[Jackson, NJ] - On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Archbishop Michael made an archpastoral visit to Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church in Jackson, New Jersey.

His Eminence presided at the Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by Archpriest John Prokopiuk, rector of the host parish, together with Archpriest Volodymyr Zablotskyy, rector of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Yonkers, New York. The clergy were joined by Deacon John Suchernick.

With the start of the new year, Orthodox Journeys are pleased to launch our latest resource: “The Power of a Word,” a 12-page resource for middle school, high school, and college aged youth dealing with the realities of civil unrest.

[East Meadow, NY] - On January 5-6, in celebration of the Feast of the Theophany of Christ, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, led the festal services at Holy Trinity in East Meadow. Following the Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, clergy and faithful gathered at the Great South Bay, where Archbishop Michael led the traditional prayers and blessed the waters, asking God’s grace upon all creation and our local community.

The blessing of the Bay served as a visible reminder that Christ’s baptism sanctifies not only the Jordan, but the whole world — including the places where we live and work each day. We are grateful to Archbishop Michael for his pastoral presence and to all who joined in this meaningful celebration of Theophany.

[Brooklyn, NY] - On January 6–7, in celebration of the Nativity of Christ (Julian Calendar), Archbishop Michael led the festal services at Transfiguration Cathedral in Brooklyn.

On the evening of January 6, His Eminence presided at the All-Night Vigil, concelebrated by the cathedral’s rector, Archpriest Wiaczeslaw Krawczuk, together with Archpriest Alxey Karlgut, Archpriest Vasyl Yurina, Archpriest Daniel Degyansky, and Protodeacon Paul Sokol. Subdeacon Mark Federoff and Subdeacon Andrew Karlgut assisted the bishop, along with the cathedral’s altar servers.

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey invites women and teen girls to participate in the 2026 Women and Teen Girls Retreat, titled STEADFAST—a weekend dedicated to growing in strength and faith through prayer, fellowship, and reflection.

This retreat will center on the life and witness of St. Olympia the Deaconess, offering an opportunity to reflect on steadfast faith, courage, and service within the life of the Church.

Dates: February 6–8, 2026
Location: Camp Shiloh
753 Burnt Meadow Rd., Hewitt, NJ

There is no fee to attend.

Registration is required and must be completed by February 2, 2026:
👉 https://form.jotform.com/260085067168157

For questions, please contact: admin@nynjocayouth.org

Orthodox Youth Ministries’ January Ministry Reflection invites readers to reflect on the formation of a “household of saints,” emphasizing that faith is most often nurtured through daily life, family witness, and intergenerational example, as seen in the life of St. Basil the Great. The reflection also announces the upcoming launch of What’s Your Ministry?, a new online resource hub offering free tools for parents, clergy, and ministry leaders. In observance of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the newsletter highlights an Orthodox response to human trafficking, showing how pastoral care, in collaboration with professional efforts, can help restore dignity, bring healing, and offer hope through the compassionate love of Christ present in the Church. Read the full newsletter here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/OYM-January-2026-Newsletter.html

Beloved in Christ,

With sincere gratitude to God and heartfelt appreciation for your generosity, I wish to thank all who participated as Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors in 2025.

As of December 31, 2025, through your faithful stewardship and sacrificial giving, our Diocese received $269,946.00, reaching 115% of our goal. This remarkable outcome is a powerful witness to your love for the Church and your commitment to her life and mission.

Your generosity strengthens our parishes, supports the education of seminarians, sustains youth and educational ministries, and enables the Diocese to continue its pastoral, missionary, and administrative work in service to the Gospel. Exceeding this year’s goal is not merely a financial accomplishment, but an expression of faith in action, offered freely for the good of the Church.

I offer my sincere thanks to each of you who gave, prayed, and supported this vital work. May the Lord reward your generosity abundantly and grant you and your families His continued blessings.

The 2025 Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors Honor Roll may be viewed at: https://nynjoca.org/2025_ddb.

With gratitude and prayers,

Archbishop of New York and the
Diocese of New York and New Jersey

The St. Tikhon’s Music Program invites choir directors, conductors, and church musicians to a Winter Conducting Retreat, held February 6–8, 2026, at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and St. Tikhon’s Monastery in Waymart, PA.

This retreat will be led by Fr. Caleb Lewis, Director of Music for St. Tikhon’s Monastery and Seminary, and is open to conductors of all levels—from those newly discerning leadership roles to experienced directors seeking refinement and renewal.

