His Eminence, Archbishop Michael has issued an Archpastoral Letter to the faithful of the diocese for the Feast-Day of Holy Pentecost celebrated on 16 June 2019. In part, he writes: "As we celebrate the Great Feast of Pentecost this year, the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, the Revelation of the Holy Trinity, and the Birthday of the Orthodox Church, each of us individually and all of us together should reflect upon all that the Triune God has given us."
Formation Courses are the method by which the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered to adults. Adults will have the opportunity to see and practice presentations and work with materials given to children in a specific age group. Courses are both educational and a retreat, forming the adult to serve the child. This program is of special interest to religious education coordinators and teachers throughout the the diocese.
The annual diocesan Church School Workshops will feature “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level II.” Participants will experience a sample of Level II of this Montessori-based Orthodox Christian Education for ages 7-9, and learn first-hand what distinguishes this great program! Parish religious education coordinators and teachers are encouraged to attend. Two regional workshops are scheduled.
The (upstate) New York State Deanery will host “YOUTH DAY” at SeaBreeze Amusement & Water Park in Rochester NY on Thursday, 22 August 2019. The event will begin with registration and a pancake breakfast/brunch at 10:00 a.m. followed by a day of fellowship and fun at one of the highest rated medium sized amusement venues in the nation. Parents will also be offered a program during the day if not helping as escort chaperones at the park. The event is sponsored by the Diocese of New York and New Jersey at no cost to participants. Stay tuned for more information and registration … and “mark your calendar” to attend!
Saint Andrew's Camp offers summer camping programs for Orthodox Christian youth, and others, at Jewell NY on the shore of Lake Oneida (near Syracuse). A fully complimented overnight experience is offered in weekly programs featuring fun, fellowship, and growth in faith through worship and educational encounters. To support the camp in providing camper scholarships, Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Rochester NY will hold a 5-K Walk-A-Thon on Pentecost Sunday ... June 16, 2019. You can help sponsor these walkers of all ages by making a contribution; and make an unforgettable summer camping experience possible for a young person!
When You had fulfilled the dispensation for our sake and united earth to heaven, You ascended in glory, O Christ our God, not being parted from those who love You; but remaining with them and crying: "I am with you and no one will be against you!" (Kontakion Hymn)
It's that time of year again! Saint Andrew's Camp is preparing for an annual Bike Ride Fundraiser and 5 weeks of camping programs for kids ... featuring fun, fellowship, and worship at a premier Orthodox Christian Camp. Whether you're looking for a life-changing camping experience for your children, considering a summer as a camp counselor/staff member, or wanting to volunteer in the raising up of our youth in the Lord ... take a serious look at Saint Andrew's Camp! Go here >
The clergy and faithful of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey express prayerful congratulations to our beloved Archpastor, His Eminence, Archbishop MICHAEL, on the 9th Anniversary of his Consecration to the Episcopacy (8 May 2010) and of his enthronement as the Ruling Hierarch of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey (9 May 2010). We are grateful to God and Vladyka for his continual outpouring of love, leadership, and dedication to the growth and salvation of his flock in this God-protected Diocese!
This is the day of resurrection! Let us be illumined by the feast! Let us embrace each other! Let us call “brothers” even those that hate us, and forgive all by the resurrection, and so let us cry: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!” (Paschal Canon)
The great Moses mystically foreshadowed this day when he said: “God blessed the seventh day.” This is the blessed Sabbath; this is the day of rest, on which the only-begotten Son of God rested from all His works. By suffering death to fulfill the plan of salvation, He kept the Sabbath in the flesh; by returning again to what He was, He has granted us eternal life through His Resurrection, for He alone is good and the Lover of man. (Vespers of Holy Saturday)
Today the Master of creation stands before Pilate. Today the Creator of all is condemned to die on the Cross. Of His own will He is led as a Lamb to the slaughter. He Who fed His people with manna in the desert is transfixed with nails. His side is pierced, and a sponge of vinegar touches His lips. The Redeemer of the world is slapped on the face. The Maker of all is mocked by His own servants. How great is the Master’s love for mankind! For those who crucified Him, He prayed to His Father, saying: “Forgive them this sin, for they know not what they do!” (Vespers of Holy Friday)
When Your glorious disciples were enlightened at the washing of their feet before the supper, then the impious Judas was darkened by the disease of avarice, and to the lawless judges he betrayed You, the Righteous Judge. Behold, O lover of money, this man Judas who because of avarice hanged himself. Flee from the insatiable desire which dared such things against the Master! O Lord who deals righteously with all, glory to You! (Troparion of Holy Thursday)
Parishioners of Holy Transfiguration Church in Pearl River NY were joined by many other area Orthodox Christians on 16 April 2019 for the 12th annual unabridged sacrament of the Holy Mystery of Unction, celebrated by seven priests. The service was hosted by the Right Reverend Archimandrite Joseph (Hoffman), rector of the parish. His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, was the main celebrant.
We have reached the saving Passion of Christ our God. Let us, the faithful, glorify His ineffable forbearance, that in His compassion He may raise us up who were dead in sin, for He is good and loves mankind!
(Bridegroom Matins of Holy Monday)
UPDATED: Many Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors have already joined in supporting mission parishes, seminarians, and parish ministries throughout the Diocese of New York and New Jersey through their financial contributions. An "honor roll" listing of current 2019 DDBs is available here >. To learn more about the DDB and join them, please go here >
You have entered the Holy City, O Lord, riding on the colt of an ass; hastening to Your Passion that the Law and the Prophets might be fulfilled. The Hebrew children greeted You with palms and branches heralding Your victorious Resurrection. Blessed are You, O Savior! Have mercy on us! (Vespers of Palm Sunday)
This year’s Annual Diocesan Parish Council Conferences will feature guest speaker/leader Bill Marianes. The topic will be: “Discipleship through Stewardship – Becoming Closer Followers of Christ through Use of Our Time, Talent, and Treasure.” Two regional conferences are scheduled. Saturday, June 8th at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Syracuse NY, and Saturday, June 1st, at Saints Peter and Paul Church in South River NJ. Attendance by clergy and parish council members should be of top priority; interested parishioners are welcome to participate as well. See the event flyer with complete details here >
Saint Andrew’s Camp has been providing an Orthodox sleep-away camping program for over 50 years. It is located on 30 acres wooded, field, and waterfront property on the beautiful shores of Lake Oneida in Jewell, New York. The camp is a valuable resource of the OCA‘s Diocese of New York and New Jersey, but has traditionally welcomed campers and staff from all geographies and jurisdictions for a pan-Orthodox camping experience. Camp is the place where Orthodox youth ages 7 and older meet, make friends, and live in a community of brothers and sisters in Christ. Camp also provides the opportunity for Orthodox adults of all ages to come together as of staff, volunteers, clergy and parents. See "more information" to view a camp video!
A very special pilgrimage to the Holy Land will be led by Archbishop Michael on 14-26 October 2019. Spaces are still available. Download the announcement flyer here >
