Read this helpful guideline, provided by the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion (OCAMPR), for helpful suggestions to structure your family life in these unprecedented conditions. You can download it here.
This Friday at 3:00 PM, Eastern Time, His Eminence Archbishop Michael urges the clergy and faithful of the Diocese to join in prayer with the entire Community of the Holy Mountain of Mount Athos, where every monastery will hold an All-Night Vigil dedicated to the Mother of God and to St. Haralampos – known as the healer of infectious diseases – asking for their holy intercessions against the worldwide pandemic. Please help to communicate this message to all Orthodox Christians, that all together we might join in prayer on Friday at 3 PM, beseeching God to have pity on us and deliver us from this evil.
The Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos is a fitting service to pray for her intercession in times of crisis. It can be prayed before your icon corner or in your parish via phone or video.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE AKATHIST TO THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS
Below are links to live-stream videos of today's Annunciation Liturgy in some of our parishes, and also the service text. There may be small differences between the text and the particular practices across the various parishes. If possible, have your Liturgy and Vespers books in hand, to follow the fixed parts of the service.
9:00 AM, Holy Trinity Church, Elmira Heights NY, at
www.facebook.com/htocelmiraheights
9:30 AM, Annunciation Church, Brick NJ, at
www.facebook.com/Orthodox-Church-of-the-Annunciation-1134153 38707139/
9:30 AM, Holy Trinity Church, East Meadow NY, at
www.facebook.com/htocem/
10:00 AM Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Ellwood City PA, at
https://www.youtube.com/EllwoodCityChapel/live
1:00 PM, St. Gregory Orthodox Church, Wappingers Falls, NY
https://www.facebook.com/St-Gregory-Orthodox-Church-Wappingers-Falls-NY-213964761954900/
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD UPDATED DIOCESAN GUIDELINES CONCERNING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Dear Fellow Youth Workers in Christ,
What the Archangel Gabriel said to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the time of the Annunciation he says to all of us, “Do not be afraid…” Whether that is during a time of uncertainty, of distress, of natural disaster, or in our current time, those words of our Lord spoken through His archangel were given to us as well. “Do not be afraid…”
Beloved Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese:
Christ is in our midst!
An updated Statement of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America on the Corona Virus Outbreak has been issued today. Additional guidance is forthcoming that will be tailored to the particular situations unfolding within the territory of our Diocese.
The Statement may be viewed online, at:
or downloaded (as a PDF file, one page) at:
https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/synod/2020-0317-holy-synod-statement-COVID19.pdf
In addition: Parish rectors reporting on specific situations in their churches, or seeking instruction on how to implement the directives contained in the Statement of the Synod or subsequent guidance issued by the Diocesan administration, are to contact their Deans, the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, or the Office of the Archbishop.
Should you have any questions on the guidelines being implemented in the Diocese, contact your parish priest or click here to visit our "Contact" page.
Truly, this is the most trying Lenten season many of us have ever faced. Please, my beloved, be steadfast in your prayers; search for opportunities to serve those in need; and remember the words of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who encourages us: "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Assuring you of my prayers, my blessings, and my love,
+ Archbishop Michael
In light of our country's efforts to deal with the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 disease, which continues to cause many people to be quarantined and is affecting the accessibility of liturgical services in some parishes, we would like to point out the following churches that offer online live streaming of their Divine Services.
Holy Trinity Church in East Meadow NY:
http://www.facebook.com/htocem
The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City PA
https://www.youtube.com/user/EllwoodCityChapel/
and
http://www.orthodoxmonasteryel lwoodcity.org/chapel
As we face this current crisis, we must remember always that we are the Body of Christ -- and as such, we strive to be united in love and prayers with one another, especially on occasions when we cannot be together in person.
Twenty-five priests, three deacons and over two hundred faithful joined His Eminence, Archbishop MICHAEL for the celebration of Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at Holy Resurrection Church in Wayne, NJ. A sun-drenched, 60-degree day was the perfect setting for this celebration that began with a procession of the clergy from the parish center to the church. After the official greeting by the host rector, Archpriest Stephen Evanina, His Eminence expressed his profound joy at being able to share this celebration with not only our own OCA clergy, but with so many others from various Orthodox jurisdictions.
