Workshop: "Heaven on Earth! Music and Orthodox Worship" - 08/30/10

This workshop, on November 6th in West Nyack NY, will explore the ministry of song and the worshipping community.  Topics include: The choir and congregation in the development of the Eucharistic Liturgy, psalmody and the antiphonal structure, the Trisagion and the Cherubic Hymns, and the Rite of Communion.

Diaconal Formation Program Begins Sept 11th - 08/25/10

With the blessing of His Grace, Bishop +Michael, a newly established Diaconal Formation program for the diocese will be inaugurated on September 11, 2010. The Diaconal Formation program will be conducted in collaboration with Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.

Archpastoral Visit: Clifton NJ - 08/15/10

His Grace, Bishop +Michael made an archpastoral visit to Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church in Clifton NJ to celebrate the parish's patronal feast -- The Dormition ("Falling-Asleep") of the Mother of God.

Bishop +Michael Establishes New Parish in Lansing NY - 08/17/10

With the blessing of His Grace, Bishop +Michael, Holy Apostles Orthodox Church has been established to provide a living witness to the Gospel of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ in Lansing/Ithaca NY.

Parish Sleep-over "JOY" and Archpastoral Visit: Shirley NY - 08/10/10

Friday and Saturday, August 6-7, 2010, saw 17 kids and teens - a record number - attend Saint John the Theologian Orthodox Church's third annual JOY Summer Sleep-over.  "JOY" (Jesus, Others, You) is Saint John's church school program headed by Elaine Del Gigante and has seen attendance at this summer event grow from 11 just two years ago.

Orthodox Pilgrimage: Ancient and Holy in the Holy Land - 08/07/10

The faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey are invited to join in an Orthodox Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel, Jordan, and Sinai) led by Archbishop +Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada.

Saint Andrew's Camp Programs - 08/02/10

The 2010 camping program is winding down at Saint Andrew's Camp and Religious Center, Jewell NY, having just finished the third and final week of camp for children ages 7-14.  This year the three weeks were developed around themes: Camping & Ecology, Music-liturgical and fun, and Horse Week.

Vacation Church School: East Meadow NY - 08/01/10

Using an ocean-themed adventure entitled “High Seas Expedition – Exploring the Mighty Word of God” nearly 50 children, teens, and adult leaders gathered at Holy Trinity Church, East Meadow NY, for the parish’s 2010 vacation church school program. Participants used scripture and outreach projects to discover the presence of God's Word in their lives. 

Clergy Conference and Deanery "Open Forms" Scheduled - 07/26/10

A Clergy Conference for all diocesan priests, and three separate "Open Forums" in each deanery to discuss the OCA (draft) Strategic Plan, have been scheduled. These gatherings were blessed by His Grace, Bishop +Michael, in consultation with the Council of Presbyters.  The clergy conference will take place in Clifton NJ from August 31 to September 1 of this year.

"The Bishop": A Talk by Bishop Michael - 07/22/10

His Grace, Bishop Michael, presented a talk entitled "The Bishop" on July 22, 2010 at the 16th Biennial Clergy Symposium of the Antiochian Archdiocese  The theme of the symposium was: The Priesthood:  Diakonos, Presbyteros, Episcopos.  You may listen to the audio of Bishop Michael's talk online at Ancient Faith Radio.

Proposed Diocesan Deaconate Program Under Review - 07/16/10

His Grace, Bishop +Michael, is reviewing the potential and logistics to establish a diocesan Deaconate Program.  During the recent meeting of the Council of Presbyters, His Grace shared his desire to enhance and support parish ministries in all ways, including the potential of educating, training and ordaining a permanent deacon in parishes where a suitable candidate responds to this vocational calling.

Special Presentation: Paramus NJ - 07/11/10

Alexis Liberovsky (OCA Archivist) visited Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church for a presentation on the Autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in America.

OCA Strategic Plan (Draft) Released - 07/09/10

The Strategic Plan Working Draft (Orthodox Church in America) has been released and published on the official OCA website.  His Grace, Bishop Michael, strongly encourages all clergy and faithful of the diocese to read and review the document in preparation for upcoming clergy/laity discussions in each deanery (“focus groups”) leading up to the Diocesan Assembly at the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection in New York City on Tuesday, 9 November 2010.

Council of Presbyters Meet - 07/08/10

The newly appointed Council of Presbyters [CP] of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey gathered with His Grace, Bishop Michael, at the diocesan center in Bronxville NY on July 8, 2010.  In a meeting that lasted nearly five hours, the bishop and assembled priests discussed a host of issues affecting the life of diocese. 

