St. Michael’s Choir at Tucson’s 250th Interfaith Service

Tucson, AZ — August 20, 2025. St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic choir joined faith leaders and community members at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Cathedral for an interfaith service commemorating the 250th anniversary of Tucson’s founding. The gathering marked the city’s sestercentennial with prayers, readings, and music representing many of Tucson’s religious and cultural communities.

The evening opened with an Indigenous welcome, and St. Michael’s Choir sang near the beginning of the program, offering a prayerful hymn in the Ukrainian tradition. Our participation was a way to honor Tucson’s milestone, give thanks for freedom and community, and lend our voices in prayer for peace and for the people of Ukraine.

We honor the original stewards of this land—the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe (Yoeme). Tucson’s very name derives from the O’odham phrase S‑cuk Sọn, often translated “at the base of the black hill,” reminding us that this celebration stands on a much older human story.

A citywide celebration of faith and heritage

This interfaith service was part of the official Tucson 250+ series of events happening across the city in August. Alongside St. Michael’s Choir and the Roman Catholic community, leaders and participants included Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Latter‑day Saint (Mormon), Lutheran, Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian, Episcopal, United Church of Christ, and Tohono O’odham Nation representatives, among others—reflecting the breadth of Tucson’s spiritual life.

Program highlights included reflections from faith leaders and the ringing of the historic Presidio bell, connecting today’s prayers to the moment the Presidio San Agustín was founded on August 20, 1775.

When & Where: Wednesday, August 20, 2025, St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ. (Interfaith service listed as part of “Celebrate Tucson 250+.”)

Why this mattered to our community

For Tucson’s Ukrainian community, singing at the cathedral was an opportunity to share our music, language, and prayer with neighbors during a once‑in‑a‑generation civic milestone. We are grateful to the organizers and fellow faith communities for creating space to pray together across traditions and for recognizing Ukraine’s struggle and hope within the wider tapestry of Tucson’s story.

We thank to the St. Michael’s singers, our accompanists, clergy, and volunteers; to Cathedral staff and the interfaith planning team; and to everyone who joined in prayer.

If you met us at the service and would like to stay connected, join UAST, volunteer, or sign up for updates on upcoming cultural events.