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.

Thank You to everyone who purchased a chance to win a "Smithsonian Prima" built by Milan Opacich. He spent many hours in his workshop crafting the prima, with the entire proceeds donated to the Serbian Historical Society. Sarah Gerbick pulled the winning ticket belonging to Mike Stoyshin from Canada. Congratulations, Mike!

Our sincere THANKS to everyone who visited our Serb Fest celebration this past weekend. We hope you enjoyed all the traditional food offerings and all the talented orchestras that performed non-stop music. Our culture is worth celebrating and very contagious!

Our folklore dance groups are fun to watch and remind us of how important it is to keep these traditions alive. The youth dance tent was filled with hundreds of teens and young adults dancing and singing the night away. It warms your heart to know that they still feel a connection and passion for our music and traditions.

"Tamburitza Spectacular", an exhibit of vintage string instruments was viewed by many, and may have inspired some future tamburasi, the brotherhood of musicians who seem to have a special bond and love for the music of the southern Slavs.

Once again, our sincere thanks to everyone who came to dine, enjoy the music, purchased baked goods, bought raffle tickets, sponsored our golf outing, and supported our main fund raiser. Please check back daily for many videos and photos from Serb Fest 2011, and always check the "Events" listing to see what's happening at St. Sava and other churches.

This video by Mike Paunovich is just a small sampling of the weekend events.

This is your last chance to buy a chance to own a replica of the tamburitza PRIMA that  was displayed at the Smithsonian Exhibit "Old Ways In The New World" in Washington, D.C. Milan Opacich built the prima to raise funds for the Serbian Historical Society of St. Sava Church. Buy Raffle Tickets at the Tamburitza Spectacular Exhibit during Serb Fest, or at the food ticket tables, the Bar, or from any member of the Historical Society. Drawing will be held Sunday evening, August 7th during the BIG CASH RAFFLE Drawing. Good Luck!

Price: $5 each or 5 for $20. All proceeds benefit the Serbian Historical Society.

At the personal invitation from Portage Mayor Olga (Galich) Velazquez, St. Sava's Serbian Historical Society proudly participated in the first ever Portage Cultural Festival on Sunday, April 10th. Several countries were represented at the event hosted by the Portage Youth Commission. Samplings of art, national costumes, music, food, and culture were beautifully presented at the many booths. "First Mom" Tamara Galich  showed off her Latvian roots and a collection of hand - decorated eggs that she decorated many years ago. Congratulations to the Portage Youth Commission for celebrating the diversity that is such an important part of Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. The Serbian Historical Society was also invited to set up a traveling exhibit last October for Lifeline Humanitarian Organization's Gala Fundraiser at the Chicago Cultural Center. We're proud of our Mayor Olga for all she has accomplished and congratulate her on her recent re-election!