Picnic for the Clergy Families of the NY State Deanery - 07/05/10

His Grace, Bishop Michael, hosted a picnic for the clergy families of the New York State Deanery at Saint Nicholas Church in Auburn NY on Monday, July 5, 2010.  Young and old enjoyed a wonderful day of fellowship, fun, and food with a warm (temperatures were in the high 90's) and hospitable welcome by the parish rector, Father Stephen Mack.

Archpastoral Visit: Paramus, NJ - 07/04/10

On the weekend of July 3/4, Bishop Michael made an archpastoral visit to Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Paramus, NJ. Fr. David Vernak, rector, concelebrating clergy, and the faithful of the parish welcomed His Grace for the celebration of the Divine Services and an agape meal.

Archpastoral Visit: Herkimer NY - 06/29/10

On Tuesday, June 29th, His Grace, Bishop Michael, was surrounded by the faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church to celebrate the patronal feast-day of the parish.  Special guests included: the Sisterhood of Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery, parishioners of Saint Innocent Mission, the priest of Saint John of Kronstadt Church in Utica NY, and parishioners residing at Valley Health Nursing Home.

Patronal Feast: Manville, NJ - 06/29/10

The feast of Ss. Peter & Paul was celebrated here in Manville with great joy and thanksgiving to our heavenly patrons.

Archpastoral Visit: Rochester NY - 06/20/10

The parish of Saint John the Baptist in Rochester NY welcomed His Grace, Bishop Michael for three days, 18-20 June, marking his first visit to the parish as diocesan bishop.

Special Website Offer to Diocese of NY / NJ - 06/15/10

In honor of the consecration of His Grace, Bishop Michael, and in an effort to help the Diocese of New York and New Jersey fulfill the mandate to share the Gospel, Orthodox Web Solutions is offering all parishes and institutions of the diocese seeking to get online or upgrade their website: free website setup and hosting through September 1, 2010.

NJ Deanery Meets with Bp. Michael - 06/15/10

His Grace, Bishop Michael, attended a meeting of the New Jersey Deanery clergy at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Bayonne NJ, on Tuesday June 8, 2010.

Interview with Bp. Michael about Episcopal Assembly - 06/10/10

The following interview regarding the recent Episcopal Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Hierarchs of North and Central America, which convened in New York City on 25-28 May, was conducted with His Grace, +Michael (Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey) on Wednesday, 2 June 2010.

Archpastoral Visit: Wantage, NJ - 05/23/10

His Grace, Bishop Michael, celebrated the Divine Liturgy with Archpriest Samuel Kedala, Rector of Holy Spirit, Archpriest George Hasenecz, founder of Holy Spirit and retired Archpriest Joseph Chupeck who is attached to Holy Spirit Church. The Divine Liturgy was followed by the Vespers of Pentecost and a Festive Banquet in the Church Hall.

5K WALK-A-THON for “Kids-to-Camp” - 05/23/10

Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Rochester NY held a 5K WALK-A-THON on Pentecost Sunday, May 23rd, to raise funds for scholarships to send “Kids-to-Camp” (Saint Andrew’s Camp, Jewell NY).  In all, 54 parishioners participated in the walk while 6 others provided support and encouragement by offering cold water and fresh fruit at the half-way point and refreshments at the end-point.

New York State Deanery Meets with Bishop Michael - 05/21/10

On Friday, May 21st, a meeting of the clergy of the New York State Deanery was held with Bishop Michael at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Endicott NY.

Archpastoral Visit: Passaic, NJ - 05/16/10

On Sunday, May 16th, Bishop Michael made his first archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Passaic, NJ. His Grace led the community in the Divine Services and broke bread with them in a festive meal. On this day the parish celebrated its 85th Anniversary.

St. Tikhon's Seminarians Give $1000 to Parish Relief Fund - 05/13/10

The student community of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary announced on 13 May 2010 that they are donating $1,000 toward the newly established Diocese of New York and New Jersey Parish Relief Fund. Details are in the Official Communications Release #2010.3.1. 

Archimandrite Michael consecrated as Bishop of New York and New Jersey - 05/08/10

On Saturday, May 8, over 1000 faithful including nine bishops, a 125 clergy, and 100 seminarians and their families gathered at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Jersey City, New Jersey and celebrated the consecration of its new hierarch, His Grace, MICHAEL as the Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey. [new photos added: 5/15/10.]

Bright Wednesday - Paramus, NJ - 04/07/10

On Bright Wednesday, April 7th, Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Paramus, NJ, hosted Bishop-Elect Archimandrite Michael Dahulich, the NJ Deanery, and faithful from local parishes for the celebration of the Paschal Vespers which was followed by a festive meal. 

