The Diocese of New York and New Jersey will host a Senior Retreat at Saint Andrew’s Camp from September 18–20, 2026, featuring guest speaker Dr. David C. Ford, Professor of Church History at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.

The featured presentation, “Wisdom from St. John Chrysostom on Aging Gracefully,” will draw upon the teachings of Saint John Chrysostom and the Early Church to explore Christian life and the experience of aging.

“Go ye therefore and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in The Name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”
~ Matthew 28:19–20 ~

Diocese Holds the Fifth Annual Evangelism School

By Archpriest Jason Vansuch

A most blessed two days within the Life of our Diocese as nearly 25 clergy and lay representatives from each Deanery gathered around our beloved Diocesan Hierarch – His Eminence Archbishop Michael for the Annual Diocesan Evangelism School. This year, the Evangelism School was held from August 10-11 at St. Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church in Wappingers Falls, NY.

The 2026 Diocesan Charity Initiative is Operation: Buffalo – a fundraising effort to help provide urgently needed repairs to the North Tower of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Buffalo, NY. The Tower houses the bell consecrated by Saint Tikhon of Moscow in 1903.   Without these repairs, there would be more significant damage to the central dome, the exterior of the temple, and the interior ceiling, walls, and icons of the church.

September is right around the corner, and now is the right time to purchase our best-in-class full-year curricula and resources.

If your parish and families want:

• Students in grades K-12 to be educated about the Orthodox faith,
• Parents to have meaningful conversations about church with their kids, and
• Dynamic, engaging, and affordable church school resources, then

Let Orthodox Journeys help your church school director and teachers be prepared with lessons and resources that teach children and families about the joy of encountering Jesus Christ through the Orthodox Christian faith.

The Godparent Project is a documentary featuring Orthodox priests and their wives. Fr. Alexandros, Pres. Stephanie, Fr. Vjekoslav, Fr. Christopher, and Kh. Sophia share honest reflections on what this role really asks of us. It's not a lecture. It's a real, warm conversation about responsibility, love, and showing up for a child's spiritual life.

The photo gallery accompanying this article highlights several weeks of St. Andrew's camp life, including Sports Week, Adventure Week, and Horse Week. From athletic competitions and outdoor adventures to horseback riding and camp traditions, each week offers campers opportunities to grow in faith, build lasting friendships, and experience the joy of Orthodox Christian community.

[NORWOOD, NY] — Saint Olympia Orthodox Mission joyfully celebrated its Altar Feast in honor of Saint Olympia the Deaconess of Constantinople on July 24–25, 2026. The parish was honored to welcome His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, for an archpastoral visit that brought together clergy, faithful, and pilgrims from across northern New York.

The celebration began on Friday evening with the festal Vigil in honor of Saint Olympia, led by Rev. Gregory Fedorchak. The service was enriched by the beautiful hymnography of the feast, prayerfully composed and chanted under the direction of the parish's Protopsaltis, Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis. Through the Church's hymns and readings, the faithful reflected on the remarkable witness of Saint Olympia, who "saw Christ's image in all whom she met," cherishing, nurturing, and defending those in need through a life wholly devoted to the service of God and His Church. As the Synaxarion proclaims, she was “rich, yet unbound by wealth... frail through fasting, yet provider to the hungry.” A devoted spiritual daughter and co-laborer of St. John Chrysostom, she defended the Church in truth and love while caring for the poor, the sick, and all those entrusted to her.

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.

On Sunday, July 26, 2026, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Saint John the Soldier Mission Station in Watertown, New York, following his archpastoral visit to Saint Olympia Mission in Norwood for the parish's feast day.

Concelebrating with Archbishop Michael was the Very Rev. Alexey Karlgut, Dean of the New York State Deanery. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Michael presented the mission community with two significant gifts: its first antimension, marking an important milestone in the life of the growing mission, and a relic of the newly glorified Blessed Matushka Olga of Alaska, a treasured blessing for the faithful.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey's Department of Youth Ministry invites families from across the diocese to Youth Day 2026, a free day of fellowship, prayer, and fun for all ages.

The day will begin with a Molieben at 10:00 a.m., followed by activities and a community barbecue from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Christ the Saviour Church, Paramus, NJ. Designed for the entire family, Youth Day offers an opportunity to gather with Orthodox families from throughout the diocese, strengthen friendships, and enjoy a day centered on faith and community.

TRENTON, NJ — His Eminence Archbishop Michael made an archpastoral visitation to Saint Vladimir Orthodox Church in Trenton, New Jersey, on July 18–19, presiding at the Vespers on Saturday, July 18, and celebrating the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, July 19.

