On 23-24 June, the occasion of their patronal feast-day, Saint John the Baptist Church in Passaic NJ was blessed to have a visit by Bishop Michael.  On Saturday evening, Father John Nehrebecki joined His Grace and Father Sophrony Royer (parish rector) for Great Vespers. At the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, Bishop Michael invoked a special blessing upon John Holoduek, Jr. for the wearing of a cassock. Following the service, a lunch was served in the church hall for all present. "It was joy and a pleasure to have His Grace, Bishop Michael and all those who accompanied him and the visiting clergy and parishioners join us," said parishioner Elizabeth Czech.

On the feast-day of Saints Peter & Paul (Friday, 29 June), His Grace celebrated the hierarchical Liturgy in Endicott NY on the parish’s patronal feast-day.  During the Liturgy, Sub-deacon Mark Bohush was ordained to the holy Diaconate.

Father Timothy Holowatch, attached to the parish, was evaluated to the rank and dignity of Archpriest.

“Axios!” and “Many Years!” to Deacon Mark and Father Timm.