On 27-28 August 2016, Archbishop Michael visited Saint Innocent Orthodox Mission parish in Oneonta NY.  During the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, Vasiliy Warner was tonsured a Reader and a fabulous celebratory festival of food and fellowship followed. “This was my first time as a priest hosting a bishop,” said Father Vasil Dubee (rector) ... “The singing was absolutely angelic thanks to the help from choir director Gleb Ivanov and the choir members from our “Mother Parish” of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Endicott NY.”

Father Vasil continued: “Our dedicated altar server Vasiliy Warner was tonsured a Reader and the liturgy was just beautiful, a true representation of the beauty of God's Heavenly Kingdom. After the liturgy, we had our annual parish festival and all of the parishioners brought at least two dishes. There was such an abundance of food, it reminded me of Our Lord feeding the five thousand. We had an absolutely delicious smorgasbord of food at Gilbert Lake State Park in Laurens, NY following the Liturgy. The weather was perfect and truly our Lord was present with us in our fellowship and love in Christ for one another. Overall, the day was perfect! Glory to be God for that!”