During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Michael elevated Presbyter Volodymyr Chaikivskyi to the dignity of Archpriest in recognition of his faithful priestly ministry and dedicated service to the Church. The parish family rejoiced in this significant milestone, offering prayers that the Lord will continue to strengthen Fr. Volodymyr in his pastoral ministry for many years.

On Sunday, July 19, the Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Medford, NJ, honored Lynn Siry, one of the original founders of the community, with a special luncheon following the Divine Liturgy.

With her husband, Dennis, and Alex and Stacy Leon, she worked with the Diocesan Hierarch, Archbishop Peter, and Fr. John Nehrebecki, the NJ Dean, in establishing the community in 1973.

Dennis fell asleep in the Lord in 1986, and Lynn decided to remain in the area until recently, when she moved back to her home area of South River, NJ, to be closer to family.

For Musicians of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey

The Commission on Liturgical Music (CoLM) is pleased to announce the inaugural Archpriest Daniel J. Skvir Memorial Scholarship.

For 2026, the scholarship will provide a $1,000.00 stipend to “a deserving diocesan musician(s)” to support Orthodox music education and further their service to the Church through the study of Orthodox liturgical music.

Applications will be accepted through September 1, 2026.

The Diocese of New York & New Jersey's Department of Christian Education invites all parish church school teachers, coordinators, and those involved in parish religious education to participate in a virtual Zoom Meet & Greet later this month.

The purpose of these informal gatherings is to connect with church school leaders from across the Diocese, learn about the unique needs and challenges of parish education programs, and discuss ways the Department can better support local ministries through resources, collaboration, and future opportunities.

Family Week at Saint Andrew's Camp was a beautiful reminder that some of life's greatest blessings are found in simply being together.

Throughout the week, families stepped away from the busyness of everyday life to worship, learn, laugh, play, and grow together. Daily services, religious education, and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, kept Christ at the center of everything. Campers also enjoyed kayaking, swimming, crafts, sports, campfires, games, and plenty of time to relax and connect with one another.

By God’s grace, Archpriest Paul Shafran, Pastor Emeritus (retired), St. Vladimir Church, Trenton, marked his 104th birthday on July 2, 2026.  His daughters arranged an in-home celebration, joined by several other family members including two of his great grandchildren.  On Sunday July 5, the celebration continued at the church with Father Volodymyr Chaikivskyi, Pastor, along with family members and parishioners.  After everyone sang Happy Birthday, Father Paul led them in singing “God Bless America” to honor our nation’s 250th anniversary.  We sincerely thank Father Paul for his long life of dedicated service to the Church, and we extend our best wishes and prayers to him for peace, health, and salvation!  Mnogaya Leta!

His Eminence, Archbishop Michael will present an evening seminar during the Summer Institute of Theology at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, on Tuesday, July 14, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The lecture will take place in Clark Hall.

The presentation, "The Council of Nicaea: An Ancient Formula for the Christian Faith of the Future," is the third installment in Archbishop Michael's ongoing series marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. Previous lectures explored the historical events leading up to the Council (2024) and the Council itself (2025). This year's seminar will consider how the Council of Nicaea continues to provide a compelling witness to the Orthodox Christian faith and its relevance for the challenges of the twenty-first century and beyond.

[Medford, NJ] - The faithful of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Medford, New Jersey, gathered on Tuesday, July 1, to celebrate a historic milestone in the life of their parish as His Eminence Archbishop Michael ordained John Carpenter to the Holy Diaconate during the Divine Liturgy.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey's Commission on Missions and Evangelism has published the July 2026 issue of Koinonia, continuing its mission of providing practical and theological resources for clergy, catechists, and faithful engaged in the work of evangelism and Christian formation.

This issue is dedicated to the mystery of the Holy Trinity and the importance of building catechesis upon the foundational teachings of the Orthodox Faith. It features a pastoral reflection by Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, Start With the Basics, encouraging catechists to begin with the Nicene Creed when instructing those seeking to enter the Church. Additional articles include selections from St. Gregory the Theologian, Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, and Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald on the Holy Trinity, as well as practical guidance from Archpriest Matthew Markewich on organizing an effective parish catechetical program.

We invite clergy, parish educators, and all who are interested in the ministry of evangelism and catechesis to read and share this latest issue.

[Plattsburgh, NY] - Parishioners, friends, family, and invited guests were all present at St. Olga’s Mission for Great Vespers and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on June 27 and 28.

In attendance were Archbishop Michael, Archpriest Alexey Karlgut (NY State Dean), Archpriest Terent Wasielewski (St. Nicholas, Cohoes, and founding clergy of the Mission), Priest Paul Fedoroff (Priest-in-Charge), Protodeacon Michael Burdikoff (Christ the Savior in Ballston Lake), Subdeacon Andrew Karlgut, Reader Stephan Sveshnikov, and altar servers Benjamin Goes and Whitaker (George) Foutch.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey's Commission on Liturgical Music is pleased to announce the release of the inaugural issue of The Tuning Fork, a newsletter dedicated to supporting Orthodox church singers, choir directors, and everyone involved in the sacred ministry of liturgical music.

