St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church

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.

Re-live the fun at this year's Serb Fest, Northwest Indiana's best ethnic festival. If you missed this year's event, visit us next year, always the first weekend in August. This annual fund raiser will help build facilities for future festivals and events on the Church grounds in Merrillville. Serb Fest is staffed by dedicated volunteers of all ages. The first day is always kicked off with the Golf Classic, followed by a Serbian Buffet, and the evening is filled with music, dancing, and of course, more great Serbian food. This 3-day event includes a Big Cash Raffle with a $25,000 Grand Prize, many live bands, and a Cultural Exhibit. Serb Fest Menu includes BBQ Lamb, Cevaps, Raznici, Sarma, Chicken, Palachinke, Krofne, Nut Rolls, Strudels of many flavors, and the fabulous Serbian Bakery! See you next year! Watch all 3 Slide shows below.

Helpful Hint: You can double-click on the arrow, go directly to YouTube, RE-START, and click on HIGH QUALITY for a better picture.

It's time to register your child for Sunday School Classes. Don't miss the opportunity to have your child participate in religious classes and many fun social events. Children will enjoy life-long friendships and memories from their experiences at our St. Sava Church. Parents, grandparents, and Kumovi should remember their responsibilities to providing a religious foundation for their children. The new St. Sava Learning Center is fully remodeled and stocked, and ready to receive the students. We are still looking for volunteer Substitute Teachers (Lesson Plans will be provided) and help for special events.

TEEN CLASSES: Teens (9th grade thru Seniors) will meet EVERY SUNDAY, and we are looking for more teachers at this level to take turns, one Sunday per month. This is an enjoyable class that touches on topics related to lifestyles and concerns of teens.

Registration is SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th at 9:45 a.m. in front of the Church Office in the north wing. The children should go directly to their classes, which start at 9:45 a.m. every Sunday. Please note that the new start time for class is 9:45 a.m. Fee is $25 for the first child, $10 for each additional student. For additional information or to volunteer, please call Gina Orlich at 462-2584.

Thanks to all our Sponsors for their generous support at this year's 14th Annual Serb Fest Kick-Off Golf Classic. Everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed great Serbian food and music at the luncheon. Be sure to patronize our Sponsors whenever possible.

The Sponsor signs were also displayed during the entire 3-day Serb Fest event and viewed by thousands, so keep us in mind for next year's Sponsorship Drive.

Everyone had a great time. The food was outstanding, the palachinka lines were long, the pivo taps were working non-stop, and Thanks to all the hard-working Volunteers, Serb Fest 2008 was a successful new beginning for St. Sava Church. Non-stop music kept everyone dancing. Saturday night's highlight was hearing all the young voices singing "Djurdjevdan" with "Sumadija" Orchestra in the moonlight with the lighted domes of the church behind them. Positive remarks from the public were focused on being impressed with the number of workers of all ages, and the friendliness and hospitality they were shown. Check back daily for more info and photos from Serb Fest.

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St. Sava Church towers over the many tents, providing a picturesque backdrop for the festival. This was the first year for hosting our Serb Fest in Merrillville, and proved to be the right choice. As soon as the final attendance and food numbers come in, we'll let you know. Check back daily for more photos.

Today is the last chance you'll have to enjoy the best ethnic festival in the region, so come early and stay late, you'll be glad you did. Live music will be performed all day long, so relax and enjoy the beautiful weather. Visit the Cultural Center or take a tour of our beautiful St. Sava Church. Services are from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a tour and explanation of our church, hosted by Father Marko, ending at 8 p.m. There's still plenty of delicious lamb, cevaps, sarma, and chicken to enjoy, but come early, we may run out. The fantastic Serbian Bakery will be making palachinke, strudels, and incredible baked goods, too. Pick up one of our Serbian Sisters Circle Cook Books so you can discover the recipes for yourself! They're for sale in the Bake Sale area. There's still time to purchase a Raffle Ticket for the $25,000 Grand Prize. Big CASH RAFFLE and the TAMBURA PRIMA RAFFLE WILL BE DRAWN at 7 PM, and SERB FEST ENDS at 8 PM. See you later!

Bring your dancing shoes and your appetite, because you won't be able to resist the best ethnic foods or the effects of the music on your feet. Live bands will perform all day and night. The Lamb, Pig, Cevaps, Raznici, and wonderful baked goods will leave you craving even more. (There's still Sunday). Visit our new Cultural Center in the north wing for a special themed exhibit featuring Serbs in Sports and the Military. Be sure to attend, you'll be glad you did. See you at Serb Fest!

