In December 2023, we began our move to the new storefront location on 107th Ave. It was a humbling change, coming into a dirty, poorly maintained retail front, but the hearts of ASONA members' indomitable spirit and love of Christ transformed the ill prepared space into God's house, and a place worthy of the celebration of the Holy Mysteries. Many events have taken place in our humble home since then and we will add to the gallery below as we get more pictures. In the meantime, enjoy this account of the transformation of our parish home, and the hard work of the ASONA community! … [Read more...]
ASONA Members Provide Thanksgiving Day Meal at Local Ronald McDonald House
On Thanksgiving Day 2025 several members of ASONA travelled to the Ronald McDonald House in Mesa, AZ to prepare a Thanksgiving Feast for the residents. The volunteers spent several hours putting together a full Thanksgiving Feast for the house, which houses up to 30 families. For over 39 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central and Northern Arizona has provided a “home-away-from-home” for families traveling to the Valley for medical care for their children. The Ronald McDonald House is a “home-away-from-home” for families with sick or injured children. Subdeacon Michael and Katie Cassell led the volunteers, and have firmly established this as an annual service event for the … [Read more...]
Registration OPEN: 2025 Western American Diocese Liturgical Practicum
On The Liturgy: Theology, Meaning, and Serving Thursday February 13 – Monday February 17, 2024 IN PERSON: $300 ONLINE LIVESTREAM: $175 In Person limited to 30 spots Online participants limited to 100 spots Location: All Saints of North America Orthodox Church 18700 N. 107th Ave. Ste. 5 Sun City, AZ With the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop Kyrill, a “Liturgical Practicum” will be convened from 13-17 February 2025 (President’s Day Weekend) in Phoenix, AZ. This is the inaugural practicum, with the intention, that it will become an annual event. The event is open to: all potential candidates to ordination. all readers and subdeacons who wish to … [Read more...]
Spiritual Maturation and the Church Calendar
by Abbot Tryphon One of the most spiritually profitable discoveries for me, personally, was when I started, as a new Orthodox Christian, the observance of the liturgical calendar. Each day of the year I was carried along with the cycle of commemorations that brought to life various events in the life of Christ. The calendar provided me with daily scripture readings that quenched my thirst. The historical memory of the Church, lived out in the various periods of fasts and feasts, allowed me to experience a Christianity that was vibrant and meaningful. An important element in the calendar, I discovered, was the daily commemorations of Christian saints and martyrs. These saints came alive … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Holiday Depression
by Fr. Nektarios Serfes Over the years, I’ve seen many of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer from ‘holiday’ depression. It is not uncommon. I have found that the Nativity Fast, when sedulously applied, lifts this spiritual malaise and depression with great effectiveness. Likewise, I have seen, and continue to see, those who complain or suffer from this Christmas depression, but refuse to life a finger to even try to fast, and thus remain in their despair. If you suffer from Christmas depression – try it and see how simple it is to remain joyful throughout the Nativity fast and the Christmas season. – Fr. John Much of the post-holiday blues and Christmas depression that occur in … [Read more...]
2024 Inaugural All Saints Party
On Thursday, October 31st the parishioners of All Saints of North America Orthodox Church held an 'All Saints Party', the first of an annual tradition. A fall themed potluck dinner was followed by the quizzing of the saints, in order to determine who dressed as which saint. An amazing amount of creativity went into the presentations. Finally, a pumpkin carving contest was held, with third place being won by a 4 year old! Well done everyone! See the galleries below. … [Read more...]
The first Great Feast of the Church Year is the Nativity of the Most-Holy Theotokos
Your Nativity, O Virgin, has proclaimed joy to the whole universe! The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, has shone from you, O Theotokos! By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, He has granted us eternal life. -Troparion of the Feast The first Great Feast to fall in the Church Year is the Nativity of the Most-Holy Theotokos. It is entirely fitting that at the beginning of the new religious year all Orthodox Christians should come before the highest example of human holiness that the Orthodox Church holds precious and venerates — that of Mary, the Theotokos and Mother of God. This day is seen as one of universal joy; for on this day — the boundary of … [Read more...]
September is National Preparedness Month
At ASONA, we take preparedness seriously, whether spiritual, mental, or physical. Start with this: IOCC Emergency Supply Checklist (basic) The IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) recommends that EVERYONE make preparations, or increase and improve their preparations during the month of September. ASONA’s website has a READY page, with a wealth of information to help you prepare. There you will find articles, and checklists, on many very real and frightening circumstances, including, Civil Unrest and Violence, Nuclear attack, EMP or loss of power, Covid-19 or other pandemic outbreaks, Martial Law, shelter-in-place orders, and more Also checklists for the … [Read more...]
Arizona Pastors Urge Flocks to VOTE NO on Prop 139
A grassroots effort has begun to unify Arizona Christian pastors around the sanctity of human life while providing a clear voice against the proposed “Arizona Abortion Access Act” (Prop 139) that will most likely be on the ballot November 2024. The proposed constitutional amendment called “The Abortion Access Act” makes abortion a “fundamental right” in Arizona. It puts that newly created right above the health and safety of girls and women and the life of the unborn. The amendment is written so broadly that, according to attorney analysis, it: Allows unlimited abortion up to birth under the broad “mental health” exemption that is frequently used to rubber stamp late-term abortion. … [Read more...]
Famous Greek TikTokker Becomes Orthodox Nun
A famous Greek TikToker with hundreds of thousands of followers gathered over the past eight years has dropped out of the “influencer” game to dedicate her life to Christ as a nun. 23-year-old Eleni Mazlou had nearly 480,000 followers who enjoyed her videos that often included scenes from everyday life, vacations, beauty tips, fashion, and other similar topics, reports the Union of Orthodox Journalists with reference to celebrity.reporter.com.cy. However, most of Mazlou’s videos recently disappeared, leaving her followers wandering what happened to her. Thus, she decided to publish photos on Instagram from her monastic tonsure, where she was given the name Ipomoni … [Read more...]
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