This weekend marks the 100th Anniversary of St. Sava's Karageorge Choir, and our chance to support this wonderful institution. Please attend any or all the weekend celebrations as our choir also hosts guest choirs from the US and Canada. We know you'll have a great time singing along and dancing with us!

IMPORTANT CHANGES AND UPDATES:

Due to unforseen circumstances, Saturday's SOCA Festival Concert LOCATION has been moved to St. Sava's South Wing. It will still start at NOON. Let's support our choir and their guests. They have spent several months practicing and planning this event. Please pass on this information. Remember that this is a FREE concert. Also, note that the Saturday evening banquet and dance admission price has been lowered to $35. This includes the elegant dinner, endless dessert table provided by our Kolo ladies, and two live bands in the elegant setting of Ambassador Banquets on Rt. 6 & 51 in Hobart!

St. Sava's Serbian Historical Society honored Poet Jovan Ducic on the 70th Anniversary of his death. Guest speaker Rade Pejovic told of the lyric poet's early days and accomplishments, talents, and styles. Rev. Marko Matic introduced Mr. Pejovic along with Simeon Vasic, Jelena Milinovic, and Miodrag Djordjevic, who recited several of Ducic's famous poems. April 7, 2013 was exactly 70 years to the date when Jovan Ducic passed away in Gary, Indiana. His funeral was held at St. Sava Church on 13th & Connecticut Street. Please stop by to view the exhibit through the month of April in the south wing during fish fry Fridays and Sunday Luncheons.

St. Sava's got talent! We all look forward to the St. Sava Day program each year. Please take a few minutes to watch highlights from this year's presentation of music and poetry. Thank you to all the parents and teachers who have encouraged the students to learn new songs arranged by Joanne Samardzija, who has spent many hours practicing with the children. Both Popadija Vesna Matic and Joanne worked on song selections and translations. Most of all, we're so proud of the students - they are the future leaders, teachers, and members of St. Sava Church. Looks like we're in good hands!

Please take the time to watch both videos. Send these videos to relatives who may have missed the program or live out of town.

We all look forward to the St. Sava Day program each year. Please take a few minutes to watch highlights from this year's presentation of music and poetry. Thank you to all the parents and teachers who have encouraged the students to learn new songs arranged by Joanne Samardzija, who has spent many hours practicing with the children. Both Popadija Vesna Matic and Joanne worked on song selections and translations. Most of all, we're so proud of the students - they are the future leaders, teachers, and members of St. Sava Church. Looks like we're in good hands!

At 99 years young, Blazo Dragic was honored by Dusan Matic reading this poem "Sveti Sava", written by Blazo in January of 1947 in a displaced persons camp in Eboli, Italy. Blazo wrote many beautiful poems during those years spent in Italy and Germany. Blazo's poems have been published and can be purchased through the church office (219) 736-9191 during office hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. "Zivot I Ja Unjemu - Life and Me in It" is priced at only $15 with entire purchase price donated to St. Sava Church.

Aleksandar, Isabela, and Zivana Labovic, children of Susan and Dragan Labovic, were honored to serve as Kumovi for this year's St. Sava Day celebration. With all the distractions of school sports and weekend activities, the Labovic family has consistently chosen to attend Divine Liturgy and Church School instead. Young Kum Aleksandar spoke of the significance of St. Sava always watching over his family. Just this past Friday, his father, Dragan, was involved in a serious auto accident and miraculously suffered only a black eye. Sixteen years ago, his uncle and cousin were also involved in a serous auto accident on St. Sava Day and survived! Baba always reminded them that St. Sava has protected the Labovic family and his memory should be celebrated as we did Sunday.

SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 27

10:00 a.m.

Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Parastos - Laying of Wreaths at Memorial Monuments

12:30 p.m.

Consecration of New Pavilion • Anniversary Banquet and Program • South Wing

Guest Speaker: His Grace Bishop Longin of New Gracanica Diocese

All festivities will take place at St. Sava Church Grounds, 99191 Mississippi St.

Musical highlights from this year's St. Sava Day program are presented in the videos below. Under the direction of Joanne Samardzija, the students worked hard to learn several new songs. Thank you to Fr. Marko, parents, and teachers for all their help, and to Deena Galich, whose handmade props have become a part of every St. Sava Day program. Along with the many poems recited in Serbian and English, Olga Micic gave a wonderful rendition of "Rastko". Teens Rebekah Gerbick, Sasa Labovic, and Chris and Alexis Orlich read "Life of St. Sava". Maya Radjenovich, Savka Popovic, and Rachel Gerbick sang "Vesela Je Srbadija" - what beautiful young voices! There were many proud parents, grandparents, Kumovi, and friends in the audience to cheer them on.