Sunday of Orthodoxy - Paramus, NJ - 02/21/10

On Sunday, February 21, 2010, clergy and faithful gathered at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Paramus, NJ, for the celebration of Orthodoxy Vespers.  Hieromonk Calinic Berger from Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Church in Hermitage PA, was the guest homilist.

East Meadow, NY: Orthodox Youth Send Aid to Haiti - 01/18/10

The youth of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church spent part of their day off from school gathered here assembling over 80 humanitarian aid packets for residents of Haiti affected by last week’s earthquake. The project, organized by the parish’s PTA, provided the children with an opportunity to spend part of their vacation day helping those in need.

Jersey City, NJ: The Kursk Root Icon visited Sts. Peter & Paul Church - 01/02/10

On Saturday, January 2, the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God visited Sts. Peter & Paul Church (OCA) in Jersey City, NJ. The parish was founded in 1907 by Priest-Martyr Alexander Hotovitzky, and for some time served as the cathedra of the ever-memorable Archbishop Vitaly (Maximenko). The Liturgy was celebrated by the primate of the Orthodox Church in America, His Beatitude, the Most Blessed Jonah...

Consecration Schedule & Commemorative Publication Released - 12/27/09

With the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, Archbishop of Washington and Locum tenens of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, and in conjunction with the consecration of Bishop-Elect, Michael Dahulich, the following schedule is prepared...

Administrator Appointed / Consecration Scheduled - 12/15/09

His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, has appointed Bishop-Elect, Hieromonk Michael Dahulich as administrator of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey effective January 1, 2010. The consecration Hieromonk Michael as Bishop of New York, Diocese of New York and New Jersey, will take place on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Jersey City, New Jersey.

New York State Deanery Meets with Bishop-elect, Fr. Michael Dahulich - 11/06/09

On November 6, 2009 the clergy of the New York State Deanery met with bishop-elect, Father Michael Dahulich, at Holy Trinity Church in Elmira Heights NY.  The meeting was an opportunity for Father Michael to meet the clergy and receive oral reports on the background and status of the parishes in the deanery.  Father Michael shared thoughts and reflections about his upcoming consecration to the episcopacy and his relationship with the parishes and clergy.

Choir Conference - 10/31/09

On Saturday, October 31st, a Choir Conference was held at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in Paramus, NJ. Some 45 participants attended this excellent conference led by Professor David Drillock.

Holy Synod Elects Archpriest Michael Dahulich - 09/22/09

On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, meeting at its regular Fall Session at the OCA Chancery, elected Archpriest Michael Dahulich Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey.

Extraordinary Diocesan Assembly - 08/31/09

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey of the Orthodox Church in America held an Extraordinary Diocesan Assembly at the Church of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin in Clifton, New Jersey on Monday, August 31, 2009. (Photos added: 9/9/09; Minutes added: 9/14/09)

AGENDA: Extraordinary Diocesan Assembly - 08/28/09

The agenda for the upcoming Extraordinary Diocesan Assembly at Holy Assumption Church in Clifton NJ is as follows.

INTERVIEWS: Diocesan Search Committee - 08/26/09

On Wednesday, August 26, the Diocesan Search Committee made the following interviews with the proposed nominees for the office of Bishop of New York and New Jersey available for review in preparation for the upcoming Extraordinary Diocesan Assembly on August 31st.

FINAL REPORT: Diocesan Search Committee - 08/17/09

On Monday, August 17, the Diocesan Search Committee released its final report on the nomination process and selection of a diocesan hierarch for the Diocese of New York-New Jersey.

Met. Jonah Meets with NJ Deanery - 07/14/09

On Tuesday, July 14, 2009, Met. Jonah met with clergy of the NJ Deanery at Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Brick, NJ.

Paschal Vespers / Agape - 04/22/09

On Bright Wednesday, April 22nd, Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Paramus, NJ, hosted His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah, the NJ Deanery, and faithful from local parishes for the celebration of the Paschal Vespers which was followed by a festive meal.

Mission Vespers in Clifton, NJ - 03/29/09

On Sunday, March 29th, His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah led the clergy and faithful in prayer at the Mission Vespers at Holy Assumption Orthodox Church in Clifton, NJ.  Following the service there was a lenten meal for all in attendance.

Sunday of Orthodoxy - Jersey City, NJ - 03/08/09

On Sunday, March 8, 2009, clergy and faithful gathered at Ss. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Jersey City, NJ, for the celebration of Orthodoxy Vespers.  Fr. Alexander Golubov, Academic Dean of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary, was the guest homilist.

