St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Portland (Oregon)

St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Portland, Oregon, is the principal Ukrainian Orthodox sanctuary in the Beaver State and the primary spiritual beacon for Ukrainian-Americans throughout the Pacific Northwest and Willamette Valley. Located at 8014 SE 16th Avenue in Portland’s historic Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood, the parish belongs to the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA under the canonical omophorion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, providing decades of faithful liturgical witness, community preservation, and dedicated humanitarian support for Ukraine.

Spiritual Haven in the Pacific Northwest (1990s–Present)

The parish emerged to serve the rapidly expanding Ukrainian community in greater Portland, Vancouver (Washington), and northwestern Oregon. Prior to its establishment, Orthodox Christians of Ukrainian descent in the Pacific Northwest were separated by vast distances from the historic eparchial centers in the Midwest and East Coast. United under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist and Forerunner of Christ, the faithful organized regular divine services and acquired their charming neighborhood temple on 16th Avenue in Sellwood.

Led for many formative years by pastor Very Rev. Father Ivan Petrouchtchak and Pani-matka Myroslava, the parish became an intimately bonded family, renowned throughout Oregon for its hospitality, liturgical dedication, and Saturday pierogi volunteer drives.

Historic Consecration of the Altar and New Iconostas

In September 2026, the parish achieved a historic milestone in its spiritual life: His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, Ruling Hierarch of the Western Eparchy, arrived in Portland to lead the solemn Consecration of the Holy Altar and the blessing of the newly completed hand-carved iconostas.

During the ancient consecration rite, holy relics of the Great Martyr Saint Barbara were solemnly placed within the holy table, anointing the altar with Holy Chrism and sealing it for all generations. A formal parchment attesting to the canonical consecration was signed by Archbishop Daniel, pastor Rev. Father Volodymyr Yavorskyi, and parish leaders, forever binding Portland to the historical legacy of the Ecumenical Church.

Sacred Craftsmanship and Liturgical Art

The interior of St. John the Baptist Church reflects authentic Ukrainian Byzantine sacred tradition:

• The Masterpiece Wood-Carved Iconostas: Hand-crafted from rich dark wood, the iconostas features high-relief carvings of intertwining grapevines, wheat sheaves, acanthus scrolls, and gilded accents symbolizing the Eucharistic bread and wine.
• Canonical Icons with Ukrainian Script: The central tier features exquisite icons of Christ the Teacher holding the open Gospel in Ukrainian («Прийдіть до Мене, усі струджені і обтяжені, і Я заспокою вас»), the Mother of God, Saint John the Forerunner, and Saint Nicholas of Myra.
• The Royal Doors & Crucifix: The Royal Doors are adorned with circular icons of the Annunciation and the Four Evangelists, surmounted by a pierced cross and delicate hanging votive lamps (lampadas).
• Processional Banners & Tetrapod: Velvet maroon processional banners (khoruhvy) embroidered with gold bullion thread flank the solea, framing the carved central tetrapod table draped with traditional Ukrainian lace linens.

Humanitarian Mission and Relief for Ukraine

St. John the Baptist Parish has long maintained a profound charitable mission. Since May 2006, the congregation has operated a famous weekly Saturday pierogi (varenyky) project—originally founded to support orphaned children at the Znamyanka Orphanage in Kirovohrad Oblast, Ukraine. Over the years, thousands of dollars have been raised and directly delivered to vulnerable children.

With the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the parish dramatically expanded its humanitarian outreach, procuring emergency medical kits, trauma supplies, and financial relief for Ukrainian military hospitals and civilian relief centers. Furthermore, the parish serves as a welcoming beacon for Ukrainian displaced persons and refugee families arriving in the Portland metropolitan area.

Chronological Milestones of St. John the Baptist Parish

Parish Information & Contacts