Karageorge members would like to invite you to their annual Slava celebration of St. Andrew the First Called. Join them after Divine Liturgy for Blessing and Cutting of the Slava Kolach, and proceed to the South Wing for their Luncheon Buffet.

The first American-born Serbian Saint was born in Gary, Indiana, where St. Varnava attended St. Sava Church. The Serbian Historical Society chose him for their Patron Saint, at the suggestion of Roz Opacich. After the blessing and cutting of the Slava Kolach, parishioners gathered in the south wing for a fall themed luncheon buffet. Also celebrating Veteran's Day, Paul Jancarich set up a display paying tribute to St. Sava's veterans from previous wars. Thanks to all who attended and for your continued support.

Please join us after Divine Liturgy for the blessing and cutting of the Slavski Kolach in celebration of St. Varnava.

Wonderful, hard-working, devoted, loving, talented, inspiring......there aren't enough adjectives to describe our ladies of St. Sava's Serbian Sisters Circle. Once again they celebrated their Slava, St. Petka Paraskeva, with a solemn memorial service as Fr. Marko read the names of hundreds of deceased Kolo members that have passed throughout the years. Every year our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and Kumovi are remembered in our prayers. The Kolo Sisters are the backbone of our church, and we all acknowledge the fact that we could not exist without them. The Djordjevic family and Sisters from New Carlisle also celebrated their Slava that day. After Divine Liturgy, the ladies treated us to a delicious meal served by young folklore dancers and future Kolo leaders. A new framed photo tribute to past Kolo presidents was unveiled and will now be permanently displayed in the north wing. President Milena Beba Rudman thanked all the guests as well as her sisters "Martha Stewart" (Mimi Orlich) and "Paula Dean" (Zorka Glumac). There were many more to thank, but she hasn't nicknamed them yet! Guests included  Kolo Sisters representing NWI and Chicagoland Circles. Kum Dan Sever expressed his personal admiration for and memories of our sisters. A grand Serbian dessert table offered an unbelievable assortment of homemade desserts and pastries!

On September 21, His Grace Bishop Longin presided at Hierarchical Divine Liturgy along with about two  dozen priests from various Orthodox Chicagoland and NWI Churches celebrating the Slava at Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery in New Carlisle, Indiana. Lenten Luncheon was prepared and served by KOLO Sisters from St. Sava and St. Elijah parishes. Several hundred faithful worshipers attended the Service and blessing and cutting of the Slavski Kolach. Bus transportation was provided for a nominal fee. Please feel free to visit the Sisters at the Monastery for a quiet place to reflect and worship. The Sisters maintain the buildings and grounds themselves. The Monastery is located at 32400 Early Road, New Carlisle, IN. You may want to call ahead for a schedule of services and activities.

The Circle of Serbian Sisters of St. Sava Church - Merrillville

cordially invite you and your family to the celebration of

our Krsna Slava Sveta Petka Paraskeva

SATURDAY, October 27, 2012

Divine Liturgy - 10:00 a.m.

Blessing of Slavski Kolach and Parastos

Luncheon in South Wing Following Service

Reserve a seat on the chartered bus early! Call the church office 219-736-9191 for reservations - only $10 round trip. Bus will leave the church at 8:30 a.m. promptly and return at 4:30 p.m. central time.

The Monastery Community of The Nativity of The Mother of God Slava

FRIDAY, September 21st - Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.

Followed by Blessing and Cutting of Kolach and LUNCHEON served by

St. Sava and St. Elijah KOLO Sisters of Merrillville

(Thursday evening Vigil at 6:00 p.m.)

Our devoted church choir, Serbian Singing Society Karageorge, hosted a festive lenten luncheon buffet to honor their Slava Saint, Andrew the First Called. On Sunday, December 18, the south wing was cozy and decorated for the holiday season. The beautifully prepared meal started with homemade soup and included bakalar and fried fish as well as an assortment of colorful salads, sides, and desserts. Even the kids couldn't wait to eat! Choir president Gerbick organized her team for a successful Slava celebration.

