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
Church: 602-253-9515
Mobile: 480-287-0240
Directions To Saints Peter & Paul
December 12, 2020
Online Presentation by His Grace Bishop DANIEL
Walking to Bethlehem | Holy Assumption Monastery
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 2021
ADDITIONAL LITURGIES:
Monday, December 6
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
Divine Liturgy, 9:00 a.m.
Monday, December 13
Saint Herman of Alaska
Divine Liturgy, 9:00 a.m.
SERVICES FOR THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST:
Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Great Compline, 5:00 p.m.
followed by Holy Supper
Saturday, December 25
The Nativity of Christ
Divine Liturgy, 9:00 a.m.
There will be no evening Vespers
Sunday, December 26
Synaxis of the Theotokos
Divine Liturgy, 9:00 a.m.
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. Busy. Busy. Busy. As the Feast of the Lord’s Nativity draws near, do not forget to also take the time to 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 Mihai. Social distancing and masks are worn for confessions.
CHURCH DECORATING- Please mark your calendars and plan on joining in decorating our church on Tuesday, 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.
NATIVITY FAST - The annual Nativity Fast begins on Monday, November 15th. This annual period of fasting, prayer, and repentance offers us the graced opportunity to enter more deeply in our relationship with Jesus Christ, the Word Made Flesh. We ask the Most Holy Theotokos, Mother of the Incarnate God, to intercede for us in this season which is filled with all too many worldly distractions. May She watch over our families and loved ones and accompany us as we prepare to welcome the Lord Who comes to save us!
ARTS AND CRAFTS – The nuns of Saint Macarius will offer their handcrafts for sale, (mounted icons, handmade prayer ropes, crochet and knitted works, etc.) On Sunday, December 12. They will set up their tables in the parish hall. Please patronize the monastery, a monastery of our Diocese of the West and have this on your planning list for Christmas gifts!
HOLY SUPPER- Mark your calendars now! We will be returning to our practice of celebrating the Holy Supper on Christmas Eve, following the Service of Great Compline. This annual pot luck (fasting foods) is a beautiful way to celebrate the Feast with family, friends, and fellow parishioners. More to come about the details.
