Youth and young adults from across the Diocese gathered this fall at Frost Valley YMCA for a weekend of fellowship, faith, prayer, and reflection.

The retreat combined worship, prayer, and discussion with team-building activities and time outdoors. Participants worked together through a variety of challenges, learning the importance of communication, trust, and supporting one another.

On September 30 and October 1, 2026, the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection in New York City celebrated its patronal feast, the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos.

His Eminence Archbishop Michael presided over the festal Vigil on Wednesday evening, September 30, and the Divine Liturgy on Thursday, October 1. Clergy from throughout the New York City Deanery and the surrounding area gathered with the Cathedral community for the celebration.

The October 2026 issue of Koinonia, a publication of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey’s Commission on Missions and Evangelism, is now available.

This issue focuses especially on catechesis and Christian formation, emphasizing that catechesis is not simply the transmission of information, but the formation of disciples in the life of Christ. It includes reflections by Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann, and Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, as well as a report by Archpriest Jason Vansuch on the Diocese’s Annual Evangelism School.

On the occasion of his Name Day, the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey prayerfully extend their warmest greetings to His Eminence, Archbishop Michael.

May our Lord grant His Eminence continued strength, good health, wisdom, and many blessed years of faithful archpastoral service to Christ and His Holy Church.

Eis polla eti, Despota! Many Years, Master!

Trudy R. Ellmore, Secretary of the Diocesan Council

When His Eminence, Archbishop Michael was consecrated May 8, 2010, he “announced that with the gifts he [was] receiving…; he [was] creating a fund to supplement the priests’ salaries.” He explained that there were some very important ministries that needed provisioning for the benefit of the faithful. By faithful, he meant everyone: our youth, our adults, our clergy, our seminarians, our parish leaders, choir members, church school teachers and potential new members. The day “…was not about him, but about the church.”¹ On that day the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors (DDB) Fund was begun, and those statements continue to hold true.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Yonkers, New York, is seeking a Choir Director to lead and develop the parish choir and support the liturgical life of our growing parish community.

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the Very Rev. Archpriest Peter Olsen, Rector of St. Basil’s Orthodox Church in Watervliet, NY, received David Cathel into the Holy Orthodox Church.

David’s sponsor is Aidan Chavasse, a parishioner of St. Basil’s. David has been diligently preparing for his reception into the Church as a catechumen, faithfully attending the Divine Services and catechism classes.

The faithful of St. Basil’s rejoice in welcoming David into the Orthodox Church and pray that the Lord will grant him many blessed years!

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Michael, this fall between October 10-25, the Diocese of New York and New Jersey will have the great blessing of visitations by the Hawaiian Myrrh-Streaming Iveron Icon of the Theotokos, in 20 parishes over 16 days.  Countless healings have occurred for those anointed with the miraculous myrrh that flows from the Icon, by the grace of God and the prayers of the Most-Holy Mother of God.  All are invited to gather at the Diocesan parishes that will be hosting the Icon; please see the schedule below. 

The Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Medford, New Jersey, invites the faithful to a special retreat with Dr. Mary Farag, Associate Professor of Early Christian Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

The retreat, entitled “Caring for the Beauty of God’s House: How Holy Beauty Heals,” will explore the meaning and importance of holy beauty in the life of the Church.

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America has designated Sunday, September 27, 2026, as Youth and Young Adult Sunday.

In his encyclical for the occasion, His Grace Bishop Thomas, Episcopal Liaison to Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministries, reflects on St. Timothy and the vital role of parents, godparents, clergy, youth workers, and volunteers in nurturing and passing the Orthodox Faith to the next generation.

His Grace calls upon the faithful especially to pray for those serving the Church's young people and to remain present in their lives, so that “the faith handed to us might be handed on again.”

The Orthodox Parishes of the Southern Tier invite everyone to a special Spaghetti & Song Dinner Show benefiting St. Andrew’s Camp on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM at SS. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 210 Hill Ave., Endicott, NY.

The evening will feature St. Andrew’s Camp staff and camper performances, special guest singers in “Bid for a Ballad,” and basket raffles. Dinner includes appetizers, pasta and meatballs, salad, garlic bread, drinks, and desserts.

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Michael, the Diocese of New York and New Jersey is pleased to announce the release of Lampada — Orthodox Calendar, a new app created by Nektarios (Manny) Montiel, a parishioner of St. Vladimir Orthodox Church in Trenton, New Jersey.

Designed as a companion for daily Orthodox Christian life, Lampada brings together the Church calendar, daily Scripture readings, fasting guidance, commemorations of the saints, prayers, and other resources in one convenient app.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey is pleased to announce two New York State Deanery Appreciation Dinners honoring the 2025 Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors (DDBs).

Hosted with gratitude by His Eminence Archbishop Michael, the dinners offer an opportunity to recognize and thank the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors for their faithful stewardship and generous support of the work and ministries of the Diocese.

Metropolitan Tikhon calls on the faithful to support IOCC's partnership with ELEOS in providing emergency aid, shelter, and vocational support to over one million Ukrainian refugees still in Poland, with a goal of raising $50,000.

