From the evening of March 29 through the morning of March 31, the faithful of St. Innocent Orthodox Mission in Oneonta, NY were deeply blessed by the presence and pastoral care of His Eminence, Archbishop Michael. Over the course of two days and two nights, His Eminence presided at four services, met with our parish council and Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) group, and offered words of encouragement and love to our growing community.

On Sunday evening, Archbishop Michael was the keynote speaker at the St. Andrew Brotherhood (Capital Region) Mission Vespers. The service brought together five priests and faithful from across the region in a powerful witness of Orthodox unity and fellowship. Concelebrating were:

• Fr. Matthew Markewicz (Christ the Savior, Ballston Spa, NY – OCA)
• Fr. Emmanuel Mantzouris (St. Basil’s, Troy, NY – GOArch)
• Fr. John Vasquez (St. George, Albany, NY – Antiochian)
• Fr. George Potter (St. George, South Glens Falls, NY – Antiochian)
• Fr. Micah Breland (Host priest, St. Innocent Orthodox Mission – OCA)

The weekend concluded with a beautiful Akathist to St. Innocent, the patron of our mission, served by His Eminence on Monday morning—our Patronal Feast Day.

In the post-COVID era, our mission has not only endured but flourished. In the past year, we have celebrated two baptisms and one chrismation into the Orthodox Faith, and have recently mourned the falling asleep of one of these newly illumined. We currently have three catechumens in formal catechesis and two more preparing to begin. In addition, we are blessed with two young women discerning monastic vocations who join us for Sunday worship before visiting the nearby Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery in Otego, NY.

Of the eight newcomers this past year, three are college students—bringing vibrant energy and a deep hunger for the Faith. We continue to welcome many inquirers and seekers each week who are exploring the Orthodox Church for the first time.

We have also expanded our liturgical life with the addition of new services and opportunities for prayer, fellowship, and study. Photos from Archbishop Michael’s visit and our recent gatherings are shared below.

We are grateful beyond words for His Eminence’s visit, and we humbly ask for your continued prayers for our mission as we walk this path of faith, guided by the light of Christ. Come and see what God is doing in Oneonta.

Wishing you a blessed and fruitful Lent.