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 I have not communicated with you for the past three years because I have been deeply immersed in doctoral church research with a singular focus on identifying how to help parishes thrive and not merely survive.

I emerge from that research with a clear conclusion: Your parish’s root cause challenges are solvable.

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.

[Trenton, NJ] - On Sunday, December 28, 2025, Father Paul Shafran, Pastor Emeritus (retired) at St. Vladimir Church in Trenton, NJ, reached his 78th anniversary of ordination to the Holy Priesthood. By God's grace, he was able to concelebrate the Divine Liturgy together with Father Volodymyr Chaikivskyi, Rector of the parish. After the conclusion of the service, Father Volodymyr warmly congratulated Father Paul, who recounted the record-setting winter storm that day in 1947 in New York City, and the severe winter weather that followed him and +Matushka Mary to his first parish assignment in rural Ohio, where they endured harsh conditions. We join the parishioners of St. Vladimir Church in expressing our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Father Paul for his long and faithful service to the Church. Mnogaya L'yeta!

Source: ORTHODOX YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES

On January 1st, the Church celebrates St. Basil the Great, one of the great bishops and teachers of the Church. But Basil didn’t become a giant of Orthodoxy on his own. He was raised in a household of saints, a family where faith wasn’t something practiced occasionally, but something lived day in and day out.

If you look closely at the above icon of St. Basil’s family tree (commissioned by OYM, and painted by the Saint John Chrysostomos Monastery, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin), the reason becomes clear. His grandmother, parents, and five of his siblings are all recognized as saints. This wasn’t a coincidence. Holiness was formed, nurtured, and passed down in his home, one generation at a time.

A Publication of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey

The December 2025 issue of Koinonia focuses on a foundational question for Orthodox life today: the true purpose of the parish and the Church as the living Body of Christ.

This issue includes reflections and writings from respected Orthodox pastors and theologians, reminding us that the Church is not merely a cultural institution or social gathering, but the very place where Christ is proclaimed, encountered, and lived.

[Cohoes, NY] - On Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, His Eminence Archbishop Michael visited St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in celebration of the parish’s patronal feast. The parish women prepared a delicious fasting meal on Friday evening, followed by a festive brunch after the Divine Liturgy on Saturday.

The parish was also blessed by the presence of Fr. John Vazquez and his family from St. George's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Ablany, NY, who joined in prayer and fellowship for this joyful occasion.

Prot. No. 01-005/2025
Feast of the Nativity 2025

Beloved Members of our Diocesan Family:
Christ is born! – Glorify Him!

With overwhelming joy and spiritual exultation, we greet you on this most holy and life-bearing Feast of the Nativity of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ! The heavens rejoice, the earth echoes with angelic hymns, and humanity itself is renewed, for the Word of God, the eternal Son, has taken flesh and dwelt among us, enabling us to behold the glory of the “true God of true God.”

[East Meadow, NY] - Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in East Meadow was blessed to welcome His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, for an Archpastoral visit on December 6–7, 2025.

On Saturday evening, after Great Vespers, the Holy Trinity Parish Choir offered its 18th Annual Lessons and Carols Christmas Concert, drawing guests from across the region. Selected passages from Holy Scripture—moving from ancient prophecy to the joyous fulfillment of the Incarnation—were paired with hymns, traditional carols, and Orthodox chant. As a form of community outreach, the choir presents this concert free of charge, drawing attendees from across the New York area and from a variety of religious backgrounds.  A Lenten reception followed, providing a warm time of fellowship. 

[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.

The second part of this workshop, which took place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, is titled “A Gentle Mother, A Holy Matushka: Getting to Know St. Olga of Alaska -- Part 2: Resources for Teaching”. Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris and Archpriest Michael Nicolai offered reflections on Yup’ik Orthodox traditions, celebrations, and music. Also featured was a recording of Archpriest Michael Oleksa, of blessed memory, retelling miracle stories of St. Olga. Matushka Tamara Cowan shared multiple resources of photos, videos, articles, books and Church School lessons. These resources will be part of a St. Olga of Alaska Resource Guide, with live links and PDF downloads that can be immediately used for teaching about St. Olga to youth and adults alike. The guide will be available soon for download, for parish and family use.

[Jewell, NY] - On Saturday, November 1, 2025, St. Andrew’s Camp hosted a joyous celebration to thank its benefactors, supporters, and volunteers. Their generosity has benefited hundreds of campers and made possible many wonderful improvements to the camp’s facilities and programs.

