St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church

Serbian Orthodox Church, Merrillville, IN, was established in 1914 in Gary, IN. Divine Liturgy Sundays 10am, Fr. Marko Matic officiating. Liturgical responses by Karageorge Choir. Sunday School starts after Holy Communion (around 11:15) until 12:15. Serbian School will be incorporated into Sunday School. Vespers served Tuesdays and Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. Join us, everyone welcome! Folklore dance group and choir always accepting new members. Attend Sunday Luncheons after Liturgy, hosted by families or organizations, serving delicious homemade food and desserts.
South Wing SOCIAL CENTER NOW AVAILABLE for hosting social events, newly renovated and tastefully decorated. Showers, graduation parties, business meetings, Skup Svatova, wedding receptions, baptisms, birthdays, and retirements can all be accommodated. For more info, call (219)736-9191.

phone (219)736-9191
9191 Mississippi St. Merrillville, IN 46410

Monday-Friday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Saturday: closed

Sunday: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

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Santa and His Elves Visit St. Sava - Photos

posted by dorothyp on Jan 12th, 2013 at 11:18 pm

Badnje Vece was a long night for Santa Claus. He listened to detailed toy requests from good children who assured him of their best behavior. Santa's many elves offered their assistance to move the line along and gave out candy canes and gift bags, Thanks, Santa!

Please click thumbnails to enlarge.

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Photos from 98th Anniversary and Pavilion Dedication

posted by dorothyp on Nov 30th, 2012 at 12:21 pm

St. Sava Church celebrated 98 glorious years as an Eastern Orthodox Christian Serbian parish on Sunday, November 18th. Traditional memorial wreaths were used to commemorate the sacrifices of all members who served in previous wars. His Grace Bishop Longin presided Divine Liturgy as Deacon Nikolaj Kostur, V. Rev. Tom Kazich, V. Rev. Marko Matic, and V. Rev. Bogdan Zjalic held a Parastos for all deceased members and benefactors of St. Sava Church. The new outdoor Pavilion was consecrated with donors Nicholas and Eleonore Chabraja in attendance. A permanent plaque will be displayed in loving memory of Nick and Angie Chabraja, parents of Nicholas Chabraja. Nick Chabraja was a past church president and dedicated member who served our church in many capacities. Angie was an elegant woman who was an active member of our Kolo for many years. Kolo Sisters prepared a fantastic meal for the banquet that followed in the south wing. Church Board President Vonnie Orlich welcomed the guests and Keynote speaker V. Rev. Tom Kazich spoke of his personal memories and inspirational figures of growing up in a "Serbian Gary" environment.

 

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Easter Sunday Photos - Great Serbian Smiles!

posted by dorothyp on Apr 18th, 2012 at 10:46 am

Children, Moms, and Dads were in attendance for Divine Liturgy followed by Blessing of Eggs Service. Executive Board President Vonnie Orlich, KOLO President Beba Rudman, and folklore dancers Marija Novakovich, Camille Sisk, and Sofia Grimsgard passed out beautifully colored Easter eggs. Enjoy the family photos below, and be remember to click on the picture to enlarge. If you'd like a copy, email dorothyshops@gmail.com.

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Video Slideshow - SNF Basketball 2010 Photos

posted by dorothyp on May 11th, 2010 at 9:29 am

Once again St. Elijah of Merrillville hosted a great tournament. Their facility is spacious, the food was delicious, and The Fieldhouse was the perfect choice for games. Even the weather cooperated for a perfect weekend of fun. Final game scores and winning trophy details will be published in the next issue of the SRBOBRAN. (more videos and photos still coming)

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Thank Heaven for Volunteers!

posted by dorothyp on Aug 5th, 2009 at 8:11 am

This festival is staffed by volunteers, a commitment that is truly appreciated. The second and third generation is represented in many families. Without our volunteers, we couldn't have the festival, a fund-raiser that our church depends on. Thank you all once again! The photos below are only a small representation of the great number of volunteers.

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44th Annual SOCA Festival Concert Photos

posted by dorothyp on Jun 17th, 2009 at 10:40 pm

The Main Event was the SOCA Festival Concert hosted by St. George Church in Clearwater, Florida on Saturday, June 13th at noon. The Sunshine State host parish worked very hard to prepare for this unforgettable concert. Each choir director took a turn directing the mass choir anthems and various songs. This year's musical selection for the mass choir was "St. George Troparion", directed by Mr. John Vukovich from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.The following choirs participated in this year's festival program:

Stevan Mokranjac Choir, Hamilton, Canada, John Vukovich, Director

St. Sava Choir, St. Petersburg, Florida, Emil Esapovich, Director

S.S.S. Karageorge, Merrillville, Indiana, Kim Simic, Kathy Baroevich, Directors

St. Archangel Michael, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Petar Drobac, Director

Draza Mihajlovich Choir, Cudahy, Wisconsin, Karen Wortchow, Director

Stevan Mokranjac/Branko Radicevich, Chicago, Illinois, Elizabeth Neskow, Director

Very Rev. Father John Todorovich, President Zoran Milic, Dobrinka Milic, Kolo Sisters, Peter Puhar, and the membership of St. George Church were gracious hosts, and provided everyone with a wonderful lifelong memory. Thanks for hosting this special weekend in beautiful, sunny Florida.

Thanks once again to Jelena Mulin for the wonderful pictures!

