St. Philip (Diocese of Arlington)

Saint Philip Catholic Church
Dedication:	Saint Philip the Apostle
Venerated Saints:	Our Lady, Saint James the Apostle
Diocese:	Diocese of Arlington
Deanery:	Deanery 1
Address:	7503 Saint Philip Way, Falls Church, VA 22042
Coordinates:	39.1167, -77.5333
City:	Falls Church, VA
Subdivision:	Virginia
Country:	United States
County:	Fairfax County
Website:	https://www.stphilipparish.com/
Founded:	1963
School:	Yes
Email:	office@stphilipparish.com

Saint Philip Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Arlington, located in Falls Church, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Philip the Apostle, one of the Twelve Apostles mentioned in the Gospels (e.g., John 1:43–46, John 6:5–7, John 14:8–9)—venerated in Catholic tradition for his missionary work and martyrdom—the parish also honors Saint James the Apostle as co-patron, reflecting the biblical pairing of Philip and James whose feast is celebrated together on May 3.

Established in 1963 to serve the growing Catholic population in northern Fairfax County, the parish initially held Masses in local facilities before dedicating its church in 1967. Saint Philip Catholic School opened in 1968. As of December 19, 2025, Saint Philip continues to offer extensive ministries, including religious education, youth programs, and charitable outreach.

The parish community emphasizes apostolic zeal and evangelization in the spirit of its patrons.

History

Saint Philip Parish was established in 1963 by Bishop John J. Russell of the Diocese of Richmond (predecessor to the Diocese of Arlington for this area until 1974) to accommodate population growth in Falls Church.

Initial Masses were celebrated in borrowed spaces. The church building was dedicated in 1967. Saint Philip Catholic School opened in 1968.

The parish has expanded facilities and ministries over the decades to meet community needs.

School

Saint Philip Catholic School (pre-K through grade 8) was founded in 1968, providing faith-integrated education.

The school emphasizes academic excellence and spiritual formation.

Special features

• Active religious education and youth ministries
• Charitable outreach and community service programs

Architecture

The church building, dedicated in 1967, reflects mid-twentieth-century design suited to suburban parish life.

Art and devotional features

Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, sculptures, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources as of December 19, 2025. Devotional elements typically include representations of Saint Philip the Apostle, often portraying him with a cross or book, and Saint James the Apostle with pilgrim staff and scallop shell.

Relics

According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics, as is customary in dedicated churches. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources. This follows common practice where first-class relics, often of martyrs, are sealed within the altar.