Arizona Antiochian Parish Reports 158 Catechumens

MESA, AZ — St. Ignatius Orthodox Church of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America now has 158 catechumens preparing to enter the Orthodox Church after welcoming 65 new catechumens over the weekend.

“The Lord blessed us with 65 catechumens this past weekend!” the parish announced on social media. Khouria Karen Coles confirmed the updated total, noting that the community is led by her husband, Fr. James Coles, with Fr. Justin Olmstead serving as assistant priest.

Founded in 1999, St. Ignatius was established to serve English-speaking Orthodox Christians in the eastern Phoenix metropolitan area. The parish initially met in temporary locations before moving to its own property as the congregation grew.

The congregation initially met in a Mesa Public Schools conference room before moving through several temporary locations, including a warehouse, an RV garage and the Trailside Center on Main Street. James Coles became the parish's pastor in 2005, succeeding two previous priests: Fr. Edward Kelly and Fr. Elias Ziton.

As the congregation expanded, it enlarged its storefront worship space several times. In 2012, parishioners voted unanimously to purchase property and convert an office building into a church.

By its 20th anniversary in 2019, the parish had grown to approximately 100 families, many with young children. That year, the congregation also voted unanimously to accept the gift of a nine-acre property at 2402 N. Usery Pass Road. The latest increase in catechumens marks another significant development for the community as it continues to welcome people preparing to join the Orthodox Church.

Previously the UOJ reported that a Washington State Antiochian Parish Baptized 29 and 78 Catechumens await Baptism.