Bishop Michael celebrated the Altar Feast of Christ the Saviour Church in Paramus NJ on Friday, August 16th.  His Grace was met by seven priests and was vested to celebrate the post-feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Savior’s Feast of the reception of the icon “not made by hands” from Edessa to Constantinople.

Greeting the bishop was the host rector, Archpriest David Vernak, along with Archpriest John Nehrebecki (Pastor Emeritus), Archpriest Joseph Lickwar (Diocesan Chancellor), Igumen Joseph [Hoffman], Archpriest Joseph Frawley, Archpriest Maryon Chaykivsky, and Priest Igor Kseniuk.

The parish Senior Warden, Reader David Maliniak, welcomed His Grace at the church entryway with the traditional bread and salt. Altar servers were Simeon Brasowski, Mark Riabov, and David Riabov. Alexander Vlachos served as Sub-Deacon. A festive covered dish luncheon was prepared by the parishioners and enjoyed by all.

Bishop Michael visited Saint John the Baptist Church in Rochester NY on Saturday, August 17th through Sunday, August 18th.  “His visit started with Great Vespers on Saturday night, with a reception and a Q&A afterwards,” said parish youth reporter, Raphael Platte. “Questions included how to deal with non-orthodox missionary outreach, prayers to saints, and numerous stories. The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. Following the liturgy was a delicious meal, with another Q&A. We also received updates on the mission parish in Lansing NY, Operation Princeton NJ, and general diocesan news.  Eis polla eti, Despota!”

Rochester NY - August 18, 2013

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Bishop Michael continues his travels throughout the diocese, visiting parishes and communities across the vast territory of New York and New Jersey. His commitment to regular Archpastoral visitations to parishes ... large and small, established and missions ... is a testimony to his pastoral guidance and concern as Spiritual Shepherd of the diocesan flock entrusted to his care. Recently, in a 3-day period ... 16-18 August 2013 ... His Grace visited Paramus NJ and Rochester NY (350 miles apart), and then he was off to Lansing NY (94 miles) for a Clergy Family Picnic on-route to the Diocesan Chancery (228 miles).

Let us pray for his God-protected and blessed travels!