For Musicians of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey

The Commission on Liturgical Music (CoLM) is pleased to announce the inaugural Archpriest Daniel J. Skvir Memorial Scholarship.

For 2026, the scholarship will provide a $1,000.00 stipend to “a deserving diocesan musician(s)” to support Orthodox music education and further their service to the Church through the study of Orthodox liturgical music.

Applications will be accepted through September 1, 2026.

The Diocese of New York & New Jersey's Department of Christian Education invites all parish church school teachers, coordinators, and those involved in parish religious education to participate in a virtual Zoom Meet & Greet later this month.

The purpose of these informal gatherings is to connect with church school leaders from across the Diocese, learn about the unique needs and challenges of parish education programs, and discuss ways the Department can better support local ministries through resources, collaboration, and future opportunities.

Family Week at Saint Andrew's Camp was a beautiful reminder that some of life's greatest blessings are found in simply being together.

Throughout the week, families stepped away from the busyness of everyday life to worship, learn, laugh, play, and grow together. Daily services, religious education, and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, kept Christ at the center of everything. Campers also enjoyed kayaking, swimming, crafts, sports, campfires, games, and plenty of time to relax and connect with one another.

By God’s grace, Archpriest Paul Shafran, Pastor Emeritus (retired), St. Vladimir Church, Trenton, marked his 104th birthday on July 2, 2026.  His daughters arranged an in-home celebration, joined by several other family members including two of his great grandchildren.  On Sunday July 5, the celebration continued at the church with Father Volodymyr Chaikivskyi, Pastor, along with family members and parishioners.  After everyone sang Happy Birthday, Father Paul led them in singing “God Bless America” to honor our nation’s 250th anniversary.  We sincerely thank Father Paul for his long life of dedicated service to the Church, and we extend our best wishes and prayers to him for peace, health, and salvation!  Mnogaya Leta!

His Eminence, Archbishop Michael will present an evening seminar during the Summer Institute of Theology at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, on Tuesday, July 14, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The lecture will take place in Clark Hall.

The presentation, "The Council of Nicaea: An Ancient Formula for the Christian Faith of the Future," is the third installment in Archbishop Michael's ongoing series marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. Previous lectures explored the historical events leading up to the Council (2024) and the Council itself (2025). This year's seminar will consider how the Council of Nicaea continues to provide a compelling witness to the Orthodox Christian faith and its relevance for the challenges of the twenty-first century and beyond.

[Medford, NJ] - The faithful of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Medford, New Jersey, gathered on Tuesday, July 1, to celebrate a historic milestone in the life of their parish as His Eminence Archbishop Michael ordained John Carpenter to the Holy Diaconate during the Divine Liturgy.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey's Commission on Missions and Evangelism has published the July 2026 issue of Koinonia, continuing its mission of providing practical and theological resources for clergy, catechists, and faithful engaged in the work of evangelism and Christian formation.

This issue is dedicated to the mystery of the Holy Trinity and the importance of building catechesis upon the foundational teachings of the Orthodox Faith. It features a pastoral reflection by Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, Start With the Basics, encouraging catechists to begin with the Nicene Creed when instructing those seeking to enter the Church. Additional articles include selections from St. Gregory the Theologian, Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, and Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald on the Holy Trinity, as well as practical guidance from Archpriest Matthew Markewich on organizing an effective parish catechetical program.

We invite clergy, parish educators, and all who are interested in the ministry of evangelism and catechesis to read and share this latest issue.

[Plattsburgh, NY] - Parishioners, friends, family, and invited guests were all present at St. Olga’s Mission for Great Vespers and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on June 27 and 28.

In attendance were Archbishop Michael, Archpriest Alexey Karlgut (NY State Dean), Archpriest Terent Wasielewski (St. Nicholas, Cohoes, and founding clergy of the Mission), Priest Paul Fedoroff (Priest-in-Charge), Protodeacon Michael Burdikoff (Christ the Savior in Ballston Lake), Subdeacon Andrew Karlgut, Reader Stephan Sveshnikov, and altar servers Benjamin Goes and Whitaker (George) Foutch.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey's Commission on Liturgical Music is pleased to announce the release of the inaugural issue of The Tuning Fork, a newsletter dedicated to supporting Orthodox church singers, choir directors, and everyone involved in the sacred ministry of liturgical music.

Revived after nearly two decades, The Tuning Fork seeks to provide practical guidance, encouragement, and educational resources for parish choirs of all sizes and levels of experience. While many resources are available for professionally trained musicians, this publication is written with the everyday parish singer in mind—those who faithfully offer their voices in worship out of love for Christ and His Church.

[Herkimer, NY] - On June 20–21, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Michael made an archpastoral visit to Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Herkimer, New York, in celebration of the parish’s 110th Anniversary.