On Sunday, November 20, St. Sava's Serbian Historical Society celebrated their patron Saint, St. Varnava The Holy Confessor with a festive luncheon in the south wing. Fr. Marko, with board members in attendance, blessed the Kolach at the end of Divine Liturgy. 40 day Parastos was also held for +Cvijeta Rajkovich. Paul Jancarich sang the Troparian and read the story of St. Varnava's life and his childhood in Gary. On display were articles and photographs showing the remarkable yet tragic life of St. Varnava, the first American - born Serbian Saint.

Thank You to all who attended the luncheon or sent donations. Thanks also for all the families who brought salads and baked goods, and for their continued support. Special Thanks to Beba Rudman, Donna Nikolich, and Mimi Orlich for their hard work.

S.S.S. Karageoge will celebrate their Slava St. Andrew The First Called on Sunday, December 18 following Divine Liturgy. Please join us for a buffet luncheon in the south wing. Everyone is welcome!

St. Sava’s Serbian Historical Society
Invites you to their Slava Celebration
HolyConfessor St. Varnava
First American-Born Serbian Saint, from Gary St. Sava
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Luncheon Following Divine Liturgy
in the South Wing

Leave it to the hard-working women of St. Sava's Serbian Sisters Circle to host a delicious homemade meal with an elegant dessert table for the celebration of their Slava, St. Paraskeva. Father Marko blessed the Kolach after Divine Liturgy Sunday, October 30th and the names of all deceased Kolo Sisters were read - a touching tradition that honors the memory of our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts. Kum Dan Sever expressed his love and appreciation for the women who work tirelessly for this church. The story of St. Petka's life was read by Alex Djordjevich, Alexis Orlich, and Savka Popovich. Kolo President Milena (Beba) Rudman thanked the guests and acknowledged Zoran and Milena Andrich and family for their generosity; they paid all the expenses for the dinner. Congratulations and Ziveli! to the lovely ladies of our KOLO.

St. Sava Serbian Sisters Circle

Cordially Invites You and Your Family

to Celebrate Our Krsna Slava

Sveta Petka Paraskeva

Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

Divine Liturgy - 10:00 a.m.

*

Blessing of Slavski Kolach and Parastos for our

deceased members following Divine Liturgy

*

Slava Banquet immediately following church services in our South Wing

A bottle of wine or Rakija is a typical Slava gift, so why not dress it up with an embroidered cloth gift bag? It's re-usable and tastefully embroidered with "Srechna Slava" and matched with a ribbon to tie at the top. The bottle bag is available in white, and embroidered in assorted colors. Priced at only $10, just in time for The Feast of St. George. Contact Dorothy at (510) 289-9862 or email at dorothyshops@gmail.com to order and choose colors. (Can be mailed for $2 S&H in the US) Proceeds will go to St. Sava Church.

SLAVSKI KOLACH

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water - 2 pkg. dry yeast - 1 teaspoon sugar; Add yeast to water, let rise.

1 stick unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

8 egg yolks

1 1/4 cups warm milk

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons vanilla

1 lemon (juice and rind)

7 1/2 cups *5 Roses Brand flour

Beat butter, sugar, yolks, and salt. Add yeast mixture. flour, vanilla, lemon, milk, and make your dough. Knead dough until it is smooth and elastic. Let rise 1 1/2 hours, punch down, let rise again for 1 hour.

Next, make  4  12oz. dough balls and 1 8oz. dough ball. Grease a large 10 inch diameter, deep round soup pot, then line with waxed paper or parchment paper on bottom and sides. Grease and lightly dust the paper with flour. Place the 4 balls of dough on the bottom and the small one on the center top. Let rise again for 1 hour and 40 minutes. Then put the braid around the kolach. Let rise for 25 to 35 minutes. Brush with beaten egg wash and place the decorative trim as pictured. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Make sure that your kolach is covered when it is raising.

DECORATING DOUGH

(Hard Dough) 2 1/4 cups *Pillsbury flour only and 3/4 cup water. Make the dough and set aside to rest. It has to be very hard.

(Braid Dough) 9oz. of hard dough and 3oz. of kolach dough. Knead the 2 doughs together. Divide and roll into 3 strips to make your braid.

With the remaining hard dough, cut shapes of your choice after rolling it out very thin. Use religious symbols as shown (an Orthodox Cross, grapes, bible, 4 - C's, dove, etc.)

Note: Do not put egg wash on decorating dough or braid dough; it stays white.

Our sincere thanks go to Manda for sharing her recipe. She has made many slavski kolaches for Sunday School, Karageorge, Church, and Kolo Slavas.

