The doors of the Iconostasis and Church are left open during the entire Liturgy on Easter Sunday, proclaiming the "Light and Joy of the Resurrection". At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy the priest proclaims "Christ is Risen!" and the people respond "Indeed, He is Risen!". Also sung throughout the service is The Paschal Troparion, the Great Hymn of the Resurrection of Christ. This Great Hymn of Pascha will be sung repeatedly in the weeks to come.  (Info from www.babamim.com and www.lasvegasorthodox.com)

The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed is the Orthodox article of faith. It is spoken by all believers at each Divine Liturgy and outlines the core beliefs of the faithful.

The Nicene Creed was formally drawn up at the First Ecumenical Council (325 AD) and at the Second Ecumenical Council (381 AD) in order to address theological issues/questions that arose during the early years of Christianity.

The first council was called together by Constantine to discuss the nature of the Son of God, a direct response to the Arian controversy of that time. Arius claimed that the Son of God was a creature created by God the Father to serve a specific function (the salvation of mankind), and that Jesus Christ was not eternal.

The Nicene Creed developed at the first council was not immediately accepted in all Christian churches. In addition, the false teachings of Arius gained Roman support and the defenders of the Nicene faith were persecuted. In order to address these problems another council was called together, this time in Constantinople, at which time the original creed was reaffirmed and the Divinity of the Holy Spirit was proclaimed. (from www.ststevanofdechani.org)

About the soloist:

Paul Jancarich is an active member of SSS Karageorge for many years, and has created the choir's History Room adjacent to the choir loft. He is a founding Board Member of St. Sava's Serbian Historical Society. Paul is always there to help at any church function, looks in on the elderly, and is an all-around "really nice guy".

Dressed in their Sunday best, three and four generations of families attended Divine Liturgy on Easter. Beba Rudman and Zoran Andrich passed out colorful Easter eggs that were donated by Kolo Sisters.

Look who was busy in an Easter egg challenge in Florida? Our very own Father John and Protinica Mirijana were happy to compete. You may also recognize the Nogulich's, Mihajlovich's, and Peter Puhar! Florida  photos provided by Jelena Mulin.

Laurenn Baroevich took some fantastic photos for us to enjoy. You can see her unique, youthful perspective and the response of the children. Sunday School sponsored an egg hunt on the east lawn. In spite of the fierce windy weather, all the eggs were recovered. Thanks, Easter Bunny!

Remember to click on the images below to enlarge:

Hristos Voskrese! Christ Is Risen! Indeed He Is Risen!

Divine Liturgy starts at 10:00 a.m.

Our Serbian Sisters Circle members have been busy preparing for this upcoming Easter Holiday. Purchase Apple Strudels, Cheese Strudels, or Nut Rolls for $10, and Palachinke for $2. Pick up your pre-orders or just stop by this Saturday, March 20th,  from 9 am to 2:30 pm in the south wing, Strudels are frozen, ready-to-bake, and nut rolls and palachinke are baked ready to eat.

We have a limited number of cook books for $15, gift wrapped. Pick one up Saturday. Only 25 left.

Thanks to Nancy Beric and Nadine Djordjevic for sharing this wonderful product designed by and for Serbian families who celebrate our unique traditions for Easter. Visit  WWW.PRETTY-EASTER.COM for more information.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Easter Egg project came out of the initiative to revive traditional Serbian values and keep them through further promotion from sinking into oblivion. Thus, by binding one of the greatest Christian holidays – Easter and Serbian medieval wall painted ornaments, a new egg in old Serbian garments has been created – an egg cherishing Serbian cultural and art heritage – the guardian of our tradition.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

The idea emerged from the inspiration and enthusiasm of a Creative Family that lives in Belgrade but thinks in Serbia, although the author of this project is considered to be each and every one of you that brought it to life.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

The product consists of 10 decorative wrappers for decorating eggs and is produced in 6 different sets. The whole collection comprises of 60 different motifs in total. The motifs are printed on a plastic shrinking foil which is harmless in contact with food, however inedible. Each motif is to be cut separately, placed on a previously boiled and cooled egg and then dipped into a pot of boiling water for a few seconds for the wrapper to shrink around the egg

Our Kolo Sisters are busy preparing delicious homemade baked goods for the Easter Holiday. Order early and be sure to pick up a couple extras for unexpected company.

