About Bishop Michael Callahan

The Most Reverend Michael Callahan serves as the Diocesan Bishop for the Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona, within the Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church of America (HOCCA). In addition to his responsibilities as bishop, he is the founding pastor of Saint Nicholas Western Orthodox Church, a new parish dedicated to bringing the authentic faith of the Apostolic Church to the local community in Avondale, Arizona.

A lifelong advocate for Christian First Principles, Bishop Callahan is also the author of the Authentic Faith Series, a collection of theological works focused on guiding believers toward the fullness of the ancient Christian faith. His ministry reflects a deep commitment to preserving Apostolic Tradition while addressing the spiritual needs of modern believers.

A Journey of Faith and Service

Bishop Callahan's path to Orthodoxy 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 the way, his experiences as a lay chaplain and third-order Franciscan shaped his pastoral sensitivity, giving him a heart for ministering to the sick, the suffering, and those seeking reconciliation with God.

Having personally endured great loss, including the deaths of two spouses to cancer, Bishop Callahan brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to ministry. His pastoral care and spiritual guidance are rooted in love, humility, and the desire to lead others along the narrow path to salvation (Matthew 7:13-14).

Saint Nicholas Western Orthodox Church: A New Beginning

As the founding pastor of Saint Nicholas Western Orthodox Church, Bishop Callahan is establishing a vibrant new parish that embodies the beauty of Orthodox worship and the depth of Apostolic Tradition. The parish offers a sanctuary for those seeking authentic faith, providing liturgical worship, the sacraments, and pastoral care free from the distractions of modern trends or political influences.

At Saint Nicholas, worship is centered on the Eucharist (John 6:53), with a commitment to the Holy Mysteries of the Church, including Confession, Baptism, and Chrismation. Bishop Callahan strives to make the richness of Western Orthodoxy accessible to all, blending ancient practices with modern devotion in ways that meet the spiritual needs of the local community.

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:

1. Pray Without Ceasing: Experience a Revival of One – A guide to deepening one’s prayer life through the ancient practice of continuous prayer.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 Callahan’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 Callahan 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 Callahan 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.