The weekend of 19-20 July was inspirational and memorable as the faithful of Saints Peter & Paul Church, Bayonne NJ, welcomed Bishop Michael for an Archpastoral visit. Philip Benda, a lifelong parishioner, was tonsured to the rank of Reader during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday and blessed to wear the sub-diaconal orarion. Another happy event of the day was the 90th birthday celebration for Wilfred Royer (father of Archpriest Sophrony Royer, parish rector). Parishioners and guests were inspired by His Grace’s words and prayers, and enriched by the chance to reconnect with friends and relatives, from near and far, during a luncheon following the Sunday Liturgy.

His Grace attended both Great Vespers on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning. Archpriest Sophrony Royer graciously welcomed Bishop Michael as well as faithful from other local Orthodox parishes. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Michael with Father Sophrony, Father John Fencik (Saint Mary’s Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Bayonne NJ), Archdeacon Michael Suvak, Sub-deacon Mark Federoff, Reader Stephen Wasilewski (Parish Council President), and the newly-tonsured Reader, Philip.

“Many Years!”
... to newly-tonsured Reader, Philip!
... to Wilfred on his 90th birthday!