Youth and young adults from across the Diocese gathered this fall at Frost Valley YMCA for a weekend of fellowship, faith, prayer, and reflection.

The retreat combined worship, prayer, and discussion with team-building activities and time outdoors. Participants worked together through a variety of challenges, learning the importance of communication, trust, and supporting one another.

On September 30 and October 1, 2026, the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection in New York City celebrated its patronal feast, the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos.

His Eminence Archbishop Michael presided over the festal Vigil on Wednesday evening, September 30, and the Divine Liturgy on Thursday, October 1. Clergy from throughout the New York City Deanery and the surrounding area gathered with the Cathedral community for the celebration.

The October 2026 issue of Koinonia, a publication of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey’s Commission on Missions and Evangelism, is now available.

This issue focuses especially on catechesis and Christian formation, emphasizing that catechesis is not simply the transmission of information, but the formation of disciples in the life of Christ. It includes reflections by Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann, and Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, as well as a report by Archpriest Jason Vansuch on the Diocese’s Annual Evangelism School.

On the occasion of his Name Day, the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey prayerfully extend their warmest greetings to His Eminence, Archbishop Michael.

May our Lord grant His Eminence continued strength, good health, wisdom, and many blessed years of faithful archpastoral service to Christ and His Holy Church.

Eis polla eti, Despota! Many Years, Master!

Trudy R. Ellmore, Secretary of the Diocesan Council

When His Eminence, Archbishop Michael was consecrated May 8, 2010, he “announced that with the gifts he [was] receiving…; he [was] creating a fund to supplement the priests’ salaries.” He explained that there were some very important ministries that needed provisioning for the benefit of the faithful. By faithful, he meant everyone: our youth, our adults, our clergy, our seminarians, our parish leaders, choir members, church school teachers and potential new members. The day “…was not about him, but about the church.”¹ On that day the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors (DDB) Fund was begun, and those statements continue to hold true.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Yonkers, New York, is seeking a Choir Director to lead and develop the parish choir and support the liturgical life of our growing parish community.

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the Very Rev. Archpriest Peter Olsen, Rector of St. Basil’s Orthodox Church in Watervliet, NY, received David Cathel into the Holy Orthodox Church.

David’s sponsor is Aidan Chavasse, a parishioner of St. Basil’s. David has been diligently preparing for his reception into the Church as a catechumen, faithfully attending the Divine Services and catechism classes.

The faithful of St. Basil’s rejoice in welcoming David into the Orthodox Church and pray that the Lord will grant him many blessed years!

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Michael, this fall between October 10-25, the Diocese of New York and New Jersey will have the great blessing of visitations by the Hawaiian Myrrh-Streaming Iveron Icon of the Theotokos, in 20 parishes over 16 days.  Countless healings have occurred for those anointed with the miraculous myrrh that flows from the Icon, by the grace of God and the prayers of the Most-Holy Mother of God.  All are invited to gather at the Diocesan parishes that will be hosting the Icon; please see the schedule below.