Orthodox Church in America SS Peter & Paul Orthodox Church Newsletter May 2021 April Council Highlights  Roof repair on the house on Church property is complete  Refresh of the interior of the house on Church property is finished  Church A/C units had their pre-summer checkouts  Discussion held regarding the Our holy Father Alexis, the with the directorship of an or- liturgical celebraons. Natural- return of in-person Sunday defender of the Orthodox Faith phanage. At Presov Seminary, ly, ethnic parishes and non- School and zealous Father Toth taught Lan rite clergy did not fit into worker in the Church History this vision. Thus, when Father Lord’s vineyard, and Canon Law, Toth came to present his cre- was born in Aus- which served him denals, Archbishop Ireland tro- on well in his later life greeted him with open hoslity. March 18, 1854 in America. Saint He refused to recognize him as into a poor Car- Alexis did not a legimate Catholic priest or to patho-Russian serve long as a grant permission for him to family. Like many professor or an serve in his diocese. SS Peter & Paul Orthodox Church others in the administrator, for As a historian and professor of 1614 E. Monte Vista Rd. Austro- the Lord had a Canon Law, Father Toth knew Phoenix, AZ 85006 Hungarian empire, the Toths different future planned for his rights under the terms of the 602.253.9515 were Eastern Rite Catholics. him. In October, 1889 he was Unia and would not accept www.sspeterpaulaz.org Alexis’ father and brother were appointed to serve as pastor of Archbishop Ireland’s unjust de- www.oca.org priests and his uncle was a a Uniate parish in , cisions. In October of 1890, www.orthodoxfellowship.org in the Uniate church. Minnesota. Like another Abra- there was a meeting of eight of He received an excellent edu- ham, he left his country and his The Right Reverend DANIEL the ten Uniate priests in Ameri- Bishop of Santa Rosa caon and knew several lan- relatives to fulfill the will of ca at Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Rector guages (Carpatho-Russian, God (Gen 12:1). under the chairmanship of Fa- 480.287.0240 Mobile Hungarian, Russian, German, [email protected] Upon his arrival in America, ther Toth. By this time the Lan, and a reading knowledge ArchpriestDavidBalmer, Attached Father Alexis presented him- American had written Retired of Greek). He married Rosalie self to the local Roman Catho- to Rome demanding the recall Mihalich, a priest’s daughter, Deacon John Weiss lic diocesan authority, Arch- to of all Uniate priests in and was ordained on April 18, bishop , since America, fearing that Uniate Andrew Evans 1878 to serve as second priest Council President there was no Uniate bishop in priests and parishes would hin- 480.948.7929 in a Uniate parish. His wife America at that me. Arch- der the assimilation of immi- died soon aerwards, followed bishop Ireland belonged to the grants into American culture. Barbara Harp by their only child—losses Choir Director party of American Catholics Uniate bishops in Europe re- [email protected] which the saint endured with who favored the fused to listen to the priests’ Stephanie A. Homyak the paence of Job. Church School Director “Americanizaon” of all Ro- pleas for help. Newsletter Editor In May, 1879, Father Alexis was man Catholics. His vision for Archbishop Ireland sent a letter 602.432.7473 appointed secretary to the Bish- the future was founded on a [email protected] to his parishes ordering their op of Presov and also Adminis- common faith, customs, and members not to attend Father Heather Pfeiffer trator of the Diocesan Admin- the use of the English lan- Myrrhbearers Altar Society Toth’s parish nor to accept any istration. He was also entrusted guage for everything except [email protected] (Continued on page 5) PAGE 2 SSPETER&PAULORTHODOXCHURCHNEWSLETTER