Annual Board Meeting of Sts. Cosmas and Damian Adult Home - 02/23/09

The meeting took place on Monday, Feb 23, 2009 at the home.  This was the first visit of His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah to the home.  Metropolitan Jonah is the President of the home.  Archpriest Joseph Lickwar who was temporary Chief Executive Officer was elected as the new CEO, Ludwig Koerte was re-elected to be the Treasurer, Matushka Shirley Lickwar was re-elected to be secretary and Daria York was re-elected to be corresponding/corporate secretary.

Met. Jonah Meets with NJ Deanery - 01/27/09

On Tuesday, January 27th, His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah met with members of the NJ Deanery at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Paramus, NJ. Following the meeting a luncheon was graciously offered by the host parish.

East Meadow Parish blesses Atlantic Ocean on Theophany - 01/06/09

The clergy and faithful of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, East Meadow, NY celebrated the feast of Theophany by celebrating the Great Blessing of Waters along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean after liturgy on Tuesday, January 6. Nearly 40 parishioners and children attended the service led by the Rev. Martin Kraus, parish rector, at Zach's Bay and Jones Beach.

Diocesan Council Meeting - 12/12/08

On Thursday, December 11, 2008, His Beatitude met with the Diocesan Council at Ss. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Jersey City, NJ.  This was the first meeting of the Diocesan Council under the leadership of Metropolitan Jonah.

Bishop Jonah Elected Metropolitan - 11/12/08

On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, His Grace, Bishop Jonah of Fort Worth was elected Archbishop of Washington and New York and Metropolitan of All America and Canada at the 15th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America.

Repose of Mr. Robert Barber - 10/10/08

The Diocesan Music Committee is saddened to announce the loss of one of our members, Mr. Robert Barber from St. Mark’s Church in Bethesda, MD. Bob was a member of the Committee and helped plan and execute two successful workshops in his parish, in addition to providing advice and encouragement to all of us. We will miss him.

Diocesan Assembly - 09/15/08

On Monday, September 15, 2008, the annual Assembly of the Diocese of Washington and New York was held at Ss. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church of South River, New Jersey. Information regarding the Assembly will be forthcoming.

100th Anniversary of Holy Transfiguration Cathedral - Brooklyn, NY - 09/14/08

On Sunday, September 14th, Holy Transfiguration Cathedral of Brooklyn, New York celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Following the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Molieben, presided over by Bishop Tikhon, a banquet was held in honor of the day.

NJ Deanery Publication - 08/01/08

With the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman the New Jersey Deanery published a booklet titled "Regarding Accidents and Defects Occurring During the Liturgy, and How to Proceed" based on the compilation of resources and solutions addressing the issues of unfortunate and unexpected accidents which may arise during the service of the Divine Liturgy titled: Izwiestije uczitiel'noje - (An Instructional Notice), and other supporting materials.

Diocesan Council Meeting - 07/28/08

On Monday, July 28, 2008, a Diocesan Council Meeting was held at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Randolph, NJ.The Council dealt with numerous matters including the upcoming Diocesan Assembly.

East Meadow, NY holds its summer Vacation Bible School - 07/25/08

Over 20 children went on exciting adventures, following Jesus as he healed, helped, and gave power to people who need him! Each day the children and volunteers were a part of fun Bible learning they could see, hear, touch, and even taste! Bible Point Crafts, team building games, lively Bible songs, daily videos, and tasty treats..

Paschal Vespers / Agape - 04/30/08

On Wednesday, April 30th, Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Paramus, NJ, hosted the NJ Deanery for the celebration of the Paschal Vespers which was followed by a festive meal.

Mission Vespers in Mays Landing, NJ - 03/23/08

On Sunday, March 23, 2008, clergy and faithful from the diocese gathered at the Church of the Mother of God in Mays Landing, NJ, for Mission Vespers.

Sunday of Orthodoxy - 03/16/08

On Sunday, March 16, 2008, clergy and faithful gathered at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Randolph, NJ, for the celebration of Orthodoxy Vespers.

Clergy Retreat in Paramus, NJ - 02/11/08

On Monday, February 11, 2008, a clergy retreat was held at Christ the Saviour Church in Paramus, New Jersey. The retreat was led by VRev. Chad Hatfield, Chancellor of St. Vladimir's Seminary.  Clergy from throughout the Diocese of Washington and New York attended.

