Come and experience a temple made without hands amidst the tranquil mountains of upstate New York. Located in the remote town of Inlet, the Moose River Plains hosts over 100 primitive campsites with 79,487 acres to include countless ponds and streams. Be prepared to get enveloped in the beauty of God’s creation.

Drawing on insights from the Church Fathers, Fr. Martin Kraus (Holy Trinity Church, East Meadow) will lead a discussion on how to begin accomplishing this ‘acquisition of peace’ in our own hearts.

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The September 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.

The Lord Jesus Christ and the Most Holy Theotokos worked an amazing miracle of healing through the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God during its visit to St. Tikhon’s Monastery in Waymart, Pennsylvania in May.

A man named Daniel tells the story of how he suffered from a degenerative brain disease for two years, which caused him his health, his job, and his ability to spend time with his family. He felt he was on the brink of death.

On Saturday, August 19th, Archbishop Michael visited the new Diocesan mission station in Plattsburgh, NY. Twenty-eight people attended the Divine Liturgy and stayed for the coffee hour. His Eminence answered questions about the future of the mission, the process for establishing a name for the mission and what it will take to have a full-time priest in the area to serve as the community grows. The mission will continue to have monthly services and His Eminence said he will be willing to make a visit closer to the Christmas season. The mission gained a new Orthodox Christian this Saturday, bringing the total Orthodox Christians here to 22. In addition, we have one catechumen. We are grateful to God for His many blessings, and we thank Archbishop Michael and our Diocesan family for their prayerful and generous support!

By Protodeacon John Morvey
On Saturday, August 26, 2023, we were blessed to have His Eminence, Archbishop Michael come to give the mystery of Baptism and Chrismation to Protodeacon John Morvay's son's newborn granddaughter, Mikayla May Morvay, born July 26, 2023. 

[Ballston Lake, NY] - On the weekend of August 19-20, Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Ballston Spring, NY, celebrated its 35th anniversary. In honor of this occasion, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, joined the clergy and parishioners of Christ the Savior to celebrate this wonderful event. On Saturday, we celebrated Great Vespers, followed by a community dinner. On Sunday, His Eminence presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, and afterwards presented the parish with a diocesan gramota in honor of the 35th anniversary. We are grateful to God for the support of our archbishop, our diocese, and our parish community at this special milestone!

By Archpriest Eric G. Tosi

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey held the second annual Evangelism School from August 7 to August 9, 2023 at St. Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church in Wappingers Falls, NY. In an initiative blessed by His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, fully funded by the Diocesan Council and in conjunction with the Commission on Mission and Evangelism, the participants gathered to spend three intensive days of learning and reflecting on the necessary apostolic work to strengthen the parishes and missions of the diocese. Speakers and presenters were brought in to share their experiences with the participants who were gathered from every deanery in the Diocese, in addition to rising third year seminarians from St. Tikhon’s Seminary who will be assigned to the Diocese after graduation.

The Department of Youth Ministry invites all middle school and high school students to the OCA Diocese of New York & New Jersey’s Fall Teen Retreat being held at Frost Valley YMCA Camp, in Claryville, NY from September 15-17th!

On Sunday, July 9th, Archpriest Paul Shafran, Pastor Emeritus (retired), St. Vladimir Church, Trenton, NJ, belatedly celebrated his 101st birthday.  He served the Divine Liturgy that morning together with Fr. Volodymyr Chaikivskiy, Rector, St. Vladimir Church, and Archpriest Daniel Skvir of Holy Transfiguration Chapel, Princeton, NJ.  He was honored with "Many Years" intoned by Fr. Volodymyr at the Liturgy's conclusion, birthday cake at the parish hall, and a small family gathering later that afternoon.  We congratulate Fr. Paul and thank him for his many decades of ministry to the Orthodox Church.  Mnogaya Leta! 

Looking for an exciting way to make a difference? Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 26th and join the St. Andrew's Camp Bicycle Ride! Don't let the summer slip away without taking part in this incredible event. Visit the Camp's website to learn everything you need to know about the Ride and how to prepare for it. Feeling nervous about participating in a charity event? Don't worry! Our 'Tips' link provides weekly advice to help you feel confident and excited. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there's a route that's perfect for you. So why not challenge yourself and take on a longer ride? You'll have a blast getting ready, and your efforts will go towards supporting the Camp's important mission. The Chapel bell will ring and the Ride will begin - make sure you're there to be a part of it all!

[Cleveland, NY] - Mish Mash Week at Saint Andrew's Camp was mashed full of fun! Campers practiced for and put on two musical performances. One was the song "Brother" by NEEDTOBREATHE, and the other was "The Resurrection of Lazarus" from Heaven on Earth, A Musical Catechesis for Children, by Fr. Paul (Stetsenko). They also had a fascinating ecology session about eagles. And of course, there were electives like kayaking, archery, crafts, sports, and exciting evening activities like Ye Olde St. Andrew's Faire and Orthodox Jeopardy with Archbishop Michael.

Date: July 16, 2023

Trenton, NJ - St. Vladimir's Church in Trenton was blessed with a momentous occasion on Sunday, July 16, 2023, as Archbishop Michael graced the congregation with his presence. During this special visit, he ordained Deacon Bohdan Chaikivskyi to the Holy Priesthood and bestowed a prestigious honor upon Father Volodymyr Chaikivskyi, presenting him with the award of the Gold Cross.

Axios and Many Years to the newly ordained Priest Bohdan Chaikivskyi!

Axios and Many Years to Priest Volodymyr Chaykivskyi on being awarded the right to wear the Gold Cross!

[Pottsdam, NY] - On Monday and Tuesday, July 24-25, Archbishop Michael invites all to join a Diocesan pilgrimage to Saint Olympia Mission, in Potsdam / Norwood, NY.  The mission is the parish located the furthest north in our Diocese, and it is the only parish in the U.S. named for Saint Olympia, whose Feast Day is July 25.  The mission community recently moved into their own church building and are eager for pilgrims to “come and see!”

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...