November Newsletter

Newsletter - November 2026

The Journey That Makes Us One

Christ is among us – He is and always shall be!

Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Recently, I came across an animated film from Latvia entitled Flow. It tells the story of a little black cat whose familiar world is suddenly overwhelmed by a great flood. Everything that once provided security disappears. The cat must leave its home and embark upon an uncertain journey. Eventually, the cat finds refuge in a small boat together with several other animals: a dog, a capybara, a lemur, and a bird. They are very different creatures, with different instincts and temperaments, and yet they find themselves sharing the same fragile vessel.

What makes this film extraordinary is that not a single word of human dialogue is spoken, yet it communicates something profound about fear, trust, sacrifice, and communion. At first, the cat is fiercely independent, suspicious of others, and afraid of the unknown. But gradually, it discovers that it cannot survive alone. It must learn to trust, receive help, and care for others. The cat begins its journey concerned with its own survival and ends having discovered the meaning of communion.

As I reflected upon this story, I could not help thinking about our precious Eparchy as a small boat on a great sea. It stretches across thirteen western states, from the deserts of Arizona to Alaska and Hawaii. Our parishes and missions are often separated by enormous distances. Some are small and struggling, while many are growing and discovering new opportunities. Yet we belong to one spiritual family, united in the Eucharist, our Byzantine Ruthenian tradition, and our common vocation to proclaim Jesus Christ. We are all in the same boat, and Christ has called us to journey together.

This year, we have witnessed beautiful signs of new life with the establishment of four new missions: in Marana, AZ; Santa Paula, CA; Fort Collins, CO; and Winlock, WA. They remind us that we are called to bring the light of Christ into new places and welcome others into our Eparchial family. As a missionary Church, we must be willing to set sail.

The little boat in Flow offers us a beautiful image of synodality: our calling to journey together, listen to one another, discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and share responsibility for Christ’s mission. No single animal possesses everything necessary for the journey. Each must learn to make room for the others. So it is with the Church: our priests, deacons, catechists, parents, young people, and parish communities all possess gifts entrusted to them by the Holy Spirit. Synodality means listening to the Holy Spirit together, recognizing the gifts He has entrusted to each of us, and placing them at the service of our common mission.

As we prepare for our 2027 Eparchial Evaluation Assembly, we are invited to reflect prayerfully on how we are growing as a synodal and missionary Church. This gathering will help us evaluate our journey together, recognize the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our parishes and missions, listen to one another, and discern where Christ is calling us next. It is not simply about reviewing what we have accomplished, but about renewing our commitment to the mission entrusted to us. Let us ask ourselves: Are we simply trying to survive, or are we learning to become a missionary Church? Our Divine Liturgy, icons, chant, and unique traditions are precious treasures meant to be shared with a world searching for God.

On November 15, we begin Philip’s Fast, our forty-day preparation for the Nativity of Our Lord. This holy season invites us to make room in our hearts for Christ and for one another. Like the little cat in Flow, we must learn to let go of what keeps us isolated: our fears, self-sufficiency, judgments, and unwillingness to trust. Through prayer, fasting, repentance, and works of mercy, the Holy Spirit opens our hearts to communion. Let us reach out to someone who feels forgotten, welcome a new family into our parish, pray for our missions, and share generously with those in need. This is how our fasting becomes missionary.

There is one essential truth that takes us beyond the story of Flow and brings us directly to the Gospel. We remember another little boat, tossed about by the waves on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples were terrified, but Jesus was with them. He rose and commanded the wind and sea to be still (Mk 4:35-41). We may not know what challenges await our Eparchy, but we know Who is traveling with us.

Let us go forth in peace, not alone, but together, with Christ in our midst. For it is Christ who makes us one and sends us forth on mission!

With my prayers and episcopal blessing, I wish you a blessed and spiritually fruitful Philip’s Fast.

✠ Artur

November Prayer Intentions From Bishop Artur

This is the month of the Thanksgiving holiday; let us give thanks to God for all the blessings we have received individually, as communities, and in this country. We also prepare for Christmas with the forty-day St. Philip’s fast. I ask that you pray for our faithful to focus on preparing our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child.

Information Regarding Duchovny Dom

This past September, Bishop Artur made a canonical visit to Duchovny Dom in Weston, Oregon. It was established that Duchovny Dom as not completed the necessary requirements to achieve the status of a canonically erected monastery.

