On Christmas Day, January 1949, Russian Eastern Orthodox Church services were held in Phoenix, AZ for the first time--served by Fr. Nicholas Hubiak from New Jersey. On November 25, 1951, the Saint Peter and Paul Russian Eastern Orthodox Greek Catholic Church was formed with the appointment of Archimandrite Peter Zaychenko, formerly of Chicago, IL, by Archbishop John of San Francisco and the Western United States.
Archimandrite Peter purchased residential property at 1614 E Monte Vista Rd, where services were held and it later became the Church. The parish totaled about twelve families at the time. On November 12, 1955 Archimandrite Peter Zaychenko fell asleep in the Lord and willed the residential property to the parish. In 1956 the parish built an addition onto the original house to accommodate up to 80 worshippers. Adjoining property was purchased in 1961 for a future church building and in March 1967, with the blessing of Archbishop John, the parish received its building permit.
dedicated by the Most Rev Archbishop John of San Francisco and the Western United States. He was assisted by Fr. Dimitri Gisetti, Dean; V Rev John Karateew, pastor; as well as other Orthodox clergy. The new church can now accommodate more than a threefold expansion in worshippers and is an outstanding example of what a dedicated and united parish group can accomplish when interested in serving God and promoting the Orthodox Faith.
The focus has always been on people. Specifically on people's salvation, based on hearing the Word of God preached and defined in the context of a true and loving Christian community.
In order to provide a clear witness to Christ and His Gospel to all, it was decided to evolve from solely Church Slavonic / Russian and to use English exclusively in the worship services. For the most part, the transition has been made and today we find ourselves again ministering to many of the new Russian speaking people seeking out an Orthodox Church for worship.
On November 9-10, 2001, the parish observed its 50th anniversary.
TODAY
Typically one will find approximately 150 to 200 adults and children gathered together to celebrate the Divine Liturgy on a given Sunday. Our worshippers represent a cross section of people of various ages, occupations, and ethnic backgrounds, living throughout the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. The character of our community reflects our effort in placing special emphasis on personal participation in the life of the Church, spiritual growth, and commitment to Christ and His teachings.
EDUCATION
Continuing education and discussions among our members are priorities within our parish. Immediately following communion on Sunday's Divine Liturgy, children ranging in age from pre-school through young adult attend Church School classes (September - May). Adult Education (Orthodox Faith Studies) classes are also offered. In addition, other educational programs on various subjects are scheduled and announced periodically.
FELLOWSHIP
Parishioners and visitors are invited to share fellowship over coffee and bagels in our social hall following Divine Liturgy every Sunday. Periodically, lunches, dinners, and fellowship gatherings are scheduled in various locations, sometimes in connection with open discussions on various topics with pastoral guidance, i.e. Orthodox Faith Study.
Indeed, the true church is built with "living stones". Believers who by their Baptism and Chrismation have entered into the life of the Church and who are united in a common confession of faith and the Body and Blood of Christ themselves become the "Body of Christ". The fields are, as the Scriptures tell us, ripe for harvest; but the laborers are few. May God bless our efforts toward the building of His Church in love and truth.
We invite you with open arms to worship and share fellowship with us anytime.
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE
with His Grace Bishop Daniel
Oct. 26th - Nov. 3rd, 2020
____________________________
Click for details
Orthodox Church in America
____________________________
On Sunday, August 4, 2019, His Grace Bishop Daniel of Santa Rosa presided at the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in Moscow... Click here to view
DECEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thu, Dec 12th: St Herman,
Vespers, 6:00 p.m.
Fri, Dec 13th: St Herman,
Divine Liturgy, 9:00 a.m.
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE:
Sat, Dec 21st: Church decorating, 10:00 a.m. Vespers, 5:00 p.m.
Sun, Dec 22nd: Divine Liturgy, 9:00 a.m.
Tue, Dec 24th: Great Compline, 5:30 p.m.
Holy Supper following Compline
Wed, Dec 25th: Divine Liturgy of the Nativity of Christ, 9:00 a.m.
HOLY SUPPER: Again this year we look forward to celebrating the Christmas Eve Holy Supper with our parish family. We come together as a family of faith to remember and to celebrate the mysteries surrounding the Birth of the Lord Jesus Christ in the City of David. This simple and beautiful celebration also gives us the opportunity to invite our non-Orthodox family and friends to witness the love we share with one another as we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity. The Holy Supper takes place following the evening Compline service (5:30 p.m.) Those who are able are asked to contribute in some way to the festivities, especially by providing a (fasting) dish to share with others. For more information about how you can participate, please see Marty Gala.
CONFESSIONS: Everyone seems to be busy at this time of the year: busy traveling, busy working, busy getting ready for Christmas, busy making or purchasing gifts. As the Feast of the Lord’s Nativity draws near, do not forget to also prepare yourself spiritually before receiving the Holy Gifts on Christmas morning. An essential part of our spiritual preparation is the confession of our sins and receiving the Lord’s forgiveness. Confessions are heard before the Divine Services or by arrangements with Bishop DANIEL, Father David or Father Thomas.
CHURCH DECORATING: Please mark your calendars and plan on joining in decorating our church on Saturday, December 21, at 10:00 a.m. Plan on being a part of the joy as we come together to adorn the church for our celebration of the Lord’s Birth. The more, the merrier!
NEW YEAR’S DAY: We begin the New Year by invoking God’s blessing upon our families, our parish, the Church, and the world. Divine Liturgy (Feast of the Circumcision of Christ and Commemoration of Saint Basil the Great), 9:00 a.m.
TIME FOR THANKS: As we enter the season of the Lord’s Nativity, we pause and give thanks for the many blessings we have received throughout the year, especially the blessings received because of the generosity in time, talents, and treasures of our parish community. There are too many people to name individually. The Lord knows you all… But please be assured of the gratitude of Archbishop BENJAMIN, Bishop DANIEL, Father David, Father Thomas, Father Mihai, Father Nicholas, Deacon John, all the clergy and faithful of our parish community. May the Lord Himself, He Who is “God with Us,” be your reward!
Food Pantry Collections:
We glorify Christ when we assist those who are less fortunate. In order to glorify Christ the church community is collecting boxes and canned food for the less fortunate, especially at this time of the year. Please feel free to speak with Bishop Daniel about contributing non-perishables items. Please bring your donations and place them in the boxes which are available in the church hall. Collected food items will be shared with Saint Mary’s Food Bank, Phoenix.
What shall we offer Thee, O Christ,
Who for our sakes hast appeared on the earth as a man?
Every creature which Thou hast made offers Thee thanks.
The angels offer Thee a song;
The heavens, their star;
The wise men, their gifts;
The shepherds, their wonder;
The earth, its cave;
The wilderness; the manger;
And we offer Thee a virgin mother.
O Pre-eternal God, have mercy on us!
