The Baptism of The Lord The Lord came to the Jordan and was baptized of John not because he was in need of that cleansing, but so that He might fulfill all that was attributable to human nature, which He had assumed, and to show that He had a true body and that he truly was an actual man. He did not want to transgress the law, and so answered: For thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness (Math. 3:15). It was for this reason that He entered into the waters of Baptism. But in so doing, He gave them incomparably more than He could receive from them, for he was in need of nothing. For with His light He illuminated those very waters, and gave them a certain special power by which those … [Read more...]

  Click HERE to Register for Practicum NOW Hotel information A block of rooms for Practicum participants has been reserved at the local Drury Inn 2335 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85027 Ask for group: All Saints of North America Orthodox Church Click here to register: https://www.druryhotels.com/bookandstay/newreservation/?groupno=10139584 Please make your reservations by Thursday, January 30, 2025 to receive your group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability. Reservations may also be made by calling 1-800-325-0720 and referring to your group number 10139584. Questions? Email office@orthodoxacademy.org Sponsored by The … [Read more...]

The IOCC is on the ground in LA. A gift to IOCC’s US Emergency Response Fund allows IOCC to mobilize aid quickly and effectively. Your generosity helps address immediate needs following crises like this one, as well as supporting long-term recovery efforts. Join us in helping those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles and consider making a donation today. On January 7, a wildfire was ignited in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles that grew into a massive fire which so far has burned more than 23,000 acres. Another fire near Pasadena also ignited on Tuesday, burning at least 14,000 acres. Other fires have also broken out in the region, though their damage has been less significant … [Read more...]

Many of us are aware of the devastating fires that have struck the Los Angeles area and Southern California this week. Tens of thousands of acres burned; cities and neighborhoods leveled; lives lost and miles of decimation. It is in these moments that Orthodox Christians need to demonstrate the spiritual fortitude given to them, by the Grace of God, to help all those in need. First, I call upon the flock of the Western American Diocese to pray for an end to the suffering caused by the horrible infernos. “It is vital to continue in prayer for as long as we can, so that His invincible strength may penetrate and enable us to resist every destructive influence” - St. Sophrony of … [Read more...]

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill toward men. (Luke 2:14) CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM! Your Graces, Reverend-Fathers and beloved in Christ! Christ was born into the world for one exclusive purpose – to redeem man’s fallen nature and to offer to man, once again, the gift of full communion with God as it was in the Garden of Eden. St. John of Damascus writes that “The Son of God became man in order that He might again grace man as He had when He had made him.” God took flesh so that He could share a bond with us, through Jesus Christ, and form a mystical union with us that knows no limits of time, place or any other restriction that our own feeble minds can … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]

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...]