St. Innocent Orthodox Mission in Oneonta, NY, recently received an extraordinary $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) gift from a donor through a private foundation, enabling the mission to purchase a church building that will become its permanent home.

The generous donation marks a significant milestone in the life and growth of the mission, providing the faithful of St. Innocent Mission with a church of their own in which to worship and continue building their Orthodox Christian community.

St. Andrew’s Camp invites families to experience the joy of camp together at our Family Retreat, October 9–12, 2026, during Columbus Day Weekend! Whether your children are curious about camp for the first time or your family simply can’t get enough of St. Andrew’s, come enjoy a refreshing long weekend of prayer, camp fun, and fellowship.

Welcome back to the What's Your Ministry? Newsletter! This month: a look at the feasts of September, resources for the new Church School year, and a ministry spotlight on technology, ministry, and the life of the Church.

[Princeton, NJ] – The faithful of the Mother of God Orthodox Church are excited and honored to host this year’s Diocesan Assembly. They are actively planning a gathering that will allow us not only to conduct the work of the Diocese, but also to meet one another, learn from one another, and enjoy fellowship together.

The faithful will host a welcome reception at the Chauncey Hotel and Conference Center on Wednesday evening October 28th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for all who have reservations at the hotel. This will be a time to relax after your travels, enjoy fellowship, and meet informally with our Primate, Metropolitan Tikhon, and our Archbishop Michael.

The faithful of Mother of God are planning a barbecue dinner on Thursday evening following the day’s meetings. The evening will begin with a social hour and light live jazz music. We hope that, as a Diocesan family, we can gather in a relaxed, informal setting to get to know one another better as we continue to labor together in the Vineyard of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey.

Please note that the reservation deadline for the block booking is Monday, September 28, 2026.

[Bronxville, NY - August 29, 2026] - On this day we give thanks to Almighty God for the life and ministry of His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, our beloved archpastor. With fatherly care and steadfast faith, he guides the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, encouraging clergy and faithful to grow in the love of Christ and to bear witness to the hope of the Gospel.

We ask the Lord to bless Archbishop Michael with strength, good health, and joy in his ministry. May his service encourage us to grow in faith and follow Christ more closely.

Grant, O Lord, to Thy servant, the Most Reverend Michael, Archbishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, a peaceful and prosperous life, good health and salvation, and preserve him for many blessed years! Mnogaya Lyeta!

“Eis Polla Eti, Despota!”

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey, in cooperation with St. Andrew’s Camp, invites high school-aged young men and older to participate in the upcoming Men’s Mountain Respite, September 25–27, 2026, in the Moose River Plains Wilderness.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey, in cooperation with St. Andrew’s Camp, invites high school-aged young men and older to participate in the upcoming Men’s Mountain Respite, September 25–27, 2026, in the Moose River Plains Wilderness.

This year’s theme, “Guarding the Fire: Eros, Porneia, and the Warfare Within,” will provide an opportunity for fellowship, prayer, reflection, and conversation in the beauty of the Adirondack wilderness.

Participants will meet at the Otter Brooks Campsites in the Moose River Plains Wilderness.

On August 20, 2026, the Church prayerfully remembered the 150th anniversary of the birth of His Eminence Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich), a deeply beloved hierarch and luminary in the history of Orthodoxy in North America. 

Born Leonid Turkevich in Kremenetz, Volhynia, in 1876, the future Metropolitan came to came to the United States in 1906 at the request of Saint Tikhon, then Archbishop of the Aleutians and North America. Over six decades of service to the Church on this continent, he served as priest, seminary rector, educator, editor, bishop, and ultimately Primate of the North American Metropolia from 1950 until his repose in 1965.

Teen Week at Saint Andrew’s Camp brought together nearly 30 teens for a week filled with faith, friendship, service, adventure, and plenty of fun. From worship and religious education to electives, team building, campfires, a day at Seabreeze, and a masquerade dance, our teens had countless opportunities to grow closer to one another and, most importantly, closer to Christ.

[Endicott, NY] - On August 15 and 16, 2026, for the Feast of the Image of Christ Not Made by Hands, His Eminence Archbishop Michael made an archpastoral visit to Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Endicott, New York, presiding at Vespers and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

[Binghamton, NY] - On August 14 and 15, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Michael made an archpastoral visit to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Binghamton, New York, for the parish’s Patronal Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, presiding at Great Vespers and the Festal Divine Liturgy.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey will host a Senior Retreat at Saint Andrew’s Camp from September 18–20, 2026, featuring guest speaker Dr. David C. Ford, Professor of Church History at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.

The featured presentation, “Wisdom from St. John Chrysostom on Aging Gracefully,” will draw upon the teachings of Saint John Chrysostom and the Early Church to explore Christian life and the experience of aging.

“Go ye therefore and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in The Name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”
~ Matthew 28:19–20 ~

Diocese Holds the Fifth Annual Evangelism School

By Archpriest Jason Vansuch

A most blessed two days within the Life of our Diocese as nearly 25 clergy and lay representatives from each Deanery gathered around our beloved Diocesan Hierarch – His Eminence Archbishop Michael for the Annual Diocesan Evangelism School. This year, the Evangelism School was held from August 10-11 at St. Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church in Wappingers Falls, NY.

