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.
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
November Schedule
Weds Nov 29th 6pm Vespers No Class
Thurs Nov 30th 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy
Sat Dec 2nd 5pm Vespers
Sun Dec 3rd 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy
Tues Dec 5th 6pm Vespers
Weds Dec 6th 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy 6pm Class
Sat Dec 9th 5pm Vespers
Sun Dec 10th 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy
Tues Dec 12th 5pm Vespers (Due to PC meeting at 6pm)
Weds Dec 13th 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy 6pm Class
Sat Dec 16th 5pm Vespers
Sun Dec 17th 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy
Weds Dec 20th 6pm Class
Fri Dec 22nd 8am Royal Hours
Sat Dec 23rd 5pm Vespers
Sun Dec 24th 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy 5pm Vespers/Holy Supper
Mon Dec 25th 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy
Tues Dec 26th 6pm Vespers
Weds Dec 27th 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy No Class, resume Jan 3rd
Sat Dec 30th 5pm Vespers
Sun Dec 31st 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy/New Year Molibien
Mon Jan 1st 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy
Weds Jan 3rd 6pm Class
Fri Jan 5th 8am Royal Hours/Liturgy/ Blessing of Water
Sat Jan 6th 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy 5pm Vespers
This Week...
November 26, 2023
Nativity Fast begins on Weds Nov 15th. The rubrics for the Nativity fast is that there is no meat, fish or dairy allowed. Meals should be lenten foods. Although fish is allowed on the following dates;
Nov 16th,18th,19th, 21st, 25th,26th,30th.
Dec 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 17th.
Please remember parents that the Sunday School program is only beneficial to the children when they are present. Also, for those who are in the hall when the teachers and children begin class, the class says a Post Communion prayer all together, please remain silent and show respect while they say the prayer.
Weds evening the 29th Vespers at 6pm and Thursday morning 30th at 840 Hours/Divine Liturgy. For St Andrew Here is the link;
The money that is collected for the Christmas Card program will go to the nuns at St. Macarius Monastery for their building fund.
On Wednesday the 29th there will be no class.
FOCA is taking orders for Rum balls.
On Dec 17th the Myrrh Bearers Altar Society will be having their Holiday Bake sale and Prize Raffle during coffee hour.
Please note that on Dec 24th, Eve of Nativity, 840 am Hours/Liturgy, then Vespers will be at 5pm and Holy Supper at 6pm. Monday the 25th 840 am Hours/Divine Liturgy of
St Basil the Great.
Theophany is Jan 6th, if you wish to have your house blessed please see Fr. Mikel.
Please remember to tithe, this is very important. The tithe goes into the operating budget to keep the church running, and in this way we are able to bring Christ to the community.
Whoever hates his sins will stop sinning; and whoever confesses them will receive remission. A man can not abandon the habit of sin if he does not first gain enmity toward sin, nor can he receive remission of sin without confession of sin. For the confession of sin is the cause of true humility. St. Isaac the Syrian.