St. Sava's Sunday School students presented a fabulous program celebrating the Patron Saint of all Serbian children. The program included several musical numbers as well as individual poems recited in Serbian and English. Program video coming soon - check back in a couple days!

Fr. Marko blessed the Slava Kolach with the Sunday School children on Sunday, January 29 following Divine Liturgy. Each year we celebrate the Patron Saint of all Serbian children, St. Sava, and we are treated to a wonderful program of music and poetry.

St. Sava Church parishioners celebrated 97 glorious years on Sunday, November13 at St. Elijah's Hall, where we were treated to a fantastic meal. Srbadija Folklore dancers proudly  performed lively traditional Serbian dances. Alex Djordjevic recited the long, difficult poem "Ratsko" enhanced by the vocals of singers Maja Radjenovich, Rachel Gerbick, and Savka Popovich, accompanied and instructed by Joanne Samardzija. Several children recited poetry and read short historical stories presented in both Serbian and English languages, reassuring us of a future generation of church leaders. This extended program was a surprise to many of us, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Many Thanks to the children and parents who encourage them!

Keynote speaker Ljubisa Milicich gave an entertaining reflection of growing up among us in the Gary church, also reminding us of the reason we need to re-connect with the homeland. Executive Board president Dennis Svilar presented Ljubisa with a commemorate plaque to mark the occasion.

On behalf of the St. Sava Executive Board and Father Marko Matic, you are cordially invited to attend our church congregation's 97th Anniversary Celebration.

10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy and Parastos

Laying of  Memorial Wreath at the Monument

12:30 p.m. Anniversary Banquet & Program at St. Elijah Hall

(Featuring St. Sava Srbadija Folklore, SSS Karageorge, Guest Speaker Address)

Congratulations to our Sunday School students for another fun year of learning about their church and religion. Betsy Kirby's 2nd and 3rd grade classes were joined by several other students who wanted to participate by keeping their own personal journals. Students shared their personal thoughts about sacraments, family, heaven, and marriage. You may be surprised at the depth and maturity of their thoughts. This short program was presented Sunday, May 22nd after Divine Liturgy. Thanks to Fr. Marko, Marie Baroevich, all teachers, and parents for another great year!

Our talented Sunday School students once again worked hard to memorize their poems. In case you were unable to attend or couldn't see from the back of the room, you can watch it here. Send it to family and friends, or facebook it. Click on the movie itself to get the YouTube link, or send this entire blog (click the blog title, go to the top of the page, copy the URL, and send it in an email. Enjoy the show, and watch the other 2-part videos in the blog below to see the musical performances.

Thanks also to the older teens for reading stories about the Life of St. Sava and Life of St. Varnava. GREAT JOB!

Once again, the tradition of performing for parents, family, and friends is alive and well at St. Sava Church, as well as all other Serbian parishes. Joann Samardzija has spent the last 4 Sundays teaching, rehearsing, and accompanying the Sunday School students with their songs. Her original song about krofne is quite a catchy tune! Congratulations to soloists Savka Popovich, Rachel Gerbick, and Maya Radjenovich for their musical rendition of "Oj Moravo". Great job, girls! Even the little ones that can't even read yet were outstanding! Special Thanks go out to Deena Galich for making the "Autos" and "sugar - coated krofne" props.

Yes, St. Sava's got talent!

St. Sava's parishioners celebrated 96 joyous years of church history on Sunday, November 14th on a very cold, windy day. Sts. Peter & Paul parish members, Fr. Sasa Nedic, and their Aleksa Shantich Choir came by bus from South Bend to help us celebrate this special day. We were honored by their participation and support. Also in attendance were Mother Antonina and Sister Marina from Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery in New Carlisle. After Divine Liturgy, the faithful joined the procession to the war memorial monument for a solemn Parastos and laying of a red, blue, and white wreath by guest speaker Desko Nikitovic. St. Elijah's Hall catering served a delicious meal, and we were all treated to a fabulous Kolo - style endless dessert table. Program highlights included a performance by the combined choirs of St. Sava and St. Elijah from Merrillville, and Sts. Peter & Paul from South Bend, and a lively dance performance by our own Srbadija Folklore Groups. Church President Dennis Svilar touched on his own personal memories of growing up at St. Sava, and guest speaker Desko Nikitovic inspired us to strive to stay in touch with our strong Serbian roots. Mismo Orchestra treated everyone to a sing - along before and during the meal, and they also accompanied the combined choirs. A slide show of old and new photos was played on 2 large screens. The photos honored the memory of deceased family members, the church on 13th & Connecticut, and recent events, perhaps to inspire us to recognize the responsibility we have to keep this church strong.

