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Nov 13
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Marija “Mara” Mileusnic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Marija “Mara” Mileusnic. Memory eternal.

Marija “Mara” Mileusnic

Marija “Mara” Mileusnic, age 95 passed away peacefully on November 11, 2022. Marija was born on July 23, 1927, to late parents: Sava and Perka Bobic in Otocac, Serbia.

During her lifetime, she had a very strong faith in God and Serbian Orthodox Christianity up until her final days. On January 26, 1957, she married her beloved Jovan – the absolute love of her life. Together, in Leicester, England, was where their young lives found a new beginning.

June 14, 1975, Jovan and Mara immigrated to America where they joined the Mileusnic Family. During her time in Lake County, Mara was dedicated lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and it’s Kolo Sestara. She supported and participated with all functions of her St. Sava Church. You would always see Mara baking for Serb Fests, assisting the sister’s auxiliary for every function in the kitchen, always smiling and happy to support her church.

Mara was also very active and loyal to the Movement of Serbian Chetniks Organization Ravna Gora along with her late husband Jovan. She was an avid gardener and an amazing cook. She loved family gatherings and enjoyed cooking for them. Mara truly cherished her children and grandchildren and always making time for everyone. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as a “Baba” grandmother.

Marija is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jovan; loving grandson Stefan “Stevie” Mileusnic; her loving parents and adoring sisters and brothers.

She is survived by her loving children: son Milorad “Mitch” (Sonja) Mileusnic; and her daughter Mirjana “Mira” (Jeff) Evans; dearly beloved grandchildren, Nikola (Lauren), Anastasia, and Tammy (David); great grandson Nathan; sister-in-law June Mileusnic; also, several nephews, nieces, and Kumovi here and in the U.S., England, and Serbia.

Funeral Services will take place Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. V. Rev Marko Matic is officiating. Interment, New Gracanica Monastery, 35240 W. Grant St., Third Lake, IL 60046. For further information please call Mileva or David at 219-736-5840. May her memory be eternal – vjecnaja pamjat!

Oct 27
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St. Sava Circle of Serbian Sisters Slava Banquet – Sunday, Oct. 30

By | General Information/News, Kolo Sisters | No Comments

The Circle of Serbian Sisters of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church – Merrillville, IN cordially invite you and your family to the celebration of their Krsna Slava Sveta Petka Paraskeva Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022.

Divine Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. with a blessing of Slavski Kolach and Parastos. A luncheon will follow immediately after the services.

Please join us for this special celebration this Sunday for Divine Liturgy and luncheon. Pastries prepared by the Sisters would be appreciated.

Oct 10
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Fragment of the True Cross of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ at St. Sava Serbian Church in Merrillville, Indiana – October 12

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Father John of the Greek Orthodox Church, visiting from Greece will be present to bless and cross all who wish to come and venerate the Cross of Christ during special hours Wednesday, October 12 from Noon to 6:00 p.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Merrillville, Indiana.

  • St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church
    9191 Mississippi Street
    Merrillville, Indiana 46410

Fr. John has been granted the high honor of carrying a fragment of the True Cross of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, which has worked and continues to work miracles amongst the faithful, and through God’s Providence even those who are found lacking of such faith.

During the period of Greek captivity under the Ottoman Turks, and prior, many monasteries, Churches, and places of worship were desecrated and destroyed, resulting in the destruction and loss of many priceless spiritual relics and treasures from amongst the glory of Christendom.  This reality encouraged the priests, hierarchies, and Holy Fathers of the Great Church of Christ, that is the Orthodox Church, to distribute these holy artifacts amongst the faithful, entrusting to them the safeguarding of such spiritual gifts until the time was fulfilled and they were instructed on how to act with regards to these articles, icons, relics, and even pieces and fragments of the True Cross of Christ.

One fragment of the True Cross, embedded also with the sacrificial blood of our Lord, was found to be with a pious woman in Greece.  The Mother of God appeared to her instructing her to deliver the Cross to Fr John when he was still a young priest, which this pious soul was faithful to do, according to our Lady’s instructions.  Surrendering the Cross, it is until this day under the care of Father John.

The gift of the Lord’s Salvation has come to grace St. Sava’s Church.  This Wednesday the Cross will be present for all those who are able and willing to come to the Lord and turn to Him that they should be healed.  All who are able and all who ail are encouraged to come.

Oct 02
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Extraordinary Membership Assembly Meeting Invitation at St. Sava Merrillville – Tuesday, Oct. 11

By | General Information/News | No Comments

Dear Members,

In accordance with the by-laws of the Church-School Parish, Part III, Article 17 (a, b, c, and d), we call the Extraordinary Membership Assembly meeting of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Parish membership to be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the South Wing Social Center of St. Sava Church, located at 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

Purpose of Meeting (Only topic that will be discussed)

To offer the purchase of a public utility easement adjacent to Mississippi Street along the front yard of St. Sava’s Church and neighboring properties.

Purpose of this easement is to run public water and sanitary utility mains adjacent to Mississippis Street to serve the Silos at Sanders Farm Business Park as well as other currently undeveloped parcels nearby.

