Join us on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Syracuse, NY, for a special diocesan retreat led by Archbishop Michael on the life, canonization, and enduring spiritual legacy of Saint Olga of Alaska. The day will include the Divine Liturgy for St. Herman of Alaska, lunch with Q&A, three teaching sessions, and Great Vespers. All faithful are warmly invited to take part in this meaningful day of learning and reflection.

[Yonkers, NY] - On Thursday, November 20, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Michael spent the day at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, NY.

During his visit, His Eminence sat in on several classes and met with faculty and students. The day concluded with the celebration of the Vigil and the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, served in the Three Holy Hierarchs Chapel.

The seminary community warmly welcomed Archbishop Michael’s visit and participation in their liturgical and academic life. Photos from the feast may be viewed below.

[Jackson, NJ] - The faithful of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Jackson, NJ were blessed to welcome His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, for an Archpastoral visit on the weekend of November 15–16, 2025. The visit brought together clergy, parishioners, and friends for a beautiful time of prayer, fellowship, and thanksgiving.

The weekend began on Saturday evening with Great Vespers, served by Archpriest John Prokopiuk and Protodeacon John Suchernick. After the service, the parish family gathered for a warm and festive meal prepared by Matushka Ludmila and the Sisterhood, whose hospitality helped set a joyful tone for the entire visit.

[Norwood, NY] – On Saturday, November 15, St. Tikhon’s Seminary Choir sang Vespers at St. Olympia Orthodox Church. What a blessing of worship, song and fellowship!

The choir included seminarians Paul Batz, Andrew Benton, Deacon Seraphim Crossman, Michael Katalenich, Ignatius Leonardo, Christopher Mescher, and Deacon Paul Schlafer. It was also a reunion for the director, Father Caleb Lewis, and our priest, Father Gregory Fedorchak, who had been classmates at St. Tikhon’s. And while he could not make the trip, we are thankful to Dean of the seminary Father John Parker for giving his blessing for this trip to occur.

LITTLE FALLS, NJ — The Spirit of Orthodoxy Choir warmly invites the faithful and friends of the Diocese to a Christmas concert titled “O Radiant Dawn: Christmas Joy in Scripture and Song.”

The event will take place on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM at St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church, located at 29 Weaver Street, Little Falls, NJ. A reception will follow the performance.

Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral in Jersey City will host a Christmas Gala Concert on Monday, December 22 at 7:30 PM, presented in collaboration with the Blüthner School of Music in Hoboken. The event is part of the Cathedral’s ongoing concert series under the artistic direction of Gleb Ivanov.

The evening will feature sacred and classical works by Bizet, Brahms, Franck, Adam, and the Strauss family, as well as traditional seasonal hymns. A number of distinguished musicians will participate, including Gleb Ivanov (piano), Dmitri Berlinsky (violin), Taisiya Losmakova (violin), Frank Foerster (viola), Sandro Sidamonidze (cello), Raymon Godfrey (tenor), and Mili Chang (flute).

The concert will take place in the Cathedral sanctuary and will be followed by a dinner in church's social hall. Further information is available through the Cathedral office or the organizers listed on the event poster.

[WAYNE, NJ] – The faithful of Holy Resurrection Church in Wayne, NJ, joyfully gathered on Sunday, November 9th, to celebrate Father Stephen Evanina’s 25th Anniversary of Ordination the Holy Priesthood. The milestone was marked with a beautiful Hierarchical Divine Liturgy led by His Eminence, Archbishop Michael.

The celebration began with the traditional presentation of flowers by representatives of the parish church school, followed by the presentation of bread and salt from Parish Council President Leonard Shark. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriests John Klutchko, Samuel Kedala, and Eric Tosi, together with Protodeacon Peter Skoog from Holy Trinity Church in Pottstown, PA.

[Buffalo, NY] - During his archpastoral visit to Saints Peter and Paul Church in Buffalo, NY, on November 1–2, His Eminence Archbishop Michael awarded Father John Hutnyan the Jeweled Cross in recognition of his faithful service. The joyful weekend included Vespers, Hierarchical Liturgy, fellowship, and a Q&A with catechumens and new members.

From joyful preparations for the Building Our Future: Thanksgiving and Dedication celebration to a look ahead at our exciting 2026 camp programs, this issue is filled with inspiring updates and ways to stay connected with St. Andrew’s Camp. Read about the blessings of our newly dedicated buildings, learn how you can support the camp’s mission, and mark your calendar for upcoming retreats and events. Together, let’s continue to build a place where faith, friendship, and fun flourish for generations to come.

In this November Ministry Reflection, Christopher Chiakulas, Founder of Orthodox Christian College Counseling, reflects on the pressures our teens face as they prepare for college and reminds us that, while the world urges them to chase the “best” schools and achievements, the only admission that truly matters is to the Kingdom of Heaven. Lasting faith begins long before college; it grows when parents, leaders, and mentors walk with our youth, nurturing their life in Christ through relationship, prayer, and presence.