Image Credit: Philip Galle, CC0
(North County Beat) – St. John the Baptizer Ukrainian Catholic Church in Santee marked a significant milestone on Sunday with a groundbreaking ceremony for their long-awaited permanent home. The event, attended by parishioners eager to see their community thrive, symbolized years of effort and dedication.
Led by Rev. Yurii Sas, the ceremony was a poignant moment for parish members who have been anticipating this day for six years. “We are going to build a home for everyone,” Father Sas declared, emphasizing the church’s role in uniting diverse nationalities.
Located at the intersection of Carlton Oaks Drive and Pike Road, the new church will feature five striking domes painted in gold, reminiscent of Kyiv’s St. Sophia Cathedral. The groundbreaking saw parishioners using blue and yellow shovels, representing the Ukrainian flag, to turn soil on the vacant lot blessed by Father Sas amid prayers and communal spirit.
Established 64 years ago in City Heights and later relocating to La Mesa, the Ukrainian church has never had a permanent residence until now. After purchasing property in Santee in 2018, the community embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign. Approval from the Santee City Council in November was a pivotal moment, paving the way for the project to proceed after extensive environmental and feasibility studies.
The church has temporarily held services at the St. Augustine Chapel in North Park during this transition period. Luke Miller, chair of the building committee and a longtime member, expressed profound emotion at seeing the project come to fruition. “To have a bulldozer on site soon is overwhelming,” he shared, underscoring the project’s significance after years of dedication.
The recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine accelerated the community’s drive to complete the church, serving as a beacon of hope for many, including refugees like Taras Zbozhnyi and his family. Having arrived in San Diego amidst the war’s turmoil, they stressed the importance of having a place to connect with fellow Ukrainians and find solace in prayer.
“This church represents not just a place of worship but a community where we can feel at home,” said Uliana Zbozhna through an interpreter, echoing the sentiments of many parishioners who see the church as a cultural anchor.
The project was largely self-funded, with support from the Catholic Extension Society and generous contributions from dedicated parishioners like Bohdan Kniahynyckyj, whose recent passing marked a poignant moment in the church’s journey.
