His Eminence Archbishop Michael will preside at the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of St. Basil's Orthodox Church in Watervliet, New York, on October 17–18, 2026, culminating in the long-awaited Consecration of the Church and the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

Founded in 1901, St. Basil's traces its beginnings to Orthodox immigrants who settled in the Watervliet area and established a parish centered on the Orthodox Faith. The original chapel was blessed by Saint Tikhon, later Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America, together with Saint Alexander Hotovitsky, making this anniversary especially significant in the life of the Diocese.

The weekend's celebrations will begin on Saturday, October 17, at 5:30 p.m. with Great Vespers, during which the preliminary rites of the church consecration will take place. On Sunday, October 18, at 9:30 a.m., Archbishop Michael will celebrate the Consecration of the Church, immediately followed by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. The Myrrh-Streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God will also be present for the celebrations. A festive banquet will follow in the parish hall.

Fr. Peter Olsen and the faithful of St. Basil's warmly invite the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey to participate in this historic occasion. As church consecrations are relatively rare, this weekend offers a unique opportunity to witness one of the most beautiful services in the life of the Orthodox Church.

Banquet tickets must be purchased in advance. Reservations and payment are due by October 1, 2026, and no tickets will be available at the door. Those wishing to support the celebration may also purchase advertisements or tributes in the commemorative souvenir book, with submissions due by September 15, 2026.

Additional information, banquet reservations, and souvenir book advertisements are available through St. Basil's Orthodox Church website.