St George Church

Founded in 1952, the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church represents an important cultural beacon for the Orthodox community of San Diego and is the oldest Serbian church in the city. The present church in Mission Bay Park is the second after its original Lincoln Avenue site was purchased by the California Department of Highways in 1962. Construction on the new edifice began in 1966 and concluded with the church’s ceremonial consecration in 1969. Much of the effort was spearheaded by the parish pastor, Fr. Velimir Petakovich.

Designed by local architect, George Lykos, the church reminisces upon traditional ecclesiastical forms of the Serbian Empire period while also displaying a streamlined, mid-century character. It is also known for its rich interior Venetian glass mosaic cycle, designed by Belgradian and local artists, Stevan Cukich and Donald Donnelly respectively. Execution was in turn carried out by Italian tileworks owner, Giovanni Nastrucci, and Texan mosaicist, Publio Cavalini.

Spectra Company restored the interior glass mosaic tiles, mosaic tiles on the exterior dome as well as stripping, re-coating and restoring the church’s golden dome crosses.

Scope of Work

Artifact Restoration & Cataloging • Conservation • Facade Rehabilitation • General Contracting • Lighting & Chandeliers • Materials Restoration • Plaster • Preconstruction & Design • Restoration Painting & Coatings • Selective Demolition/Abatement • Structural Retrofit • Tile • Waterproofing/Roofing • Wood Doors