*Fondly remembering our sweet Teta Milica, who worked tirelessly for our St. Sava Church.

KOLJIVO (ZITO)

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground walnuts

1 lb. sugar or powdered sugar

1 lb. wheat

1 tsp. vanilla, rum, or almond flavor

1 tsp. cinnamon

Clean wheat and wash thoroughly. Put wheat in pan in which you are going to cook it. Then put hot water, not boiled, and let stand for 1 hour. Wash it well in lukewarm water 2 times. Put on to cook in 4 quarts hot water; add a little salt. Cook until tender; do not overcook. When wheat is done, strain in lukewarm water 2 times. Put in strainer and wash again. Then let it stay overnight in a strainer. Put where it will drain.

When you want to mix the wheat, put in pan or bowl where you could mix the best. Mix it thoroughly, put in wheat, nuts, sugar, flavor you want and cinnamon. Sugar may be added if desired. When all mixed, put in glass bowl; shape it up. Put ground walnuts on top of wheat; let some nuts on a side from top, make a cross in the center with cubed sugar, decorate around the cross with raisins, and around the side of the bowl.

Our talented Sunday School students once again worked hard to memorize their poems. In case you were unable to attend or couldn't see from the back of the room, you can watch it here. Send it to family and friends, or facebook it. Click on the movie itself to get the YouTube link, or send this entire blog (click the blog title, go to the top of the page, copy the URL, and send it in an email. Enjoy the show, and watch the other 2-part videos in the blog below to see the musical performances.

Thanks also to the older teens for reading stories about the Life of St. Sava and Life of St. Varnava. GREAT JOB!

Once again, the tradition of performing for parents, family, and friends is alive and well at St. Sava Church, as well as all other Serbian parishes. Joann Samardzija has spent the last 4 Sundays teaching, rehearsing, and accompanying the Sunday School students with their songs. Her original song about krofne is quite a catchy tune! Congratulations to soloists Savka Popovich, Rachel Gerbick, and Maya Radjenovich for their musical rendition of "Oj Moravo". Great job, girls! Even the little ones that can't even read yet were outstanding! Special Thanks go out to Deena Galich for making the "Autos" and "sugar - coated krofne" props.

Yes, St. Sava's got talent!

Thank you to all who helped celebrate St. Varnava, the Slava chosen by St. Sava's Serbian Historical Society. St. Varnava is the first American-born Serbian Saint, who grew up in Gary, moved to Serbia, and suffered under and was imprisoned by Communist rulers. Special Thanks to those who generously support the efforts of the Historical Society. Paul Jancarich sang the Tropariaon written for St. Varnava (Barnabas), Bishop of Hvosno.

THE SERBIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF ST. SAVA CHURCH
Warmly invites you and your family to our Krsna Slava Celebrating the first American-born Serbian Saint, also from St. Sava Church in Gary.*
St. Varnava The New Confessor

Sunday,October 31st South Wing Social Center
Bountiful Slava Luncheon Buffet and Cutting of Kolach will follow Divine Liturgy.
*When Ann Pamachena and Vojislav Nastich (St. Varnava) were growing up in Gary, she suspected he was something special because, even though the boy was impossibly smart, all the children loved him anyway.

You are cordially invited to attend the Slava Celebration of our Serbian Sisters Circle, St. Paraskeva, this Sunday October 24th after Divine Liturgy. The Sisters will prepare a special Luncheon Buffet in the South Wing Social Center, served after Fr. Marko blesses the Kolach and Koljivo. Everyone is welcome, and please bring the entire family.

Our Serbian Sisters celebrated their Slava among many guests from our own parish, as well as representatives from nearby Kolos. Sisters from St. George Indiana Harbor, St. Elijah Merrillville, and St. George Schererville were also in attendance. Two young ladies also joined the ranks of Kolo members. Marija Novakovich and Milica Jankovic  read about St. Petka both in Serbian and in English. Kum Dan Sever proudly represented his deceased parents, whom we all remember fondly for their commitment, hard work, and dedication to St. Sava Church. Kolo President Beba Rudman, Fr. Marko, and Dennis Svilar all spoke of the contributions of our Kolo Sisters, as they are the "back bone" of our Church.

