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About Bishop Michael
The Most Reverend Michael serves as the Diocesan Bishop for the Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona, within the Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church of America (HOCACA). He is also the founding pastor of Saint Nicholas Western Orthodox Church, a growing parish dedicated to sharing the authentic faith of the Apostolic Church with the local community in Avondale, Arizona.
A lifelong advocate for Christian First Principles, Bishop Michael is the author of the Authentic Faith Series, a collection of theological works designed to guide believers toward the fullness of the ancient Christian faith. His ministry reflects an unwavering commitment to preserving Apostolic Tradition while addressing the unique spiritual challenges of contemporary life.
A Journey of Faith and Service
Bishop Michael’s spiritual journey began in Evangelical Protestantism, where he initially identified as a fundamentalist Christian. His search for deeper spiritual truths and closer alignment with the teachings of the Apostolic Church led him to Orthodoxy. Along this path, his experiences as a lay chaplain and third-order Franciscan shaped his pastoral heart, giving him a deep empathy for those seeking reconciliation with God.
Through a lifetime of ministry and reflection, Bishop Michael has cultivated a compassionate approach to pastoral care, grounded in love, humility, and a desire to help others walk the narrow path to salvation (Matthew 7:13-14).
Saint Nicholas Western Orthodox Church: A New Beginning
The parish of Saint Nicholas Western Orthodox Church is in its early stages, laying a strong foundation for a faithful and vibrant community. Under Bishop Michael’s leadership, the parish embodies the beauty of Orthodox worship and the depth of Apostolic Tradition. It offers a sanctuary for those seeking authentic faith, focusing on liturgical worship, the sacraments, and pastoral care free from the distractions of modern trends and ideologies.
At the heart of Saint Nicholas Church is the Eucharist (John 6:53), along with a commitment to the Holy Mysteries of the Church, including Confession, Baptism, and Chrismation. The parish blends ancient practices with modern devotion, providing a place of spiritual growth and renewal for all who seek God.
The Authentic Faith Series
Bishop Callahan is the author of the Authentic Faith Series, a collection of works designed to reconnect believers with the first principles of Christianity as taught by Christ, the Apostles, and the early Church Fathers.
The series includes:
Pray Without Ceasing: Experience a Revival of One – A guide to deepening one’s prayer life through the ancient practice of continuous prayer.
Deathly Silence: What’s the Deal with Sin in Our Age? – A challenging exploration of sin, repentance, and reconciliation in an age of moral ambiguity.
Faith of Our Fathers: A Baseline for an Authentic Faith – A foundational study of the Apostolic Faith, offering insights into the essential teachings of the early Church.
What is a Christian: An Ancient Understanding – A reflection on what it means to be a follower of Christ, based on the teachings of the Apostles and early Church Fathers.
Church History: A Patristic View (In Progress) – A forthcoming volume that examines the history of the Church through the lens of the early Church Fathers, offering a critical perspective on post-Great Schism and Reformation developments.
A Call to the Narrow Path
Bishop Michael’s ministry and writings emphasize the importance of walking the narrow path that leads to salvation. He teaches that authentic Christianity requires not only faith in Christ but also active participation in the sacramental life of the Church. His mission is to guide believers toward an authentic expression of Orthodoxy, uniting faith and practice in the fullness of the Apostolic Tradition.
An Invitation to Discover Authentic Faith
Through his work as bishop, author, and pastor, Bishop Michael invites all who seek truth to explore Western Orthodoxy and rediscover the beauty of the ancient Christian faith. Whether you are new to Orthodoxy or searching for a deeper connection to God, Saint Nicholas Western Orthodox Church offers a welcoming community committed to spiritual renewal and growth.
Bishop Michael also welcomes dialogue with believers of all backgrounds, offering thoughtful conversation on the teachings of the Apostolic Church and the importance of remaining faithful to its principles. Join us at Saint Nicholas Western Orthodox Church in Avondale, Arizona, and embark on a journey of faith, guided by the truth and grace of Christ.