UPDATE AS OF AUG 1, 2025: We thank everyone who donated for Phase I-A (purchase of land). May God bless you! Our next goal is to collect funds for Phase I-B - install a shared well & water tank which is reflected in the overall fundraising dollar amount.

Phase I - Land & Utilities: Total $84,000
A. Acquire 1.25 acres of land in Florence, AZ: $20,000
B. Install a shared well & a personal water tank: approximately $25,000-$27,000
C. Run electricity to the property & install septic - $37,000

The Orthodox Mission of St Photios is building a church and is inviting you to participate in this humble undertaking. Founded in May 2022, the Mission has steadily grown, serving a vibrant multinational Orthodox Christian community. Without a permanent space, we have been gathering in private homes, offices, barns, and local park, enduring Arizona summer temperatures exceeding 100°F. Despite these challenges, our faith in Christ and our desire to pray and serve in Slavonic remains unwavering.

We are seeking funds to purchase land and build a splendid temple - a sacred space for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Your donation is not just a financial gift, it is a reflection of your love for God and His Church. Every contribution, no matter how large or small, plays a vital role in building a church for the faithful Orthodox Christians. We are hopeful that our mission finds a response in your heart. Together, we can bring this vision to life for the glory of God.

All donors with contributions of $300 or more will be prayerfully remembered during our daily Psalms prayers for 40 days, thanking God for your role in fulfilling His work on Earth. For larger gifts Orthodox Christians will be commemorated during our Divine services indefinitely. All contributions are considered to be charitable donations and therefore, tax deductible: AZ 501(c)(3) Non-profit religious organization. Entity ID: 23628143.

Dont wait. Give Now. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity.

“Give, and it will be given to you.” - Luke 6:38
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” - Acts 20:35

Sincerely,

Fr. John, priest-in-charge & St Photios The Great Orthodox Church
Phone: (928) 910 2186
Email: frjohn@arizonaorthodox.com
Mailing address:
St Photios the Great Orthodox Church
PO Box 131
Valley Farms, AZ 85191

Our project: A Vision in Three Phases

The building process will unfold in two phases. Each phase of the project will begin as soon as we reach the fundraising goal for that phase. We will start by acquiring land and a small building for the chapel to meet the immediate needs of our growing parish.

Phase I - Land & Utilities: Total $84,000
A. Acquire 1.25 acres of land in Florence, AZ: $20,000
B. Install a shared well & a personal water tank: approximately $25,000-$27,000
C. Run electricity to the property & install septic - $37,000

Phase II - Building purchase & set up: Total $95,000
A. Purchase used 1,800 Sq Ft manufactured home: $65,000
B. Deliver and set up the building: $20,000
C. Renovate the mobile home: $10,000

Phase III - Chapel interior & surrounding area: COST TBD
A. Build an altar & install a chapel dome.
B. Build fence, entry gates and landscape the property.

Phase I & II SUBTOTAL: $179,000 Church Render

Together We Build

By St. Photios The Great Orthodox Church

Together We Build

Stones of Faith, Walls of Love. Help us build the church!

Team Members