Diocese of New York-New Jersey

“Axios! Axios! Axios!”

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

His Grace. Bishop Michael, celebrates the 39th anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood on Saturday, February 4th. We pray that our all-merciful Lord will grant peace, health, salvation, and furtherance in all good things to our Spiritual Shepherd and Archpastor. Eis polla eti despota! Many years!

Orthodox Scout Sunday: 5 February 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the Americas [website here] has designated Sunday, 5 February, as “Orthodox Scout Sunday.” Through the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting, the Assembly and its predecessor -- SCOBA -- have been actively supporting both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the USA since the 1960’s.

read the letter from the Assembly of Bishops >

2nd Annual Altar Servers Retreat: 24-26 February 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Annual Altar Server Retreat will take place at Saint Basil’s Academy in Garrison NY, featuring beautiful grounds, dormitory style rooms, indoor basketball court and Olympic-size indoor swimming pool which will be available for use. There is no charge to participate in the 3-day retreat. Bishop Michael, who has blessed this event, will be present for the entire retreat.

World Day of Orthodox Youth: February 2012

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

With the blessing of Bishop Michael, we will celebrate the World Day of Orthodox Youth in our diocese throughout the month of February. The proposal for a World Day of Orthodox Youth was made by the XIV SYNDESMOS ("the World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth") General Assembly in June 1992, and has received the blessing of His All-Holiness (Ecumenical Patriarch) Bartholomew and the hierarchs of other local Orthodox Churches.

Department of Youth Ministry webpage >

DDB Appreciation Dinners Scheduled

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Appreciation Dinners for 2011 Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors, hosted by Bishop Michael, are scheduled for the three diocesan deaneries (New Jersey, New York City, and New York State). They are intended to provide an opportunity to show gratitude and foster fellowship among the DDBs for their generosity in supporting the three initiatives: Support for Missions, Support for Seminarians, and Support for Parishes. Information about the DDB Program and an invitation to “join the effort” in 2012 is available here!

Lessons in Our Faith: NEW VIDEO!

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey presents this video ~~ "OUR TIME, TALENTS, and TREASURE" ~~ as part of its Lessons in Our Faith series. In this installment, Bishop Michael discusses an approach to Christian stewardship and the support of the local parish community. Please visit the Lessons in Our Faith section of this website often for upcoming lessons.

visit "Lessons in Our Faith" >

watch this video, now! >

"Jacob's Well" - Winter 2012 Issue Available On-Line!

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

"Jacob’s Well" is the official publication of the Diocese New York & New Jersey (Orthodox Church in America). It provides, as did the well in ancient communities, a place for the distribution of news and activities regarding the life of the Diocese and its parishes. It seeks to highlight functions sponsored in the areas of youth and liturgical music, and the efforts taking place throughout Diocesan missions. Of special interest is the presentation of iconographic examples from Diocesan parishes. But, like the story of the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well (John 4), it also seeks to be a vehicle which provides not just news but opportunities for reflection on the living encounter with Jesus Christ.

visit the "Jacob's Well" page >

East Meadow NY: New Senior Program

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Nearly a dozen senior members of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (East Meadow NY) gathered for fellowship on Tuesday, 17 January 2012. They were served a home-cooked meal courtesy the parish’s Sisterhood organization, and spent a couple hours in fellowship playing games. The morning gathering was designed as a way to bring long-time members back together in a very familiar setting.

Perth Amboy NJ: Theophany Celebrations on 19 January

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The parishioners of Saint Spiridon Russian Orthodox Church in Perth Amboy NJ celebrated the feast of Holy Theophany on Thursday, 19 January, according to the “Old” Julian calendar. His Grace, Bishop Michael, spent two days worshiping with the faithful, and his presence and inspired words brought peace, joy and consolation to those attending the Grand Compline service on Wednesday evening and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy ~ followed by the Great Blessing of Water ~ on Thursday morning.

