Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formation Course Held at St. Tikhon’s Seminary
Participants in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Formation Course gather at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, June 1–5, 2026.
Participants in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Formation Course gather at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, June 1–5, 2026.
Participants in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Formation Course gather at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, June 1–5, 2026.

With the blessing of Archbishop Michael, eighteen adults gathered at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary from June 1–5, 2026, for a Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation course.

Led by experienced formation leaders Dr. Anita Vincent and Elizabeth Vice, participants were introduced to this unique approach to the spiritual formation of young children, which has been present in Orthodox parishes since 2000. In Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, adults are known as catechists rather than teachers because Christ Himself is recognized as the true Teacher.

Designed for children ages 3–6, the program helps young children learn to pray, listen to God, and respond to His presence. Through Scripture, liturgical life, and hands-on engagement, children are invited to deepen their relationship with the Good Shepherd—Who loves them, cares for them, and protects them.

This approach to spiritual formation allows children to unite the heart, mind, and hand in prayerful learning while nourishing what the founders describe as the deepest hunger of every human person: to receive and return the love of God.

Participants experienced firsthand the peace and joy that characterize this method of catechesis and left inspired to bring its fruits to their parish communities.

With God's help, the Diocese of New York and New Jersey hopes to offer additional formation opportunities in the future.

Those interested in learning more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd or exploring how it might enrich their parish church school program may contact Olga Ptach, NY–NJ Diocesan Coordinator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, at olgaptach@gmail.com or 914-262-1061.

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His Eminence Archbishop Michael
2026 DDB Appeal
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DISTINGUISHED DIOCESAN BENEFACTORS (DDB)

Thanks to donors like yourself, our diocese can support missions and struggling parishes, fund youth events, and educate seminarians. Thank you!

As of June 30, 2026 your generosity brought:
$79,654.00
31%
UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE DIOCESAN CALENDAR

Effective May 1, 2026, all correspondence to the Diocesan Treasurer’s office, formerly sent to the Lake Hiawatha, NJ, address, should be sent to:

Diocesan Treasurer’s Office
Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection
59 East 2nd Street 
New York, NY 10003

Email:  mark.federoff.mf@gmail.com

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