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...
December 7, 2024
Bible study this Weds Dec 11th, at 6pm in the church hall.
Thursday Dec 12th Vespers, Friday Dec 13th is St Herman’s day, Liturgy will be at 9am. St Herman is the Patron saint of North America. There will be other priests and churches attending.
St Nicholas will visit on Dec 15th and the Sunday school will have a play for us to view.
The Myrrh Bearers will have their bake sale on Dec 22nd during coffee hour.
The nuns from St Mary of Egypt monastery will be selling their goods on Dec 22nd.
During the Nativity Fast is a good time to be sure we are having Confession especially if we are participating in Holy Communion on Sunday’s.
December 24th Great Compline will be at 5pm and Holy Supper will be at 6pm.
Here is info on Elizabeth Michel’s funeral; http://www.fgozogfuneralhome.com/obituary/Elizabeth-MichelRadasky?utm_campaign=marquee-share-button&utm_term=share-email&utm_content=Share
Forms for the Nativity card are on the tables in coffee hour, the money collected will be donated to St Macarius Monastery.
Collections for Project Mexico are on the 1st Sunday of the month, next collection will be January 5th.
Cross Road Institute is now taking applications for 2025. This is a 10 day Institute for Junior and Senior High School students. There are 2 posters in the church hall to read, or you can go on-line at https://crossroadinstitute.org/ . The deadline for applications is January 21st for priority, and February 18th for regular. Financial aid is available.
Monday, January 6th is the Great Feast of Theophany, Divine Liturgy will be at 9am. The Great Blessing of water outdoors will be held at Tempe Town Lake at noon.
If you wish to have your House Blessed after Theophany please let Fr. Mikel know.
Feb 9th is Super Bowl Sunday, FOCA will be having their tailgate party that was postponed in October.
Steve Doerksen is seeking to organize a mission trip to the village of Akhiok in Kodiak Island for the last week of July. The Protection of the Theotokos Church is in need of restoration in order to get it ready for its 100th anniversary. There is much to be done: installing new windows, doors, flooring, drywall/texture, painting, cleaning, organizing, etc. Whether you are a "handyman" or not, you are still invited as there are things you can help with. He will give a short talk during coffee hour and have a sign up sheet for those interested. You can reach Steve at 928-714-6190 or steve.doerksen@yahoo.com
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 October our income was less than our expenses by $2007.
Food is not evil, but gluttony is. Childbearing is not evil, but fornication is. Money is not evil, but avarice is. Glory is not evil, but vainglory is. Indeed, there is no evil in existing things, but only in their misuse. St. Maximus the Confessor