Pre-Lenten Youth Retreat - 02/10/08

The Diocesan Pre-Lenten Youth retreat, Jesus, Others, and Yourself (JOY) was held the weekend of February 8-10. Over 40 youth from the Diocese participated. It was hosted by the Mother of God Orthodox Church and was held at the Retreat Center located at St. Joseph's Seminary in Princeton, NJ.

Delmarva Orthodox Mission Enters New Home - 12/30/07

On the weekend of December 29-30, 2007, Christ the Savior Mission (formerly of Fenwick Island) celebrated its first services at its new home at Vines Creek (Dagsboro, Delaware). The new facility was chosen because it was more centrally located between the northern and southern beaches, closer to parishioners' homes and provided enough room to accommodate the mission's growing congregation which has steadily risen since the founding of the church in 2000.

Historic Divine Liturgy in Manville, NJ - 12/09/07

On Sunday, December 9th, Bishop Peter of Cleveland (ROCOR) celebrated Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Ss. Peter & Paul Church (OCA) in Manville, New Jersey. This joyous and historic celebration manifested the new-found unity of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad and the Orthodox Church in America, made possible by the re-unification of the Russian Church Abroad and the Moscow Patriarchate.

St. Alexander Hotovitsky Honored in Jersey City - 12/02/07

The faithful gathered on Sunday, December 2, 2007 to witness the erection of a street sign commemorating the saint and founder-priest of Saints Peter and Paul Church of Jersey City.

Repose of His Eminence, Archbishop PETER - 11/19/07

On Monday, November 19, 2007, His Eminence, Archbishop Peter, retired ruling hierarch of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey fell asleep in the Lord.

Ss. Peter and Paul in Bayonne, NJ Celebrates 85 Years - 10/28/07

On Sunday, October 28, 2007, the faithful of the parish of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Bayonne, New Jersey were blessed by the presence and prayers of His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman as he presided over a hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrating the parish’s eighty-fifth anniversary.

Archpastoral Visit: Ss. Peter & Paul, Syracuse, NY - 08/19/07

On the weekend of August 18-19, 2007, His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman visited Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Syracuse, NY, for the celebration of the Divine Services and a festal meal.

A New Chapter of OCF forms - 07/20/07

A new chapter of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is forming this year. This chapter will serve the college student population attending Rutgers-New Brunswick, Rider University, and the College of New Jersey.

Archpastoral Visit: Christ the Savior, Fenwick Island, DE - 07/08/07

On the weekend of July 7-8, 2007, His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman, the Archbishop of Washington and New York, visited Christ the Savior Church, Fenwick Island, DE, for the celebration of the liturgical services, a meeting with the Parish Council, and a festal meal with all the faithful parishioners and visitors.

The 50th Anniversary of Saint Andrew's Camp is set for August 15-18 - 06/21/07

Saint Andrew's Camp and Religious Center here will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, August 18, 2007. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, will offer prayers of thanksgiving and bless the camp facilities and grounds. A couples retreat and alumni homecoming are scheduled for August 15-18.

Bright Wednesday Vespers - 04/11/07

Clergy Retreat - 03/12/07

A retreat for diocesan clergy was held on Monday, March 12, 2007 at Holy Assumption Church, Clifton, NJ.

Diocesan Council Meeting - 02/12/07

On Monday, February 12, 2007, the Diocesan Council met at Ss. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Jersey City, NJ.

New Website Launched - 02/01/07

With the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, the Diocese of Washington and New York officially launched its new website on Thursday, February 1, 2007.

March for Life in Nation's Capital - 01/22/07

On January 22, 2007, the 34th Anniversary of the Supreme Court Decision Roe vs Wade legalizing abortion, Metropolitan Herman led the Orthodox faithful and clergy in the Annual March For Life in Washington DC.

St. Catherine's Mission in Hagerstown, MD, Celebrates 25 Years - 12/03/06

On Sunday, December 3, 2006, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman visited Saint Catherine the Great Martyr Mission, Hagerstown, MD on the occasion of the parish's 25th anniversary.

Church of the Mother of God, Mays Landing, NJ, Celebrates 60 Years - 11/11/06

On November 11, 2006, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman visited the Church of the Mother of God, Mays Landing, NJ, on the occasion of the parish's 60th anniversary.

90th Anniversary of Ss. Peter & Paul Church, Herkimer, NY - 11/05/06

On the first weekend of November 2006, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman presided at the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Herkimer, NY.

Diocesan Assembly - 11/01/06

On Thursday, November 1, 2006, the Diocese of Washington and New York held its annual assembly at Saint Vladimir Church, Trenton, NJ.