The Second Anniversary Celebration of the consecration of Bishop Michael was a most joyful and inspiring gathering at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Jersey City NJ on Saturday, May 12th.  His Grace was joined by twenty-four clergy and many faithful of the diocese for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with magnificent responses by the Spirit of Orthodoxy Choir under the direction of Aleksei V. Shipovalnikov.

The Myrrh-streaming Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos from Hawaii will again visit Saint Tikhon’s Monastery (175 St. Tikhon's Road ~ Waymart PA 18472) this Memorial Day weekend: Friday May 25th at 4 p.m. to Monday May 28th at 4:00 pm.  A warm invitation is extended to the faithful of New York and New Jersey, and the event is open to the general public.  Healings from cancer, demon possession and blindness have been attributed to the intercessions of the Mother of God through this Miraculous Myrrh-streaming Icon.

information flyer >>>

On Saturday, 5 May, a dozen teens and adults from Holy Annunciation Church, Brick NJ; Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, NYC; and Holy Trinity Church, Yonkers NY gathered at the headquarters of His Grace, Bishop Michael, and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey for a day of much-needed yard and grounds work.

His Grace, Bishop Michael of New York and New Jersey presided at the Sunday Divine Liturgy at Saints Peter and Paul Church in South River NJ on 6 May.  He was assisted by seven priests (including the host pastor, Priest David Garretson), a protodeacon, subdeacons and 14 altar servers.  Basil Kozak directed the parish choir, which was joined by tournament participants. His Grace spoke to the participants, saying in part: "Think about this for a moment: to sink a three-pointer on the court, you have to give up the basketball; to make a strike in bowling, you have to give up the ball. So too in life, to truly be a success – as a spouse or a parent or an Orthodox Christian – we have to give of ourselves, of our time and talent and treasure; we have to sacrifice our will, our wants, our ways for the other; we have to share sacrificial love for our family and our friends, for our Lord and His Church.”   read the full article >

To our beloved hierarch: “Many Years! Eis Polla eti Despota!”  Two years have passed since the consecration and installation of His Grace, Michael, as Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey.

As part of the “Lessons in Our Faith” video series, a new installment has been produced and published on the diocesan website.  In this lesson, Bishop Michael discusses the Sacrament of Baptism in a clear and concise presentation that will be both instructive and helpful for Orthodox faithful and also for non-Orthodox “seekers” who desire to know more about the faith and practices of the Church.  Upcoming lessons on the Sacrament of Chrismation and Infant Baptism will be produced in the near future.

visit “Lessons in Our Faith” >

The Diocesan Diaconal Formation Program will soon mark the successful completion of its second year (four academic semesters).  Several students, enrolled from the inauguration of the program, have been or plan to be tonsured as readers or ordained as sub-deacons/deacons.  The course of study encompasses two years (four semesters), meeting every Saturday of the academic year at the Endicott NY campus of the program accredited by Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. The third year of classes will begin in September with both returning (second year) students and new students from throughout the diocese. Those interested in the program should speak to their parish rector.  NEW PHOTOS ADDED on May 1, 2012

The Diocesan Council (members listed here) gathered for a regular/monthly meeting at the Diocesan Center on Wednesday, 25 April 2012.  Various matters effecting the life and administration of the diocese were discussed and, when required, decisions were taken.  Notable was an update on the 2012 Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors [DDB] initiative which, thanks to the good-will and generosity of many, has received an excellent response to date. There is an expectation, and prayerful hope, for continued financial support during the rest of this year.  DDB funds are having a significant impact on the ability of the diocese to support missions, seminarians, and existing parishes. The faithful of the diocese are asked to prayerfully consider their ability to participate as DDBs.  Complete information and an on-line “donate now” feature is found HERE.

"The Church wants us to become like the Beloved Disciple was after Pascha: to live richly in our spiritual life, communicating with the Lord every day in prayer, as John did in person; to grow in God’s Word, by reading what Saint John and the others wrote in the Scripture; to come intimately close to the Lord in the Eucharist, as we are directed in the discourse in John's Gospel; to live a lifestyle of moral purity and service to Christ, as did the only one of the Twelve to live to a ripe old age and die a natural death, the very last of the apostolic witnesses on earth; and, yes, to forever be reminded in our minds, be stirred in our hearts and be convinced in our souls of that good news of greatest joy -- 'Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!'"

