THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN WHAT YOU'RE EXPERIENCING
You Are Called To...
Step into a life of healing, purpose, and transformation
through a real encounter with Jesus Christ in His
One, Holy, Catholic & Apostolic Church.
Experience True Worship.
Enjoy the heavenly sound of the best Orthodox Liturgical Acapella Choir in all of Arizona.
“We no longer knew whether we were in heaven or on earth…
We only know that God dwells there among men, and their service
is fairer than the ceremonies of other nations.”
- Prince Vladimir's Emissaries · Hagia Sophia, Constantinople · 987 AD
Watch & Listen
Holy Thursday
St. John the Evangelist - Mesa, AZ
Holy Friday
St. John the Evangelist - Mesa, AZ
Pascha · Apr 12 2026
St. John the Evangelist - Mesa, AZ
Paralytic Sunday
St. John the Evangelist - Mesa, AZ
Samaritan Woman
St. John the Evangelist - Mesa, AZ
Blind Man Sunday
St. John the Evangelist - Mesa, AZ
Orthodox Church in America Diocese of the West
Your Search for Truth
Has Brought You Here
For a Reason.
Dear Friend in Christ,Your search for truth matters.
And perhaps… it has brought you here today for a reason.
Because deep down, you know something isn't right.
You've tried to follow Christ. You've prayed. You've read the Scriptures.
And yet…
Some nights, you lie awake wondering:
“Am I on the right path?”
“Why does God feel so far away?”
“Where is the early Church I read about in the Book of Acts?”
You are not alone.
Today, there are tens of thousands of Christian denominations in the world. Different teachings. Different interpretations. Different paths.
And you're left asking: “How do I know what is true?”
Meanwhile, real life doesn't pause. You're carrying responsibilities…
- …Raising children in a world that is pulling them away from Christ
- …Trying to hold your marriage together
- …Balancing finances, stress, and the quiet fear of falling behind
And spiritually? It can feel like you're doing it all on your own.
- …You pray… but sometimes it feels like silence.
- …You believe… but doubts still creep in.
- …You long for peace… but anxiety remains.
This is what many quietly endure. We call it the silent struggle.
Living… but not truly at peace.
Believing… but not fully alive in Christ.
But hear this clearly: This is not what God created you for.
Christ did not come to give you confusion. Or isolation. Or exhaustion.
“He came that you may have life… and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10Jesus Christ Himself gave us the answer:
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
John 14:6He did not leave us with a book alone, or a feeling, or a private interpretation. He left us His living Body - His Church. (1 Tim 3:15) (1 Tim 3:15)
And for over 2,000 years, His Church has preserved that way of life — unchanged.
Today, in America, something remarkable is happening. Thousands of people - especially young families - are discovering the Orthodox Church for the first time. Not as an idea, but as a living encounter with the True God.
Why? Because they are finding what their hearts have always longed for:
- ✦A faith that has not changed
- ✦Worship full of reverence and beauty
- ✦A real spiritual family - not just a crowd
- ✦Guidance from the Holy Fathers and Saints who have walked the path
- ✦And most importantly… the living presence of Jesus Christ
Beloved, you are not searching for information.
You are searching for Life.
- …For Peace that remains even when life is hard.
- …For Truth you can trust.
- …For a place where your children can grow in holiness.
- …For a community that will walk with you - not just on Sundays, but in life.
And that life is not something new. It is ancient. It is living. It is here.
You do not have to figure this out on your own. You are not lost. You are not alone. And you are not without a path.
Christ is calling you. Not into an idea… but into His Body. His Church. His life.
So we extend to you a simple invitation — one that has been given from the beginning:
“Come and See.” - John 1:46Come and experience the beauty of true worship.
Come and stand in the presence of God.
Come and meet a community that desires to live fully in Christ.
We would be honored to welcome you and your family.
There Is More To Life
Than What You're Experiencing.
Something is wrong. You feel it in your bones. The old cures aren't working anymore. Deep down, you already know:
The Addiction
Pornography, alcohol, substances, the phone that never leaves your hand. You've tried to stop. You've failed. You've stopped trying.
