On weekend of 15-16 September 2018, Archbishop Michael visited Saint John the Baptist Church in Alpha NJ and presented a Synodal Gramota to Archpriest Bohdan Ostash (Parish Rector) in recognition of his 30 years of priesthood. His Eminence also brought a new Antimension for the altar containing the relics of a saint. Following the Liturgy, in the newly renovated Church Hall, there was a festal dinner. His Eminence had a dialogue with parishioners during which he shared experiences about his recent pilgrimage visit to the Holy Land and Slovakia.

At the Workshop for Church Readers we will review the theology that guides and informs our liturgical ministry. We will address practical concerns regarding rubrics, melodic patterns for reading, and how to chant the Prokimenon and Alleluia in synergy with the choir. You will also have an opportunity to receive vocal coaching and practice the strategies learned at the workshop.

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The theme of this year’s retreat is “Finding Your True North: Where Does Christ Fit into Your Life?” The retreat is open to Young Women in Grades 7-12 at Saint Basil Academy in Garrison NY from November 9-11, 2018. We are especially grateful to have as our guest speaker Natalie Kapeluck Nixon, Director for Youth & Young Adult Ministry of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and the Ukrainian Orthodox Camping Programs, who will address contemporary moral issues facing all teenagers today, specifically young women. Natalie has a wonderful presence in the world of Orthodox Youth Ministry, sitting on the Board of Directors of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), and also serving as a youth consultant for the Orthodox Fellowship of the Transfiguration and to the Assembly of Bishops Committee for Youth. She also teaches a Youth Ministry Certification Course for St. Sophia’s Ukrainian Orthodox Seminary.

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The ever-growing list of Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors is rising as the leaves of Fall are falling. Thanks to our DDBs the vital ministries of the diocese are being funded as never before. The financial resources provided support our youth, our seminarians, mission parishes, clergy/parish growth, and more! See the DDB “Honor Roll” here > and learn more about the DDB here >

Archbishop Michael visited Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Buffalo NY on 1-2 September 2018. The visit began with a celebration of Great Vespers on Saturday. During the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, His Eminence tonsured Caleb Henry to be a reader and blessed reader Steven Camp to wear a Sub-Deacon Orarion. Father Jason Vansuch along with the faithful of nearby Saint George Orthodox Church also joined in the celebration. The Dean of New York state, Father Alexey Karlgut, was present as his wife, Matushka Stacey Karlgut, directed the parish choir.

Holy Spirit Orthodox Christian Church (Wantage NJ) will celebrate a “Harvest Festival” on 29-30 September featuring Slavic and American cuisine: sausage with peppers and onions, hot dogs and hamburgers, pierogis, stuffed cabbage, chicken fingers, home-baked goods, and more! Live music will feature the Snake Oil Willie Band on Saturday from 6-8 pm, the Culver Gap Bluegrass Trio on Sunday from 1-3 pm, and Renaissance lute performances. Admission is free. Vendor inquiries welcome. For more information: holyspiritorthodox.org (973-702-0622).

Over 100 faithful and clergy from the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, along with guests from other Orthodox churches, attended our Annual Diocesan Youth Day on 22 August 2018. The day began at Christ the Savior parish in Paramus NJ with a Molieben (service of thanksgiving) presided by Archbishop Michael. A breakfast was offered by parishioners and then His Eminence accompanied everyone to see “Aladdin on Broadway,” along with a talk-back with some of the crew and actors.

On Sunday, 5 August 2018, Archbishop Michael visited Saint John the Baptist Church in Rochester NY. During the visit, His Eminence presented a Synodal Gramota (certificate of appreciation) and an honorary palitza (priest’s vestment) to the parish rector, Archpriest Ken James Stavrevsky, on the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood. Following the Liturgy, the newly renovated Church Hall was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Michael.