The Second Annual Diocesan BIBLE BOWL is coming up on Saturday, 16 November 2019, at Holy Resurrection Church in Wayne, New Jersey (10 am to 2 pm)! The first Bible Bowl was a great opportunity for children and adult contestants to deepen their knowledge of the Holy Scriptures while building friendships in fun-filled fellowship. Age groupings are Pre-teens (ages 9-12), Teens (ages 13-19), and Adults (ages 20+). Plan now to attend, to learn, to grow, and to better appreciate the Good News of our Lord found in the Bible.
Holy Spirit Orthodox Church in Wantage NJ invites the public to attend a special 9-11 Memorial Prayer Service at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. The service is in honor and remembrance of the firefighters, police, first responders, and all who lost their lives on September 11th at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville PA. There will also be a blessing of the Unionville NY Fire Department and other area fire departments.
An insightful reflection on the beginning of a new Liturgical Year of grace is offered by Father Terence Baz. In part, he writes: "As we come to the beginning of the New Liturgical Year, the Orthodox Church calls us to lift up our hearts, minds and souls to Christ as we journey through the Church’s seasons in our worship. The beauty of our church buildings teaches us that Christ, through Whom the universe was created, is the foundation of the universe in all its beauty. Likewise, in the Church’s iconography, we see stories that reveal how God has intervened in human history."
“YOUTH DAY 2019” for the New York State Deanery was held on 22 August hosted by Saint John the Baptist Church in Rochester NY. For the 47 participants the day began with breakfast and prayers in the church (with Archbishop Michael presiding); followed by an afternoon/evening of fun and fellowship at one of the top 10 mid-sized amusement and water parks in the nation: Sea Breeze. Those brave enough rode on the “Jack Rabbit” … the oldest continuously operated wooden roller-coaster in America. Using a large pavilion as home base, many friendships were formed and a beautifully fun day was enjoyed by all.
Nearly 40 teens, young adults, children, and their families sat in the summer heat of Yankee Stadium to watch the Yankees beat the Cleveland Indians 6 to 5 on Saturday, August 17th. Ten parishes of our diocese participated in this year's “Youth Day” as well as a contingent from Saint Anthony's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Bergenfield NJ. Following the game youth gathered for Vespers and an ice cream social at Holy Trinity Church in Yonkers NY.
On August 29th our beloved Spiritual Shepherd and Father in Christ ... His Eminence, Archbishop Michael ... celebrates his birthday. May God grant him many, many blessed years as he serves, protects, inspires, teaches, and above all loves the flock of Christ abiding in New York and New Jersey. "Eis Polla, Eti Despota!"
Saint Andrew’s Camp and Religious Center is located on the shore of Lake Oneida in upstate New York, about 30 minutes north of Syracuse NY. Couples attending the retreat will receive lodging, meals, and all retreat materials as part of their registration. We are honored to feature Dr. Mary and Dr. David Ford of Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary as retreat leaders. Following on-line registration, participants will receive further details and travel information. The retreat is limited to 12 couples! This will facilitate an opportunity for fellowship and friendships to be formed as the retreat unfolds, with everyone having ample opportunity for sharing and involvement.
[Binghamton NY] Rev. Deacon Simeon (Terry) C. Peet, 74, of Binghamton NY, born August 22, 1944 in Penn Yan NY, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, August 16, 2019, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital after a 23-year battle with cancer. The family will receive friends at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 54 Baxter Street, Binghamton, New York, on Tuesday, August 20, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. A Panikhida service will be celebrated at 6:30 PM. On Wednesday, August 21, the Divine Liturgy with Litya for the Departed, celebrated by His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, will begin at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Floral Park Cemetery, Johnson City, New York. May Deacon Simeon’s memory be eternal!
Volunteers from throughout the Diocese descended upon the little Holy Transfiguration Church in Pearl River NY, 22-26 July 2019, transforming its shabby ceiling and walls, covered with years of candle and incense soot, into a bright and welcoming place of worship once again. Archbishop Michael was the first volunteer to show up, serve the Molieben for “The Beginning of Any Good Work,” and roll up his cassock sleeves to scrub down the walls in preparation for painting.
Saint Andrew’s Camp is raising funds for the building of a new Kitchen, Dining Hall and Activities Center. An architectural drawing of the proposed facility, which will cost an estimated $300,000, is shown below. At last year’s Diocesan Assembly, it was decided that every parish would take up a Collection for the benefit of this building project, and benefactors who have been blessed by God would be urged to contribute toward the cost of this new facility for our youth. Already $60,000 has been donated or pledged! An Anonymous Donor has offered a Matching Pledge: For every dollar donated for the new building in the month of July, the Anonymous Donor will match each contribution – up to $10,000! Our diocesan parishes, organizations and faithful are urged to help the Camp’s Building Project by donating this month, and having their contribution matched by this Anonymous Donor. All contributions should be made out to “Saint Andrew’s Camp” – earmarked for the “New Building Project” – and mailed to: Diocesan Chancery, 33 Hewitt Avenue, Bronxville NY 10708. "May God bless all those who contribute toward this new facility at our youth camp – with all the good things that come from His hands." ~ With love and prayers, + Archbishop Michael
You are invited to be a part of this one of a kind religious pilgrimage and educational tour. This 13-day pilgrimage will include visits to the Holy Sites of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho and the region of Galilee; monasteries in the Judean Desert, along with the tour to the majestic Rose-city of Petra, ruins of Jerash and so much more!
