Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Apostle Peter - Fresno, California

Randy McAtee

This has been our home parish for over 27 years. My wife and I are converts to the Orthodox faith after having wandered around nondenominational - evangelical - charismatic churches.

I happened to be in the Berean Bookstore on Blackstone ~1995 looking for some books on early church history. One of the store managers, upon learning what I was trying to find there, told me that I was in the wrong place. He explained to me that essentially everything in the store, with the exception of a couple of books (which I had already read) was post-reformation. He suggested that I go to an Orthodox Church and ask to borrow some books from their library. He happed to know Fr. Jim Pappas at St George's and recommended I give him a visit.

Some weeks later I decided I would take his advice so I picked up a phonebook (no internet back then) and looked up Orthodox Churches. The one that popped out to me happened to be St Peters whose priest was / is Fr. George (instead of St. George's whose priest is is Fr. Jim). Since it was ALL Greek to me I went ahead and called St Peters and spoke with Fr. George who confirmed that, indeed, he had several books about early church history, and that I was welcome to come down and borrow them.

So, I met with the padre, we had a nice chat, and he sent me on my way with several books on early early church history and orthodox faith. Some weeks passed and I returned to his office, had another chat and left with another small stack of books.

Then I dropped into vespers (the evening prayer service) to kinda check out the vibe and really enjoyed the experience. This church is not 4 white walls with and a podium up front with a cross on it; no, it has the smells (incense) and the bells, and beautiful iconography. I continued to visit and after awhile I brought my wife and family and eventually we became converts.

Divine Liturgy begins on Sundays at 9:30 should you be inclined to visit. Fell free to call the church for more information regarding scheduled services such as vespers, feast days, catechism classes, etc.

Also, although this church has ethnic roots/founders, there are many, like myself, who are not Serbian who attend this parish. All are welcome.

Lastly - I would give this church 5 stars but I'm going to ding it down a star because I originally thought it was PERFECT 5 star church -- but once I joined it was no longer perfect. I drag it down into 3 star territory but since it has a great priest and a few 5 star folks --- I'm giving FOUR STARS.

Victoria Warren

I went to the Serbian festival for the second time in a row. Small but it's enjoyable and the foods great and the pastries are great. And the people there are wonderful as well.

Mark Shubin

Went for Serbian fest, actually recognized someone there and learned about their family ties. Similar background ethnically to my own so cool to see the similarities.

Marc Marmolejo

1st off you don't have to be Serbian to attend this church all of Fresno and more are welcome to experience Orthodoxy I myself am Hispanic. Secondly, In response to the reviewer who said people are judgmental here. I can't speak on your specific situation but it's been my experience it has been nothing but quite the opposite. I am no poster boy of Orthodoxy by any means. I can promise you I am the greatest sinner in this church, if you listen closely you can hear the glorious invisible angels and Saints pray a little harder when I walk through the doors '' here's that prodigal son again '' . They know they have their work cut out for them Haha. Prejudice follows us everywhere in life. I was once in the woods hiking a came upon a Bear and her cubs and I could of swore I heard her say '' Uh, it's another human being what does he want'' lol. Yes, most Christians lean to the right if your leaning a little to far the left or right I would question if you were really Christian at all. Our political views nor Nationalistic pride must never superced our Orthodox faith. I joined this church years back and sporadically would come sometimes then disappear for a long while until recently. I have never felt judged, I have always been greeted with Open Arms. Fr. George is an Amazing priest. He is always willing to make time to meet and always has a word of wisdom to give. His wife is an awesome baker and lovely person. Man, do these people know how to cook as well. Pre covid we would have a coffee hr for fellowship and food was always ready. Decon Joseph, is a bright intelligent young man of God and has helped me an encouraged me many times on my journey of faith. I encourage all people to come and see the faith! Do not be deterred out of anxiety or fear of the unknown we welcome you to experience the ancient faith of Peter & Paul the ancient faith of the apostles and Saints. Most of all come experience the Love of Christ in each person of our parish.

Jason Ioannides

Beautiful church and wonderful priest. Very welcoming for anyone new to the area, or existing. If you’re wondering about visiting, plan on attending the next Liturgy!

Steve Large

Nice folk. I went to the Serbian food festival. However my diet is Levitacus compliant & I was unable to tell what foods were Lawful to eat. I am fascinated by the Orthodox faiths, and it was a shame I had to leave & get dinner elsewhere.

Michael T

Grew up in this church. Not much to say other than it's Othodoxy. Be careful, everything you do is under a microscope there. The views from the patrons is a bit scewed to the right and it's kind've sad, but in the end it's a church and some people feel better when they attend. Nice priest, might be the only one there that won't actually judge you

Jeanette Hinojosa

Serb Fest