During Lent, the Church invites us to pray more, by adding extra services to the liturgical schedule. We are also prescribed a discipline of strict fasting based on what each person’s health allows.
It is a time of reflection and repentance, a time to draw nearer to God, a time to renew our relationship with God...
On February 29th and March 1st, 2020, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, made his annual pastoral visitation to Holy Assumption Church in Clifton, NJ. Archpriest Terence Baz, the parish rector, was presented with a Palitza and Diocesan Gramota by His Eminence, in celebration of his 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ARCHPASTORAL LETTER FOR THE GREAT FAST 2020
Saint Andrew's Camp is excited to announce its 2020 schedule!
About Saint Andrews Camp: Saint Andrew’s Camp has been providing an Orthodox sleep-away camping program for over 50 years. It is located on 30 acres of woods, fields, and waterfront property on the beautiful shores of Lake Oneida in Jewell, New York. The camp is a valuable resource of the OCA‘s Diocese of New York and New Jersey, but has traditionally welcomed campers and staff from all geographies and jurisdictions for a pan-Orthodox camping experience. The camp is the place where Orthodox youth ages 7 and older meet, make friends, and live in a community of brothers and sisters in Christ. Camp also provides the opportunity for Orthodox adults of all ages to come together as staff, volunteers, clergy and parents.
On Saturday, February 22nd and Sunday, February 23rd, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Michael visited Saints Vladimir's Church in Trenton, New Jersey. During the Hierarchical Liturgy on Sunday, Father Volodymyr Chaikivskyi was awarded Kamilavka for his faithful service to the Church. Several parishioners received gramotas (certificates of appreciation) for their dedication and untiring service to Saint Vladimir's Church.
On Sunday, February 23, 2020, approximately 60 people from across New Jersey Deanery attended Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors appreciation dinner hosted by Holy Resurrection Church in Wayne, NJ. His Eminence Archbishop Michael thanked everyone for their generous contributions to last year's DDB Program making it the most successful year thus far!
The second issue of KOINONIA is now available for download and distribution in the parishes. KONIONIA is the quarterly newsletter published by the Diocesan Commission on Missions and Evangelism, under the editorship of the Director of that Commission, Archpriest Eric Tosi, and with the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop Michael.
You are cordially invited to join His Eminence Archbishop Michael on Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 8, 2020, at 5:00 PM for a celebration of Lenten Vespers at Holy Ressurection Church in Wayne, NJ. Clergy from different Orthodox jurisdictions will join His Eminence. The Spirit of Orthodoxy choir will sing the responses. A reception will take place following the Vespers.
Approximately 60 people attended the New York City Deanery’s 2020 DDB dinner last night at St. Andrew’s Church in Dix Hills, NY. It was a serene, picaresque day as the sun was setting and the attendees began to arrive. Host pastor, Fr. John Klingel, welcomed the guests, many of whom took the opportunity to visit the church temple to see its beautiful iconography and stunning, newly refurbished copper-clad cupola.
On February 15th and 16th, His Eminence Archbishop Michael visited Holy Spirit Church in Wantage, NJ. Click the image above for more information and photo gallery.
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
The Great fast is quickly approaching which means our Annual Lenten Teen Retreat is, as well! Please mark your calendars- AND REGISTER- for the weekend event being held April 3-5, 2020 at a new venue, Greenkill YMCA Retreat Center in Huguenot, New York, conveniently located on the borders of New York State, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania near Port Jervis!
All jurisdictions and dioceses are welcome to attend.
The registration deadline is Thursday, March 19th. After that date, we cannot guarantee your participation.
Below you will find additional information about the event, as well as links to register online. Our weekend discussions will be centered around Prayer and Saint Herman of Alaska, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of his consecration as North America's first saint.
Our new venue this year has excellent amenities and lots of fun activities! Please plan to join us, and reach out to me with any questions!
