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.

St. Andrew’s Camp & Retreat Center invites faithful from across the diocese to participate in the 2026 Springtime Weekend Retreat, taking place Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 3, 2026.

The retreat will focus on the theme:

“Tools for Developing Peace in a Chaotic World.”

The featured speaker will be Father Peter A. Baktis, who has served the Church for more than forty years in a wide range of pastoral ministries. For twenty-five years he served as a U.S. Army Chaplain, ministering to soldiers, families, and military communities in diverse settings. Fr. Peter currently serves as rector of Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Orthodox Church in Princeton, New Jersey.

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!

WOODSIDE, NY — On Sunday, March 29, St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church welcomed a large gathering of clergy and faithful from across the New York City Deanery for Mission Vespers, offering a powerful witness to the unity of the Orthodox Church amid the rich diversity of the region.

Faithful from neighboring parishes—both familiar faces and those visiting for the first time, including some of the founding members of the parish—gathered in prayer during this sacred Lenten season.

The March 2026 newsletter from St. Andrew’s Orthodox Camp reflects a season of both challenge and renewal, noting recent facility damage from a burst pipe that was swiftly repaired through generous donor support, while also highlighting upcoming events such as the Women’s Lenten Retreat, Paschal Open House with Archbishop Michael, and a Spring Adult Retreat focused on cultivating peace. It emphasizes the camp’s ongoing reliance on fundraising and scholarships, since tuition covers only part of the actual costs, and outlines future improvement projects, including backup power and infrastructure upgrades. The newsletter also encourages broader parish involvement through volunteering, fundraising, and participation, underscoring that the camp’s mission—fostering faith, community, and spiritual growth—depends on the collective efforts of staff, donors, and supporters.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey announces the 2026 goal for the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors (DDB) program: $265,000.

The Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors initiative provides a meaningful opportunity for faithful Orthodox Christians to support the life and mission of our Diocese in a direct and transformative way. Through the generosity of benefactors, the Diocese is able to strengthen communities, expand ministry, and prepare for the future with confidence and stability.

[Wantage, NJ] — On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the second Wednesday of Great Lent, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, presided at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts at Holy Spirit Orthodox Church in Wantage, NJ. This annual gathering brings together Orthodox clergy and faithful from across northwestern New Jersey and surrounding areas for prayer, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.

The faithful are invited to support St. Andrew’s Orthodox Camp at a Lenten soup fundraiser to be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church in South River, New Jersey.

On the evening of Friday, March 6, 2026, the faithful of Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church in Clifton, NJ gathered for a special prayer service before the Hawaiian Iveron Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Theotokos.

The icon was brought to the parish by its caretaker, Fr. Nectarios, rector of Holy Theotokos of Iveron Russian Orthodox Church in Kailua, Hawaii. During the visit, an Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos was served, with Fr. Terence Baz, rector of the Clifton parish, presiding. Several clergy concelebrated the service and assisted with the anointing of the faithful.

The Diocese will host two Altar Server Retreats this spring with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, offering altar servers an opportunity for prayer, learning, and fellowship while deepening their understanding of service in the Church.

Two identical retreats will be offered in different locations across the Diocese:

Saturday, May 2, 2026
Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church – Endicott, NY
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church – Wayne, NJ

TRENTON, NJ — During the weekend of March 7–8, 2026, St. Vladimir Orthodox Church in Trenton, NJ, was blessed with the visitation of the Hawaiian Iveron Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The faithful gathered in large numbers to venerate the holy icon and be anointed with the fragrant myrrh that flows from it.

More than 400 clergy and faithful from across the region came to participate in this spiritually uplifting event. The presence of the wonderworking icon provided a moment of grace and consolation for the parish community, drawing many to prayer and reflection.

On March 1, 2026, St. Basil’s Orthodox Church in Watervliet, NY, hosted a Pan-Orthodox Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers, welcoming visiting clergy and faithful from throughout New York’s Capital District. Clergy and parishioners representing the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), and the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese participated in the service, which joyfully celebrated the triumph of the holy icons and the unity of the Orthodox faith.

Following the Vespers, all gathered in the parish hall for a Lenten meal and fellowship. The annual Lenten Vespers is organized by St. Andrew’s Brotherhood of the Capital District, a pan-Orthodox fellowship that brings together Orthodox clergy and faithful from across the region for prayer, mutual encouragement, and shared witness to the Orthodox faith.

The March newsletter from Orthodox Youth Ministries highlights the organization’s acquisition of the Connect Conference, an annual pan-Orthodox gathering for young adults ages 21–39, and reflects on the conference’s origins and growing impact. In this month’s ministry reflection, Fr. Paul Lundberg recounts how the conference emerged from an early setback in Atlanta to become a meaningful ministry centered on building strong local relationships and fostering Christ-centered community among young adults. The newsletter also features Deanna Klein, a mental health counselor and ministry leader in Minneapolis, who shares how the Connect Conference encourages young adults to use their talents in service to the Church while thoughtfully engaging the modern world through authentic relationships, collaboration, and faithful stewardship.