Sincerely,

Anton Settele, President

V. Rev. Marko Matic, Parish Priest

Members in Good Standing:

  • Article 18  – The right to participate in discussion and vote at the Assembly is allowed to members in good standing only.
  • Article 12 – A member who is delinquent in his dues for 12 months or more, shall lose all rights and privileges as a member in good standing status, but the same shall be restored to him upon expiration of six (6) months from the date delinquent dues are paid in full.
Sep 26
0

Sweetest Day Dance featuring Together Band at St. Sava in Merrillville – Saturday, Oct. 15

By | Fundraising, General Information/News | No Comments

Together Band takes the stage Saturday October 15, 2022 in celebration of Sweetest Day. Tickets are limited so order early.

The cost for entry into the dance is $20 at the door. Our advanced pre-sale of tickets through our online store ended on Friday afternoon Oct. 14.

Hit the dance floor with someone special along with music by “Together Band” – an exciting, versatile 12-piece band, well known for playing everything from Big Band to Oldies, Motown/R&B, and popular Top 40’s Hits at their performances at venues and festivals throughout Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland region.

Start the evening before the music begins with a Pasta Night Dinner that includes dessert. This special dinner option is available for an additional $15 charge payable in cash as you order your meals the night of the show.

OPTIONAL DINNER:

(available for an additional $15 charge payable in cash as you order your meals the night of the show)

Each dinner purchased the night of the show includes a selection of the following:

  • Pasta Alfredo (White sauce)
  • Garlic Chicken Breast
  • Penne Pasta Marinara Sauce
  • Italian Sausage with peppers & onions

All dinners served with bread, salad, slice of cake, and coffee

SCHEDULE:

  • 5:30 p.m. – Doors Open and Cash Bar Open
  • 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Optional Dinner Available (additional $15 per person payable in cash as you order)
  • 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. – Music by “Together Band”

TICKETS:

  • Dance entry $15 per person in advance; $20 per person at the door the day of the event.
Aug 31
0

Florence Stefanovich – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

By | General Information/News, Obituaries & Memorials | No Comments

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Florence Stefanovich. Memory eternal.

Florence Stefanovich, age 94, passed away on August 28, 2022. A long-time resident of Valparaiso, she was born in Macedonia and immigrated as a young girl with her family to Gary, Indiana.

A graduate of Lew Wallace High School, Florence worked her entire career, 45 years, with the Lake Mortgage Company where she helped manage commercial lending.

Florence was a devoted daughter and caregiver to her father, Clement, who predeceased her as did her mother, Mary. Florence was also preceded in death by her brother, Steve (Rose) Stephan and brother Charles (Catherine) Stephan, as well as nephew, Jeffery Stephan.

Florence was an exceptionally loving and caring aunt to her nephews. She is survived by nephews James Stephan of Schererville, Mark (Kimberly) Stephan of Carmel, Bill (Carol) Stephan of Carmel, and Bob (Rebecca) Stephan of Munster, as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Florence was also cherished by the family of Ann and Theodore Rudman whom she considered extended family, and she was ever grateful to her kind neighbors for their generous assistance to her.

Florence was a devoted member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church for over 75 years and the family requests donations be made to the church in lieu of flowers – Click now to make a donation at www.saintsava.net/donate on our secure online form.

Funeral services will take place at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel in Merrillville on Friday, September
2 with a calling and services beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial at Calumet Park
Cemetery.

Aug 22
0

Martha Roknich Lash – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

By | General Information/News, Obituaries & Memorials | No Comments

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Martha Roknich Lash. Memory eternal.

Martha Roknich Lash

Martha Roknich Lash age 79, of Grosse Ile Michigan, formerly of Northwest Indiana, passed away August 16, 2022 at her home.
Martha was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, its Kolo Sestara, Choir and worked at the St. Sava Church for many years.

Graduate of Lew Wallace High School and went to IU Bloomington for several years.

Preceded in death by her parents Matjia and Mildred Roknich, sister Sandra Furto and her brother Robert Millich

Survived by her three loving children: Mark Lash, DrDarcy Lash (Cody Muller), Jamie (Jaclyn) Lash; Grandchildren, Nikola Lash, Joseph Lash, Chloe Lash, Allyson Lash and Aidan Ilg  Sister-in-Law Dori Lakich, niece Dawn Dikun (Ray) and Jana Maric(Mirko), Kumovi Linda Trkulja and Deena Galich

Martha loved traveling, theater and sports and would be glued to the TV every year during the NCAA March Madness tournament.  She grew up in Gary, Indiana and was a very proud first generation Serbian American. In her youth she attended Serbian camp every year. Later, as a young adult she coached the women’s Serbian basketball team for several years.

However, she will be remembered for her love of her family and her church.  She was known by everyone for her strong work ethic and managed Old Mill Pizzeria for many years before finding her way back to St. Sava. At St. Sava, she was in charge of catering, bookkeeping, Serb Fest and many events planned through the church.

Overall, her family was the most important thing to her. If they needed her she would drop everything and go wherever she was needed. When her children were young, Marcie was known for coaching her children’s sports teams and attending various sporting events they were involved in. She was also involved in school activities and later continued this level of involvement with her grandchildren. She did everything she could to attend family functions all over the world. Any event her family was involved in she was sure to show up regardless of how far she had to travel.