On a very special sunny November afternoon, our church parish family celebrated 96 years of history that started with early immigrants in Gary. This day gives us the opportunity to reflect on how far we've come and how many memories we can grasp from our  childhoods growing up at St. Sava Church. We were honored this year by St. Peter & Paul Church from South Bend, whose Choir, Parish Priest Fr. Sasa Nedic, and many parishioners came by bus to attend and participate in our celebration. Thank You to all who attended and made generous donations. Soon it will be time to plan and celebrate our 100th Anniversary - only 4 more years, imagine that!

Sunday, November 14th was a very special day for our church congregation. 96 years have passed as many generations have enjoyed memories of growing up in a wonderful church community. On a cold, windy day, many gathered for the solemn procession and Parastos in memory of all deceased church family members. Fr. Marko and Fr. Sasa Nedic from South Bend officiated. As is our tradition, fresh wreaths made of red, blue, and white flowers were placed at both Memorial Monuments by guest speaker Desko Nikitovic, Counsel General of the Republic of Serbia in Chicago.

96th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2010

On behalf of the St. Sava Executive Board and Fr. Marko Matic, you are cordially invited to attend our church congregation's 96th Anniversary Celebration.

10:00 a.m.

DIVINE LITURGY and PARASTOS

(Laying of the Memorial Wreath at the Monument)

12:30 p.m.

ANNIVERSARY BANQUET & PROGRAM

St. Elijah Social Center 8700 Taft St., Merrillville

Featuring performances by St. Sava Folklore Groups and the Combined Choirs from

St. Sava, St. Elijah, and St. Peter & Paul

Guest Speaker Address: Desko Nikitovic, Consul General of Serbia in Chicago

LIFELINE HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATION PRESENTS

Flavors of Serbia in Chicago
Chicago Cultural Center
Preston Bradley Hall
Saturday, October 16, 2010
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tickets are $100 per person and include food, drinks, and entertainment.
Seating is limited, reservations are required.
(Register now!) or call our Chicago office at (312) 781-9300

What a way to spend a Saturday afternoon:
while enjoying the flavors of Serbia,
help our mission of aiding the orphans.

Enjoy the talents of Serbian Choir, Tamburitza musicians, and colorful Kolo folklore dancers around the regional food and wine pairings of Serbia.

PARKING INFO:

IMPERIAL PARKING, 60 EAST RANDOLF

On Saturday, January 23, several children came to the south wing kitchen to get hands-on experience making the Kolach and Zito for their St. Sava Day Celebration. Under the supervision of Sonja Mancich and Ann Rudman, they created a beautifully decorated Kolach and Zito. Thanks to Beba Rudman, Zorka Glumac, and Danica Beslich for their help in the kitchen Sunday, and to Marie Baroevich for all the hard work and planning. Along with a bouquet of flowers, sincere Thanks were expressed to Teta Joanne Samardzija for sharing her personal talents and time teaching and rehearsing  songs for this year's St. Sava Day program.

After the program, the children were treated to cash prizes and 3-foot long licorice.

Once again, the children learned to recite lengthy poems for everyone's enjoyment, only two weeks after their Christmas program. The south wing was packed full of proud parents and grandparents, who also helped the children practice their poems. Great Job, Kids!

Yes, Simon, Serbian children can sing. In two languages, in fact! As is our tradition, Sunday School children recited poetry and sang several songs for their proud parents, babas, and dedas. St. Sava Day celebrates the patron saint of all Serbian children. The Palachinka Song and S-E-R-B-I-A-N Song are the creative works of Joanne Samardzija, who also taught the musical performances and accompanied on piano. Enjoy the video below and check back soon for more photos and videos from this wonderful program.

Saint Sava Day will be celebrated with Divine Liturgy starting at 10 am, followed by  Blessing of the Kolach, Luncheon, and program presented by our Sunday School children. Every year we're treated to a delightful afternoon of songs, poems, and musical performances.

St. Sava from Wikipedia  ( Read More)

Saint Archbishop Sava (Serbian:, Sveti Sava; (c. 1175, Ras - January 14, 1235, Trnovo, Bulgaria), baptised name Rastko Nemanji? (Serbian: ) was the youngest son of Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja, Eastern Orthodox monk, first archbishop of Serbian Orthodox Church, diplomat, writer, law giver and founder of several important medieval monasteries. He heavily influenced Serbian medieval literature and art.

He is widely considered as one of the most important figures of Serbian history and he is canonized and venerated by the Serbian Orthodox Church. Also his life and personal devotion has been interpreted in many artistic works from the middle ages to modern times. The Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade is his major shrine and the largest Eastern Orthodox church.

