[Watervliet, NY] - We are proud to share the wonderful news that Dr. Kimberly Peregrim, a dedicated parishioner of St. Basil’s Orthodox Church in Watervliet, NY, has been promoted to the rank of Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserves. Her extraordinary dedication to both her country and her faith is a shining example for us all.

Christ is Risen!

As spring unfolds, St. Andrew’s Camp is preparing for another joyful summer season. The old dining hall and recreation center have been transformed into a maintenance and storage facility, thanks to dedicated volunteers. Campers have contributed too—building a kayak rack and enjoying campfires by the newly painted boathouse mural.

Jersey City, NJ — May 8, 2025

Clergy and faithful from across the Diocese of New York and New Jersey gathered at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral in Jersey City, NJ on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the consecration of His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, to the episcopate.

The morning began with a joyful Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by clergy from across the diocese, giving thanks for Archbishop Michael’s steadfast leadership and devoted ministry. The cathedral was filled with prayer, song, and heartfelt gratitude as the faithful lifted their voices to God, praying for many more blessed years for their beloved archpastor.

Dear OYM Friends,

Christ is Risen!

As we continue to celebrate the Paschal season, I hope that the resources in this newsletter will inspire and encourage you in your ministry efforts. In this month's ministry reflection, Christian Gonzalez prompts us to ask ourselves what needs we see in our own corners of God's garden — and what gifts He has given us to meet them. This theme is exemplified beautifully in our latest installment of What's Your Ministry?, an interview with Presbytera Laura Blazev. It is truly amazing how seemingly simple acts — such as starting an iced coffee stand for parishioners to enjoy after liturgy— can prove themselves to be powerful examples of Christian hospitality, bearing untold fruits of fellowship.

Happy Anniversary, Archbishop Michael

With gratitude and love, we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of your consecration. Thank you for your faithful, wise, and loving leadership. May God grant you many more blessed years!

Eis polla eti, Despota!

On Bright Saturday, Saint Andrew’s Camp joyfully welcomed guests for its Annual Paschal Open House—a day filled with prayer, fellowship, and festal joy in the light of the Resurrection.

The celebration began with the Divine Liturgy, served in the camp’s chapel with the participation of numerous clergy and faithful from across the diocese. The service, radiant with Paschal hymns and bright vestments, reflected the beauty and triumph of Christ’s Resurrection.

The Department of Youth Ministry is pleased to announce two upcoming Altar Server Retreats with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, open to all adult and young male altar servers of the diocese.

Join us for a day of prayer, learning, and fellowship with others who serve at the Holy Altar!

St. Thomas Sunday, 2025 - Yonkers, NY

On Sunday of St. Thomas, April 26–27, 2025, the faithful of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Yonkers, NY, joyfully welcomed His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, for an archpastoral visit.

The visit began on Saturday evening with the celebration of Vespers and Litiya. Surrounded by the glow of Paschal candles, the parish gathered in prayer, continuing the radiant joy of the Resurrection.

Protocol No. 01-002/2025
Great and Holy Pascha
Sunday, April 20th, 2025

Dearly Beloved Members of our Diocesan Family:
Christ is Risen! – Indeed He is Risen!

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Cor. 15:57).

Many of those who have seen the pop cultural phenomenon “Jesus Christ Superstar” tell of leaving with a depressed feeling – because it ends with the crucifixion. What can be more depressing than to have a play or a movie end with the crucifixion of its hero? It is not surprising, though, that “Jesus Christ Superstar” ends with the crucifixion, since those who wrote it are non-believers. They tried to express through this rock opera their depressing philosophy about life – namely, that it ends with death for everybody.

With the blessing of Archbishop MICHAEL, the Department of Youth Ministry would like to honor all high school and college graduates from our diocese by featuring their accomplishments on the Diocesan website as well as in Jacob's Well, the official magazine of our Diocese.

Please submit this form, one for each graduate, by April 30th. Bios should be 75 words or less. If uploading a photo of the graduate it must be high resolution (minimum 300 ppi).