History

In 1908, the first group of Serbian immigrants to Los Angeles realized that only unified and organized they could accomplish something meaningful. They established Jedinstvo and purchased a substantial property on the east side of the city which served as the Serbian cemetery. The following year, they decided to build a church, which was completed by 1910 consequently establishing both the church and the parish. This church was dedicated to St. Sava and consecrated by Archmandrite Sebastian Dabovich of San Francisco.

With the erection in 1963 of our church in San Gabriel a new center was established for the development of the parish. St. Sava Hall was renovated in 2000.
On October 25, 1981 the blessing of the cornerstone for the new church in San Gabriel took place.

On October 28, 1984 the St. Sava Church was consecrated by His Grace Rt. Rev. Bishop Gregory with the participation of all the Bishops from the United States and Canada and Metropolitan Jovan of Zagreb Diocese, who was representing Serbian Patriarch German. One year later in March 1986, St. Sava congregation voted to hire Mr. Sirio Tonelli a famous Italian artist to install mosaic frescos in the church interior. Mr. Tonelli installed beautiful mosaics in many Serbian and Greek churches, and is a nationally recognized artist. One third of the church Interior has been completed, and judging by what has been done so far, the church looks majestic and makes a spiritual impression on everyone.

On May 10, 1991 the congregation bought substantial property on 1705 South Gladys Avenue that is adjacent to the church lot. This property was later developed and used for a recreational playground for Sunday School children.

During 1997, the old St. Sava Church was remodeled. All materials and work was donated by good parishioners and friends. His Grace Right Reverend Bishop Jovan consecrated the Old St. Sava Church with Hierarchical consecration on St. Sava day in 1998.

In 2000 St. Sava Hall was remodeled, and beautified. St. Sava Church Board worked hard and under extreme pressure to complete the work for the time of 90th Anniversary Celebration. Preparing for this special event and finishing remaining was a hard task. Board managed to finish this project and 90th Anniversary was celebrated on the weekend of October 21 and 22 of 2000.

In 2003 St. Sava Board made the decision to hire Mr. Sirio Tonelli to install the icon of Christ Pantokrator in the Dome of St. Sava Church. The work is scheduled to begin at the end of May of 2004.
Although it will take a long time to fully complete the Church in San Gabriel, the labor of love will be known from the parishioners that have given it.

Saint Sava Church