Message From Our Rector

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, and every day of the year. Though too many to name, I would like Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen! to thank each and every one of you who helped prepare for the beauful I greet you in the joy of Christ’s Services of Holy Week and Pascha. Resurrecon. From flowers to music to cleaning the temple, from baking breads and dyeing Through days and weeks of the Great eggs, from seng up for the proces- Fast we prepared for the commemora- sions and seeing to our security, from on of Christ’s Paschal Mystery: the egg hunt for our chil- His passion, death, and dren to serving in the resurrecon. Holy Altar, from Then, in Holy seng up to Week we taking parcipat- ed in the providing annual c o f fe e commem- and meals oraon of and snacks the Lord’s and our life-giving traditional passion and bread, wine, death. The vari- and dried fruit, ous services of Holy from baking prosfora Week, the proclamaon of to parcipang in and assisng the Scriptures and the singing of the with the Services and so much more: ancient hymnography of the Church, each and every one of you was an im- allowed us to bear witness to the great portant part of our parish’s Holy Week mystery of the Son of God entering into and Pascha. May the Risen Lord conn- the fullness of human life, including ue to bless us as we begin to return to a physical death. more normal experience of parish life.

On the Feast of Feasts, Holy Pascha, we Christ is risen from the dead, trampling joyously proclaimed His victory over sin down death by death—and upon those and death in His triumphant Resurrec- in the tombs bestowing life! tion from the dead. After last’s year’s noticeably quiet celebration, behind With love in the Risen Lord, closed door, this year’s celebration was particularly joyous as we were able to gather again with all our brothers and +Bishop Daniel sisters in a full celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection. The Church now continues to celebrate this bright victory through- out the forty days of the Paschal Season. Let us pray that in our parish and in our homes we will sustain the joyous spirit of Pascha and that the proclamation of Christ’s victory—and ours—will continue to be proclaimed in our daily lives, each PAGE 3 SSPETER&PAULORTHODOXCHURCHNEWSLETTER

