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...
March 22, 2025
There is Class/Bible study Tuesday March 25th at 6pm in the hall.
If you wish to donate towards Pascha flowers, please mark that on your envelope or check.
Attached is the Lenten Appeal from the Diocese.
Myrrh Bearers will be having a Lenten soup sale on March 30th.They will also be selling frozen loaves of Pascha Bread and dinner rolls for those who want to save them for Pascha.
A potluck luncheon will be held after Vespers on Pascha. Please see Mat. Elizabeth Pfeiffer to sign up to bring an item or if you would like to volunteer to help with the potluck.
For those who will attend Bright Monday services there will be a potluck coffee hour after the Liturgy/Procession.
Collections for Project Mexico are on the 1st Sunday of the month, next collection will be Sunday April 6th.
The Food Drive this year will be for FOCUS; Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve, here in Phoenix. A revised list is attached. Last day to donate will be April 6th. If you would prefer to donate money, please see Marty Gala, she will do the shopping.
There is a sign up sheet for the meals after Presanctified Liturgies in the hall.
Here is the website for the AAC which will be held here in Phoenix in July. https://www.oca.org/aac Parents, if you wish to have your child participate in the youth activities, you must register as an Observer and be onsite. See attached flyer.
Volunteers will be needed after Divine Liturgy on Lazarus Saturday to tie the palms and pussy willows together for the Vespers of Palm Sunday.
Steve Doerksen is seeking to organize a mission trip to Kodiak Island in Alaska for the last week of July. Updated flyer is posted in the hall.
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 February our income was more than our expenses by $7,482. Which brings us in line with the budget.
The soul that loves God has its rest in God and in God alone. In all the paths that men walk in the world, they do not attain peace until they draw nigh to hope in God.
St. Isaac the Syrian