With love in Christ,
Danielle Geeza
Chair, Department of Youth Ministry
OCA Diocese of New York & New Jersey
Email: nynjocayouth@gmail.com
Visit us online: http://nynjoca.wixsite.com/nynjocayouth
Glory to Jesus Christ!
The clergy and faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey are grateful beyond words for the incredible generosity of the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors of 2019. This past year proved the biggest year yet for the DDB program, raising over $200,000 to fund the ministries of the Diocese!
The new year is off to a promising start as well, with contributions totaling almost $20,000 for the year to date. (Click here to see the 2020 Honor Roll of Donors).
To be a part of this bold charitable initiative, click here to offer either a recurring donation or a one-time gift. You can designate your offering for either Diocesan Seminarian Scholarships, Aid to Existing Parishes, Support of Mission Parishes, or For Use As Needed By The Diocese. You will receive a letter of confirmation by email, and a personally signed letter in the mail from His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, thanking you for your support and documenting your donation for your tax records.
Each DDB donor will also receive a gramota certificate of appreciation at the end of the annual campaign.
May God bless you richly with all the good things that come from His hands!
On Saturday, February 8 and Sunday, February 9, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Michael visited Holy Trinity Church in Yonkers, NY.
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at Christ the Saviour Church, 365 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey at 9:30 a.m.
On February 2, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Michael celebrated Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church in Yonkers, NY in thanksgiving for the 47th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
On Sunday, February 9th, Orthodox Christian scouts will be honored in their parish communities. The Department of Youth Ministry wanted to take the opportunity to recognize Eva Czukkermann who completed her Girl Scout Gold Award at St. Gregory The Theologian Orthodox Church in Wappingers Falls, NY.
If any other parishes want to submit “Scout Sunday” photos, they can submit them to nynjocayouth@gmail.com.
On January 27, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Michael visited Saint Nino Georgian Orthodox Church to celebrate the patronal feast of the parish.
On Sunday, January 26, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Michael made archpastoral visit to Saints Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church in Wappingers Falls, NY.
On January 24-25, 2020 Hi Eminence Archbishop Michael joined the bishops of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America for consecration to the episcopacy of Archimandrite Alexis.
On Friday, January 24, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Michael, together with the clergy and the faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, joined other Orthodox Christians, and tens of thousands of people from across the country in Washington DC for the 47th March for Life.
By the grace of God, Archpriest Paul Shafran, Pastor Emeritus at St. Vladimir's Church, Trenton, NJ, celebrated his 72d anniversary of ordination to the Holy Priesthood on December 28, 2019.
During 2019, we were able to raise a record $204,000 through our Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors (DDB) program. Because of your great generosity, we are able to sponsor 6 seminarians, help numerous missions and established parishes, and fund our record-attended Youth Ministry programs.
In addition to DDB, we have been able to raise $119,000 in donations and pledges towards St. Andrew's Camp's $300,000 New Building Project.
Thank you for making such a huge difference! -- May God bless and keep all of you in His loving care always!
With deep gratitude, sincere love and humble prayers,
+ Archbishop Michael
and the Diocese of NY and NJ
On January 18th and 19th, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Michael visited Saint Spiridon Orthodox Church in Perth Amboy, NJ with annual parish visitation. The visit coincided with parish's celebration of the Feast of Theophany of Our Lord on Julian Calendar.
During his visit to Saint Andrew's Church in Dix Hills, NY, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, following the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy blessed the newly refurbished church dome.
On the eve of the Feast of Nativity of Our Lord (Julian Calendar), His Eminence, Archbishop Michael presided over all-night vigil and Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Brooklyn, NY.
On January 7, 2020, the Feast of Theophany of Our Lord, The faithfull of several Orthodox Christian communities of Long Island joined Archbishop Michael for the Great Blessing of Waters at Great South Bay.
On January 6th and 7th, 2020, Archbishop Michael visited Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Brooklyn NY to celebrate the feast of Nativity of Our Lord according to Julian Calendar.
On January 5th and 6th, 2020, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael visited Saint Andrew's Church in Dix Hills, NY.
On January 4th and 5th, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Michael visited Holy Trinity Church in Rahway, NJ.
