PHOENIX, Ariz.—The morning sun is heavenly bright as the faithful begin arriving at Holy Archangels Orthodox Church in Phoenix, just minutes before the 9 a.m. start of the Sunday liturgy service. The men have all come dressed in their best church attire. As their tradition requires, the women are all wearing skirts in muted colors, with their heads wrapped in veils. The children are all obedient and respectful. Upon entering the church, the parishioners make the sign of the cross and bow at the waist before they take their standing positions, waiting for the liturgy to begin in Russian. All is quiet—except for the muffled voices of Deacon Sebastian and Priest John conversing behind gilded doors to the church rectory. Within the hallowed church walls on March 6 is a vast array of religious images and icons, and softly glowing candles. For here, there is no political strife. No ethnic …
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