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