As such, Duchovny Dom is a private property unaffiliated with the Eparchy of Phoenix. It is not permitted to accept men for monastic formation and should not be referred to as a monastery.

News From The Vatican

Pope Leo Requires No Further Treatment After Surgery

The Vatican Press Office released a brief but welcome statement on October 21, updating Pope Leo's condition following his surgery to remove a cancerous growth on his right lung.

“Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora report the following regarding the popeʼs postoperative recovery: Today, the final histological examinations and molecular biology tests on the tissue removed during the Holy Fatherʼs surgery were completed. The results confirmed that it was pulmonary adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized. A subsequent oncological assessment confirmed that no further treatment is necessary,” the statement said.

Clergy Retreat 2026: Renewing Our Call

Active priests, deacons and retired clergy from the Eparchy of Phoenix joined Bishop Artur on October 19 - 23 for the annual fall Clergy Retreat, held 30 minutes north of Phoenix. Every year the clergy gather to strengthen their vocations, pray, participate in discussions and presentations about their ministries and vocations, and enjoy fellowship with each other.

Father Chris Zugger served as the Retreat Master and presented a series of talks, reflections, and spiritual exercises for the clergy throughout the week.

Daily Divine Liturgies are the prayerful anchor of the retreat. A sight many do not typically see: all of the clergy are behind the altar to receive and partake of the Holy Mysteries together, after which any lay staff line up to receive as usual.

Each day, different clergy participate as celebrants. During this liturgy, Father Stephen Washko (Annunciation in Anaheim, CA) and Father Vasyl Mutka (St. Nicholas of Myra in Anchorage, AK) concelebrated with Bishop Artur, and Deacon Timothy Kelleher (St. George in Olympia, WA) read the Epistle and the Gospel. Father Forrest Tucker (Dormition of the Theotokos in Winlock, WA) was the Cantor.

Bishop Artur gives the homily during a Divine Liturgy.

Like any conference or gathering, meals are an ideal time to catch up and relax.

Subdeacon David Vonderohe, newly returned from his seminarian studies in Rome, makes a Profession of Faith and Declaration of Confidentiality upon taking appointments for the Tribunal of the Eparchy of Phoenix.

An important part of the retreat for the clergy is simply spending time in prayer and contemplation outdoors on the retreat grounds or in their rooms.

The retreat concluded on Thursday evening with the Mystery of Holy Anointing.

Bishop Artur Speaks at the 51st Arizona Rosary Celebration

On Saturday October 17 in Tucson, AZ and Sunday October 18 in Phoenix, Bishop Artur was invited to participate in the 51st Arizona Rosary Celebration as a Guest Speaker on both days. This year the annual event honored Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and Bishop Artur spoke of his personal devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help to over 8,000 people at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Tucson, the Phoenix Convention Center, and via live stream. His speech is available to read or to watch on YouTube.

Bishop Artur began his speech by describing Our Lady of Perpetual Help as "a woman who has been following me for most of my life."

Bishop Artur and Monsignor James Shea, the event's other guest speaker, together at the reception dinner in Tucson on Saturday evening.

Monsignor Shea joins Bishop Artur in the procession on Sunday.

Father Michael Mandelas and parishioners of Saint Stephen Cathedral before joining the procession of attendees.

The banner of St. Stephen Cathedral, with two 8' Byzantine crosses, joins the procession.

"I come to you from inside the icon." Bishop Artur told the crowd about growing up in the Soviet Union and the journey that led to him becoming shepherd of the Eparchy of Phoenix as its sixth bishop.

He described how Our Lady of Perpetual Help features prominently in his episcopal coat of arms, and noted that his only parish that he pastored before becoming bishop shared this devotion.

Bishop Artur, seen above in Tucson on Saturday, presented in his speeches an icon that was shot by Soviet soldiers in an act of desecration and is connected to martyrs of our Church. Just as the Christ child is comforted by His mother in the icon, we too face evil today and seek her comfort.

However, "We should not be afraid because Our Lady leads us to the encounter with Jesus, and Jesus leads us through the cross to the resurrection. And resurrection is the foundation of our hope."

Click here to read Bishop Artur's speech.

Watch Bishop Artur's speech on YouTube

November 15 - December 24: The Nativity / St. Philip's Fast

The Pre-Christmas Fast, or Saint Philip’s Fast (Filipovka) is connected to Saint Philip the Apostle because his feast day is forty days before Christmas, and forty days has a repeated biblical significance. The fasting is designed to help us to prepare to see Christ come into the world, and traditionally is concluded with the Holy Supper on Christmas Eve.

