In a letter to diocesan clergy on the occasion of Bishop Michael's birthday and the commemoration of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, the diocesan chancellor -- Archpriest Joseph Lickwar -- wrote the following:

August 29th is the birthday of our beloved hierarch, Bishop Michael, and the Feast of the Beheading of the Forerunner.  The ascetic life of the Forerunner and his martyrdom has always made this feast a time of strict fast, remembrance of the preaching of repentance, and witness to the coming Messiah. These acts of faith express the very spirit of the ministry lived out every day by His Grace.  His liturgical celebration, preaching, tireless visitations, and devotion to the diocese leave him with no time for himself.  His birthday will not be a day off. He will be traveling locally to celebrate the Forerunner in one of our parishes amidst a hurricane. So, send him your personal greetings and express your appreciation.

In Christ,

Father Joseph Lickwar
Chancellor