The event, "Spirituality During the Lenten Season," presented by Mother Christophora from Holy Transfiguration Monastery at St. Vladimir Orthodox Church in Trenton, NJ, on Sunday, April 21st, was an outstanding success, drawing an impressive attendance of 130 individuals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for this enriching and meaningful occasion. Your presence contributed immensely to the warmth and spirit of the gathering. Thank you for being a part of it.

The Lenten Teen Retreat at Frost Valley YMCA unfolded against a backdrop of natural beauty and wintery surprises. Nestled in the serene Catskill Mountains, this retreat provided a sanctuary for 29 participants, including 16 enthusiastic teens and dedicated chaperones. As raindrops and snowflakes danced together, hearts warmed, and souls were nourished.

You're warmly invited to join us on Sunday, April 21st, as Mother Christophora from Holy Transfiguration Monastery shares insights on "Spirituality During the Lenten Season" at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Church in Trenton, NJ. We would be delighted to have you with us. The talk will commence promptly after our 10:00 am Divine Liturgy.

By Fr. Terence Baz, Rector of Holy Assumption Orthodox Church, Clifton, NJ

On Monday, April 8th., 2024, Orthodox clergy and laity from the Diocese of NY & NJ and other neighboring dioceses, came together to view the total solar eclipse at St. Andrew's Camp in central NY on Oneida Lake. We were blessed with the presence of His Eminence, Archbishop Michael.

The weather was mild and beautiful but unfortunately, high clouds kept increasing as the day progressed and just before totality, they completely blocked the sun.

The latest 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.

On the weekend of March 16-17, Archbishop Michael made his annual Archpastoral visit to the Mother of God Joy of All Who Sorrow in Princeton, NJ. During this visit, he awarded Dn John Komline the Double Orarion. Concelebrating with Archbishop Michael were Fr. Peter Baktis, Rector, and Fr. John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary. Dn John is a current board member of St. Tikhon's Seminary, and Fr. John Parker represented the seminary in honoring Dn John's dedication and hard work.

[SHIRLEY, NY] - Over the weekend of March 8-9, St. John the Theologian Orthodox Church in Shirley, Long Island, hosted a first-ever Men's Retreat with retreat speaker Archpriest Michael Butler of Holy Transfiguration parish in Livonia, MI. The event attracted 30 men from two parishes (St. John's and her sister parish of Holy Trinity in East Meadow, Long Island) and was the precursor to the formation of a men's group at the parish.

The DEEPEST SYMPATHY of all the clergy and faithful of the Diocese is extended to Matushka Cynthia Schick, her son George and daughter Elizabeth, and all their family, on falling asleep in the Lord of beloved husband and father, + the Archpriest Herman Schick. 

[Cohoes, NY] - On Sunday, February 4th, St. Nicholas Church in Cohoes had an Active Shooter Training session for the parish. Two officers from the Albany County Sheriff's Dept delivered a two-hour training session on various topics, from what kind of person commits these crimes to what to do if the unthinkable happens; the officers will be returning to give subsequent sessions.

Mark your calendars for a celestial event of a lifetime! On April 8th, 2024, a Total Solar Eclipse will cast its awe-inspiring shadow directly over the top of St. Andrew's Camp at 1280 State Rt. 49, Jewell, NY 13042.

Very Reverend Archpriest Peter Baktis has been appointed to the Military Officers Association of America Board of Directors and named its National Chaplain. Fr. Peter has served as the President of the Lakes and Pines Chapter (New Jersey), and is currently the president of the Chaplain Virtual Chapter and the president of the NJ Council of Chapters.

St. Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church in Wappingers Falls, NY commenced the 60th anniversary celebration on the weekend of January 27 and 28, 2024 with the Archpastoral Visit of His Eminence Archbishop Michael. The celebration was in conjunction with the patronal Feast Day of St. Gregory the Theologian as the parish gathered in celebration.

To God be the Glory for the 2023 Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors of the Diocese of New York & New Jersey!  Your love and commitment to this Diocese and her work goes beyond the simple words "Thank You!"  For the 2023 giving year, you partnered with me in the journey to what seemed an impossible goal.  Not only was the goal met but was surpassed at 113%!    Borrowing the words of our beloved Saint Paul who bore witness to the giving of the Christian Macedonians, you "gave according to [your] means, as I can testify, and beyond [your] means, of [your] own accord." 2 Corinthians 8:2 Thanks be to God! 

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...