A New Chapter for Indianapolis’ Serbian Orthodox Community
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — After decades of faith, tradition and community building, a long-held dream is becoming a reality for Indianapolis’ Serbian Orthodox community.
On Friday, members of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church gathered to witness a historic moment: a massive 50,000-pound dome was lifted into place atop their new church building at the corner of 79th Street and Marsh Road on Indianapolis’ northwest side.
For many in the congregation, the moment represented far more than a construction milestone. It was the culmination of a dream carried through generations.
“It’s just beautiful,” said young church member Eleni Kafantaris. “It’s like my heart belongs here, my world belongs here.”
David Rayman-Rejkovic, a church member who has also played a leadership role in the design and construction of the new church, described the day as the realization of a vision that began many years ago.
“Today is a day that was a dream concept many, many years ago,” he said.
The Serbian Orthodox community has been part of Indianapolis since the early 1900s. According to Father Dragan Petrovic, who has served as the church’s priest for 28 years, the parish was established by immigrants from Kosovo and Metochia.
The congregation initially gathered at a location on 16th Street in Speedway before eventually purchasing property on 79th Street. The journey toward the new church has taken nearly two decades.
For Father Dragan, the new building represents both continuity and renewal.
“The dome itself represents Christ,” he explained. “So today Christ is lifted up and we all rejoice.”
He said the church’s architecture was intentionally designed with deep religious symbolism. The cornice surrounding the dome represents the crown of thorns placed on Christ, while the colors and design of the doors represent the Resurrection. The transition from the old church building to the new one symbolizes the transition from death to life.
The project has also brought together Serbian heritage and life in America.
“We are of different nationalities,” Father Dragan said. “Our community is composed of 28 different nationalities, most of whom are American, but we are very proud of being American.”
On Friday, the Archbishop of the Midwest Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church was also at the construction site, leading prayers and blessings over the cross that will eventually be placed atop the dome and the bells that will one day ring from the new bell tower.
The road to this moment, however, has not been easy.
Rayman-Rejkovic said the project has faced challenges and that there is still work to be completed before the church is finished. But for him, the difficult journey makes the vision even more meaningful.
He remembers visiting Orthodox churches in Serbia with his wife and seeing the beauty of the historic churches in the region where she lived.
“I can remember going with my wife, visiting churches in Serbia and in the region where she lived and I remember going inside these old, beautiful Orthodox churches and praying inside of them,” he said.
Now, he is watching a similar vision take shape in America.
“It’s really truly a dream to see something similar to that being developed and made here in America, for us to go inside to light a candle and to pray to our creator; it is an honor.”
For a community that has carried its faith and heritage across generations and across continents, the rising dome is more than an architectural achievement. It represents a connection between the past and the future — preserving Orthodox tradition while creating a new home for generations to come.
The congregation hopes to begin holding services in the new church in approximately one year.
The dome is now in place. The cross and bells will soon follow. And with each new step, a dream that began generations ago continues to rise in Indianapolis.
