From joyful preparations for the Building Our Future: Thanksgiving and Dedication celebration to a look ahead at our exciting 2026 camp programs, this issue is filled with inspiring updates and ways to stay connected with St. Andrew’s Camp. Read about the blessings of our newly dedicated buildings, learn how you can support the camp’s mission, and mark your calendar for upcoming retreats and events. Together, let’s continue to build a place where faith, friendship, and fun flourish for generations to come.

In this November Ministry Reflection, Christopher Chiakulas, Founder of Orthodox Christian College Counseling, reflects on the pressures our teens face as they prepare for college and reminds us that, while the world urges them to chase the “best” schools and achievements, the only admission that truly matters is to the Kingdom of Heaven. Lasting faith begins long before college; it grows when parents, leaders, and mentors walk with our youth, nurturing their life in Christ through relationship, prayer, and presence.

The second part of this workshop, which took place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, is titled “A Gentle Mother, A Holy Matushka: Getting to Know St. Olga of Alaska -- Part 2: Resources for Teaching”. Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris and Archpriest Michael Nicolai offered reflections on Yup’ik Orthodox traditions, celebrations, and music. Also featured was a recording of Archpriest Michael Oleksa, of blessed memory, retelling miracle stories of St. Olga. Matushka Tamara Cowan shared multiple resources of photos, videos, articles, books and Church School lessons. These resources will be part of a St. Olga of Alaska Resource Guide, with live links and PDF downloads that can be immediately used for teaching about St. Olga to youth and adults alike. The guide will be available soon for download, for parish and family use.

[Jewell, NY] - On Saturday, November 1, 2025, St. Andrew’s Camp hosted a joyous celebration to thank its benefactors, supporters, and volunteers. Their generosity has benefited hundreds of campers and made possible many wonderful improvements to the camp’s facilities and programs.

During the event, His Eminence Archbishop Michael celebrated the Divine Liturgy, assisted by Fr. Jason Vansuch, Fr. Gregory Fedorchak, and Fr. Ambrose Inlow. Following the Liturgy, a procession was held to bless and dedicate the newly constructed Dining Hall, along with the camp’s existing buildings, each entrusted to the intercessions of beloved saints closely associated with the camp’s life: St. Michael the Archangel, St. Olga of Alaska, St. Herman of Alaska, St. Seraphim of Sarov, and St. Joseph the Betrothed.

On Saturday, October 25, members of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Cohoes, NY, traveled to Argyle, NY to present a $1,000 donation to Lucky Puppy Rescue, a local shelter dedicated to the care and adoption of dogs. The donation represented half of the parish’s recent 50/50 raffle proceeds, directed toward supporting a worthy cause.

“All of creation is from God, and it requires us to help animals as well as people,” said one parish member, reflecting on the visit.
 

[Brooklyn, NY] -  On November 1, 2025, Christopher and Pelagia received the Holy Mystery of Baptism at Transfiguration Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY. It was a special joy for the entire community, as this was a conscious and heartfelt decision made by the young adults themselves, both of whom were raised in non-religious families.

[Rochester, NY] - On Saturday, November 2, 2025, the faithful of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Rochester, NY gathered for a joyful Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors (DDB) Dinner and Celebration.

Approximately 35 Orthodox faithful attended the event, sharing an evening of fellowship and gratitude for all who support the life and ministries of our Diocese through the DDB program.

The gathering also included a special moment of thanksgiving for Mr. Boris Glus, a beloved and long-time parishioner, who recently celebrated his 91st birthday. Many years!

On Sunday, October 26, the faithful of Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Orthodox Church in Princeton, NJ, gathered in love and thanksgiving to celebrate their parish feast day. The day began with the Divine Liturgy, lifting hearts in joyful praise to the Theotokos.

On October 27, His Eminence Archbishop Michael celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of St. Olga of Alaska at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in East Meadow, NY. The service marked the first Divine Liturgy since her official glorification in the Orthodox Church this past June. His Eminence offered a heartfelt reflection on the newly canonized saint and shared his personal experiences from the canonization celebration in Alaska.

“Many hands make light work.”

During his Archpastoral visit to Holy Cross Church in Medford, NJ, Archbishop Michael was warmly welcomed by the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd community and invited to see their newly prepared Atrium — a sacred space where children come to know and love Christ through prayer, Scripture, and hands-on liturgical materials.

This short clip, A Testament of Love, written by catechist Phyllis Pritchard and filmed by parishioner Chris Roth, captures the remarkable “Act of Love” that brought the Atrium to life. Parishioners of all ages came together with generosity and joy to transform a small room into a place of spiritual encounter.