“A handful of Orthodox Christians assembled”. That’s how the story of Saint John of Damascus Orthodox Church in San Diego begins. It was May 18, 1975. They gathered to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. This gave life to the Mission of St. John of Damascus.
Under Reverend Peter Haskell’s guidance the Mission started. Their vision was simple. They wanted to establish an English-speaking Parish. It would be part of the Orthodox Church in America. The location would be in North County of San Diego.
From the beginning, Saint John of Damascus was always on the move. Early services were at the Navy Alcohol Rehabilitation Center. Father Haskell was a Navy Chaplain there. The first independent worship space was in Poway. It was an unused part of the Sexton Real Estate office.
In 1976, Father Joseph Lardiero arrived. The Mission moved to the Poway Bernardo Mortuary chapel. Imagine that. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated among the departed. This mirrored the ancient Church’s practices.
The founders secured land on Espola Road in Poway. It cost only $25,000. Archbishop John blessed the ground in 1977. Father Lardiero left later that year. Saint John of Damascus was without a priest.
The community continued to meet in homes. They held “Reader’s Services”. In 1978, Reverend Alexander Federoff arrived. He stayed until his retirement.
In 1979, the Mission moved to the Poway Senior Citizen’s Center. They worshiped there for two years. Metropolitan Theodosius visited in 1980. He revitalized the Mission. He said labors done in faith and love would be rewarded.
In 1981, Saint John of Damascus moved to Meadowbrook Middle School. They packed the church into a trailer every weekend. This went on for over three years.
The Mission developed the land during these years. A site plan was created. But the design was too expensive. They started again with a more affordable concept. A factory-built modular building was the solution. Parishioners financed it through a bond program.
In 1983, fundraising began. They raised $120,000 in two months. Three modular units arrived in 1984. The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated there on July 1, 1984.
The 36 by 60 feet space felt large. The congregation had 40 or 50 people. The structure served many purposes. It was a sanctuary. It was a meeting hall. It was a banquet facility. It housed bake sales and craft sales. The roof even leaked.
The congregation grew. What seemed spacious became cramped. The next step was clear. They needed to build a proper church sanctuary for Saint John of Damascus.
In 1990, a group of parishioners planned the project. They aimed to finish within 18 months. It actually took four years.
A Design Committee formed. The City Council approved the construction in 1990. Bishop Tikhon broke the ground in December 1990.
There were years of design and redesign. They dealt with building codes and city ordinances. Financing was a challenge. They issued bonds. They held dinners. They sold bricks and accepted donations.
Construction began in 1993. A Christian contractor was chosen. The money might run out before completion.
The church building was completed quickly. Occupancy depended on finishing the parking lot. Funds ran out at the last minute. Interest rates fell. A third bond was issued. Bondholders accepted lower interest rates.
The parking lot was paved. The Parish moved into the building. They celebrated the first Divine Liturgy on Forgiveness Sunday, March 13, 1994.
The building was consecrated on February 25, 1995. Four Hierarchs celebrated. Metropolitan Theodosius led the service. Bishops Tikhon, Basil, and Boris also participated. It was an unforgettable event for Saint John of Damascus.
Saint John of Damascus Orthodox Church moved into adulthood. It became a beacon of Orthodox faith. It welcomed new members.
Bishop Boris, the “Patriarch of Poway”, supported the church. His dream was to see the Iconostas erected. He passed away in 2000. The central portion of the Iconostas had just been erected.
In 2020, Archpriest Alexander Federoff retired. Archpriest K. Michael Anderson became Rector. The community continues its ministry. It serves as the Orthodox Christian Church in North San Diego County.
Remember Saint John of Damascus. Remember its journey. It started with a handful of faithful people. They built a thriving community.