In his annual letter to the faithful as we enter into the season of the Great Fast, Archbishop Michael writes, in part: "During the Great Fast, we are given the opportunity to increase the use of these tools provided for us for our continued healing. We are instructed to pray and fast more than we would usually do during the rest of the year. We are all encouraged to make our personal confession during this season in preparation for Holy Pascha. We have the extra opportunity for Holy Communion at the Pre-Sanctified Liturgies. And we are commanded by the Gospel to look for opportunities to serve “the least of the brethren” … to take the money that we save from sumptuous meals and entertainment and to share with those in need. Thus, the regular practices of other times of the year are increased in this season, so that we have an accelerated health treatment plan for our souls during Great Lent. If we see Lent as a time for healing, it is like going to a wellness center or health spa for two months."

read the Archpastoral Letter >

As we approach the season of spiritual renewal in Great Lent (through prayer, fasting, and charity) a wonderful instructional video by Archbishop Michael is available to us. In this concise eight-minute presentation, we are offered a good introduction to the meaning and purpose of the Lenten Journey in our lives. This is a helpful discussion for our Lenten preparation for the celebration of PASCHA -- the Resurrection of our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ.  To watch the video, please go here>>>

Very Reverend Yaroslav Gerald Sudick is pastor emeritus Holy Trinity Church in Yonkers NY and presently attached to Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Washington  DC. He celebrated 60 years of Holy Priesthood on Sunday, 3 March 2019. "Many Years!"

Students at Marywood University in Scranton PA who self identify as communicants of the Orthodox Church are eligible to apply for the Peter Kohudic Scholarship which is available exclusively to Orthodox students. Preference is given, but not limited to, students at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. For complete details please contact Barbara Schmitt, Director of Financial Aid, at schmitt@marywood.edu or 570-348-6225

University website >

The Annual Lenten Teen Retreat will be held at 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. The theme of this year’s retreat is “Living a Christian Life.”

A new issue of our diocesan newsletter, "First Fruits," is now available. In this edition, Father Gary Joseph Breton discusses "Stewardship of the Priest."  In his article he writes, in part: "How should one care for one’s parish priest? I would like to offer five particular ways in which one can do so: 1) Pray for him, 2) Understand his role, 3) Support his work, 4) Offer to help him, 5) Compensate him."

read "First Fruits" >

On 2 February 2019, Archbishop Michael visited Saint Vladimir Church in Trenton NJ to celebrate the Feast-Day of the Meeting of the Lord. During the festal Divine Liturgy, His Eminence ordained Bohdan Chaikivskyi to the Holy Diaconate. “Many Years” to newly-ordained Deacon Bohdan!

Archbishop Michael made his annual visitation to the United States Military Academy at West Point 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.