Read the Archpastoral Letter >

In addition to the ordination of Father Seraphim Joa to the holy priesthood, Bishop Michael attended the Children's Concert on Lazarus Saturday at Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (Crestwood NY). "We were incredibly honored to have Bishop Michael in attendance at this concert for the second year in a row," said Danielle Miller, director of the choirs.  Mrs. Miller is a veteran music teacher, choral conductor, and church musician.

see the article with photos > 

On Saturday, 7 April ~ "Lazarus Saturday" ~ Saint Vladimir's Seminary seminarian Deacon William Seraphim Joa was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace, Michael (Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey). Father Seraphim is in his third year of the Master of Divinity program at Saint Vladimir’s.    more information >

Holy Transfiguration Church in Pearl River NY was the venue of the fifth annual service of the Holy Mystery of Unction, celebrated in full by seven priests, on Tuesday night, April 3rd, 2012.

On the Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt ~ 5th Sunday of Great Lent, 1 April 2012 ~ the Gospel reading focused our attention on what is to come:  Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:  "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again." (Mark 10:32-34)

Children and adults from several Orthodox communities in the New York State Capital District and Saratoga County gathered for their annual Lenten Youth Retreat on Saturday, 31 March at Saint Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church in Troy NY.  For more than fifteen years, with encouragement from the clergy of the Saint Andrew’s Brotherhood, families have participated together each year in this day of worship and fellowship.

On Saturday and Sunday, 24-25 March, the faithful of Annunciation Church in Brick NJ welcomed His Grace, Bishop Michael, for the weekend celebration of their patronal feast-day.  Many visitors from the New Jersey Deanery (OCA) and from other jurisdictions joined them for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning and the Mission Vespers service later that afternoon.  "Many thanks," said Father Gary Breton (parish Rector), "to all who helped make this celebration bright and joyful!"

“Lessons in Our Faith” is a series of instructional videos produced by the Diocese of New York and New Jersey (Orthodox Church in America) featuring His Grace, Bishop Michael. In this installment, the topic is the Sacrament of Confession. Using his popular “7 Questions and 7 Answers” format, Bishop Michael discusses this subject in a concise and direct manner. The entire "Lessons in Our Faith" series is available through a special link on this homepage (see the icon to the right)!  Or, simply click HERE.

Priests from various parts of the New Jersey Deanery gathered together on Sunday, 18 March, for a “Mission Vespers Service” at the Mother of God Church in Mays Landing NJ.  This parish is the southern-most Church in the Deanery; New Jersey is 180 miles in length, north to south. Priests from throughout the Deanery participated (some traveling 3.5 hours one way). Priest Boris Slootsky and his faithful parishioners hosted the event, followed by a Lenten meal.

“Being Called to Serve” was the theme of the Second Annual Diocesan Altar Server Retreat held 24-26 February 2012 as nearly 60 participants gathered with Bishop Michael at Saint Basil’s Academy in Garrison NY.  Although the event occurred over the “Forgiveness Sunday” weekend heralding the beginning of Great Lent, it was a great turnout!  Participants included 5 clergy, 9 adult chaperones, and over 45 altar servers from 16 parishes within the diocese.  Altar servers had the opportunity to “meet up” with old friends from the retreat in 2011 and to make new friends with those attending the retreat for the first time.

Each year, Orthodox Christians around Southern California break from their routine of worshiping in the Divine Liturgy at their regular churches to witness something special on the first Sunday of Great Lent. The canonical Orthodox Christian Bishops of the West Coast began the tradition of celebrating the Divine Liturgy together on this day in 2008 at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles, California. Joining them this year was a brother from the east: His Grace, Bishop MICHAEL (Orthodox Church in America, Diocese of New York and New Jersey), who served as the retreat master for our clergy and faithful on the eve of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

read more here >

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America has offered a letter to the faithful on the occasion of the "Sunday of Orthodoxy" (the 1st Sunday in Great Lent).  In part, they write: "We exhort all the faithful to celebrate this Feast with special joy, and with a shared sense of our common Faith. The Assembly includes every canonical Orthodox presence in our region, and as such is a living icon of the varied traditions that have been carried to the New World by faithful Orthodox Christians from around the world. We encourage mutual celebrations and fellowship in the spirit of the Feast."