Call in, fax, or email your order. Information below:

ST. SAVA CHURCH IS TAKING

LAMB ORDERS FOR EASTER

$12.00 PER POUND – 2 POUND MINIMUM

ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO

SUNDAY SCHOOL, FOLKLORE AND PRE-SCHOOL

PLEASE CONTACT KAREN KNEZIC AT 219-406-7910 OR karknezic@yahoo.com TO PLACE YOUR ORDER

ORDER DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, MARCH 26TH

ALL ORDERS WILL BE PRE-PACKAGED.  ADVANCE ORDERS ONLY.

NO SAME DAY SALES.

***NOTE: PICK UP TIME IS FROM NOON TO 1 PM ON SUNDAY, APRIL 4 IN THE NEWLY REMODELED NORTH BUILDING KITCHEN.

All the children were dressed in their Easter finery as they received brightly colored eggs from "Beba" Milena Rudman, Dennis, and Lynn Svilar. Thank you to everyone who brought dozens of colored eggs to pass out. Enjoy the photos and be sure to click on the small thumbnail photos to renlarge, and once again on Photobucket for an even larger image.

The Church was beautifully decorated Sunday for Divine Liturgy. Icon frames were adorned with daisies and carnations, and pots of lillies and azaleas were spread throughout. Fresh flowers added a festive backdrop to the Altar as well.

Enjoy the small video segments from Easter Sunday Divine Liturgy, celebrated April 19.

Hristolu unghia!
Hristos a înviat!
Χριστός ἀνέστη!
Христос възкресе!
Христос васкрсе!
Христос воскресе!
Krishti u ngjall!
Քրիստոս յարեաւ ի մեռելոց՜
!ܫܪܝܪܐܝܬ ܩܡ
Christos tensiou!
ქრისტე აღსდგა!

Christ has risen! Happy Pascha, everybody!

Hristos Voskrese! Christ Is Risen! Indeed He Is Risen!

APRIL 11th

Lazarus Saturday, VRBICA, Confession at 8:00 a.m., Holy Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.

APRIL 12th

Palm Sunday, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.

APRIL 15th

Holy Wednesday, Sacrament of Holy Unction at 6:00 p.m., St. George, East Chicago

APRIL 16th

Holy Thursday, Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.

The Great Vigil: Reading of 12 Passion Gospels at 6:00 p.m.

APRIL 17th

HOLY FRIDAY, Vespers with Laying of Holy Shroud and Funeral at 6:00 p.m.

APRIL 18th

Holy Saturday, Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m., Resurrection Matins at 11:30 a.m.

APRIL 19th

EASTER SUNDAY, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.

APRIL 20th

Easter Monday, Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.

APRIL 21st

Easter Tuesday, Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.

Delicious Pre-Baked Nut Rolls and Take -and-Bake Apple or Cheese Strudels will be sold on Saturday, April 4th in the South Wing of St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi, Merrillville. Still ONLY $10 each, a great addition to your holiday meal. Everything is homemade by our Sisters Circle members. Call ahead to pre-order (219) 736-9191, or you can email your order to stsavachurch@gmail.com. Be sure to include your name and phone number. Pick your orders up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please order as soon as possible.

Church was filled to capacity on the day we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. Read Father Marko's interview in The Times newspaper Saturday's edition. The Sunday School children were treated to an Easter Egg Hunt on the north lawn, and then they surprised us all by singing "Hristos Voskrese" right before the Church Board passed out colored eggs. As you will see in the photos, this was a very special day enjoyed by everyone.

(Click photo to enlarge)