July 2025
As we begin the busy month of July, we’re grateful for the many hands and hearts that have been working diligently to prepare for the All-American Council (AAC), which officially begins on July 14th. Here at Sts. Peter and Paul, we will have the honor of hosting several hierarchs on July 12th and 13th—possibly at Saturday evening Vespers, and certainly at the Sunday Divine Liturgy. Archbishop Daniel will celebrate the full Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, joined by at least four other hierarchs.
Held every three years in a different location, the AAC gathers clergy and faithful from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for prayer, fellowship, and Church business. It’s a time to reconnect with old friends, forge new relationships, and—most importantly—renew our commitment to Christ and His Church.
Recently, we celebrated the feast of the North American Saints—those who labored to establish the Orthodox faith here in America so that we could have the true faith and proper worship. Their example reminds us of our own calling: to receive the faith, to live it fully, and to share it with those seeking truth and healing in a rapidly changing world.
It always seems a little harder to stay focused during the summer months, because people are going on vacation, kids are out of school, our routines change, and it sometimes takes a toll on us. But as Orthodox Christians, we should truly understand that we have a solid foundation in Christ: unchanging, dependable, and true. And that we should be sharing that with the world.
Summer can be a season of distraction, with vacations and changing routines. But amid the busyness, we are reminded that Christ is our firm foundation As Orthodox Christians, we are called to hold fast to Him and to share His love with others.
This July, we have a special opportunity to welcome fellow Orthodox Christians from across North America to the Phoenix area. Even if you’re not attending the AAC as a delegate or observer, the services and the vendor hall are open to everyone. If you’re able, please consider taking part in this beautiful event—it’s a chance to experience the greater Church in action and to witness the unity of faith across North America.
Fr. Mikel
What is the proper Orthodox Church Dress Code?
1) Men should not wear hats, bandanas, shorts, sleeveless shirts, or casual footwear like flipflops.
2) Women should not wear miniskirts, spandex-tight clothing, low-cut or revealing tops (unless covered with a sweater or other garment), or casual footwear like flipflops.
3) Children should be given a little more flexibility but should still wear “church clothes” so that they know they are somewhere that is special and holy.
4) Everyone should refrain from clothing that is immodest, ostentatious, a fashion-statement, or otherwise distracting from the prayerful and sacred space of the Lord’s House. Clothing or bodily adornments with images, symbols, or writing should not be worn or at least covered up, so that the holy icons and Word of God do not have to compete with the logo of our favorite sport team, the name of a music band, or the slogan of our political party.
Tues 15th Weds 16th and Thurs 17th Divine Liturgies at AAC at 7am.
Weds July 16th NO CLASS
Sat July 19th 5pm Vespers
Sun July 20th 840am Hours/Divine Liturgy
Weds July 23rd 6pm Class/Bible Study
Sat July 26th 5pm Vespers
Sun July 27th 840am Hours/Divine Liturgy
Weds July 30th 6pm Class
Thurs July 31st 6pm Vespers
Fri Aug 1st 840am Hours/Divine Liturgy Dormition Fast begins
Sat Aug 2nd 5pm Vespers
Sun Aug 3rd 840am Hours/Divine Liturgy
Regular Services
Saturday: Vespers, 5:00 pm
Sunday: Divine Liturgy, 9:00 am
Address
1614 E. Monte Vista Rd.
Phoenix, Az 85006
Phone / Email
Fr. Mikel: 907-444-8545
Church: 602-253-9515
Directions To Saints Peter & Paul
This Week...
July 12, 2025
The next Class/Bible study will be Weds July 23th at 6pm in the Hall.
Tomorrow Sunday July 13, Sts. Peter and Paul will have the honor to host hierarchs and clergy from the Orthodox Church of America prior to the All-American Council. Please be early! Hours at 830am Archbishop Daniel’s entrance at 9am. There will be a catered luncheon after the liturgy. There is no cost for the luncheon, but we are seeking members to make donations towards the cost of the luncheon. So far $1000 has been collected, the cost will be about $5000. If you would like to help offset the cost please earmark your contribution for the Hierarch Luncheon.
The AAC begins Monday, there are services held throughout the week. Divine Liturgy is Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 7am. Thursday morning is the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 715am. Weds night at 6pm Vigil and Friday morning at 7am is Akathist to the American Saints.
Tomorrow Sunday July 13th the nuns from St Macarius of Egypt Monastery will be selling their items during the catered luncheon, they will be in the hallway by the conference room.
On July 20th the Blessing of cars will take place after the Post Communion prayers.
Collections for Project Mexico are on the 1st Sunday of the month,the next collection will be tomorrow Sunday August 3rd.
There are donation slips on the tables in the hall for the backpack program to either purchase supplies or donate funds, Any questions call Christine @ 602-900-6106, or email her at sanchez04419@gmail.com. There will be 72 backpacks to fill.
We should always remember to tithe, as it is an offering to God. The tithe is very important to keep the church running, and keeping it cool during the hot summer months. For the month of June our income was more than our expenses by $3,927.
Just as your head takes priority over all other members of your body, and if a stone, stick or sword is aimed at you, you raise other members of your body to deflect the blow from your head, knowing that you cannot live in this life without your head - so you may give priority over all things to faith in the Holy Trinity, Which is One in essence, for without this faith no one can live the true life. With all your heart hope on the Lord, and you will easily evade the wiles of the wicked one, for the Lord does not forsake those who work for Him. St Ephraim the Syrian