Archbishop Michael made his annual visitation to West Point Military Academy on Sunday, 27 January 2019, celebrating the Divine Liturgy in Saint Martin's Chapel for the Orthodox cadets. Caring for the spiritual needs of these future military leaders of our armed forces in the US Army are Archpriest Joseph and Presbytera Irene Frawley.

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As part of a "Vision for Our Future," Archbishop Michael launched the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactor [DDB] program in January 2011. Your generous support is what being a Distinguished Diocesan Benefactor is all about. Your love, your prayers, and your sharing of the riches with which you have been blessed make it all possible.

see the 2018 DDB "Honor Roll" >

learn more about the DDB >

With great joy we announce the Annual Lenten Teen Retreat! The 3-day event will be held at a new venue this year, Camp Shiloh located in Hewitt NJ, from 22-24 March 2019. The retreat is open to Teens in Middle School and High School not only in our Diocese, but also to those in other jurisdictions and nearby dioceses. Please spread the word beyond your parishes! The theme of this year’s retreat is “Living a Christian Life.”

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Archbishop Michael hosted the clergy families of the New York State Deanery for a holiday gathering at Basil Leaf Ristorante in Syracuse NY on Sunday evening, 27 January 2019. The evening brought together priests, deacons, and their families for a spirited fellowship with their Archpastor. “It is always a joy,” said Father Ken James Stavrevsky (Rochester NY), “when our deanery family of clergy, spouses, and children, gather in grateful celebration of their ministries and common labors of love in the church. We thank His Eminence for nurturing our pastoral brotherhood in Christ!”

Archpriest Paul Shafran, Pastor Emeritus at Saint Vladimir Church in Trenton NJ celebrated his 71st Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood on 28 December 2018. Father Paul and Matushka Mary also recently marked their 71st wedding anniversary (November 27th). Following the liturgy on 30 December the congregation sang "Many Years" for both of them. Matushka had been in a rehab facility for a few months following surgery for a broken leg, but returned home just in time for Christmas. She and Father Paul are truly grateful for everyone's prayers. "Many Years" and warmest congratulations to them on the occasions of their remarkable anniversary milestones!

Vital work within our diocese has again been supported financially thanks to the contributions of our Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors (DDBs). During 2018, DDBs provided $185,860.00 for mission parish funding, seminarian scholarships, and a host of programs intended to support and enhance parish ministries and outreach. The voluntary, sacrificial efforts of our DDBs provide much-needed programs and events that would otherwise be impossible to accomplish. Our sincere gratitude is extended to our DDBs, who have made a significant contribution to the Glory of God and the building-up of the Body of Christ in New York and New Jersey. To see the “honor roll” of 2018 DDBs please go here >

On December 31st and January 1st, Archbishop Michael joined the faithful of Saint Basil's Orthodox Church in Watervliet NY for their Parish Feast-Day. Dragan Vujicic, a seminarian from Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville NY, was tonsured a Reader during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Parishioner Anna MacPherson was awarded a Diocesan Gramota (certificate of appreciation) for her many years of dedicated service to the parish. “A wonderful festive meal was served afterwards in the Parish Center," said Father Peter Olsen (parish Rector).