Advanced orders are still being taken for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Please call the church office early at 736-9191 for details. Delicious Nut Rolls and Strudels are only $10 each. Pick up orders in the south wing this Saturday, November 22nd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Serbian Cook Books will also be offered, gift wrapped, for only $15 each. Pick up an extra one for a Holiday gift.

Father Marko ended Divine Liturgy Sunday with blessing of the Kolach and Koljivo at the base of the Icon of Holy Confessor Varnava Bishop of Hvosno. Serbian Historical Society's talented member Paul Jancarich sang the Troparian for Bishop Varnava in his own musical arrangement. Many church members helped with preparations and baking. and their efforts are greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who stayed for the wonderful Luncheon and offer their support for St. Sava's newest organization. A Supporting Membership Drive will be presented in 2009, so be sure to become a Charter Member!

The deadline has been extended to this Sunday, November 23rd, the last day to bring your canned goods and non-perishable items to church. The project has reached 65% of their goal. Show your support for the efforts of our Sunday School and their concern for the local community - this was their idea. This year has been especially tough for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana with the failing economy and devastating floods. Donations can be dropped off in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classroom or in the South Wing entrance.

You are all invited to celebrate the Slava of St. Sava's Serbian Historical Society, St. Varnava, this Sunday November 9th. The Luncheon will be held in the South Wing Social Center following Divine Liturgy. Holy Confessor St. Varnava was the first American-born Serbian Saint, from Gary, a member of St. Sava Church. Please join in the celebration, everyone is welcome. Read more about St. Varnava below, from an article written by Michelle L. Quinn, Post Tribune, November 20th, 2006.

St. Confessor Varnava


*Born Vojislav Nastich on Jan. 31, 1914, St. Confessor Varnava spent
his early years in Gary as a student at Froebel Elementary before his
father moved the family back to Yugoslavia in 1923, settling in
Sarajevo.

* After finishing high school and the Theological Faculty in
Belgrade, he took his vows at Mileshevo Monastery in 1940. Shortly
afterward, World War II came to Yugoslavia, and Varnava was highly
critical of the Yugoslav National Liberation Army, which wanted to
establish power in the country and abolish the church.

* Once he was ordained a priest in 1944 and Bishop of Hvosno in 1947,
the Communists, who'd now taken control, said Varnava could head the
church, but he would have to support the party. Varnava refused and
was subsequently tried as a traitor. He was imprisoned for many years
and eventually died under mysterious circumstances on Nov. 12, 1964,
though some sources say he was poisoned.

* St. Confessor Varnava was the first child baptized in St. Sava
Serbian Orthodox Church on 13th Avenue and Connecticut Street in
1914, and served as its first altar boy.

Sunday School kids and their parents had so much fun that they forgot how cold it was! A special outing to County Line Orchard was a great way to spend a cool autumn evening. They enjoyed many fun activities and built a giant spider web, roasted marshmallows, and made s'mores. Everyone was tossed around on a bumpy hay ride. And of course, there was soooooo much food - but did someone forget the pumpkin strudel? Special THANKS to Mary Halfman and Betsy Kirby for providing these wonderful photos.