Last Sunday's presentation about the Greek Orthodox Christian Patriarch Bartholomew in Turkey was very informative. You can click the link below to watch it here:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6001717n&tag=api

Please watch this Sunday evening:

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Appear on 60 Minutes Segment on Orthodox Christianity

NEW YORK – His All Holiness Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians who constitute the second largest Christian denomination in the world, will be featured on the CBS News program 60 Minutes reported by Bob Simon, scheduled to air on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 7 p.m. EST. The segment will focus on the Orthodox Church, the most ancient Christian church, and its development from its earliest years to modern times in what is now the Republic of Turkey.

His All Holiness was named 11th among the world's 100 most influential people by Time magazine and was awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal for his efforts to promote human rights and religious tolerance. He has also been recognized by the United Nations as a Laureate Champion of the Earth for his pioneering work to protect the environment. Affectionately known as “the Green Patriarch,” Patriarch Bartholomew has called upon leaders of all denominations to join him in this effort, noting simply that “If life is sacred, so is the entire web that sustains it.”

His All Holiness recently concluded an extended visit to the U.S., where he participated in an environmental symposium in Mississippi, ministered to the five million Orthodox faithful in America, and met with Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and President Barack Obama, among many others. He is the author of Encountering the Mystery (Doubleday) and In the World, Yet Not of the World (Fordham).

Nicholas D. Chabraja and his lovely wife Eleanor honored us with their presence at St. Sava Church's historic 95th Anniversary. At the conclusion of his heartwarming speech, Mr. Chabraja was presented a plaque of appreciation from church president Dennis Svilar. Mr. Chabraja acknowledged his Sunday School teacher from many years ago, Miss Daisy Wuletich, also in attendance. "Thank You, Ziveli, and Mnogaja Ljeta!" to the Chabraja's for their support through the years and for making this Anniversary a very special memory.

St. Elijah Hall Catering served up a delicious meal, and our own Kolo Sisters provided elegant table decorations and an endless selection of delicious homemade desserts. Incredibly, the weather was unseasonably warm and sunny at 70 degrees - imagine that in November! This was truly a special day for St. Sava Church members.

About Nicholas D. Chabraja:

We are proud to have Mr. Chabraja join us as the keynote speaker for our 95th Anniversary. The eldest son of one of our most highly recognized and respected St. Sava family's, his father Nick and mother Angie served in leadership roles that helped form and build what we are today as St. Sava.
Nick Jr., received his law degree from Northwestern University. He worked for Chicago-
based law firm Jenner & Block from 1968-1993, becoming a senior partner and working
on General Dynamics legal affairs for more than 20 years. He also served as special counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986. In 1993, he was named Senior Vice-President and general counsel for General Dynamics and charted his course up the ranks from vice chairman to chairman and CEO in June 1997.
Chabraja currently serves on the boards of trustees for Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC, and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He is chairman of the council of
trustees for the Association of the United States Army, and a director of Northern Trust
Corporation. He also served on the board of trustees of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.
Join us in welcoming him back to St. Sava for this day of celebration!

This year's theme was "Immigrants, Serbs of Steel", telling the story of hard - working immigrants who labored in the dangerous steel mills from the early 1900's to the present day. The Serbian immigrants helped build Northwest Indiana's steel mills, industries, and towns. They brought their religion, language, music, customs, and traditions to America, and have maintained all these through the church. Some of the families featured have been in America for 4 generations. Others came as refugees after WWII, some as Chetniks forced to leave behind everything they fought to protect. Several members were born in post - WWII refugee camps. Many classic stories are told through photographs and keepsakes on display. If you've never been to a steel mill, you'll leave with a greater appreciation for the dangerous conditions and how hard our church members worked to earn the funds that built and financed our church. Also on display is a document that lists all the US Steel workers who lost their lives while at work. The graphic descriptions remind us of the risks taken by the steel workers. Many Serbs are among those listed in this document.

On Sunday, August 2nd, co - authors Stephen McShane and Gary Wilks (Steel Giants) shared  their research about the early immigrants' contributions to northwest Indiana's steel industries.  Nick Tarailo (Bronko's Restaurant) spoke of the stories his grandfather  shared about the early days in Gary. This program was funded by the Indiana Humanities Council in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

A memorial tribute to Karl Malden, St. Sava's own Mladen Sekulovich, is on display as well. He was the son of immigrants and worked in the steel mills for a short time.  During his youth, he participated in church plays and was a member of the choir. He was very proud of his Serbian heritage and was a great benefactor of St. Sava Church.