September is right around the corner, and now is the right time to purchase our best-in-class full-year curricula and resources.

If your parish and families want:

• Students in grades K-12 to be educated about the Orthodox faith,
• Parents to have meaningful conversations about church with their kids, and
• Dynamic, engaging, and affordable church school resources, then

Let Orthodox Journeys help your church school director and teachers be prepared with lessons and resources that teach children and families about the joy of encountering Jesus Christ through the Orthodox Christian faith.

The Godparent Project is a documentary featuring Orthodox priests and their wives. Fr. Alexandros, Pres. Stephanie, Fr. Vjekoslav, Fr. Christopher, and Kh. Sophia share honest reflections on what this role really asks of us. It's not a lecture. It's a real, warm conversation about responsibility, love, and showing up for a child's spiritual life.

The photo gallery accompanying this article highlights several weeks of St. Andrew's camp life, including Sports Week, Adventure Week, and Horse Week. From athletic competitions and outdoor adventures to horseback riding and camp traditions, each week offers campers opportunities to grow in faith, build lasting friendships, and experience the joy of Orthodox Christian community.

[NORWOOD, NY] — Saint Olympia Orthodox Mission joyfully celebrated its Altar Feast in honor of Saint Olympia the Deaconess of Constantinople on July 24–25, 2026. The parish was honored to welcome His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, for an archpastoral visit that brought together clergy, faithful, and pilgrims from across northern New York.

The celebration began on Friday evening with the festal Vigil in honor of Saint Olympia, led by Rev. Gregory Fedorchak. The service was enriched by the beautiful hymnography of the feast, prayerfully composed and chanted under the direction of the parish's Protopsaltis, Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis. Through the Church's hymns and readings, the faithful reflected on the remarkable witness of Saint Olympia, who "saw Christ's image in all whom she met," cherishing, nurturing, and defending those in need through a life wholly devoted to the service of God and His Church. As the Synaxarion proclaims, she was “rich, yet unbound by wealth... frail through fasting, yet provider to the hungry.” A devoted spiritual daughter and co-laborer of St. John Chrysostom, she defended the Church in truth and love while caring for the poor, the sick, and all those entrusted to her.

His Eminence Archbishop Michael will preside at the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of St. Basil's Orthodox Church in Watervliet, New York, on October 17–18, 2026, culminating in the long-awaited Consecration of the Church and the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

Founded in 1901, St. Basil's traces its beginnings to Orthodox immigrants who settled in the Watervliet area and established a parish centered on the Orthodox Faith. The original chapel was blessed by Saint Tikhon, later Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America, together with Saint Alexander Hotovitsky, making this anniversary especially significant in the life of the Diocese.

On Sunday, July 26, 2026, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Saint John the Soldier Mission Station in Watertown, New York, following his archpastoral visit to Saint Olympia Mission in Norwood for the parish's feast day.

Concelebrating with Archbishop Michael was the Very Rev. Alexey Karlgut, Dean of the New York State Deanery. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Michael presented the mission community with two significant gifts: its first antimension, marking an important milestone in the life of the growing mission, and a relic of the newly glorified Blessed Matushka Olga of Alaska, a treasured blessing for the faithful.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey's Department of Youth Ministry invites families from across the diocese to Youth Day 2026, a free day of fellowship, prayer, and fun for all ages.

The day will begin with a Molieben at 10:00 a.m., followed by activities and a community barbecue from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Christ the Saviour Church, Paramus, NJ. Designed for the entire family, Youth Day offers an opportunity to gather with Orthodox families from throughout the diocese, strengthen friendships, and enjoy a day centered on faith and community.

TRENTON, NJ — His Eminence Archbishop Michael made an archpastoral visitation to Saint Vladimir Orthodox Church in Trenton, New Jersey, on July 18–19, presiding at the Vespers on Saturday, July 18, and celebrating the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, July 19.

During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Michael elevated Presbyter Volodymyr Chaikivskyi to the dignity of Archpriest in recognition of his faithful priestly ministry and dedicated service to the Church. The parish family rejoiced in this significant milestone, offering prayers that the Lord will continue to strengthen Fr. Volodymyr in his pastoral ministry for many years.

On Sunday, July 19, the Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Medford, NJ, honored Lynn Siry, one of the original founders of the community, with a special luncheon following the Divine Liturgy.

With her husband, Dennis, and Alex and Stacy Leon, she worked with the Diocesan Hierarch, Archbishop Peter, and Fr. John Nehrebecki, the NJ Dean, in establishing the community in 1973.

Dennis fell asleep in the Lord in 1986, and Lynn decided to remain in the area until recently, when she moved back to her home area of South River, NJ, to be closer to family.

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.

We're Hiring! St. Tikhon's Seminary is seeking a Director of Extended Learning & Vocational Initiatives to help lead our Lilly Endowment-funded "Sowing for Plentiful Harvests" initiative and shape the future of Orthodox theological education.

Learn more and apply:  https://bit.ly/StTikhonsNowHiring

Questions? Please email:  jointheteam@stots.edu.

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.

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...