When we arrive at Bethlehem on December 25, we should begin to prepare for the Baptism of the Lord. The Nativity and the Theophany are two sides of one coin. Our enjoyment of Christmas should drive us forward to see the Theophany. The St. Philip Fast is an important part of preparation for these joyous and momentous events in our liturgical life.

The customary Philip's Fast includes a strict abstinence on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and a lesser abstinence (mitigation for wine and oil) on Tuesday and Thursday. The Ruthenian Metropolia has identified this period as a penitential season. This fast may be observed voluntarily, partially, or in its entirety. Speak with your parish priest for more guidance.

Learn more about the St. Philip's Fast

Christmas Cards from Mission Society In Parishes

Christmas cards from the Mission Society of Our Lady of Boronyavo are now available in parishes in the Eparchy of Phoenix! The cover this year features a silver Nativity icon, and they are sold in packs of five for $15. All proceeds benefit Ukrainian relief, and you are invited to send with your payment a list of names that will be prayed for by Bishop Teodor of the Eparchy of Mukachevo on Christmas Day.

Visit the Mission Society's website to learn more, or to order online if you are not near one of our parishes.

Parishioners Organize Men's Retreat at Mt. Lemmon Shrine

Parishioners from Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Albuquerque, NM and Saint Melany in Tucson, AZ organized a joint retreat at the Mary Undoer of Knots Shrine in Mount Lemmon, AZ on Friday, October 24 through Sunday, October 25. The parishioners worked with Bishop Artur and Father Diodoro Mendoza of Saint Melany in Tucson to schedule its use for the retreat. They were joined by Father Nathan Adams of Our Lady of Wisdom in Las Vegas, NV for a weekend of prayer, renewal, and bonding.

Bishop Artur, Father Nathan Adams, and the parishioners of St. Melany and Our Lady of Perpetual Help at the Mary Undoer of Knots Shrine in Mount Lemmon, AZ.

Father Nathan Adams and the men of the retreat in prayer.

If you are interested in visiting the Mary Undoer of Knots Shrine,
call (520) 886-4225 for the latest information.

Keep Up To Date With "The Catechist"

The next edition of The Catechist - a newsletter from Father Chris Zugger, Director of Education and Envangelization - is live and available for everyone. In the most recent edition, Father Chris covers:

Customs and ideas for the Saint Philip Fast
Planning ahead for the Christmas season
The Christmas Carolers tradition
Ask Father Chris, including "Why do people kiss the icon before receiving Holy Communion?"

This edition and past archives are available at ephx.org/the-catechist

Presentations From Catechist Retreat Now On YouTube!

After some delays that were out of our hands, we are very pleased to invite everybody to watch many of the presentations from this summer that were a part of the first annual eparchial catechist retreat that took place at Saint Stephen Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ. You are welcome to watch these videos whether you attended and want to review what was presented, or get an idea of what the catechists experienced.

Speak with your parish priests and catechists if you would like to be involved in this very important ministry.

Watch the presentations on the eparchy's YouTube channel.

CGS Atrium Blessed at St. Stephen Cathedral

Bishop Artur blessed the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium at Saint Stephen Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ earlier in October. The atrium was put together by volunteers this summer in time to host the first catechist retreat and serve as a model for CGS atriums across the eparchy.

Does your parish have a CGS atrium? Has it been blessed by Bishop Artur? Send photos to have it featured!

Deacon James Danovich, Bishop Artur, CGS Formation Leader MIndy Longwell, Father Chris Zugger, and Father Michael Mandelas at the Cathedral's atrium.

There was no shortage of holy water.

Iconography, activity areas, and replicas of important scenes from church history (the Temple in Jerusalem is featured on the left) help children interact with learning in a hands-on, engaging way.

This detailed replica of the altar at Saint Stephen Cathedral (it's about a foot tall!) helps kids at the cathedral learn about worship in a way that is specific to their experience.

Bishop Artur Visits St. Basil in Los Gatos, CA

Bishop Artur visited St. Basil the Great in Los Gatos, CA on Saturday October 10 and Sunday October 11. He celebrated Great Vespers on Saturday evening and stayed for a sit-down Q&A session with young adults and visitors. On Sunday, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and continued with fellowship in the hall to visit with Father Anthony Hernandez, parishioners, and visitors from across the Bay Area.

