In giving birth
you preserved your virginity.
In falling asleep
you did not forsake the world,
O Theotokos.
You were translated to life
O Mother of Life,
and by your prayers
you deliver our souls from death.
Troparion Hymn
On Sunday, 5 August 2018, Archbishop Michael visited Saint John the Baptist Church in Rochester NY. During the visit, His Eminence presented a Synodal Gramota (certificate of appreciation) and an honorary palitza (priest’s vestment) to the parish rector, Archpriest Ken James Stavrevsky, on the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood. Following the Liturgy, the newly renovated Church Hall was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Michael.
You were transfigured on the mountain,
O Christ God,
revealing Your glory to Your Disciples
as far as they could bear it.
Let Your everlasting Light
also shine upon us sinners,
through the prayers of the Theotokos!
O Giver of Light, glory to You!
Holy Trinity Church in Rahway NJ sponsored an event for the blessing of First Responder vehicles on Sunday 22 July 2018. In commemoration of Prophet Elijah (remembered on 20 July), the parish invited First Responders of the city of Rahway for a vehicle blessing. The day began with a short prayer service in front of the church, followed by the blessing of fire trucks, police cars, ambulance, and parish vehicles.
Two Church School Workshops for coordinators, teachers, and anyone interested in the religious education of our children will be presented this year; one in Syracuse NY (August 18) and another in Paramus NJ (August 25). This year's presenter, Shelley Finkler, will explore a new method of Montessori-based Orthodox Christian Education. For information please click here >>>
As the Camp’s chapel bell rings, so will start the Annual Saint Andrew’s Camp Bike Ride (SACBR). The bike ride is a charity event in an effort to support the camp. Each year the Ride is held on the 4th Saturday in August. This year the Ride will be on Saturday, August 25th, 2018. Archbishop Michael has long rallied to “train up” our youth. His recent appeal to support the Camp was clear: “Saint Andrew’s Camp remains an invaluable way to link Orthodox Christian children to one another…”
UPDATED: VIDEO On Sunday, 24 June 2018, the ten-member “Project Mexico Team” from Saint John the Baptist Church in Rochester NY received a blessing for their humanitarian journey to northern Mexico to build a home for a family in desperate need. The team departed on June 27th and returned home on July 4th. Organized by team-leaders Deacon Sean McNulty and Jeremy Heise, the team raised funds and received supporting contributions from parishioners to make this long journey of love possible.
The highly acclaimed diocesan magazine and journal, "JACOB'S WELL," is now available to you by email subscription. Simply provide your contact information and each new edition will be sent to you as a PDF file. It's an easy and convenient way to receive valuable articles, insights, and to "keep informed." To get started, go here >
Saint Tikhon’s Seminary is opening enrollment into its Diaconal Formation and Parish Leadership Training Program held in Philadelphia PA. The program is designed for laypeople who are seeking to play an active role in the life of their parishes. The program offers two educational tracks: 1) is structured to satisfy the educational requirements of ordination into the Diaconate and provides classes and training sessions for men who are discerning their call of serving at the altar; 2) is intended for faithful men and women who would like to deepen their knowledge of Orthodox theology and spiritual life to be more effective in their ministry in the Church.
On 3 June 2018 clergy and faithful from around the northeastern half of the New York State Deanery gathered for a dinner at Saint Basil's Church (Watervliet NY) with Archbishop Michael, and the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors of the region.
Archpriest Joseph Lickwar, Chancellor of the Diocese, was awarded the Mitre (honorary “crown”) and diocesan Gramota (certificate of appreciation) in honor of the 55th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Holy Priesthood (July 7, 1963), by His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, in Saints Peter and Paul Church, Jersey City NJ, on Sunday, 10 June 2018. "Axios! Axios! Axios!"