 

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SOCA Festival Saturday Night Dance Photos

posted by dorothyp on Jun 16th, 2009 at 1:51 am

Mirko Roknich Orchestra provided non-stop music for dancing and plenty of sing-alongs. Several rounds of "Mirjanaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" were heard across town, as is the case when Joey Puhar and friends are in the house. As seen in the photos, everyone had a wonderful time visiting with old friends and making new ones. Check back for more pictures soon.

Click the small thumbnail photo once to enlarge; then once you're on Photobucket, click it again for a full screen view. Photos can be purchased on Photobucket and picked up at Target. (Saturday photos by Jelena Mulin. Thanks, Jelena!)

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SOCA Festival Sunday Divine Liturgy and Banquet

posted by dorothyp on Jun 16th, 2009 at 1:50 am

Sunday, June 14th marked the final day of this year's SOCA Festival. The combined choirs sang responses for Divine Liturgy at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Clearwater, Florida, where Father John is now parish priest. Several visiting clergy also celebrated Divine Liturgy and were overwhelmed by the beautiful voices. The banquet was well attended and everyone got a taste of Dobrinka and friends' wonderful cooking. Click the small thumbnail photo once to enlarge, then once you're on Photobucket, click it again for a full screen view. Photos can be purchased on Photobucket and picked up at Target. (Sunday photos by Peter Mulin, Thanks, Peter!)


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SOCA Festival 2009 Group Photo and Schedule

posted by dorothyp on Jun 14th, 2009 at 8:48 am

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SOCA Festival Dinner Cruise Last Night in Clearwater, Florida

posted by dorothyp on Jun 13th, 2009 at 10:01 am

The host parish from St. George Church in Clearwater, Florida arranged an elegant dinner cruise on the Starlight Majesty out of Clearwater Beach. Looks like everyone enjoyed some kolo dancing and a breath-taking sunset. It's nice to see Karageorge members take a well-deserved break. Several choirs are in attendance, one from as far away as Hamilton, Canada. Thanks to Jelena Mulin for sending these great photos. Check back daily for more pictures of events.

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Super Bowl Bash Sponsored by Folklore

posted by dorothyp on Feb 6th, 2009 at 7:38 pm

Last Sunday night was loads of fun, and there was plenty of great food and snacks. St. Sava Folklore sponsored their 2nd Annual Big Game Bash. Looks like Nick Ajder was ready for those commercials with his 3D glasses. Everyone had a wonderful time, and the 4th quarter surely was exciting. Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers!

 

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St. Sava Day Program was Outstanding!

posted by dorothyp on Jan 31st, 2009 at 12:21 am

"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.

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Serbian Historical Society's Slava, St. Varnava

posted by dorothyp on Nov 14th, 2008 at 10:52 pm

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!

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Sunday School Kids Had a Blast at County Line Orchard

posted by dorothyp on Nov 5th, 2008 at 9:42 am

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.

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Serb Fest 2008 Slide Shows, Now on YouTube!

posted by dorothyp on Sep 9th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

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.

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Serb Fest 2008 Photos

posted by dorothyp on Aug 7th, 2008 at 7:19 pm

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.

(Click photo to enlarge)

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Serb Fest 2008 Draws Record Crowds

posted by dorothyp on Aug 6th, 2008 at 10:49 am

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.

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Three Cheers for Volunteers!

posted by dorothyp on Aug 5th, 2008 at 10:48 am

The volunteers are the foundation for the success of this monumental event, and we'd like to THANK each and every one of them. Many have worked for months preparing nut rolls and strudels, while others worked feverishly to remodel the garage and transform it into a functioning kitchen. Planning the layout, utilities, and set-up took weeks. Raffle Ticket sellers had an especially big challenge this year. Preparations in all areas were covered by our parishoners and our dear friends. Moving Serb Fest to Merrillville in such a visible location has drawn many new local faces this year. And of course, with all your help, we handled it. Thanks to everyone!

(Click photo to enlarge)

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Florida Here We Come! Folklore Group Had A Blast!

posted by dorothyp on Jul 2nd, 2008 at 12:46 am

The Serbian Folklore Federation of North America celebrated it's 8th Annual Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida June 20th through 22nd. Our own Srbadija senior group attended the event and performed along with many groups from around the country. Wonderful memories were made with friends old and new. Looks like half the fun was just getting there. The performing groups traveled from Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Joliet, Cleveland, Monroeville, Merrillville, McKeesport, Schererville, Aliquippa, and the host town of St. Petersburg. Send us your concert photos to stsavachurch@gmail.com so that we can share them. Thanks to Erin Devaney for sharing these photos.

(Click photos to enlarge)

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New Photos In from SNF Basketball Games

posted by dorothyp on Jun 14th, 2008 at 9:54 am

Thanks to John Buffalini, Associate Director of Basketball for the SNF, for providing these images from some of the games and awards presentations. Send us your photos to stsavachurch@gmail.com so that we can share them. More pics in previous blogs and in your upcoming SRBOBRAN Issue.

(Click photo to enlarge)

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SNF Basketball 2008 Trophy Presentation Photos

posted by dorothyp on Jun 1st, 2008 at 11:47 pm

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)

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Photos from SNF Basketball Tournament 2008 Friday Night Dance

posted by dorothyp on May 31st, 2008 at 2:48 am

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

(Click photo to enlarge)

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