Revived after nearly two decades, The Tuning Fork seeks to provide practical guidance, encouragement, and educational resources for parish choirs of all sizes and levels of experience. While many resources are available for professionally trained musicians, this publication is written with the everyday parish singer in mind—those who faithfully offer their voices in worship out of love for Christ and His Church.

[Herkimer, NY] - On June 20–21, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Michael made an archpastoral visit to Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Herkimer, New York, in celebration of the parish’s 110th Anniversary.

The highlight of the weekend was the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday. During the service, two parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Nikita Zaitsev and Milan Djurdjevich, were tonsured by His Eminence to the rank of Reader.

[Alpha, NJ] - On Sunday, June 14, 2026, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, made an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Alpha, New Jersey.

His Eminence presided at the Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by Archpriest Bohdan Ostash, rector of the host parish. Assisting in the altar were Subdeacon Mark Federoff and Subdeacon Andrew Karlgut.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful gathered for a festive fellowship meal prepared by the parish women. Despite the fasting season, a delicious meal was enjoyed by all, providing an opportunity for clergy and parishioners to spend time together and continue the celebration of the day’s visit.
 

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, NY — Over the weekend of May 30–31, the faithful of Holy Trinity Church joyfully welcomed His Eminence, Archbishop MICHAEL to preside over a double celebration: the Great Feast of Pentecost and the parish’s historic 110th anniversary.

The celebratory weekend began on Saturday evening with Great Vespers and Litya, presided over by Archbishop Michael. Concelebrating with His Eminence were the parish rector, Archpriest David Cowan, and Deacon Michael Karney, who were joined by visiting clergy Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris and Protopresbyter Richard Scott (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), assisted by the parish's altar servers. Following the service, Archbishop Michael hosted an engaging “Q&A session, opening the floor to the faithful, including several inquirers, catechumens, and recently received members of the parish family.

WOODSIDE, NY — Saint John Chrysostom Orthodox Church in Woodside, Queens, will host a Spanish-language Divine Liturgy on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., offering an opportunity for Spanish-speaking faithful and those interested in Orthodox Christianity to participate in the Church’s worship in their native language.

By: Zachary Parisi

From June 2 through June 13, 2026, Archbishop Michael led a pilgrimage of 32 people sponsored by Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary to Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. The clergy present with us were Father John Parker, Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary; Father Daniel Degyansky; Father Josiah Trenham; Father John Vitko; and Protodeacon Ephraim Rivers. The theme of our pilgrimage was “In the Footsteps of Saint Nikolai Velimirovich,” the beloved Saint of Serbia, America, and faithful Orthodox Christians worldwide. Throughout the region we travelled, we saw firsthand just how influential and integral Saint Nikolai is for the faithful in Serbia.

With the blessing of Archbishop Michael, eighteen adults gathered at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary from June 1–5, 2026, for a Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation course.

St. Andrew’s Camp invites children, teens, and families from across the Diocese to take part in its Summer 2026 camping season, offering a unique Orthodox Christian environment centered on worship, fellowship, and growth in faith.

Located in Cleveland, New York, St. Andrew’s Camp provides a balanced experience of prayer, community life, outdoor adventure, and creative activities, all rooted in the life of the Church. Campers participate in daily worship while enjoying age-appropriate programs designed to strengthen friendships, encourage forgiveness and mutual care, and help young people live their Orthodox faith in the contemporary world.

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan, Primate of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric, welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Michael, Archbishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, Rector of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, together with clergy and pilgrims.

The clergy and faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey are warmly invited to attend the Annual Parish Feast Day Celebration of St. Olympia Orthodox Church in Norwood, NY, on July 24-25, 2026.

The celebration will begin on Friday, July 24, with the Vigil Service at 5:00 PM, followed by a parish dinner at 7:00 PM. The festivities will continue on Saturday, July 25, with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at 9:45 AM. Following the Divine Liturgy, attendees are invited to enjoy a parish picnic as well as special iconography and hymnography exhibits.

On June 3, 2026, after the celebration of the Divine Liturgy for the feast of Saints Constantine and Helen at Saint Sava Temple, where the faithful gathered in veneration before the Holy Belt of the Most Holy Mother of God, His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia received His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York and New Jersey of the Orthodox Church in America.

The clergy and faithful of the Diocese continue to mourn the tragic losses of life, the needless acts of violence, the divisions among races, and the civil strife which plague many of our cities and countrysides...