by Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon When we speak of excruciating pain, we do well to look at the etymology of that adjective: ex cruce, “out of the cross.” It is nearly impossible to exaggerate what the Savior suffered on the cross. Whether the cause of Jesus’ death was asphyxiation, or hypercarbia, or hypovolemic shock, or heart failure, or exsanguination, or total physical exhaustion brought on by tetanic contractions throughout his entire body—or any combination of these, or any other plausible suggestion—the astounding fact is that Jesus, at the very end, “cried out again with a loud voice.” From a medical perspective, this is surprising. Surely, it was the last thing anyone on … [Read more...]

With the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop Kyrill, a “Liturgical Practicum” was convened from 13-17 February 2025 (President’s Day Weekend) in Phoenix, AZ. Sponsored by the Western American Diocese Liturgical Committe, GreatMartyr Euphemia Orthodox Theological Academy, and All Saints of North America Orthodox Church, the practicum went for 5 solid days. The first day was a day dedicated to subdiaconal service and training, especially for hierarchical liturgy celebration. In addition to liturgical praxis, and many informative Q&A sessions following each liturgical service (all of which were livestreamed along with the practicum), there were Academic sessions which covered at a … [Read more...]

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...]