Jelena Mulin (visiting from Florida) is a talented photographer and treated us to these wonderful photos. Thank You, Jelena!

Please join the Kolo Sisters on Sunday, October 25th as they celebrate their Slava after Divine Liturgy. Blessing of the kolach and koljivo will precede the luncheon. On the actual Slava day, October 27th, the sisters will read the names of all deceased members, a tradition of remembrance for all our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and kumas. Please make every effort to attend both services.

Our Venerable Mother Petka-Paraskeva, as she became known, was born in the 11th century in the city of Epivat, which is between Silivria and Constantinople. Her parents were very religious and raised their children to be pious. After her parents died, St. Petka strictly devoted herself to the monastic life, and with fasting and prayer, she committed her life to God. After five years of fasting and prayer, she went to the Holy Land (Palestine) to live in the desert of Jordan. In her old age, she returned to Constantinople to the Church of Holy Theotokos in Blaherna to revere the miraculous icon of the Mother of God.

Two centuries after her death (1238 A.D.), the Bulgarian emperor John Asen decided to move St. Petka's relics from Epivat, which then was under the Crusader's control, to Trnovo, the capital of Bulgaria. After the Turkish occupation of Bulgaria, the relics were moved again--this time to Vidim on the Danube (Vlaska). In 1396 when the Turks also conquered this area, the Serbian princess Milica acted to bring the holy relics to Belgrade. In 1417 the Church of St. Petka was built in Belgrade and her holy relics were placed there. In 1521 after the mighty Sulleyman II conquered Belgrade, St. Petka's remains, along with many Serbian families, were moved to Constantinople. There her remains were received with great respect and solemnity and the Sultan brought them to his castle. Numerous miracles occurred there, which caused the holy Mother Petka-Paraskeva also to be worshipped by Muslims. In 1641, with permission from Constantinople's patriarch Partenije I, the pious Moldavian ruler Vasilije Lupul brought St. Petka's remains to Moldavia's capital, Jash, where on 14/27 October they were placed in the church of the Three Holy Hierarchs, where St. Petka's holy relics continued to glorify the Lord with wonders and miracles.

(Text from westsrbdio.org)

The very next morning after preparing and cleaning up the Senior Luncheon, our Kolo Sisters were all glamorous and ready to board the bus to Gracanica. They made the long  trip to Grayslake and enjoyed the day once again among friends. Thanks once again to Donna Nicolich, our new stand - in photographer.

These recipes are from our Serbian Sisters Circle Cook Book, available for purchase in Goods & Services or at the Church entrance display.

SLAVSKI KOLAC (Slava Bread)

• 4 1/2 Cups flour
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 2 Pkg. dry yeast
• 1 1/2 Cups lukewarm water
• 1/2 Lb. butter
• 3 Large or 4 small eggs
• Peel and juice of 1 lemon
• 4 Tablespoons sugar

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup lukewarm water, 1 teaspoon sugar and 3 teaspoons flour; let it rise. Mix all ingredients together as you would for a bread. Let it rise until it doubles in size. Knead once again. Save some of your dough for top decorations. Put bread in pan, remembering a smaller one will make a higher bread. Decorations are usually a cross, 4 C's and a braid around the edge. Pan used should be greased and floured. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

KOLJIVO

(Recipe by Milica Milojevich)

• 1 Lb. ground walnuts
• 1 Lb. sugar or powdered sugar
• 1 Lb. wheat
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla, or rum, or almond extract
• 1 Teaspoon cinnamon

Clean wheat and wash thoroughly. Put wheat into pan in which you are going to cook it. Then add hot water, not boiled, and let stand for 1 hour. Wash it well in lukewarm water 2 times. Put on to cook in 4 quarts of hot water; add a little salt. Cook until tender; do not overcook. When wheat is done, strain in lukewarm water 2 times. Put into strainer and wash again. Then let it stay overnight in a strainer. Put it where it will drain.

When you want to mix the wheat, put in pan or bowl where you could mix the best. Mix it thoroughly, put in wheat, nuts, sugar, flavor you want, and cinnamon. Sugar may be added if desired. When all mixed, put in glass bowl; shape it up. Put ground walnuts on top of wheat; leave some nuts on a side from top, make a cross in the center with cubed sugar, decorate around the cross with raisins, and around the side of the bowl.

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.