From April 6 to April 9, Bishop Michael visited the New York State Deanery for a variety of events.  Activities during this visit by His Grace included: (1) celebration of a Hierarchical Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in Endicott NY, (2) Chrismation of catechumens into Orthodox faith, (3) the Lenten meeting of the New York State Deanery clergy, (4) a visit to a prison, and (5) celebration of Divine Liturgy at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home of Endwell NY which was attended by over 60 residents, Diocesan Diaconate Formation Program students, and members of the Endicott “R” Club chapter who organized this initiative of outreach ministry.

Father Alexey Karlgut (Dean, New York State Deanery and Rector of Saints Peter & Paul Church, Endicott NY) remarked: “In keeping with the vision of the Apostle Paul of ‘being all things to all men,’ His Grace not only serves the needs of our diocesan parishes, missions and institutions, but he also serves the less fortunate and forgotten as he visits the imprisoned, shut-ins, and residents of nursing homes.”

In reflecting on the visit, His Grace expressed a special interest in promoting and expanding the services by the parishes and deaneries to the needs of seniors and their families, with the aim of enhancing their ongoing participation in the life of the Church.  Emphasis needs to be placed on the homebound, institutionalized, and chronically ill of any age along with their caregivers; the hungry and homeless; families in everyday life or in a time of challenge.

Bishop Michael calls all of us to help others, in the Name of Christ; the person standing next to you during the liturgy, the homeless person on the street corner, or the disaster victim a world away.  He reminds us, said Father Karlgut, that “large or small, every action taken by us in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ will bring human dignity and blessing ... both to the one being served and to the servant!”