ROCOR First Hierarch Consecrates Bishop of Boston

Photo: Gerik Fon-Revutzky/Facebook

JORDANVILLE, NY — On Meatfare Sunday, February 15, 2026, His Eminence Metr. Nicholas, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, celebrated Divine Liturgy and the episcopal consecration of Archimandrite Michael (Crowley) as Bishop of Boston at Holy Trinity Monastery.

Concelebrating were Abp. Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, Bp. Luke of Syracuse, and Bp. Spyridon of Toronto, along with clergy of the Eastern American Diocese, monastics, seminary faculty, and guests. At the appointed time during the Liturgy, Archimandrite Michael was ordained to the episcopacy and, following the service, was presented with the hierarchal staff as a sign of apostolic succession and pastoral responsibility.

In his address, Metr. Nicholas urged the new bishop to ground his ministry in love, citing the Apostle Paul: “Though I have all faith . . . and have not love, I am nothing.” He reminded Bp. Michael of the weighty responsibility of caring for souls and called him to fidelity to ROCOR’s spiritual and liturgical heritage, honoring predecessors such as Bp. Mitrophan (Znosko-Borovsky) and Metrs. Vitaly, Laurus, and Hilarion.

The newly consecrated bishop then ascended the cathedra and imparted his first archpastoral blessing to the faithful.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Bishop-elect Michael was tonsured at Jordanville.

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