23 Catechumens Enter Church on Lazarus Saturday
All Saints of North America Orthodox Church saw its largest baptism ever, showing strong growth and a steady rise of new members in the parish.
SUN CITY, AZ — On Lazarus Saturday, April 4, 2026, a significant milestone was reached at All Saints of North America Orthodox Church as 23 catechumens were received into the Orthodox faith through baptism. This marks the largest group ever baptized at one time in the parish’s history, highlighting the parish’s vibrant community and the deepening commitment of its new members.
The baptisms represent only part of a broader wave of new faithful entering the community. As of now, 27 additional catechumens are continuing their preparation for future reception into the Church, signaling sustained growth and spiritual commitment within the parish. Another individual was also formally made a catechumen on Palm Sunday.
Clergy and parishioners alike have expressed gratitude for what they describe as the building up of a new generation of Orthodox Christians. The occasion was marked by thanksgiving and hope for the Church’s future.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a mass baptism was celebrated at the Alexandria Patriarchate mission in Tanzania.