On Wednesday, July 13, an historic visit by an Orthodox bishop will take place at the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Prescott Valley.
His Grace Right Reverend James Bishop of Sonora will make a pastoral visitation to the people of the local mission parish. This will mark the first time an Orthodox bishop has visited Prescott Valley, Bishop James’ second to Arizona this year, and the third pastoral visit by an Orthodox bishop in a single calendar year.
The Orthodox Church in Arizona has seen unprecedented growth in the past few years, and several new churches have established themselves, sometimes in what some previously considered unlikely locations. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the Russian Orthodox churches in Arizona were some of the very few that remained open, and continued services without interruption.
Bishop James will arrive for a Molieben service for the blessing of the beginning of a good work, and a light reception to St. Nicholas Church at 6 p.m.
