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On Thursday, November 10th, The Most Reverend Michael, Archbishop of New York, and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, and Rector of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, his brother George, and their sister Barbara, invited family, friends, and members of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, and St. Tikhon’s Seminary, to come and celebrate the 90th birthday of their mother, Mrs. Ann Dahulich.  

The evening began with a Moleben, celebrated at St. Michael’s Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church in Binghamton, NY.  This is the church where Archbishop Michael was baptized and raised in, after his parents were also married in the same church! Archbishop Michael offered a most heartwarming homily of the “love of a mother”, referring of course to the Mother of God for her Son Jesus Christ, in referencing his expereince of his mother’s love.  Following the Moleben, all gathered then moved to the church hall for a festive dinner.

In lieu of gifts, the Dahulich family requested that donations be made either to St. Michael’s Church Iconography Fund, or St. Tikhon’s Seminary Married Student Housing, reflecting His Eminence’s ongoing efforts to see this project through to completion.  A highlight of the evening was Father David Cowan, NY/NJ Diocean Secretary, and his family singing some show tunes.  Archbishop Michael has enjoyed taking his mother to Broadway shows over the years.  They sat together in front of those gathered to listen to the talented Cowan family.

May God grant Ann and her children, Archbishop Michael, George, and Barbara, and the Dahulich family many blessed years! Thank you for sharing your family’s loving celebration with so many others who know and love you.

Photos by Archpriests Steven Voytovich and Alexey Karlgut