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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).

When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bore witness to You and called You His beloved Son. And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself and have enlightened the world, glory to You!  (Troparion Hymn)

On 29-30 December 2018, Archbishop Michael made an Archpastoral visit to Christ the Savior Church in Manhattan. His Eminence presented a Gramota (certificate of appreciation) on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops (Orthodox Church in America) to the parish rector, Archpriest Michael Meerson, in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

On Saturday, 29 December 2018, Orthodox faithful from the New York Capital area gathered at the Regional Food Bank to spend two hours working, sorting, and packaging food that will be distributed to food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and battered women's shelters in the 23 counties of North Eastern New York. The Regional Food Bank serves people and families in distress from Rockland and Putnam Counties up to the Canadian border.

On the Sunday following the Feast of Saint Nicholas, 9 December 2018, the faithful of Saint Basil’s Orthodox Church in Watervliet NY celebrated their annual “Yolka” and luncheon.  The children had spent weeks preparing for the day, practicing a Nativity play called, “The Gifts of Christmas.”