Bishop-elect Michael Crowley Tonsured at Jordanville

Photo: eadiocese.org

JORDANVILLE, NY — On Friday, February 6, the eve of the feast of the Holy Hierarch Gregory the Theologian, Small Compline was served at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville. Following the service, His Grace Bp. Luke of Syracuse, abbot of the monastery, performed the monastic tonsure of Archpriest Michael Crowley, Bishop-elect of Boston.

During the tonsure, Fr. Michael received the monastic name Michael, in honor of the Holy Hierarch Michael, Metropolitan of Kiev. Addressing the newly tonsured Hieromonk Michael, Bp. Luke emphasized that Jordanville would remain his monastic home, a place of refuge, guidance, and spiritual healing.

By decision of the ROCOR Synod of Bishops, Fr. Michael Crowley—dean of New England and rector of St. Xenia Church in Methuen, Massachusetts—was elected Bishop of Boston, vicar of the Eastern American Diocese. His election was confirmed by Patr. Kirill on December 26, 2025. His episcopal consecration is scheduled for February 15, the feast of the Meeting of the Lord.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the first monastic tonsure was performed in the Western European Vicariate of the UOC. 

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