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of prayer, friendship, and fun in the heart of the Catskills! The Department of Youth Ministry of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey invites youth from all dioceses and jurisdictions to come together for a retreat filled with meaningful worship, engaging conversations, and outdoor fellowship.

📍 Location: Frost Valley YMCA, Claryville, NY
👥 Ages: Teens (13–17) & Young Adults (18–24)
📅 Registration Deadline: April 15, 2026
💵 Cost: Free to attend!
👉 Click here to Register Now

With the blessing of the ruling hierarch of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, Metropolitan Gregory, Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers, March 1, 2026, was solemnly celebrated at St. John the Baptist Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church. Presiding at the service was Archbishop Michael, whose presence reflected the strong bonds of cooperation and brotherhood among the Orthodox jurisdictions of the region.

Dearly beloved faithful in Christ,

On the first Sunday of Great Lent—the Sunday of Orthodoxy—we joyfully commemorate the restoration of holy icons to the life of the Church. This feast celebrates the unity established by the Seventh Ecumenical Council (787) and the final restoration of icons in 843 under the leadership of Empress St. Theodora, together with her son, Emperor Michael III, and Patriarch St. Methodios. Today, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America carries this legacy forward, manifesting that same spirit of unity. In this light, “Assembly of Bishops Sunday” is now observed nationwide in conjunction with this historic celebration.

On Sunday, February 15, the Honorable Judge E. Ray Lanier, retired General Counsel of the Orthodox Church in America, was presented the Assembly of Bishops’ Medal of Saint Theodora, “Restorer of Icons” and a patron saint of Orthodox Unity.  The Medal of St. Theodora is an annual award given to one male and one female from among the laity who have made significant contributions to the work of the Assembly and to Orthodox Christian Unity. The award was presented to Judge Lanier at his home parish of St. Innocent Church (OCA) in Macon, Georgia, by Archpriest Theophan Buck, with remarks delivered on behalf of the Assembly of Bishops by William Marianes, Esq. 

On the weekend of March 7–8, 2026, the faithful of the Diocese will have the opportunity to venerate the Myrrh-Streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God during its visit to St. Vladimir Orthodox Church in Trenton, New Jersey.

This beloved icon has become known throughout the Orthodox world for the abundant myrrh that has streamed from it and for the many testimonies of consolation, healing, and spiritual renewal associated with its visitation. Countless faithful have approached the Theotokos through this holy image seeking comfort, repentance, strength, and hope.

Funeral of Bishop Seraphim Celebrated at Holy Trinity Church, Yonkers

On Monday, February 16, 2026, clergy and faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey gathered at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Yonkers to commend to the mercy of God His Grace Bishop Seraphim (Sigrist), former Bishop of Sendai.

The Order for the Burial of a Hierarch was served by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon. Concelebrating with His Beatitude was His Eminence Archbishop Michael, together with diocesan and visiting clergy: Archpriest David Cowan, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey; Priest David Bozeman, Secretary to His Beatitude; Archpriest Volodymyr Zablotskyy, Rector of Holy Trinity Church; Archpriest Alexey Karlgut, Dean of the New York State Deanery; Archpriest Martin Kraus, Dean of the New York City Deanery; Archpriest Alexander Rentel, Rector of Three Hierarchs Chapel at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary; Archpriest Michael Meerson of Christ the Savior Church, NYC; Archpriest David Garretson of Saints Peter and Paul Church, South River, NJ; Priest Nicholas A. Garklavs of St. Nicholas Church, Whitestone, NY; Priest Gregory Aidinov of Christ the Savior Church, NYC; and Deacon Dr. Harrison Basil Russin of Three Hierarchs Chapel.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey of the Orthodox Church in America invites all women of the Diocese to participate in the 2026 Lenten Women’s Retreat, to be held Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29, 2026 at St. Andrew’s Camp and Retreat Center.

This year’s retreat is titled “Becoming Myrrhbearers,” inviting participants to reflect prayerfully on the witness, courage, and devotion of the Myrrhbearing Women as we journey together through the holy season of Great Lent.

January 30 – February 1, 2026
Stony Creek, NY – Adirondacks

From Friday through Sunday, January 30 to February 1, Fr. Martin Kraus and six other men gathered in the Adirondacks for their annual Mountain Men Respite. They were graciously hosted at Delbert Clement’s family homestead in Stony Creek, NY — a beautiful 60-acre property surrounded by winter woods and centered around a large frozen pond.

The weekend brought true Adirondack winter conditions. Daytime temperatures ranged between 10–15 degrees, and nighttime temperatures dropped to between –15 and –20 degrees. The men slept in hot tents, each heated by wood stoves that required steady tending throughout the night. Thanks to Dell’s generous preparation, there was abundant firewood for both the tent stoves and the large outdoor fire that became the heart of the retreat.

Fifteen women, of varying ages, from four different Diocesan parishes, braved the weekend’s frigid weather to attend this retreat which centered on the life and witness of St. Olympia the Deaconess.  This intimate gathering offered the opportunity to reflect on the steadfast faith, courage, and service of, not only St. Olympia, but also St. Matushka Olga of Alaska. 

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...