Read the Archpastoral Letter >

Three Appreciation Dinners were hosted by Bishop Michael to express gratitude to the 2011 DDBs, to provide them with specific details of how their support has brought forth much good fruit throughout the diocese, and to encourage them to continue as DDBs this year in their support of the diocese. A video presentation was shown at each dinner highlighting accomplishments within the diocese during 2011 made possible, in part or in full, thanks to DDBs.

With the season of Great Lent upon us, we are pleased to offer a new installment of “Lessons in Our Faith” in which Bishop Michael offers clear and concise teaching on the subject of fasting. There are currently three lessons on-line and each of these educational videos is also available in audio format, and a lesson outline may be printed. Use the “Lessons in Our Faith” icon on this homepage to enter the special section. Learn more about your faith, and share it with others!

download/read Release # 2012.3.1 >

visit "Lessons in Our Faith" >

The New Jersey Deanery has released a schedule of deanery-wide Lenten Vespers services for the season of Great Lent 2012.  View the schedule of services >

His Grace, Bishop Michael, has issued an archpastoral letter to the faithful of the diocese for the beginning of Great Lent on 27 February 2012.  In part, he writes: "God gives us the chance to live life over again – a new direction, a new life, if we sincerely repent of our sins and turn to Him and His ways.  But repentance is more than just feeling sorry for what we have done.  It must be more – a genuine return to God; a complete about-face to His way of living."

download/read the Archpastoral Letter >

Saint Andrew’s Camp seeks talented Orthodox Christian adults/young adults, male and female, ages 18+ for staff positions & volunteer roles for the 2012 season. Volunteers come in many forms and in varying age groups. Parents may accompany their children during a week at camp and volunteer in the kitchen, with activities, and other projects. Retirees, young professionals, school teachers, clergy and seminarians also visit in volunteer capacities.  The Counselor/Volunteer flyer is available HERE.

The New York State Deanery conducted a Family Conference and Youth Retreat from 13 January (Friday) through 15 January (Sunday) at Greek Peak Resort near Cortland NY.  Bishop Michael was present for the retreat program which was attended by over 100 participants.  In keeping with His Grace's vision of expanding ministries within the diocese, the theme of the three-day retreat was: “Depending on God.”

On the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee (5 February), Bishop Michael made an archpastoral visit to Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Alpha NJ. It was the second visit to the parish by His Grace as ruling Hierarch of the Diocese. Great Vespers was served on Saturday evening with the Litiya; after Vespers parishioners and their rector, Archpriest Bohdan Ostash, had a discussion with His Grace during a fellowship reception. On Sunday morning, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated followed by a home-cooked meal prepared by the parishioners as His Grace met with the faithful and answered their questions. Father Bohdan offered his gratitude to Bishop Michael, saying: “Thank-you, Vladyko, for your archpastoral guidance and inspiring words! May God grant you many years!"

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America recently (2 Feb 2012) issued a formal "Record of Protest Against the Infringement of Religious Liberty by the Department of Health and Human Services." In part, the Assembly writes: "The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion. This freedom is transgressed when a religious institution is required to pay for “contraceptive services” including abortion-inducing drugs and sterilization services that directly violate their religious convictions. Providing such services should not be regarded as mandated medical care.  We, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, call upon HHS Secretary Sebelius and the Obama Administration to rescind this unjust ruling and to respect the religious freedom guaranteed all Americans by the First Amendment."

read the entire Record of Protest >

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Orthodox Faith among its youth, the Church School Association of Holy Trinity Church (East Meadow NY) organized a fellowship and service get-together on Wednesday, 1 February 2012.  Youth and teens of the parish gathered to roll beeswax candles and mount icon prints, followed by dinner and a Vigil service for the feast-day of the Meeting of Our Lord. As a service project, the youth prepared mounted icon prints of the Resurrection which will be placed in Paschal baskets for homebound parishioners. The baskets will be assembled by the youth on Lazarus Saturday and delivered to parishioners who are unable to make their own traditional foods for Pascha.

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!

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 >

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" >

"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 >

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 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 >