The highlight of the weekend was the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday. During the service, two parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Nikita Zaitsev and Milan Djurdjevich, were tonsured by His Eminence to the rank of Reader.

[Alpha, NJ] - On Sunday, June 14, 2026, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, made an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Alpha, New Jersey.

His Eminence presided at the Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by Archpriest Bohdan Ostash, rector of the host parish. Assisting in the altar were Subdeacon Mark Federoff and Subdeacon Andrew Karlgut.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful gathered for a festive fellowship meal prepared by the parish women. Despite the fasting season, a delicious meal was enjoyed by all, providing an opportunity for clergy and parishioners to spend time together and continue the celebration of the day’s visit.
 

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, NY — Over the weekend of May 30–31, the faithful of Holy Trinity Church joyfully welcomed His Eminence, Archbishop MICHAEL to preside over a double celebration: the Great Feast of Pentecost and the parish’s historic 110th anniversary.

The celebratory weekend began on Saturday evening with Great Vespers and Litya, presided over by Archbishop Michael. Concelebrating with His Eminence were the parish rector, Archpriest David Cowan, and Deacon Michael Karney, who were joined by visiting clergy Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris and Protopresbyter Richard Scott (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), assisted by the parish's altar servers. Following the service, Archbishop Michael hosted an engaging “Q&A session, opening the floor to the faithful, including several inquirers, catechumens, and recently received members of the parish family.

WOODSIDE, NY — Saint John Chrysostom Orthodox Church in Woodside, Queens, will host a Spanish-language Divine Liturgy on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., offering an opportunity for Spanish-speaking faithful and those interested in Orthodox Christianity to participate in the Church’s worship in their native language.

By: Zachary Parisi

From June 2 through June 13, 2026, Archbishop Michael led a pilgrimage of 32 people sponsored by Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary to Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. The clergy present with us were Father John Parker, Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary; Father Daniel Degyansky; Father Josiah Trenham; Father John Vitko; and Protodeacon Ephraim Rivers. The theme of our pilgrimage was “In the Footsteps of Saint Nikolai Velimirovich,” the beloved Saint of Serbia, America, and faithful Orthodox Christians worldwide. Throughout the region we travelled, we saw firsthand just how influential and integral Saint Nikolai is for the faithful in Serbia.

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.

St. Andrew’s Camp invites children, teens, and families from across the Diocese to take part in its Summer 2026 camping season, offering a unique Orthodox Christian environment centered on worship, fellowship, and growth in faith.

Located in Cleveland, New York, St. Andrew’s Camp provides a balanced experience of prayer, community life, outdoor adventure, and creative activities, all rooted in the life of the Church. Campers participate in daily worship while enjoying age-appropriate programs designed to strengthen friendships, encourage forgiveness and mutual care, and help young people live their Orthodox faith in the contemporary world.

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan, Primate of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric, welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Michael, Archbishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, Rector of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, together with clergy and pilgrims.

The clergy and faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey are warmly invited to attend the Annual Parish Feast Day Celebration of St. Olympia Orthodox Church in Norwood, NY, on July 24-25, 2026.

The celebration will begin on Friday, July 24, with the Vigil Service at 5:00 PM, followed by a parish dinner at 7:00 PM. The festivities will continue on Saturday, July 25, with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at 9:45 AM. Following the Divine Liturgy, attendees are invited to enjoy a parish picnic as well as special iconography and hymnography exhibits.

On June 3, 2026, after the celebration of the Divine Liturgy for the feast of Saints Constantine and Helen at Saint Sava Temple, where the faithful gathered in veneration before the Holy Belt of the Most Holy Mother of God, His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia received His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York and New Jersey of the Orthodox Church in America.

On Friday, May 8, His Eminence Archbishop Michael celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Christ the Saviour Church in Paramus, NJ, marking the 16th anniversary of his consecration to the holy episcopate. Clergy and faithful from throughout the Diocese gathered in prayer and fellowship to honor the occasion and to give thanks for Vladyka’s years of faithful archpastoral ministry. Following the Divine Liturgy, a festive coffee hour was held in the parish hall. We prayerfully wish Archbishop Michael continued strength, joy, and many blessed years in his service to the Church. “Eis Polla Eti, Despota!”
 

The clergy and faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey extend heartfelt congratulations to His Eminence Archbishop Michael on the 16th Anniversary of his Consecration to the Holy Episcopacy. We give thanks to God for Vladyka’s many years of faithful archpastoral ministry, his steadfast leadership, and his loving care for the Diocese. May the Lord continue to grant him strength, wisdom, peace, and good health for many blessed years! “Mnogaya Lyeta!” “Eis Polla Eti, Despota!”