Brooklyn NY: “Old Calendar” Russian Christmas

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

This year, the Julian Calendar Christmas ~ 7 January ~ was celebrated at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Brooklyn NY. The parish rector (Very Reverend Wiaczeslaw Krawczuk) and faithful were blessed to welcome His Grace, Bishop Michael, who served the Nativity Vigil service on the eve of the feast-day and, following the service, joined church members for a traditional Russian “Holy Supper” in the church hall.

2012 Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The 2012 Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors [DDB] program, an initiative designed to make the “Vision for Our Future” a reality, is now officially launched! Following an incredibly successful inaugural year in 2011, the DDB program has become a vital element in the life of our diocese by funding essential ministries such as mission parishes, seminarian education, and support for older parishes that may be struggling. The details, and an invitation for your participation, are available in the “Vision for Future” section of this website.

Go to “Vision for Future!” >>>

Dix Hills NY: Theophany Celebrations

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Saint Andrew Church in Dix Hills NY was blessed with a visit on January 5- 6 by Bishop Michael for the celebration of Holy Theophany. The visit began Thursday evening with festal Great Vespers and the Great Blessing of Water, and continued Friday with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and a festive meal.

Orthodox Books for Children by Elizabeth Johnson

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

We have an accomplished author of Orthodox books for children residing in our diocese. Elizabeth Crispina Johnson lives in Naples NY and is a faithful member of Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Rochester NY. In an interview available here (in 2 parts, audio), Elizabeth discusses her inspiration and motivations in authoring books that are intended to deepen the faith of Orthodox children through a growing experience with God and His Church.

Watervliet NY: Feast-Day Celebration with Bishop Michael

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Saint Basil's Orthodox Church in Watervliet (Maplewood) NY celebrated its Patronal Feast-day of Saint Basil the Great on January 01, 2012. Starting with the Vigil on Saturday evening and continuing with the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy celebrated on Sunday by His Grace, Bishop Michael, the faithful of Saint Basil's parish celebrated the joyous occasion.

New Feature: "Lessons in Our Faith"

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

We are pleased to present a new feature on our website! "Lessons in Our Faith" is a series of video presentations offered by His Grace, Bishop Michael. In these videos, His Grace will explore matters of faith, belief, and practice within the Orthodox Church. They are intended to provide the faithful with much-needed information, guidance on their spiritual journey, and assistance in answering questions that may arise from non-Orthodox friends or acquaintances. The first of these lessons ~ "The Theotokos: 7 Questions and 7 Answers" ~ is now available, and more lessons are planned for the future. A special "icon" linking to this section will be permanently displayed on the homepage (see the logo to the right).

go to "Lessons in Our Faith" >

download/read Release # 2011.42.1 >

New Year: 2012

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Let us pray: "O Master, Lord our God, the Fountain of Life and immortality, the Creator of all things visible and invisible, Who governs the seasons and the years and guides all things with Your wise providence. We thank You for all the blessings You have poured out upon us during the past years of our lives, and we cry out to You, O all-bountiful Lord, bless this coming year with Your goodness, direct our civil authorities in the path of goodness, bestow Your heavenly blessings upon all Your people: health, salvation, and growth in virtue. Deliver Your Holy Church from every assault of the evil one, and grant us peace and tranquility; and grant that we may always offer thanks to You: the Father who is from everlasting, together with Your only-begotten Son, and Your most-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit -- God glorified in three Persons, and that we may joyfully praise Your all Holy Name!"

Archpastoral Letter: Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

His Grace, Bishop Michael, offers a letter to the faithful of the diocese on the celebration of our Lord's Nativity. In part, he writes: "If we want to come close to Christ on the Feast of His Nativity, we must leave something behind. Most often it is simply sin. Many times it is the world and all its trappings and busy-ness. Sometimes it is even our self. But anything that is true and noble, just and pure, lovely and of good report (Phil. 4:8) is welcome at His manger, and His hand is raised to bless it."

download/read the Archpastoral Letter >

Bishop's call for "OPERATION ONEONTA" successful!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Following the overwhelming success of “OPERATION BUFFALO” (1-13 August 2011), the vision clearly articulated by His Grace, Bishop Michael, of expanding the ministries of the diocese -- assisting struggling existing parishes and missions -- has been enthusiastically supported by Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors. Thus, the goal of renovating and establishing a new worship space for Saint Innocent Mission Parish in the lower level of Saint James Episcopal Church ~ "OPERATION ONEONTA" ~ has been accomplished.

