifts meant to heal but also signs of His ongoing presence in our lives. The issue features deeply personal narratives—from one man’s dramatic recovery from a debilitating illness to another individual’s quest for purpose—that illustrate how encounters with the miraculous serve as catalysts for spiritual rebirth and conversion to the Orthodox Church. These stories remind readers that miracles are not confined to biblical times but continue to shape lives today, offering hope and a renewed sense of purpose. ​

In addition to these inspiring testimonies, the newsletter reports on the Diocese’s third Annual Evangelism School. This event brought together clergy and laity from across the Diocese to engage in intensive sessions on parish revitalization and evangelism. The discussions and workshops addressed practical challenges facing legacy parishes, providing participants with strategies to renew and invigorate their communities. Overall, this issue of KOINONIA not only celebrates the tangible manifestations of divine grace in everyday life but also serves as a call to action for building vibrant, responsive church communities in today’s dynamic social climate.

Hannah Holowach, a parishioner of St. Basil’s Orthodox Church in Watervliet, NY, has been honored with the Midshipman Commendation Award from the U.S. Navy ROTC at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). This prestigious award recognizes her outstanding efforts as a member of the Academics Division.

[Wayne, NJ] - Twenty-one priests, 21 singers and more than 160 faithful joined His Eminence, Archbishop MICHAEL for the celebration of Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at Holy Resurrection Church in Wayne, NJ on March 9, 2025. The celebration began with a procession of the clergy and servers from the parish center to the church.

This newsletter, titled KOINONIA (Volume 7, Issue 1, March 10, 2025), is a diocesan publication from the Diocese of New York and New Jersey produced by the Commission on Missions and Evangelism. It opens with a powerful biblical passage from Ezekiel 37, using the imagery of dry bones and resurrection to set the tone for its exploration of church renewal. The newsletter brings together theological reflection and practical insights, addressing the challenges modern Orthodox parishes face in an evolving social climate while reaffirming the timeless message of the Gospel.

On the first Sunday of Great Lent, St. Basil's Orthodox Church in Watervliet, NY celebrated a pan‑Orthodox vespers service with a procession and the rite of Orthodoxy. Serving were Archpriest Peter Olsen, the rector of St. Basil's Church; Protopresbyter Emmanuel Mantzouris (Greek Archdiocese); Priestmonk Christopher Savage, Prior (New Skete Monastery, OCA); Presbyter Gregory Potter (Antiochian Archdiocese); Presbyter Neofitos Sargiannis (Greek Archdiocese); Presbyter John Vazquez (Antiochian Archdiocese); and Deacon Jason Gagnon of St. Basil's Church in Watervliet.

By God’s grace and the fervent prayers of many, Matushka Mary Shafran reached the incredible milestone of her 100th birthday on March 3rd. The celebration began the day before with a heartfelt visit from her niece and two great-grandchildren, and it continued on her birthday with Father Paul, daughters Nina and Paula, and son-in-law Ludwig.

Building upon the remarkable success of our 2024 Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors (DDB) Campaign, which raised an incredible $252,167—121% of our goal, we are excited to launch the 2025 DDB Campaign!

The faithful of Saint Mary Magdalen Orthodox Church on the Upper West Side of Manhattan will have the great blessing of hosting the visitation of the miracle-working icon of Saint Anna on the first weekend of Great Lent. This special event will be further enriched by the presence of the Saint Tikhon's Seminary Choir, whose sacred hymns will accompany the services throughout the weekend.

As we begin our journey to Pascha, I encourage you to take this time to not only reflect on how you might draw nearer to Christ over the course of the Great Fast — but how you you might also draw nearer to your family and community. After all, as Christian Gonzalez writes in this month's ministry reflection, "Lent is not just about individual repentance. It’s about the community. It’s about commending our whole life to Christ."