St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church

St. John the Baptist Church is a brick structure topped with eight distinctive domes: seven painted in turquoise and one gleaming in gold that rise prominently above the surrounding neighborhood. The building sits on a large city block and serves as a notable example of Byzantine-style religious architecture in the region.

The congregation was established in 1891 and built the current brick structure in 1895 to replace their original wooden building. Significant expansion took place in the early 1900s to accommodate the growing population of Ukrainian Catholics in the area.

The basement serves as a gathering place during fall and winter months, where community members come together to prepare traditional Ukrainian dumplings as a way to support the church. This practice connects generations and keeps old-country food traditions alive within the local Ukrainian community.

The church occupies a substantial lot in the South Side Flats neighborhood, making it easy to spot from surrounding streets. Visitors should check ahead about service times and special events, as the congregation is active throughout the year.

This building represents the birthplace of the first Byzantine Rite Catholic Church to be established in the entire United States, a distinction rooted in the arrival of Ukrainian immigrants seeking religious community. The domes and decorative elements reflect the architectural traditions brought from Eastern Europe to American soil.

Location: Pittsburgh

Address: 109 South 7th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Website: http://stjohnspittsburgh.com

GPS coordinates: 40.42845,-79.99199

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22