Bishop Michael of New York visits Poland and Presov

(OCA-NYNJ) - At the invitation of His Eminence, Archbishop Abel (Diocese of Lublin and Chelm), Bishop Michael journeyed to Poland from 11-22 August 2014. Joining him from the diocese were Father Wiaczeslaw Krawczuk, Father John Shimchick and his son, John. Beginning in Warsaw, the group was formally received by the leader of the Polish Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Sawa. Accompanied and guided by Archbishop Abel they visited many churches, monasteries, and pilgrimage sites.

Of note was their participation in the yearly celebration at the Holy Mountain of Grabarka on the Feast of the Transfiguration (old calendar, 18-19 August).

His Grace and Father Wiaczeslaw also traveled to represent the Orthodox Church in America at the enthronement in Kiev, Ukraine, of the newly elected primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry.

The visit also provided unique opportunities for reconnecting with family. While in Presov, Bishop Michael met for the first time a cousin, Father Michal Rosic, an Orthodox priest living in Slovakia. While the others were in Kiev, Father John and his son spent time with family in Jaczno, about an hour north of Bialystok.

Two very interesting stories from the trip available here.