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...
May 16, 2026
There is no bible class on Weds May 20th. There will be a Zoom catechumen class on Monday May 18th at 6pm. The Zoom meeting is different from the Weds class.
The Monastery of St John in Manton CA will be hosting a week-long young adult retreat called the Orthodox LIFE School. Starts Sunday, June 14th at 5pm and ends Saturday, June 20th at 1pm. Open to Orthodox faithful men and women, aged 18-35. Cost is $250. Includes the room and all meals. Apply through the monastery website; https://monasteryofstjohn.org/retreats/
The Women's Book club will meet May 23rd at 3pm.
Attached is an updated list of monastics in the Phoenix area to pray for.
Monday June 29th is our Patronal Feast day, see the flyer attached.
For The Bible and the Fathers for Orthodox the readings for next week begin on Monday May 18th on page 101.
James LeGendre has been accepted to Suprasl. Suprasl is a gathering of Orthodox youth ages 18-30 from around the world, coming together for one week to experience the unity and universality of our Orthodox faith. Suprasl 2026 will be held from July 28th to August 3rd at the Monastery of the Annunciation and Suprasl Academy in Suprasl, Poland. The cost of the trip is approximately $2200. If you would like to help James in his fundraising please mark on your check and envelope “Suprasl”. He will be giving a presentation at coffee hour on May 24th.
The Diocese is glad to be promoting our Summer Music Practicum for all aspiring music leaders in Santa Rosa, CA, July 20 – 24, 2026. Registration is now open! Check the Diocese of the West website; https://dowoca.org/ This year's practicum will feature fresh content and new material distinct from last year’s sessions. Please feel free to reach out to Fr. Lawrence Margitich (707-217-4556) or Fr. David Morrison (406-600-7409) for more information.
Dear Martha & Parishioners, Christ is Risen!
Thank you for coordinating a Pantry Partners drive benefiting Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage! Your thoughtfulness, overwhelming generosity, and labors of love in coordinating this donation drive are visible signs that the poor and orphaned of Mexico have brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world. Because of your trust and support, we continue to fundamentally change the lives of others in meaningful and profound ways. Together, we move forward in faith building hope for boys without families and families without homes. It is important to remember that we can do nothing alone, but we can do all things through Christ. On behalf of the staff, volunteers, and boys of Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, thank you for your generosity. We pray that God richly blesses you for reaching out to the least of His children.
In Christ, Lena Anossov Pantry Partners Coordinator, Project Mexico
Collections for Project Mexico are on the 1st Sunday of the month, the next collection is Sunday June 7th.
The Lord loves all people, but He loves those who seek Him even more. To his chosen ones the Lord gives such great grace that for love they forsake the whole earth, the whole world, and their souls burn with desire that all people might be saved and see the glory of the Lord. St. Silouan the Athonite
To celebrate our Parish’s Feast Day, Sts Peter and Paul Orthodox Church
Monday, June 29, 2026, 8:40am Hours, 9:00am Divine Liturgy, Pot Luck Luncheon to follow