By Fr. Jason Vansuch

“This is The Day that The Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
 
Over the weekend of April 25-26, our parish was filled with a wonderful celebration and blessed weekend within the life of our parish with The Archpastoral Visit of His Eminence Archbishop Michael for the 3rd Sunday of Holy Pascha - The Sunday of The Myrrhbearing Women.

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, clergy and altar servers from across the New York State Deanery gathered at Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Endicott, NY, for a blessed and inspiring Altar Servers Retreat led by Archbishop Michael. Centered around the words of Christ, “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14), the retreat offered young men serving in the Holy Altar an opportunity to deepen both their liturgical knowledge and their spiritual formation.

On the weekend of May 2–3, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Michael made an archpastoral visit to Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission in Lansing, NY. On Saturday evening, Vladyka joined the faithful for the celebration of Great Vespers and a Moleben to the Holy Apostles, offering special prayers for the mission’s ongoing land search and future church building project. Following a light meal, Archbishop Michael met with members of the Parish Council and Building Committee to discuss several promising developments regarding the property search.

Christ is Risen!

With deep gratitude, we announce the retirement of Stephanie Burk from her position of Assistant to the Diocesan Treasurer, effective today. 

Stephanie has held this position for 20 years, serving under three successive Diocesan hierarchs and assisting three Diocesan treasurers.  Over these years, the Diocese has grown incredibly in souls, in ministries, and in stewardship – and the work of the Treasurer’s Office has grown along with it.  Stephanie has served with steadfast, cheerful, and selfless devotion throughout her tenure, as her responsibilities have expanded.  

We ask God’s choicest blessings on Stephanie, her husband Greg, their sons John and Stephen and daughter-in-law Marissa, and their loved ones.  May He protect and preserve them for many blessed years!

Stephanie passes the torch of the Assistant to the Treasurer, to Sub-deacon Mark Federoff, who has served as first Sub-deacon to the Archbishop for the past 15 years.  Mark has also recently been appointed Administrator of Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in New York City.  We joyfully welcome Mark to his new role within the Diocese!

Effective immediately, 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

Mail that is sent to the previous address will be temporarily forwarded to the new address. 

Our sincere thanks, once again, to Stephanie for her yeoman efforts these 20 years, and to Sub-deacon Mark for accepting this assignment! 

With love in our Risen Lord,

+ Archbishop Michael 

This year’s Diocesan Spring Youth and Young Adult Retreat at Frost Valley was marked by joy, fellowship, and a spirit of faith. From hiking along rain‑soaked trails and team‑building challenges to reflective discussions, prayers during meals, and church services, every moment drew hearts and minds toward Christ with purpose and gratitude.

The April 2026 issue of Koinonia, published by the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, reflects on the renewed call to mission through the reception and formation of catechumens, emphasizing that their presence is both a gift from God and a responsibility for every parish. Drawing on patristic wisdom and contemporary pastoral experience, the issue highlights the importance of prayer, intentional catechesis, and authentic Christian living as the foundation for evangelism. It also explores practical challenges and opportunities in mission contexts—such as ministry among military communities—underscoring the need for creativity, love, and faithfulness in guiding newcomers into the life of the Church.

You are invited to a special Concert & Reception in memory of Metropolitan Dimitrios of Xanthos, founding director of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). All proceeds from this event will support Orthodox missions.

This uplifting program, titled “Come, Receive the Light! Orthodox Music for the New World,” will be offered by the Spirit of Orthodoxy Choir, bringing together sacred music and a spirit of missionary outreach.

Orthodox Youth Ministries (OYM) is offering a new online course titled Removing the Veil, intended for youth workers, parents, clergy, and young adults who desire to deepen their relationships with God, with others, and within themselves.

Rooted in the wisdom of the Orthodox Fathers, the course begins with honest self-examination in the safety of God’s loving presence. Participants are invited into a process of reflection and transformation, guided by the spiritual tradition of the Church.

On Bright Saturday, His Eminence Archbishop Michael joined local clergy and faithful for the annual Paschal celebration at St. Andrew’s Camp.

Upon his arrival, His Eminence was warmly greeted by the faithful—especially the youth—with flowers and bread, expressing their love and gratitude.

The Divine Liturgy was then concelebrated in the joy of Bright Week, with the festal hymns of Pascha resounding throughout the church. This annual gathering continues to be a meaningful expression of unity, bringing together clergy and faithful in shared prayer and Paschal joy, while also supporting the life and mission of our diocesan camp.

Christ is Risen!

The clergy and faithful of the Diocese continue to mourn the tragic losses of life, the needless acts of violence, the divisions among races, and the civil strife which plague many of our cities and countrysides...