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
This Week...
August 15, 2026
There is Zoom catechumen class Monday Aug 17th at 6pm, and there is in-person bible class Weds Aug 19th at 6pm in the hall.
A reminder that if you are going to Communion you must be prepared by having your Confession heard. Confessions are on Saturday after Vespers or by appointment.
The Dormition Fast ends today Aug 15th after Liturgy.
On Sunday Aug 16th during coffee hour; FOCA will hold a 50/50 split raffle, with the proceeds going to support St Herman’s Seminary. Also there will be a trivia game for everyone to participate in.
On Sunday Aug 23rd there will be a nutroll tasting during coffee hour for those who have never tried a nutroll. Order forms will be available to order nutrolls until Sept 20th. All proceeds from the sale of the nutrolls goes to beautify the Church.
Also on the 23rd James will be giving a presentation on his trip to Suprasl, Poland.
On Sept 6th St John the Baptist Monastery will be here to sell their items after Coffee Hour.
St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church (Mesa) is hosting its first St. John Fall Festival on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10 AM – 9 PM, and all are warmly invited. The festival will feature: BBQ, Greek & Italian food, Live music and entertainment, Large Kids Fun Zone (bounce houses, games, crafts, pumpkin decorating, petting zoo, face painting), Pumpkin photo patch, Beer & wine garden (21+) Artisan and craft market Church tours and an “Experience Ancient Christianity” exhibit Admission: Adults & teens (13+): $5, Children 12 & under: FREE, Family and Kids Fun Zone packages available. As part of the event, St. John is also holding a Mega 50/50 Cash Raffle. One winner will receive 50% of all raffle ticket sales, and the other 50% will support St. John’s ministries and outreach in the East Valley. Raffle ticket bundles range from $20 to $1,000 (more entries = more chances to win). Open to Arizona residents; need not be present to win.
Beginning October 4th through Nov 1st there will be a silent auction, if you wish to donate an item or a service to the auction please see Vanessa Garcia.
The Women's Book club will meet Aug 22nd at 3pm.
Exaltation of the Cross is hosting a seminar with Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin on Stories of the Celtic Age of Saints. Dcn. Seraphim has travelled extensively in the British Isles researching this topic. The seminar is Friday Nov. 6 at 6 pm and Saturday Nov. 7. If you plan on attending the Nov. 7th seminar, you MUST register because we will provide a "Celtic" lunch. Here is the link: Seminar Registration. Here is the Facebook Link as well.
On Saturday Sept 26th is the Patronal Feast Day at St John the Evangelist Orthodox Church in Mesa, Fr Andre has invited anyone who wishes to attend. His Grace Bishop Vasily will be serving the Divine Liturgy.
For The Bible and the Fathers for Orthodox the readings for next week begin on Monday Aug 17th on page 305.
Collections for Project Mexico are on the 1st Sunday of the month, the next collection is tomorrow Sunday September 6th.
The Lord loves a man and reveals Himself to man. And when the soul beholds the Lord she humbly rejoices in the Master’s compassion, and from that hour her love for her Creator is greater than any other love, though she may see all things and love all men yet, she will love the Lord above all. St Silouan
