On December 31st and January 1st, Archbishop Michael joined the faithful of Saint Basil's Orthodox Church in Watervliet NY for their Parish Feast-Day. Dragan Vujicic, a seminarian from Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville NY, was tonsured a Reader during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Parishioner Anna MacPherson was awarded a Diocesan Gramota (certificate of appreciation) for her many years of dedicated service to the parish. “A wonderful festive meal was served afterwards in the Parish Center," said Father Peter Olsen (parish Rector).

Serving with His Eminence were: Archpriest Peter Olsen, Archpriest Aleksey Karlgut (NY State Dean), Priest Matthew Markewich, Deacon Stefan Karlgut, Deacon Paul Federoff, Sub-Deacon Jason Gagnon, and Matthew Ortiz. Father Karlgut's children served as well for a beautiful and dignified Hierarchical evening Vigil and morning Divine Liturgy.