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!

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.

Several important events will take place this busy weekend both at St. Sava and St. George in East Chicago. Most importantly, the annual "Mothers Against Hunger" Humanitarian Banquet and find-raiser is your chance to support the efforts of the 4 Kolos. This year's banquet will be hosted at St. George Church in East Chicago at 1:00 p.m. Entire funds raised will directly benefit  orphans, sick, and elderly in Serbia and Kosovo. Our 4 Kolos join together and are committed to making a difference in the lives of helpless children and families still suffering the effects of war. Father Marko will make every effort to end services and Parastos for Bishop Peter by noon or shortly after, allowing everyone ample travel time to attend the banquet. If you cannot attend, please send a donation to any of the 4 participating churches or through a Kolo Member.

S. S. S. Karageorge is hosting the Serbian Orthodox Choral Association (SOCA) Convention daily Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A small group of representatives will attend meetings in the south wing both days and conclude Sunday. Karageorge will sponsor the Sunday Luncheon after Divine Liturgy and Parastos. If you cannot attend the Humanitarian Banquet, please stay and enjoy the luncheon and support our choir.

Father Tom Kazich and Father Marko will hold 20 Year Parastos for our dear Bishop Peter during Services in place of the sermon, allowing everyone to travel to East Chicago in time for the Banquet. Father Tom will also be guest teacher for our Sunday School.

The Serbian Historical Society will Exhibit a collection of Bishop Peter's personal photographs and items donated by Father Tom Kazich. This memorial tribute will honor our very special "Father" Peter's memory of his ordained life, friendships, and travels. The exhibit  will be on display in the south wing every Sunday through October 19th, so that everyone will have an opportunity to view it.

The Serbian Historical Society put on a large display during Serb Fest, featuring many popular themes. Serbs in the U. S. Armed Forces, Serbs as Chetniks, Serbs in Sports, St. Varnava, St. Sava Church Old and New, Nikola Tesla, and many other themes filled the large room in the north wing. Hundreds viewed the exhibit each day, and even returned several times to take in more information. This is the third year that Serb Fest has hosted a cultural display, and has become unique to St. Sava Church. The Serbian Historical Society would like to Thank everyone who has donated or loaned items and photos of interest to their collection. In the future, you will see many more themed exhibits. (Click photos to enlarge)

Ana Ivanovic, Serbia's Tennis Champion, is famous for her skill as well as her beauty. She was very gracious to donate an autographed sun visor and photograph to our new Serbian Historical Society's Cultural Display at Serb Fest. This is part of our "Serbs in Sports" collection. At St. Sava, we can boast about our own tennis beauties. Pictured is Briana Sever, one of several who excel academically as well as in multiple sports. She is joined by younger sister Brooke, cousin Tasha Sever, Kumovi Christina Rodich and Nicole Orlich, and friend Erin Devaney. They compete at different schools, but remember that off the court, the strong Serbian bond prevails. You Go, Girls!!!

Take your Lady of Honor to Church this Sunday. Bring your Moms, Babas, Kumas, Aunts, or someone you love to the luncheon after Divine Liturgy. The Serbian Historical Society is sponsoring a Mother's Day Buffet, so come hungry and treat Mom to this tasty spread. The Sunday School kids have a special surprise for the ladies after Church. Everyone is welcome!