During the event, His Eminence Archbishop Michael celebrated the Divine Liturgy, assisted by Fr. Jason Vansuch, Fr. Gregory Fedorchak, and Fr. Ambrose Inlow. Following the Liturgy, a procession was held to bless and dedicate the newly constructed Dining Hall, along with the camp’s existing buildings, each entrusted to the intercessions of beloved saints closely associated with the camp’s life: St. Michael the Archangel, St. Olga of Alaska, St. Herman of Alaska, St. Seraphim of Sarov, and St. Joseph the Betrothed.

On Saturday, October 25, members of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Cohoes, NY, traveled to Argyle, NY to present a $1,000 donation to Lucky Puppy Rescue, a local shelter dedicated to the care and adoption of dogs. The donation represented half of the parish’s recent 50/50 raffle proceeds, directed toward supporting a worthy cause.

“All of creation is from God, and it requires us to help animals as well as people,” said one parish member, reflecting on the visit.
 

[Brooklyn, NY] -  On November 1, 2025, Christopher and Pelagia received the Holy Mystery of Baptism at Transfiguration Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY. It was a special joy for the entire community, as this was a conscious and heartfelt decision made by the young adults themselves, both of whom were raised in non-religious families.

[Rochester, NY] - On Saturday, November 2, 2025, the faithful of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Rochester, NY gathered for a joyful Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors (DDB) Dinner and Celebration.

Approximately 35 Orthodox faithful attended the event, sharing an evening of fellowship and gratitude for all who support the life and ministries of our Diocese through the DDB program.

The gathering also included a special moment of thanksgiving for Mr. Boris Glus, a beloved and long-time parishioner, who recently celebrated his 91st birthday. Many years!

On Sunday, October 26, the faithful of Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Orthodox Church in Princeton, NJ, gathered in love and thanksgiving to celebrate their parish feast day. The day began with the Divine Liturgy, lifting hearts in joyful praise to the Theotokos.

On October 27, His Eminence Archbishop Michael celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of St. Olga of Alaska at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in East Meadow, NY. The service marked the first Divine Liturgy since her official glorification in the Orthodox Church this past June. His Eminence offered a heartfelt reflection on the newly canonized saint and shared his personal experiences from the canonization celebration in Alaska.

“Many hands make light work.”

During his Archpastoral visit to Holy Cross Church in Medford, NJ, Archbishop Michael was warmly welcomed by the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd community and invited to see their newly prepared Atrium — a sacred space where children come to know and love Christ through prayer, Scripture, and hands-on liturgical materials.

This short clip, A Testament of Love, written by catechist Phyllis Pritchard and filmed by parishioner Chris Roth, captures the remarkable “Act of Love” that brought the Atrium to life. Parishioners of all ages came together with generosity and joy to transform a small room into a place of spiritual encounter.

[Endicott, NY] - In his address to the 2025 Diocesan Assembly, held at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Endicott, New York, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, reflected on a year of remarkable growth and renewal throughout the Diocese of New York and New Jersey. He noted that baptisms rose by 30%, weddings increased, and funerals declined significantly, with more than 500 new souls added to the Orthodox Church. His Eminence highlighted the expansion of youth and catechetical ministries, the success of retreats and evangelization programs, and the generous spirit of the faithful who continue to build up parish life through love and service.

Archbishop Michael spoke movingly about the canonization of St. Olga of Kwethluk, Alaska, whose humble compassion and self-giving love reveal the path to everyday holiness. Calling the faithful to imitate her example through prayer, fasting, confession, communion, and acts of mercy, he reminded all that “the Church is alive and well—serving the Lord with gladness and coming before Him with great joy.”

For over 20 years, the Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Medford, NJ, has contributed annually and in various ways to the efforts of Providence House, a local agency of Catholic Charities that provides care for families suffering from domestic violence.

This year, the goal of the parish’s Inreach-Outreach Ministry was to do something that would benefit Providence House and its families in a tangible way and have a positive, long-lasting impact.

The recording of the workshop, which took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, was titled “A Gentle Mother, A Holy Matushka: Getting to Know St. Olga of Alaska.”

Part 1: “Voices of Alaska”

Archbishop Michael offered a firsthand account of the canonization, while Matushka Tamara Cowan, Matushka Xenia Oleksa, and Father Michael Nicolai shared living memories, Yup’ik cultural insights, and stories of St. Olga’s quiet, steadfast love.

Together, they revealed how her simple acts of compassion became a witness of true sanctity—and how St. Olga continues to comfort, guide, and intercede for the faithful today, like a gentle mother to all who call upon her.

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...