June 2025
As we begin the summer months, we need to always remember as we take our vacations, that our Lord is always there for us. We should not forget to say our prayers, read the daily Epistle and Gospel, and attend services, etc.
This month of June holds two significant feasts. First, the Great Feast of Pentecost on June 8th, and later, our Patronal Feast Day on June 29th, which happens to falls on a Sunday this year.
Before Christ ascended, He promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, saying: “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you… But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.”
On Pentecost, which marks the Birthday of Christ’s Church on earth, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles in the form of fiery tongues. Christ tells us about the Holy Spirit, He says: “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.“
As Orthodox Christians we should know that the Holy Spirit has worked and continues to work in the Church. When we are Baptized into the church we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit so that we too become enlivened by the Holy Spirit, and take the love of Christ to the world. It is our responsibility to be sure that we understand these teachings within our church as there are many false teachings that are being taught on platforms like Youtube.
I pray you all have a great summer. Remember that coming up in July is the All-American Council here in Phoenix.
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.
Sun June 22nd 840am Hours/Divine Liturgy
Mon June 23rd 6pm Vespers
Tues June 24th 840am Hours/Divine Liturgy
Weds June 25th 6pm Class
Fri June 27th 6pm Vespers
Sat June 28th 840am Hours/Divine Liturgy 5pm Vespers
Sun June 29th 840am Hours/Divine Liturgy
Tue July 1st 6pm Vespers
Weds July 2nd 840am Hours/Divine Liturgy 6pm Class
Sat July 5th 5pm Vespers
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...
June 14, 2025
Saints Peter and Paul Day is celebrated on June 29. This year the day falls on a Sunday and there will be a church potluck after divine liturgy. The potluck will be brunch themed. All church members are encouraged to attend with their favorite breakfast or brunch items. If you are able to bring something for the celebration, please see Heather Pfeiffer.
The Diocese has set up the Archbishop Benjamin Scholarship Fund, please see the attached letter.
Collections for Project Mexico are on the 1st Sunday of the month,the next collection will be Sunday July 6th.
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.
On July 13, Sts. Peter and Paul will have the honor to host numerous hierarchs from the Orthodox Church of America prior to the All-American Council. This will be an opportunity to see and interact with leaders of the church from across the nation. We will host a catered luncheon after the liturgy. There is no cost for the luncheon, but we are seeking members who are able to make donations or sponsorships towards the cost of the luncheon. If you would like to help offset the cost of the luncheon please earmark your contribution for the Hierarch Luncheon. If you have questions please see Heather Pfeiffer or David Homyak.
If anyone wishes to attend a luncheon on July 15th in honor of Archbishop Benjamin at the AAC can register here, it is $80 per person; https://dowoca.org/celebrating-his-eminence-archbishop-benjamin/
We should always remember to tithe, as this is very important to keep the church running, and it is also an offering to God. For the month of April our expenses were more than our income by $3,326.
The Bible and the Holy Orthodox Fathers for Orthodoxy, Monday’s reading begins on pg 160.
Do not say, "this happened by chance, while this came to be of itself." In all that exists there is nothing disorderly, nothing indefinite, nothing without purpose, nothing by chance ... How many hairs are on your head? God will not forget one of them. Do you see how nothing, even the smallest thing, escapes the gaze of God? St. Basil the Great
