St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church

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.

Our dear Serbian Sisters Circle celebrated their Krsna Slava, the Venerable Mother Paraskeva. It has become a tradition for Ruth Ann Bjelopetrovich and Dan Sever to stand as Kumovi in honor of their beloved parents, Jagoda and Nick Sever. The children of our Sunday School presented a short program about the remarkable life and sacrifices of St. Paraskeva. This was their gift to the Serbian Sisters Circle, our special, hard-working women, the backbone of this Church. We were all treated to a great banquet and endless dessert table! Special guests included Sisters from nearby Church Kolos. Sretna Slava, Ladies!

If you can attend, please join the Sisters at Divine Liturgy Monday, October 27th. The names of all deceased members will be read during the Parastos. This long-held tradition is a very emotional and touching tribute to all the dear Sisters that have passed; generations of our Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, Kumas, Sisters, and Friends. May their Memories be Eternal.

(Click photo to enlarge)

St. Sava's Serbian Sisters Circle celebrates their Slava, St. Paraskeva, this Sunday, October 26th. Please attend the blessing and cutting of the Kolach and Banquet in the south wing following Divine Liturgy.  A  special presentation by the Sunday School children will honor the Patron Saint of our Kolo Sisters. The Kolo Sisters would also like to invite everyone to church on Monday, October 27th, where they will observe Parastos for all deceased members and reading of their names. Refreshments will follow.

"Serbian Patron Saint, Krsna Slava", by Very Rev. Father Jovan Todorovich is a great explanation of the tradition of Slava. The Blessing Service, customs, preparation, and recipes for the celebration unique to the Serbs are detailed and easy to understand. Many photos are included, and the reversible book is written in both English and Serbian. This paperback book is offered at only $7 plus $3 shipping and handling in Goods & Services with your credit card. Free gift wrap.

For those of you celebrating your Krsna Slava St. George, Father Marko would like to notify you that he can Bless your Kolach on Monday evening immediately after Vespers, which starts at 6:00 p.m. This may turn out to be more convenient for some, so you will have a choice to do so.

St. George services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, with the Blessing of Kolach immediately following.

Thanks to Betsy Kirby for these photos. We encourage you all to send us your photos at stsavachurch@gmail.com. (Click photo to enlarge)

The pictures speak for themselves; all we can say is Thank You to all the children who worked so hard learning their poems and songs, and to their teachers, and to Kim Simic and Deena Galich for their help. This beautiful, sunny winter day was made even brighter by the children's performances. (Click on photo to enlarge)

The church was full as the children and representatives of all organizations participated in the Blessing of the Slavski Kolach. Father invited all to attend the luncheon and program and asked everyone for their patience as we adjust to the smaller facilities in the newly remodeled south wing. Simo's video camera was played live on the big screen TV, so everyone was able to enjoy the program. Thanks, Simo! (Click on photo to enlarge)

Just a reminder that this Sunday, January 27th is the Slava of our dear children, St. Sava Day. The kids have been practicing their poems and musical and dance presentations for their special day, so we should all be there to support them and enjoy the program. The Blessing of the Kolach will take place after Divine Liturgy, followed by the luncheon and program in the newly remodeled south wing.

Sunday, November 11th was truly a special day for all who attended Church. After Divine Liturgy, Father Marko celebrated the Slava honoring St. Varnava, who was chosen to be the Patron Saint of the Cultural and Historical Organization of our Church. Bishop Varnava was born in Gary, attended Froebel School and was a member of our Church. He was the first American-born Serbian Saint and was canonized in 2005. Parastos was hosted by the families of Dusan Pokrajac and Viseslav Djordjevich. May their memories be eternal.

The Sunday School children surprised all the grandparents with two songs: "The Hymn to St. Sava" (Uskliknimo) and "Tamo Daleko". What a treat! After the short program, we all enjoyed a hearty and plentiful luncheon buffet hosted by church members.