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; formerly served by Very Rev. Jovan Todorovich, retired after 36 years. Liturgical responses by Karageorge Choir. Sunday School starts 9:45am. in the new St. Sava Learning Center. Serbian School starts at 12:30 during 8-week sessions. 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, meetings, Skup Svatova, wedding receptions, baptisms, birthdays, and retirements can all be accommodated.

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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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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Serbian Historical Society Hosts Slava Luncheon This Sunday, November 9th

posted by dorothyp on Nov 5th, 2008 at 11:05 pm

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.

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KOLO SISTERS SLAVA, St. Paraskeva Celebrated Sunday

posted by dorothyp on Oct 27th, 2008 at 12:27 am

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)

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Serbian Sisters Circle Invites You to Their Slava Celebration, St. Paraskeva

posted by dorothyp on Oct 23rd, 2008 at 12:59 am

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.

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Slava Book: "Serbian Patron Saint, Krsna Slava"

posted by dorothyp on May 13th, 2008 at 10:43 pm

"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.

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Blessing of Kolach for St. George, Mon. or Tues.

posted by dorothyp on May 4th, 2008 at 3:50 pm

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.

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More photos in from St. Sava Day

posted by dorothyp on Feb 3rd, 2008 at 4:13 pm

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

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Great Program Presented on St. Sava Day!

posted by dorothyp on Jan 27th, 2008 at 7:12 pm

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)

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Blessing of the St. Sava Day Kolach; Sretna Slava Children and Members

posted by dorothyp on Jan 27th, 2008 at 6:43 pm

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)

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St. Sava Day Slava and Program this Sunday

posted by dorothyp on Jan 24th, 2008 at 11:42 pm

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.

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Sretna Slava, Karageorge Choir

posted by dorothyp on Dec 16th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
S.S.S. Karageorge Choir celebrated it's Krsna Slava, Apostle Andrew the First Called, on Sunday, December 16th. After an overnight snowfall totaling 9 inches, many supporters made the extra effort to attend Divine Liturgy and the Slava Blessing and stayed for the Lenten Luncheon. Choir president Mary Halfman thanked all those who came out on such a cold, snowy day. Father Marko reminded everyone of how much the choir means to us, singing the responses every Sunday. We are Blessed to have such talent and commitment among the parishoners of St. Sava. Sretna Slava, Karageorge!
(Click on photo to enlarge)
blog tags: slava, Karageorge
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St. Varnava Slava and Grandparent's Day

posted by dorothyp on Nov 13th, 2007 at 11:14 pm

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.

 

 

 

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St. Paraskeva Slava Celebrated by Kolo Sisters

posted by dorothyp on Nov 4th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Divine Liturgy was celebrated Saturday, October 27th on a beautiful sunny day. As is the tradition for many years, Fr. Marko held a memorial service for all the deceased Sisters of the Kolo, from several generations previous. The first names were read respectfully, and reminded us of how many have already passed. This has become a very emotional and intimate service, when we reflect on the memories of the special, dedicated women of our church. Our Mothers, Babas, Tetas, and Kumas worked long, hard hours for the benefit of this church. May their memories be eternal!
Mike and Ruth Ann Bjelopetrovich were Kumovi for the Slava. We were honored by a visit from Nick Chabraja, who also participated in the Blessing of the kolach and zito. A tasty luncheon buffet was prepared by the Kolo Sisters, and the dessert table was endless. The south wing of the church was beautifully decorated. Father closed the Slava with Prayer and thanked all those who attended. (Click on photo to enlarge)
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