Archbishop Michael visited Saint Innocent Orthodox Mission in Oneonta NY on 26-27 August 2017. He offered an inspirational sermon at the end of Great Vespers service celebrated on Saturday evening by Father Vasil Dubee (parish rector) and Deacon Stephan Karlgut. The parish enjoyed dinner together with His Eminence at Nina's Restaurant in Oneonta. On Sunday, His Eminence was greeted with flowers presented by Veronika Dubee. He was also greeted with traditional bread and salt on behalf of the parish council by council member (Reader) Matthew Masterjohn.

Reader Keanu Matthew Ortiz, a parishioner of Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow Church" in Princeton NJ, was nominated to represent the Diocese of New York and New Jersey at the annual IOCC Serv-X-Treme Conference in Minneapolis MN held July 29 – August 4, 2017.  He sent the following report sharing his experience:

Deacon Paul Fedoroff completed the Diaconal Vocations Program at Saint Vladimir's Seminary and, with the blessing of Archbishop Michael, was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Saturday, 19 August 2017 at Christ the Savior Church in Ballston Lake NY.  Reader Paul Giokas was also blessed to serve as a Sub-Deacon. In honor of this event, the parish also celebrated their patronal feast of the Image of Christ “Made Without Hands.”

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Archbishop Michael writes: "All of us have seen on our televisions or computers images of the disaster and devastation that has occurred in the southern parts of our country as a result of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.  The loss of life, the destruction of property, and the displacement of whole families are staggering. Of course, I am asking that prayers be offered in all our churches for the victims of this horrific tragedy.  But our response to this national crisis must be more than that.  It must be what the Lord has asked of us in the Gospel:  “Whatever you do for the least of My brethren, you do it for Me” (Matthew 25:40). In the face of incredibly great need, I am requesting our immediate assistance with the relief efforts of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), which is already responding to the aftermaths of both hurricanes."

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