Abp. Michael Celebrates Divine Liturgy During Archpastoral Visit to New Jersey Parish
Photo: nynjoca.org
JACKSON, NJ — The Nativity of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church in Jackson, New Jersey, welcomed Abp. Michael for an archpastoral visit on Sunday, January 11, 2026, marking a significant day in the life of the parish.
His Eminence presided at the Divine Liturgy, with liturgical responses offered by the parish choir under the direction of Tatyana Halitskaya. Following the service, the choir continued the celebration by performing traditional Ukrainian carols during a festive parish luncheon.
Concelebrating with Abp. Michael were Archpriest John Prokopiuk, rector of the host parish, and Archpriest Volodymyr Zablotskyy, rector of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Yonkers, New York, together with Dn. John Suchernick. Sbdn. Mark Federoff and Andrew Karlgut, along with parish altar servers, assisted in the altar.
Parishioners were especially moved by the presence of Dn. John Morvay, president of the Parish Council, who attended despite ongoing chemotherapy treatments, offering a quiet yet powerful witness of faith, perseverance, and dedication to the Church.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCA announced its 2026 church-planting grant recipients.
Read also
Synod of Cyprus Extends Paphos Locum Tenens, Moves to Redraft Charter
Holy Synod cites legal ambiguities in Church statute, forms constituent committee; Archbishop Georgios to remain interim head of Paphos until revisions are completed.
'Live in Peace': Ukrainian Orthodox School Director Issues Open Letter After Media Report Triggers Harassment
Following a controversial investigation into the Perspektiva parents’ club in Kyiv, director Anna Bolgova publicly addresses the journalist she says distorted facts, as authorities open a criminal case and online attacks intensify.
Global Persecution of Christians Hits 388 Million in 2025
In 2025, over 388 million Christians worldwide faced severe persecution, with thousands killed, imprisoned, or displaced, according to Open Doors’ annual World Watch List.
Fulani Militants Kill 13 Christians in Benue State, Nigeria
Islamic Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria’s Benue State killed 13 Christians in January 2026, targeting villages to seize land and displace residents.
Abp. John Reflects on His Return to Albania’s Orthodox Church
Abp. John of Albania recounted his return from the U.S. to serve his homeland’s Orthodox Church, emphasizing faith, perseverance, and rebuilding both hearts and institutions after decades of atheism.
Abp. Ephrem Consecrates St. Gabriel Fool-for-Christ Church in Georgian Village
A new church dedicated to St. Gabriel was consecrated in Khatisopeli by Abp. Ephrem of Bolnisi, celebrating the faith and generosity of the local Orthodox community.