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.