Lazarus Saturday Holy Thursday

Holy Friday

Palm Sunday Bridegroom Matins PAGE 4 SSPETER&PAULORTHODOXCHURCHNEWSLETTER

Holy Saturday

Pascha PAGE 5 SSPETER&PAULORTHODOXCHURCHNEWSLETTER

Repose of SaintAlexisToth,

(Continued from page 1) and to refrain from aacking their faith. money with other clergy worse off than priestly ministrations from him. Expecting himself, and contributed to the building of While it is true that he made some strong imminent deportation, Father Toth ex- churches and to the educaon of seminar- comments, especially in his private corre- ians in Minneapolis. He was not anxious plained the situation to his parishioners spondence with the church administration, and suggested it might be best for him to about his life (Mt.6:25), what he would it must be remembered that this was done leave and return to Europe. eat or drink or wear. Trusng in God to while defending the Orthodox Church and take care of him, Saint Alexis followed the “No,” they said. “Let’s go to the Russian the American Mission from unfounded admonion of Our Savior to “seek first the bishop. Why should we always submit our- accusations by people who used much kingdom of God and His righteousness, selves to foreigners?” It was decided to harsher language than Father Toth. His and all these things shall be added to write to the Russian consul in San Francisco opponents may be characterized by intol- you” (Mt.6:33). So he bore the tribulaon, in order to ask for the name and address of erance, rude behaviour, unethical methods slander, and physical aacks with paence the Russian bishop. Ivan Mlinar went to and threats against him and his parishion- and spiritual joy, reminding us that San Francisco to make initial contact with ers. Yet, when Father Alexis was offended “godliness is stronger than all” (Wisdom of Bishop Vladimir; then in February, 1891 or deceived by other people he forgave Solomon 10:12). Father Toth and his church warden, Paul them, and he would often ask his bishop to Podany, also made the journey. Subse- forgive his omissions and mistakes. Bishops Vladimir, Nicholas, Saint Tikhon, and Platon recognized the special gis of quently, Bishop Vladimir came to Minneap- In the midst of great hardships, this herald olis and on March 25, 1891 received Father Father Toth, so they oen sent him forth of godly and sound doctrine Toth and 361 parishioners into the Ortho- to preach and teach wherever there were poured forth an inexhausble stream of people of Slavic background. Even though dox Church of their ancestors. The parish- Orthodox wrings for new converts, and ioners regarded this event as a new Tri- he was aware of his shortcomings and gave praccal advice on how to live in an umph of Orthodoxy, crying out with joy: inadequacies, yet he was obedient to the Orthodox manner. For example, his arcle instrucons of the bishops. He did not “Glory to God for His great mercy!” “How We should Live in America” stresses hesitate or make excuses, but went imme- This initiative came from the people them- the importance of educaon, cleanliness, diately to fulfill his mission. Saint Alexis selves, and was not the result of any coer- sobriety, and the presence of children in visited many Uniate parishes, explaining cion from outsiders. The on Sundays and Holy Days. the differences between Orthodoxy, Prot- Church was unaware of the existence of Although the Minneapolis parish was re- estansm, Roman Catholicism and Uni- these Slavic Uniate immigrants to America, ceived into the Orthodox Church in asm, stressing that the true way to salva- but responded positively to their petition March, 1891, it was not unl July, 1892 on is in Orthodoxy. to be reunited to the Orthodox Church. that the Holy Synod of Russia recognized Like Josiah, “he behaved himself uprightly The example of Saint Alexis and his parish and accepted the parish into the Diocese in the conversion of his people” (Sir 49:2). in returning to Orthodoxy was an encour- of Alaska and the Aleuans. This resolu- He was instrumental in the formaon or agement to hundreds of other Uniates. on reached America only in October, return of seventeen parishes, planng a The ever-memorable one was like a can- 1892. During that me there was a cli- vineyard of Christ in America, and increas- dle upon a candlesck giving light to oth- mate of religious and ethnic hoslity ing its fruiul yield many mes over. By ers (Mt.5:15), and his flock may be likened against the new converts. Father Alexis 1909, the me of his blessed repose, to the leaven mixed with meal which leav- was accused of selling out his own Carpa- many thousands of Carpatho-Russian and ened the whole (Mt.13:33). Through his tho-Russian people and his religion to the Galician Uniates had returned to Ortho- fearless preaching he uprooted the tares “Muscovites” for financial gain. doxy. This was a major event in the history which had sprung up in the wheat of true In reality he did not receive any financial of the North American Mission, which doctrine, and exposed the false teachings support for a long me, for his parish was would connue to shape the future of which had led his people astray. Although very poor. Unl his priestly salary began Orthodoxy in this country for many gener- he did not hesitate to point out errors in to arrive from Russia, the righteous one aons to come. Any future growth or suc- the doctrines of other denominaons, he was obliged to work in a bakery in order cess may truly be regarded as the result of was careful to warn his flock against intol- to support himself. Even though his funds Father Toth’s apostolic labors. erance. His wrings and sermons are filled were meager, he did not neglect to give with admonions to respect other people Who can tell of the saint’s spiritual strug- alms to the poor and needy. He shared his (Continued on page 6) PAGE 6 SSPETER&PAULORTHODOXCHURCHNEWSLETTER