East Meadow NY: Church School Provides Gifts to Hospitalized Children

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

For the 54th consecutive year, the youth and teens of Holy Trinity Church (East Meadow NY) presented the parish’s annual Christmas program on Sunday, 11 December. Incorporating scripture readings, liturgical hymns, traditional carols, and a stage filled with costumed children, the program proclaims the message of Jesus Christ’s Nativity. As part of the program, parishioners in attendance were encouraged to bring wrapped gifts which were delivered by the parish’s teen group to the Pediatric Ward at Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) following the program.

Diaconal Formation Program nears completion of 3rd Semester

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On Saturday, 3 December 2011, Bishop Michael made a scheduled visit to the Diocesan Diaconal Formation Program and students at the Endicott NY campus. It was a full day of divine services, tonsuring, ordination, lectures, and fellowship. The day began with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy during which students Ilya Arnopolskyy, David Chow, and Gregory White were tonsured Readers; and student Reader Michael Pylypsiw was ordained a Sub-deacon.

DDB: Supporting Diocesan Ministries

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

When Bishop Michael launched the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors program on January 1st he appealed to the faithful saying, “Please consider becoming a Distinguished Diocesan Benefactor! By offering a sacrificial gift of whatever you are able this year, you will enable our Diocese to financially support a vitally important ministry of your choice.” Three vital ministries were identified for targeted funding through the DDB: (1) support for mission parishes, (2) support for seminarians, and (3) support for struggling existing parishes. With this year coming to an end, there’s encouraging news about the successes of the DDB!

Music Concerts on December 18th: Jersey City NJ and Brooklyn NY

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Jersey City NJ will present "Listening to Christmas Another Way" on Sunday, 18 December at 3:00 pm. The concert will feature The Spirit of Orthodoxy Choir, and the program seeks to welcome neighbors and friends to the church. On the same day, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Brooklyn NY will present a charitable benefit: "Trinity Classical Concert Series." The concert will begin at 2:00 pm.

View details: "Listening to Christmas Another Way" >

View details: "Trinity Classical Concert Series" >

Buffalo NY: Nativity Concert on December 11th

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Council of Orthodox Christian Churches on the Niagara Frontier will sponsor "Masterpieces of Orthodox Choral Music Christmas Carols" (a Nativity Concert) at Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Buffalo NY at 7:00 pm on Sunday, 11 December. Following the concert by the Pan-Orthodox Choir everyone is invited to the church hall for fellowship and delicious baked treats.

UPDATED: 14 December 2011

visit the parish website for details and a video! >

download/read the event flyer >

Buffalo NY: Archpastoral Visits to Saint George Church & Saints Peter & Paul Church

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The faithful of Saint George Orthodox Church in Buffalo NY were blessed by an archpastoral visit of His Grace, Bishop Michael, on November 19th and 20th. Those present reflected on the parish’s many accomplishments, and gave thanks for the grace which God has so richly poured out upon the parish throughout its history beginning with its foundation nearly 50 years ago. While the cherished memories of those present at the celebration were happily shared, the true focus was on the church’s future. Bishop Michael reminded everyone of the importance in cultivating an authentic Orthodox identity through prayer, outreach, and commitment to the Church. He also raised a call for evangelism through hospitality and openness to others.

“A Miracle on Ideal Street”

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

It was a sad day for the faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Buffalo NY when an intruder forcibly entered their holy house and escaped with a parish treasure: a silver encased Holy Gospel book dating back to 1933. The parish had recently experienced the revitalizing efforts of OPERATION BUFFALO (a diocesan-wide project to revive the 114 year-old parish), the assignment of Father Vlad Zablotskyy as rector, and -- in an expression of gratitude for blessings received -- offered a $250 contribution to support OPERATION ONEONTA. In the midst of such joy and thanksgiving, the theft was the cause of sadness and sorrow. That is, until something ... “a miracle on Ideal Street” ... changed everything.