You will be able to visit the exhibit every Sunday after church, or call ahead to arrange a special showing. Call the church office (219) 736-9191 or (219) 613-6133.

The Serbian Historical Society would like to THANK all the families who participated in this group effort. They loaned or donated special keepsakes, documents, and photographs for this exhibit. Thanks also to Fr. Marko, Dennis, and the Church Board for their continued support.

Sunday, August 2nd at Serb Fest, The Serbian Historical Society will present a program titled "Immigrants: Serbs Of Steel" at 4:30 p.m. in the music tent. Be sure to attend this short, but very interesting program. Main speaker will be Mr. Steve McShane of the Calumet Regional Archives, who has researched and preserved items through the years for Indiana University. Be sure to attend this informal program on the last day of Serb Fest.

SERBIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
INVITES YOUR PARTICIPATION

GARY SERBS IN THE STEEL MILLS and IMMIGRANTS is this year's theme for the historical display at Serb Fest. We need everyone's help and participation for this event. You can provide items for display and attend our first program
We are looking for photographs, documents, correspondence, safety gear, badges, publications, name tags, awards, strike and union-related items, equipment, manuals, uniforms, pay stubs, signs, printed materials, stock certificates, etc., and any items of interest. (US Steel or Inland, any mill, any church welcome to participate). We'll be happy to make copies and return originals to you. These items can be loaned or donated. Please bring the items to church this Sunday, July 19th, Sunday July 26, or to the church office during the week. Be sure to include your name and phone number. Items will be accepted by any member of the Serbian Historical Society.

Yes, Serb Fest now has a commercial!

Send this to all your Serbian friends and relatives, to friends who know Serbs, and to those who wish they were Serbs...........That's just about everyone, isn't it?

• To send this blog:

• Click on the blog title (permanent link)

• Copy the URL, paste it an email, and send to to all your friends.

Colorful costumes were abundant at Saturday's dance performance, part of PURDUE's lively program titled "Dobro Dosli". Enjoy the videos of the ethnic dances performed by folklore groups from Sts. Peter & Paul Macedonian Church in Crown Point and Sts. Kiril & Metodij Macedonian Church in Hinsdale.

The SERBIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY and ST. SAVA FOLKLORE GROUP will proudly participate in PURDUE UNIVERSITY's Cultural program at the Calumet Campus, Hammond, IN (2200 169th Street). The event is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday in the Alumni Hall, Student Union and Library. Many items of interest from the different regions will be on display, and ethnic foods will be served. ADMISSION IS FREE. Please attend and help the Serbs show support and pride for our own culture and heritage! See you there!

YugoPoster Rev

"2 Thumbs Up!" The critics agree that every year the talented children work hard to learn their poems and music. It's a pleasure to attend this wonderful program each year. Thanks to Kim Simic and all the teachers for working with the kids and preparing them just 3 weeks after the Christmas play. Sofia Grimsgard played Minuet #8 by Bach on her cello. Danilo Orlich, Sasha Novakovich, and Dimitri Simic brought the house down with a comedy sketch. Xenia Jancarich provided these wonderful photos.

St. Sava's new Learning Center is hosting an Enrichment Program for Pre-Schoolers, an extension of our Sunday School. The facility has bright new classrooms and a kitchenette, and is supervised by Lela Damnjanovich, experienced in early childhood education. Also volunteering their talents are Darlene Sever and Ljubica Popovich. Parents, grandparents, or caretakers are encouraged to participate in this classroom setting. Classes are well organized and include music, story time, arts & crafts, and indoor & outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to participate, share, and socialize, and they'll learn something too. It's never too late to join these 10 week sessions: Friday morning classes from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. More classes will be added in the future as the need grows.  For additional information call (219) 736-9191 or email lpopovic3@sbcglobal.net. (Click photo to enlarge)

Thanks to Betsy Kirby for these photos. We encourage you all to send us your photos at stsavachurch@gmail.com. (Click photo to enlarge)

The church was full as the children and representatives of all organizations participated in the Blessing of the Slavski Kolach. Father invited all to attend the luncheon and program and asked everyone for their patience as we adjust to the smaller facilities in the newly remodeled south wing. Simo's video camera was played live on the big screen TV, so everyone was able to enjoy the program. Thanks, Simo! (Click on photo to enlarge)

Just a reminder that this Sunday, January 27th is the Slava of our dear children, St. Sava Day. The kids have been practicing their poems and musical and dance presentations for their special day, so we should all be there to support them and enjoy the program. The Blessing of the Kolach will take place after Divine Liturgy, followed by the luncheon and program in the newly remodeled south wing.