Repose of SaintAlexisToth,

(Continued from page 5) ern New Jersey in an aempt to regain his his father was an Orthodox Chrisan, he gles? Who can speak of the prayers which health, but soon returned to Wilkes-Barre, was able with the help of an Orthodox his pious soul poured forth unto God? He where he was confined to bed for two priest to obtain his father’s phone number did not make a public display of his piety, months. The righteous one reposed on in a distant city. As a result of that tele- but prayed to God in secret with all modes- Friday, May 7, 1909 (April 24 on the Old phone call, the young man later visited his ty, with contrition and inward tears. God, Calendar), the feast of Saints Savva and father, who rejoiced to see what sort of Who sees everything done in secret, open- Alexius the Hermit of the Kiev Caves. Saint man his son had become. The father gave ly rewarded the saint (Mt.6:6). It is incon- Alexis’ love and concern for his spiritual thanks to God and to Saint Alexis for reu- ceivable that Saint Alexis could have ac- children did not cease with his death. Be- ning him with his son. fore closing the account of his life, it complished his apostolic labors unless God Saint Alexis was a true man of God who had blessed and strengthened him for such would be most appropriate to reveal but guided many Carpatho-Russian and Galici- work. Today the Church continues to reap one example of his heavenly intercession: an immigrants through the dark confusion the fruits of his teaching and preaching. In January, 1993 a certain man prayed to of religious challenges in the New World Father Toth’s efforts did not go unrecog- Saint Alexis to help him obtain infor- and back to the unity of the Orthodox nized in his own lifetime. He received a maon about his son from whom he had Church through his grace-filled words and jeweled miter from the Holy Synod, as well been separated for twenty-eight years. by his holy example. In his last will and as the Order of Saint Vladimir and the Or- Placing his confidence in the saint’s bold- testament Saint Alexis commended his der of Saint Anna from Czar Nicholas II for ness before God, he awaited an answer to soul to God’s mercy, asking forgiveness distinguished service and devotion to God his prayer. The very next day the man’s from everyone and forgiving everybody. and country. In 1907, he was considered as son telephoned him. It seems the young His holy relics now rest at Saint Tikhon a candidate for the episcopal office. He man was in church when he was suddenly Monastery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania declined this honor, however, humbly filled with an overwhelming desire to con- where the faithful may come to venerate pointing out that this responsibility should tact his father. He had been taken to an- them and to entreat Saint Alexis’ interces- be given to a younger, healthier man. other state by his mother, and she sions on their behalf. changed his name when he was a child. At the end of 1908, Saint Alexis’ health This is why his father was unable to locate Reprinted from the Orthodox Church in America web site, began to decline due to a complicaon of hps://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2016/05/07/101300-repose him. Having learned from his mother that -of-saint-alexis-toth-confessor-and-defender-of-orthodoxy illneses. He went to the seashore in south- Around SS Peter & Paul MAY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES PRAYER LIST Congratulations and Many Blessings May 1 Anna Hudson “I was sick and you visited me.” 3 Deacon John & Mastushka Julianna Matt 25:36 8 Marina Harrelson ToJohn and Yulia Keck on the 16 David Bieber baptism of their son, Alexander. We offer prayers to all of our parishioners 17 Vi Wasilenko who are ill or unable to aend services: 18 Darya Dolenko Alexander was Baptized, Chrismat- +Metropolitan Herman 19 Timofei Kadyrov ed, and welcomed to the Holy Mys- Stephen Bock Hailee Behnen Jamie Arango 23 Anastasia Melendrez teries on May 8th. May the Lord Antonia Adams-Clement 24 Amy Blischak bless him abundantly! Congratula- Rose Kurowski 27 Marty Gala tions to his parents, John and Yulia, 27 Elijah Ferbrache Tammy Horton Katrina and Joseph Delsante to his Godparents, Deacon John Frank (Kirill) Bolton 30 Carol Yavornitzky and Marina, and to his big sister, 31 Katie Enoch If you know of anyone else in need of our Sophia. prayers, please contact Bishop Daniel. Many Years! Многая лета! PAGE 7 SSPETER&PAULORTHODOXCHURCHNEWSLETTER

