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!

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 >

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.

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 >

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!

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.

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" 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 >

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.

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.

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!” >>>

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.

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.

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.

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 >