She was well known for her tight hugs, and her sincere, genuine love of life and laughter. She held tight to her Serbian traditions but marched to the beat of her own drum and lived for the moment. She will be forever dearly missed by her family and many other close friends and relatives.

Visitation will take place Monday, August 22, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St, Merrillville with a Pomen Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services and visitation will take place Tuesday, August 23 10-11:00  a.m. (visitation) with services at 11:00 a.m. directly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville with V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment Holy Cross (St. Sava) Cemetery. For further information, please call Mileva or David at 219-736-5840.

Aug 17
0

V. Rev. Bogdan Zjalic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

By | General Information/News, Obituaries & Memorials | One Comment

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Very Rev. Stavrophor Bogdan Zjalic. Memory eternal.

Very Rev. Stavrophor Bogdan Zjalic was born on August 30, 1938 in Gredjani, Yugoslavia, to the late Sava and Stojanka Zjalic.

Very Reverend Stavrophor Bogdan Zjalic

He immigrated to Canada where, in 1962, with the blessings of the late Right Reverend Bishop Sava (Sarcevic) of Edmonton to enroll into the Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY. In 1969, he was ordained a priest and was blessed in marriage to Melanija Radisic and 3 children (Sava, Vera and Stefan).

During his time in Canada and in the US, V. Rev. Bogdan Zjalic was instrumental in organizing and establishing numerous Serbian Orthodox Church congregations and affiliated organizations. He personally felt that his accomplishments were made possible by the intervention of God’s grace, Wisdom and Love. Throughout his service to God and the Serbian Orthodox Church, he has touched many lives with love, patience and spirituality. He peacefully passed to be with the Lord on August 16, 2022. Memory Eternal.

Visitation will take place Friday, August 19, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN with a Pomen Service at 7:00 p.m. with Gospel and Psalm readings following Pomen Service. V. Rev Marko Matic officiating.

Divine Liturgy Saturday, August 20, 2022 will begin at 9:00 a.m. with Funeral Service to follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment Holy Cross (St. Sava) Cemetery. Memorial luncheon will follow in the Pavilion at St. Sava Church.

For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (219) 736-5840.

Aug 08
0

Theodore Erceg – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Theodore Erceg. Memory eternal.

Theodore Erceg

Theodore Erceg, 91, of Chesterton, Indiana, formally of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Friday, August 5, 2022. Ted, the youngest of five siblings, was born August 9, 1930 in the Kirk Yard neighborhood of Gary, Indiana.

After graduation from Horace Mann High School in 1948, Ted enlisted in the United States Army. A member of the Chosin Few, Ted served as a high-speed radio operator in six campaigns during the Korean War. Upon returning home, Ted attended Indiana University and worked in the building trades. He then had a successful 36-year career in hospital/pharmaceutical sales. In 2003, Ted was hired by Valparaiso Public Schools as Director of Public Information.

Ted was a faithful, life-long member of St. Sava Church, where he served as church board president for six terms. He was most proud of the new church, where he had the honor of laying the first foundation block in 1986 and the last stone in 1991. Ted was also a founding member of the St. Sava Historical Society.

Writing was a passion for Ted. He was a regular contributor to Serb World, USA. In 1995, Ted published his book, With Pious Gravity, a biography of St, Sava volunteers in World War I, Its inclusion in the Library of Congress was a crowning achievement. In 2008, Ted was the recipient of the “Distinguished Hoosier Award” from Governor Mitch Daniels.

An avid sports enthusiast, Ted enjoyed working as a high school football referee for twelve years. Well into his forties, Ted played league hockey with the Valparaiso University hockey club. An advocate of sports for all ages, he particularly encouraged children and young adults to “just move”, and in his retirement, was an aide in the Valparaiso High School Athletic Department.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Mile and Danica Erceg, siblings Mirko, Ranko (Juanita), and Dorothy Erceg, and Helen (Louis) Paulson, in-laws Spero and Karavilka Petrovich, and son in-law George Eberhardt.

Ted is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Donna, and children Lauren (James) Thorstad, Susan Eberhardt, and Joann (Thomas) Meyer; grandchildren Nicholas Mandich, Natalie (Jason) Sutton, Thomas (Audrey) Thorstad, Andrew Thorstad, Henry (Mary) Meyer, Martin Meyer, Jason (Kristin) Eberhardt, and Julie (Doug Muller) Eberhardt; great-grandchildren Troy Feller, Samuel and Joseph Griffin, Cora Thorstad, Grace and James Sutton; Godchild Daniel Anomanni and family, dear friend Emil Conde, Kumovi, relatives and friends. Heartfelt appreciation to Dunes Hospice, especially nurses April and Pam.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN, 46410, beginning with visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m. with V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Funeral will begin at 11:00. Interment Holy Cross (St Sava) Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Sava Church – Click now to make a donation at www.saintsava.net/donate on our secure online website form, or to Dunes Hospice 4711 Evans Valparaiso, IN 46383. For further information please call Mileva or David at 219-736-5840