The Rage
A short fuse at home. Words you can't take back. A version of yourself that scares you when no one's looking.
The Broken Bonds
A marriage bleeding out. Children you've lost the words to reach. Family wounds that never close.
The Emptiness
You've achieved the things. Bought the things. And still — at 2am — the void stares back.
Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they find their rest in Thee.
- ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPOYou Are Called
To Be A Saint.
Not a nicer person. Not a slightly-more-religious version of who you already are. A saint. A human being set on fire with the uncreated light of God.
This is the plain teaching of the Orthodox Church, unchanged since the Apostles. It has a name: Theosis - the slow, sacred work of becoming by grace what Christ is by nature.
"I said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the Most High." — Psalm 82:6
Like any athlete, the soul must be trained. Fasting. Prayer. Confession. Communion. The ancient practices the Desert Fathers used to become angels in the flesh.
FOR THE SOUL
The training ground. The exercises. The coach. The Church.
The Journey From
Glory To Glory.
There is no rush. No pressure. No altar call. Orthodoxy walks with you at the pace of your soul - the ancient path the Apostles themselves walked.
Inquirer
You show up. You ask questions. You watch. You pray and learn from members of the community. Nothing is asked of you except your honest curiosity. Stay as long as you need.
"Come and See." - John 1:46
Catechumen
You've decided. You're ready to formally be engaged to Christ in His Holy Orthodox Church. Father Andre walks you through the ancient Faith, one catechism class and meeting at a time.
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come." - Isaiah 60:1
Baptized
In the Mystery of Baptism you put on Christ. You are buried with Christ and raised a new creation. Now the real training begins. A lifetime of growing deeper - from glory to glory - with the saints as your coaches.
"Changed into the same image." - 2 Cor. 3:18
From Prodigal
To Saint.
The greatest heroes of the Church were not born holy. They were murderers, prostitutes, sorcerers, and atheists. Then grace found them. These are real people. Your transformation can be real too.
There is no sin the mercy of Christ cannot forgive.
The only unforgivable sin is the one you refuse to bring to Him.
Real People.
Real Healing.
"I had been away from church for ten years. I walked in alone and as I entered, I felt the zeal for God that I'd had as a child come flooding back. I felt completely at peace. I called my mom, my dad, my sister, my wife - I told them all we had found home. I completed catechesis in 2 years and was baptized in 2020. I am eternally grateful."
"St. John's is a place of true healing. I found this spiritual home during a very difficult time in my family's life. From the first Divine Liturgy, I knew I was finally home. Father Andre leads with such kindness and grace. I was raised Baptist and after leaving the church at age 18, I began a spiritual search. My search is over and now the journey begins."
"I grew up in the Orthodox Church and mainly went to one parish my whole life. When I moved to the Phoenix area for college, I was so nervous about finding the same kind of Orthodox community I had back home. From the very first time I came to Saint John's, I was welcomed with open arms. The parish quickly became my home away from home, and the community here has truly become my chosen family."
"A Divine Home Away from Home. My family and I were considering a move from Phoenix to Austin. We were there for four years prior to finding this church. The love and support we found within these walls were so profound that we decided to stay. It's not just a place of worship - it's a place where hearts connect and lives are enriched. If you're seeking a spiritual home that combines reverence, beauty, and community, St. John's is the place for you."
"This church is wonderful! We love the new location in Mesa - it's beautiful. It's our home away from home. My husband and I have been members for years. Father Andre Paez is the best spiritual leader you could ask for, and Matushka Anna is the backbone to this family of God - loving Christians seeking salvation. Glory to God for St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church!"
"As someone from a different religious background, St. John's welcomed me with kindness and sincerity. I felt embraced like family. Father Andre's love, hospitality, and care for others go beyond boundaries. Overall, St. John's is a beautiful place not only of worship but of true community."
"Hello brothers and sisters. Come and we knock and the door will be open to you, for God welcomes those who seek Him. I encourage anyone who is looking for the truth - it is here. The church. The first day I attended St. John's, everyone was welcoming and received me with joy. I'm very thankful to Father Andre for his dedication, devotion and faith to the church and the Lord Jesus Christ. Glory be to God forever."