“OPERATION ONEONTA”: Saint Innocent Mission Parish

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Bishop Michael has announced that “OPERATION ONEONTA” will be launched to prepare a new worship space for Saint Innocent Mission Parish (Oneonta NY) in the lower level of Saint James Episcopal Church. Work days will be on 26 November, 3 December, and 10 December (all Saturdays). Volunteers from throughout the diocese are invited to join in “OPERATION ONEONTA.” Those skilled in painting, electrical work, and carpentry/woodworking are especially needed. To participate, please coordinate with Father Thomas Langdon (570-503-0512 email trinityoaks@echoes.net) or John Koch (315-855-7505 email johnkoch@frontiernet.net)

UPDATED: 8 DEC 2011 (click on "more information" below)

Bronxville NY: Diocesan Council Meets and Greets Seminarians

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Bishop Michael convened a meeting of the Diocesan Council on Tuesday, 22 November, welcoming the newly appointed laity diocesan representative to the Metropolitan Council, Janet VanDuyn (Rochester NY). Following the meeting, His Grace hosted a social reception and dinner for seminarians and their families; the seminarians are either from the diocese or have indicated an interest in serving in the diocese following graduation.

Clifton NJ: “Glory to God for All Things” Healing Service

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On Sunday, November 13th, Bishop Michael celebrated the Akathist "Glory to God for All Things" at Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church (Clifton NJ) with petitions and prayers for those who are ill. Serving along with His Grace was the parish rector, Father Stephen Evanina. Following a homily delivered by Bishop Michael, over 150 faithful were anointed with the holy oil from the reliquary of Saint John Maximovitch. A fellowship hour followed with a Q&A session with His Grace.

Watervliet NY: Choir Workshop “Conducted”

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Saint Basil Orthodox Church in Watervliet NY hosted a Diocesan Choir Workshop on Saturday, 12 November 2011. The guest speaker and facilitator was Mark Bailey, a recognized expert in the field of Orthodox liturgical music. His Grace, Bishop Michael, was in attendance for part of the program. The role and purpose of liturgical music was discussed with a main theme that liturgical music is a means to experience and know God through worship.

Buffalo NY: Gospel Book Stolen from Saints Peter & Paul Church

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

[BUFFALO NY, WKBW-TV] Leaders and parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Lovejoy were stunned to find out their parish was hit by thieves over the weekend. Stolen were copper inlays along the rear roof of the church, along with a number of items from inside, including a copy of The Gospel that dates back to the building of the church in the 1930's.

VIDEO: news story on WGRZ-TV (Channel 2, Buffalo NY) >

VIDEO: news story on WKBW-TV (Channel 7, Buffalo NY) >

Ithaca/Lansing NY: Community Welcomes New Rector

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"I’m delighted with the opportunity to bring my family to Lansing, and to serve Holy Apostles Mission," said Father James Worthington in an article published in The Lansing Star. "Our parishioners come from all over the area and throughout Central New York, so I’m excited that we will have the chance to explore how we ... can grow, flourish and benefit this vast, diverse and wonderful community,"

see the Lansing Star article >

Release # 2012.2.1 (2012 Altar Servers Retreat)

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Release # 2012.1.1 (2012 DDB Program)

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Release # 2011.42.1 ("Lessons in Our Faith")

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Release # 2011.41.1 (Archpastoral Letter: Nativity of Our Lord)

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Release # 2011.40.1 (OPERATION ONEONTA: Mission Accomplished!)

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Release # 2011.39.1 (Diaconal Formation Program)

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Release # 2011.38.2 (UPDATE: OPERATION ONEONTA)

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Release # 2011.37.2 (Department of Youth Ministry)

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500