From Kyiv to Belonging

Hello, I’m Ivan and I’m 27. I was born in Kyiv and lived there my whole life until the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

When the war began, I had to leave my city while it was almost completely surrounded by Russian troops. I left with just a backpack. Looking back, that moment felt like the point where I suddenly had to grow up very quickly.

English was the only language I knew well enough to start building a life somewhere new. After spending about a month moving between different countries in Europe, I eventually decided to come to the UK. When I arrived in London, I didn’t really know anyone, so the first few weeks were about figuring things out, meeting people and trying to find my place in a completely new environment.

Shortly after, I found my first job, which was in a gay bar in Soho. That place became incredibly important to me because it was where I made my first friends in London and found something that felt like a local family.

That is also where I met Elijah. One night, the day before Easter, after finishing our shift, he asked me if I had ever been to St James’s Church. We walked there together late at night, and the atmosphere inside stayed with me for a long time.

The church was almost dark, lit only by candles. Some people were quietly praying while others were trying to get comfortable and even get a little sleep while they waited through the night. Everyone was looking forward to the dawn, when the Easter celebration would begin. It felt very calm and reflective, and very different from the kind of church experience I had known before.

I come from an Orthodox background, where religion can sometimes feel quite strict, distant and cold. Discovering the Anglican tradition felt different and it made me curious to learn more about it.

Not long after that, I joined the tech team at St James’s. My role is mainly to support the technical side of services and events. On Sundays and during the Eucharist I help manage the sound, microphones and livestreaming so that everything runs smoothly. Most of the work happens behind the scenes, but it is satisfying when everything works well and people can simply focus on the service.

Another part of the job that I enjoy is the concerts and events. I meet a huge number of different musicians, both famous and those who are still at the beginning of their careers. Being surrounded by live music during the day is definitely one of the nicer parts of the job, especially during the Christmas season, when everything feels a little magical.

Outside of work, one of my biggest passions is photography. I enjoy observing people and capturing moments that tell a story. Portrait photography and documentary-style photography interest me the most. For me, photography is a way to slow down and notice details that people often miss.

I have had the chance to photograph a few events at St James’s. I took photos during Soul at St James’s, some of Barbara’s drag performances, and Lucy’s celebration of thirty years of ordained ministry. Each event had its own energy and atmosphere, which made them really enjoyable to photograph.

In the future, I would love to create a photo project about the church. There are so many different people who pass through the building every day, from visitors and musicians to members of the congregation and people simply looking for a quiet place to sit. I think it would be interesting to document those everyday moments and the variety of life that exists within the space.

Recently, I also started working here as a Verger. It is quite an unusual role because it involves many different tasks. Sometimes it means preparing the church for a service, sometimes helping with events and doing the work that ensures everything runs smoothly in a very busy environment.

What I like about the job is the variety. No two days are exactly the same, and you often find yourself learning something new or solving unexpected problems. It also gives me more opportunities to interact with people who visit the church, which is something I enjoy.

For me, one of the interesting things about St James’s is its community and values. It feels like a place where everyone belongs. It truly feels like a safe place for people of different religions, cultures and identities, including people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. In a large city like London, spaces where people can feel comfortable and accepted are important, especially now, when the world and society sometimes feel colder and more chaotic.

If I were describing St James’s to someone who has never visited before, I would say that it is not just a church building. It is a living community where people can come exactly as they are and feel that they belong.

For me personally, St James’s has become much more than a workplace. When I first arrived in London I was looking for stability, connection and a sense of belonging. In many ways I found that here. Being able to contribute to this space and work alongside such kind and dedicated people feels incredibly meaningful.

At the moment I am simply continuing that journey, learning more about my work and seeing where the next chapter leads.