THANK YOU to all who made our ob- THE VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE was very PARISH UPDATE The presence of so many servance of Great Lent, Holy Week, and acve in April. On Monday, April 12th, from our community at our Holy Week Pascha to be so spiritually rewarding, Svetlana and five other women from our and Pascha Services, along with extra growth-giving, and joyous. May the Risen Russian community cleaned inside the guests, was a long-awaited sign that we Lord grant His light and joy to all who work church. They vacuumed and washed the are well on our way to returning to our with such dedication to glorify the Most floors, polished the pews and the wood- usual way of living together as a parish. Holy Trinity through our worship and our work within arm’s reach, cleaned wax off Masks are sll required indoors. Howev- community life. the candle stands, and dusted the wall er, you have already been nofied that icons. They did an excellent job. we are no longer requiring sign-ups for THE MYRRHBEARERS ALTAR SOCIETY Then, on Lazarus Saturday April 24th, two the Divine Liturgy. It seems that everyone (MBAS) would like to thank everyone who events took place. First, Nick Bock super- is able to adjust and exercise a comforta- helped with preparations for Palm Sunday vised ten parishioners in again cleaning the ble level of social distancing. Many and Pascha. Activities included baking rolls, inside of the church, this time including the thanks to Deacon John for overseeing the preparing palms and pussy willows, and choir loft, the narthex, and the back wall sign-up process, beginning last May. decorating the church and hall. woodwork above arm’s reach. Additionally, You will note that there is no Divine Litur- Last year, a number of bowls, casserole wax was removed from the Ambo, altar gy scheduled for this Saturday. Given our dishes, plastic containers, and more were steps, and floors. They also removed any recent posive experience with Holy orphaned by the shutdown after the Lenten recent wax from the candle stands, vacu- Week and Pascha, it is likely that we will Vespers dinner. For more than a year, umed the carpeting, polished the pews suspend the Saturday Liturgies for the these items have been patiently waiting to (this time including a thorough cleaning of foreseeable future, enabling our parish to be picked up. If you think one of your dish- the pews which had not been done in re- gather together and manifest itself as the es may still be in the church hall, please see cent memory). one Eucharisc Community that it is. Heather Pfeiffer or one of the MBAS ladies At the same time, Heather led nine other about rescuing it. Also, sometime in the not-too-distant future parishioners in we will be returning to the assembling the ancient practice of receiving palms and pussy the Holy Mysteries from the willow for Palm one communion spoon. Most Sunday. Over 150 churches have already done branches were so; I will be notifying you assembled, includ- before we return to this tra- ing a special set for ditional practice. APRAYERTABLE is a great way to Bishop Daniel and Bishop Daniel encourage spiritual the other clergy. growth in your An excellent job THE CHURCH BOOKSTORE children It al- was done on both is back open to the parish! lows them to of these events. A Stop by and start filling pursue a rela- soup and salad your summer reading list! lunch was provided tionship with WELCOME all visi- for the volunteers. tors to SS Peter and We expect that our Paul. We hope your visit next project will be was enriching and enlighten- a deep cleaning of ing. Please join us in the the kitchen, prob- Cultural Center for our Fel- Christ on their ably in June, so lowship Hour. It’s a chance own terms and stay tuned for to meet some of our mem- in their own requests for vol- bers, other visitors, and enjoy way. unteers. some coffee and fellowship. May 2021

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Holy Saturday 9:00am Vesperal MBAS Meeng Divine Liturgy Blessing of Bread, Wine & Dried Fruit Sunday, May 16 11:15pm Nocturnes Following Divine Liturgy 12:00am Pascal Matins & Divine Liturgy

2 GREAT AND 3 Bright Monday 4 Bright Tuesday 5 Bright Wednesday 6 Bright Thursday 7 Bright Friday 8 Bright Saturday HOLY PASCHA Iveron Icon St. Alexis Toth Holy Apostle John the 12:00am Paschal Mat- Confessor of Ortho- Theologian ins & Divine Liturgy doxy in N America 12:00pm Vespers Easter Egg Hunt CHRIST IS RISEN! 5:00pm Vespers 9 ANTIPASCHA 10 Apostle Simeon 11 Day of Rejoicing 12 13 14 15 St. Thomas Sunday the Zealot SS Cyril & Methodius 9:00am Divine Liturgy Apostles to the Slavs

6:00pm Council Mtg 5:00pm Vespers Meeting 16 Holy Myrrh- 17 18 19 20 21 Vladimir Icon 22 bearing Women Equals-to-the- 9:00am Divine Liturgy Apostles Sts. Con- stantine and Helen MBAS Meeting

5:00pm Vespers 23 Paralytic 24 25 3rd Finding of 26 Midfeast of 27 28 29 9:00am Divine Liturgy the Head of St. John Pentecost the Baptist

5:00pm Vespers 30 Samaritan Woman 31 1 2 Leavetaking 3 4 5 9:00am Divine Liturgy MEMORIAL DAY Midfeast FOCA Meeting Sunday, June 6, 2021 Following Divine Liturgy 5:00pm Vespers