"Love this church! Feels like home. Father Andre is one of the most passionate clergy when speaking about Orthodoxy and history - the events of Christ and the Church. No matter your denomination or creed, definitely pay a visit to hear a liturgy at St. John's."
Join a community that will walk with you - not just on Sundays, but in life.
PLAN YOUR VISITMore Than Sunday Morning.
A Community For Life.
St. John's lives beyond Sunday Liturgy. Our Mighty Network is the digital home of the parish - where the faithful connect, serve, volunteer, grow, and journey through life together every day of the week.
Your Parish.
In Your Pocket.
Plan Your Visit &
Get The Free Books.
The ancient faith isn't learned from a book alone - it is tasted, smelled, heard, and seen. Walk in and our greeters will welcome you and help you feel right at home.
Our Location
1763 N Gilbert Rd
Mesa, Arizona 85203
5-BOOK LIBRARY
OF THE HOLY FATHERS.
Instant download. Free. No strings. Just the foundational writings that have formed saints for 2,000 years.
- ✠The Way Into The Kingdom Of Heaven - St. Innocent of Alaska
- ✠On The Acquisition Of The Holy Spirit - St. Seraphim of Sarov
- ✠On Prayer - St. Theophan
- ✠The Didache - Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (1st century)
- ✠Scripture And The Church - A Reader's Guide
Stay Connected to
Parish Life.
From Sunday Liturgies and Great Feasts to parish studies, community meals, and special services, our calendar keeps you connected to the rhythm of Orthodox life at St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church.
Frequently Asked.
I'm not Orthodox. Can I still come?
Yes. Absolutely. The Church has always welcomed seekers. Many of our visitors come from non-denominational, Protestant, Catholic, or other backgrounds who are exploring the ancient Christian faith. Others are simply curious and have never attended church before. Wherever you're coming from, you're welcome here. Come and see. Observe, pray, ask questions, and take your time. No pressure. No expectations. Most of us started exactly where you are.
What do I wear? What happens when I walk in?
Modest, comfortable clothing. Men typically wear slacks and a collared shirt; women wear a dress or skirt. When you arrive, someone will greet you, hand you a service book, and help orient you. You are not expected to know what's happening. Simply come, observe, listen and experience the divine services. We won't ask you to stand up, introduce yourself, or make a donation. We simply want to offer a place where you can encounter Christ.
Why don't you have contemporary music / a band / a coffee bar?
Because our goal is not to create a worship experience. Our goal is to enter into worship itself. The music, prayers, incense, icons, and liturgy we use have been handed down through centuries of Christian life. We are trying to preserve and live the faith received from the Apostles rather than reinvent it for each generation.
Can I receive communion?
Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church is for baptized and confessed Orthodox Christians, because it is a sign of full union with the Church. But everyone is welcome to come forward at the end of Liturgy to be greeted by Father Andre. kiss the cross and receive blessed bread - a small, ancient gesture of welcome.
I have kids. A lot of kids. Are they welcome?
Children are not a distraction from worship—they are part of worship. Ours is a joyful, family-filled parish. Babies cry. Toddlers wiggle. That's normal. Bring them. We wouldn't want it any other way.
What if I've done something I can't be forgiven for?
You haven't. Read again about St. Moses the Black. About St. Mary of Egypt. About the Prodigal Son. There is no sin the mercy of Christ cannot swallow. The only unforgivable sin is the one you refuse to bring to Him. Come. Start there.
Give From the Heart.
God Loves a Cheerful Giver.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
How to Give with Zelle
Giving through Zelle is fast, free, and secure - no fees, no middlemen. Your gift goes directly to St. John the Evangelist Church.
Open the app for your bank or credit union - most major banks include Zelle built in.
Tap 'Send with Zelle,' then scan the QR code - or search by Zelle tag.
Search give2stjohnaz - that's it. No account sign-up required.
Enter whatever the Lord has placed on your heart and confirm. Thank you for your generosity!
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST
at give2stjohnaz
Scan with your banking app to give instantly.
No Zelle account? You can also give by check made out to St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church and placed in the basket on Sunday.