Come hungry, come often, just come! This is the Summer Festival that offers non-stop live music as well as fresh, delicious Bar-B-Q Lamb, Cevaps, and more great food. The fantastic Serbian Bakery is the treat you won't want to pass up-you won't believe your eyes. Serb Fest starts Friday at 4 p.m. and at Noon on Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to visit the Cultural Exhibit in the North Wing. The Serbian Historical Society is presenting a Tribute to the Military and Serbs in Sports, as well as many other areas of interest.  We look forward to seeing you, everyone is welcome!

Jeff Samardzija's Aunt and Uncle, Cheryl and Mike Samardzija, have been walking for the Breast Cancer Cause for 5 years now. This is the second year that Jeff has shown his support for The Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. Cheryl and Mike are hosting a RAFFLE: Jeff has signed T-Shirts, Banners, and Baseballs from Notre Dame, Daytona Cubs, and Chicago Cubs. This is your chance to win a piece of history! Show your support by purchasing a RAFFLE TICKET at this year's SERB FEST in the Cultural Display Area at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, where the items will be ON DISPLAY. RAFFLE TICKETS are only $10, Winner need not be present. The Raffle Drawing will be held at Serb Fest on Saturday, August 2nd at 11 p.m. in the Main Tent. Remember, ALL ITEMS SIGNED BY JEFF SAMARDZIJA, the CHICAGO CUBS Newest Pitcher!

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Northwest Indiana's most popular ethnic festival will be moved to St. Sava's Church Grounds at 9191 Mississippi Street this year, and for all future festivals. The 49th Avenue Hobart location is permanently closed. You'll be treated to continuous live Music for dancing, excellent Serbian Food and Pastries, and a Cultural Display unique to any other festival. You just can't beat the variety of great Serbian Food; Cevaps (Serbian Sausages), Bar-B-Q Lamb, Raznici (Shish-kebob), Palachinke (Serbian Crepes), Nut Rolls, Krofne, Strudels, and pastries made by the Sisters. This is the festival you won't want to miss! Great Food, Great Music, Biggest Cash Raffle, Great Friends - Don't miss it!

Enjoy some photos from last year's festival. (Click photo to enlarge)

The excitement built up to the Championship games played Sunday afternoon at Purdue Calumet. Sunday evening concluded 4 exciting days of games, music, dancing, and socializing. St. Elijah Cathedral's hard working volunteers handled the huge crowds efficiently, serving up countless meals and drinks throughout the long weekend. Everyone had a great time, and all the players made new friends. Early Sunday evening, trophies were awarded in various categories, including Sportsmanship, All-Stars, and the winning and runner-up teams. This year's Senior Men's Winning Team is Cevap Amigos. Congratulations to all players, St. Elijah, Nick Beader, Mico Stojic, and the SNF for continuing the tradition of the historic Serb National Federation Basketball Tournament. See you next year in Lansing, Illinois.

A complete list of winners will be posted as soon as we receive the info. from the SNF. Send us your photos and videos of games or events to: stsavachurch@gmail.com    We'd be happy to share them. (Click photos to enlarge)

The large dance floor just wasn't big enough for the crowd at Friday night's dance. Great music by Srbija Orchestra from Phoenix, Arizona provided endless hours of entertainment for the SerbAerobic dancers. How do they dance in those flip-flops?

Send us your game videos posted on Youtube to: stsavachurch@gmail.com so we can share them.

Where were you Friday night? St. Elijah Church sure put on a great event for all who attended. So many celebrated being Serbs by showing off those kolo dance moves this weekend. Srbija Band from Arizona, and local bands Ti Roma and Dunav entertained the huge crowds. The kitchen offered tasty plates of sarma, lamb, and cevaps and a bake sale with endless choices. You still have two days left to enjoy the games and evening festivities, so don't miss out!

Send us your game and dance photos to: stsavachurch@gmail.com

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The schedule is available in Microsoft Excel or PDF formats. St. Elijah Church in Merrillville is this year's host. Plan to attend this exciting event Thursday, May 29th through Sunday, June 1st.

Mark the dates: May 29, 30, 31, and June 1 promise to be one exciting, fun-filled weekend. Our friends at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral will host this year's event at 8700 Taft Street, Merrillville. More details will follow. What a great way for young Serbs to meet and enjoy this fun sport.

Watch the 50 minute clip from the 2-hour Serb Fest 2006 DVD on Google Video. The mini-museum was put together by volunteers Milan & Roz Opacich, Ted Erceg, and Paul & Xenia Jancarich. This presentation was too lengthy to post on Youtube, so we chose to host it on Google Video.

You can purchase the complete 2 hour DVD in Goods & Services, including the Church overview, sounds of Karageorge, Milan's retirement performance, and musical highlights from MLADA SRBADIJA and DRINA. The proceeds from the DVD sale will benefit our future cultural display room and library in the north wing. Now grab some popcorn and follow the link:

Museum Tour with Milan Opacich from Serb Fest 2006.