On February 8, 2025, at St. Basil’s Orthodox Church, Watervliet, NY, RPI student Michael Goldshteyn received Holy Baptism. Michael was a diligent catechumen who worked very hard preparing under the guidance and mentoring of the parish rector, Archpriest Peter Olsen. Michael currently sings in the choir and is also leading our local OCF chapter in the Capital District, Albany, NY. Michael’s sponsor was Aaron Thomas. We wish Michael many years and God’s strength as he embarks on his journey to salvation as a newly-illumined Orthodox Christian. God bless him!
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As we approach the season of Lent, it's the perfect time to reflect on how we can better serve those to whom the Lord has called us to minister: our families, our friends, and our communities.
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With profound gratitude, we are pleased to announce that the final total for the 2024 DDB contributions has reached an incredible $252,167!
This remarkable achievement is a testament to the generosity, faith, and love of our dedicated donors, whose support continues to strengthen the life and ministries of our Diocese. Through your kindness and commitment, you have made a lasting impact, ensuring that our parishes, clergy, seminarians, and vital outreach programs can continue to flourish.
On behalf of the entire Diocese, THANK YOU for your unwavering support and dedication to Christ’s Church. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your love and generosity!
With love and prayers,
+Archbishop Michael
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Today, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, celebrates the 52nd anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood. We pray that our all-merciful Lord will grant peace, health, salvation, and furtherance in all good things to our Spiritual Shepherd and Archpastor. Eis polla eti despota! Many years!
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On January 12th, the faithful from Saints Peter and Paul Parish of Syracuse gathered at St. Andrew’s Camp for the fourth annual blessing of Lake Oneida, an inspiring tradition that now includes the second annual cross plunge.
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On Saturday, January 18, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop MICHAEL attended a Spanish liturgy at Christ the Saviour in Paramus, NJ. The liturgy was served by the rector Fr. John Morris and Fr John Parker of St. Tikhon’s Seminary concelebrated. Fr. John Parker preached a dynamic sermon in Spanish for the feast day of St. Athanasius and St. Cyril. If you would like to attend the next liturgy in Spanish, please check the parish calendar at www.christthesaviour.org or contact the diocesan Hispanic ministry at frjohnmorris3@gmail.com.
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[Lansing, NY] - On the Saturday after Theophany, January 11, the faithful of Holy Apostles Mission in Lansing, NY, gathered with guests from nearby parishes to honor a cherished annual tradition: the Great Blessing of Water. Led by Father Joel Brady, the congregation braved the chilly shores of Cayuga Lake for this solemn and joyful occasion.
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[Sea Cliff, NY] – On Sunday, January 12, 2025, the parishioners of Our Lady of Kazan Church processed from their church to Tappen Beach at Hempstead Harbor in Long Island Sound to celebrate the Great Blessing of Waters. This cherished ritual, which had been on hiatus for several years, was joyfully revived in the presence of the community.
The Acting Rector of the parish, Presbyter Paul Hunchak, emphasized the profound significance of water in his pre-service remarks. He reflected on the many ways water brings blessings, including its vital role in supporting life and aiding in the fight against the devastating wildfires currently impacting communities in the Los Angeles area.
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On the Sunday after the Theophany, the faithful of Mother of God Church in Princeton NJ blessed the brook's waters on their property. The area has been dedicated as a meditation/prayer space and a picnic area for people to enjoy and reflect on the words of the Psalmist: "O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom have You made them all: The earth is full of Your riches." (Ps 104:24) The newly dedicated area was an Eagle Scout project of Nicholas Stivala, a member of Mother of God. After, the parish church school children enjoyed a pizza party.
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Eugenia June Nehrebecki (née Yankovsky) ended her earthly sojourn on January 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and the prayers of the Church. Born on April 30, 1930, to the late Archpriest Elias and Euphrosinia Trembach Yankovsky in Portage, Pennsylvania, Eugenia was predeceased by her four older siblings, Vladimir, Olga, Luba, and Leo.
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[Watervliet, NY] - St. Basil Orthodox Church, Watervliet, NY, celebrated its Parish Feast Day of St. Basil the Great with His Eminence, Archbishop MICHAEL on January 1, 2025. Serving with the parish rector, Archpriest Peter Olsen, was Priest Paul Fedoroff and parish deacon Jason Gagnon. Subdeacons were Benjamin Goes and Andrew Karlgut. A festive meal and fellowship was enjoyed by all in the parish hall.
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The Orthodox mission of Saint Olga of Alaska in Plattsburgh, NY, continues to flourish, with an inspiring turnout at the Divine Liturgy on November 23, 2024. The community gathered in joy and fellowship, as seen in the vibrant group photo, which features faithful attendees of all ages — from babies in arms to seasoned parishioners. The spirit of unity and gratitude is palpable! This growing mission demonstrates the vitality of Orthodoxy in the region and the dedication of its members to fostering a strong and welcoming community of faith.
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Experience a festive celebration of Scripture readings, enriched with hymns and carols from the cherished traditions of both the Eastern and Western Churches. Join us for a heartwarming old-fashioned Christmas carol sing-along and immerse yourself in the spirit of the season!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13th - 7:30 PM
Holy Spirit Orthodox Church
102 Route 284, Wantage, NJ
Click here for more information
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15th - 4:30 PM
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church
46 Seymour St., Yonkers, NY
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Jersey City, NJ – The Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Cathedral, in collaboration with the Blüthner School of Music in Hoboken, proudly announces its upcoming Christmas Gala Concert, an evening of extraordinary classical and sacred music performed by world-renowned artists. This event is part of the Saints Peter & Paul Concert Series, under the artistic direction of Gleb Ivanov.
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The Choir of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of East Meadow will present its Annual Christmas Concert at 7:00 PM on Saturday, December 7, featuring choral music of the Orthodox Church and traditional carols from both East and West. It will be also livestreamed on https://www.facebook.com/htocem. Refreshments will follow the concert. Admission and refreshments are both free of charge. Vespers (evening prayer) will be held at 6:00 PM. The church is located at 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. For more information, call 516-483-3649, email htocem@gmail.com, or visit Facebook or www.htocem.org.
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On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Fr. Peter Olsen baptized ten year old Nalayna Ferrara-Chavasse at St. Basil’s Orthodox Church, Watervliet, NY. Nalayna has been attending St. Basil’s services and Church School. It was after Nalayna viewed the movie “Man of God,” the life of St. Nektarios Kephalas, Metropolitan of Pentapolis, that her heart led her to be baptized. Her patron saint is St. Helena, Equal-to-the-Aposles, the mother of St. Constantine the Great. We congratulate the newly illumined Nalayna, her sponsor Anna, and her parents Aidan and Maria. Many years!
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FOR RECONCILIATION AND AN END TO CIVIL STRIFE
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...
* ALL ONLINE DONATIONS MOVING FORWARD WILL COUNT TOWARDS 2025 DDB
Diocese of New York
and New Jersey
33 Hewitt Avenue
Bronxville NY 10708
914-779-6580 (Phone)
914-779-6581 (Fax)
info@nynjoca.org