Bishop Artur with clergy, parishioners and visitors at Saint Basil in Los Gatos, CA.

Bishop Artur and Father Anthony Hernandez.

Great Vespers on Saturday evening.

Young adults and parishioners stayed after Great Vespers to have an informal Q&A with Bishop Artur.

Bishop Artur, Father Anthony (right), Father Michael Pentacura visiting from Our Lady of Peace in Santa Clara, CA (left) and the servers at Saint Basil.

Bishop Artur also made a sacramental visit to homebound parishioners of St. Basil, Arden and Leo Parrott.

Mission of Blessed Theodore in Ft. Collins Celebrates Feast

Bishop Artur visited the Mission of Blessed Theodore Romzha, Ft. Collins CO on the occasion of its patronal feast on October 31. He celebrated a hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Mission, which bears the name of the patron of Bishop Artur's vocation. The mission in Fort Collins is one of four that were raised in 2026, as the Eparchy of Phoenix continues to grow.

The next day, Bishop Artur visited Holy Protection of the Mother of God in Denver, CO and celebrated a Divine Liturgy with the parish that gave birth to the mission in Fort Collins.

Bishop Artur celebrates the hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the patronal feast of the Mission of Blessed Theodore Romzha in Fort Collins, CO.

In the Gospel reading Christ says to the disciples "Let the greatest among you be as the youngest." Bishop Romzha was the youngest bishop in the world at the time of his consecration, at 33 years of age.

The clergy and parishioners of the Mission of Blessed Theodore Romzha, Ft. Collins with Bishop Artur

Bishop Artur celebrated the hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Protection of the Mother of God in Denver, CO on Sunday.

Bishop Artur and the clergy and faithful of Holy Protection of the Mother of God in Denver.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help's Annual "Byzantine Bazaar"

Every year Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Albuquerque, NM holds a Byzantine Bazaar, and this year was no different. Activities include traditional Ukrainian food & baked goods, guided tours of the parish, books and icons from the gift shop, raffles, pysanky demonstrations, and fun for kids. The parish uses proceeds to support relief for the war in Ukraine as well as fundraising for the New Building Fund.

Father Joshua Johnson and volunteer staff man the gift shop.

Ukrainian shashlyk cook over open flame.

OLPH parishioner Rafael Plut shows last year's Christmas cards as well as the design for this upcoming year's cards at the Mission Society's booth - they are available now!

Rolls, loafs, cakes and pastry treats were for sale and enjoyed.

Live Ukrainian music filled the background during the festivities.

IRA Rollover Opportunity - End of Year

As the calendar year comes to a conclusion, please consider ways that you can contribute to the legacy of our eparchy in a tax-advantaged way. For example, those age 70½ or older with an IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) can be a thoughtful and tax-efficient way to make a meaningful gift.

A QCD allows you to direct funds from your IRA directly to a qualified charity, such as the Holy Protection of Mary Foundation. For individuals who are required to take annual distributions from their IRA (RMD), a QCD may satisfy all or part of that requirement while potentially offering valuable tax benefits.

Learn more about this opportunity here.

Bishop Artur Joins St. Thomas in Gilbert For Octoberfest

Saint Thomas in Gilbert, AZ was joined by Bishop Artur as it held its traditional Octoberfest celebration. Bishop Artur celebrated a Divine Liturgy before the fun began and helped raffle off a 70" TV along with icons and other prizes to help raise building funds, which were matched by GCU.

Bishop Artur blesses parishioners at the end of the Divine Liturgy at Saint Thomas.

The party in full swing at the parish hall.

A bounce house and pumpkin painting kept kids tired and happy, just how we like them!

The East Valley of Arizona... or downtown Munich?

Bishop Artur with Father Adam Lowe and parishioners drawing the raffle winners.

Holy Archangel Michael and All Angelic Powers: November 8

Saint Luke is the author of both his gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, which should be read as one unit. A Greek physician from Antioch, he was converted by the preaching of Paul. The Acts are dedicated to an unknown governor of the province of Antioch. He is also said to have been the companion of Cleophas on the road to Emmaus. Another tradition claims that he was among the Seventy Disciples who followed Christ during his preaching.

His detailed Infancy narrative in chapters 1 - 2 of his Gospel is believed to have been collected through interviews he conducted with Our Lady and members of the extended family of Christ in Nazareth. As a result, Luke is also credited with creating the first icons of Mary and the Christ Child.