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General Information/News

Feb 02
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Fragment of the True Cross of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ at St. Sava Serbian Church in Merrillville, Indiana – February 7

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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 Friday, February 7 from Noon to 8:00 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 Friday 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.

Jan 26
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About the Tradition of Blessing Homes

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This little article is not about what you probably already know about blessing homes – get a candle, get an icon, write out a list of all the living you want the priest to pray for, and write out a list of the departed too. Turn off the television, radio, and other electronic devices… you know all that. This is instead a message about the deeper meaning of this, a serious application of the blessing to our lives.

The tradition of blessing homes is of special beauty and significance. It is not simply a sentimental custom without meaning. It is attached to a special event in our Holy Church – the feast of the Lord’s Baptism – reminding us of not only our baptisms, but also of the need of baptizing the world in which we live, including what we might call “my world” – ‘my personal space.’

When an Orthodox Christian believer moves into a new home, he dedicates it not only as the abode of a follower of Christ, but also as a shining example to the community of good clean Christian life. He asks that God, the source of all goodness and the Giver of every perfect gift, bless his house and all that is within it; he recalls that Jesus Christ, His Son, came to bring Salvation to it, even as He brought Salvation to the house of Zacchaeus, the house of Mary and Martha and Lazarus; he prays that the Holy Spirit may abide in it, guiding those who dwell in it in the Paths of righteousness.

When our house is blessed, after the Feast of Theophany, we rededicate our home for its original purpose, just as we must periodically rededicate our life to Christ. An Orthodox Christian must dedicate not only himself and his house to the Lord, but his daily work and all his efforts as well. All things are to be done to the glory of God. That is why in the Christian Orthodox Church, not only religious objects, such as icons, crosses, churches and vestments, are blessed, but also homes, fields and all objects which are used in our daily lives for the good of man. In this the Church expresses its faith that the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying action extends over the whole Creation.

At the Nativity of Our Lord, we sing a carol which tells us ‘Let every heart prepare Him room.’ We know that this means not only to ‘make a space for’ but it means to clean and cleanse and purify our homes and get ready for Him to come to us, not only in our homes but also, and more especially, into our hearts.

We prepare our hearts and souls and heads, cleaning them of all sinfulness so that when He comes, the place will be refreshed and ready. When someone comes to stay in your guest room (which you may not use often, or may use only to store lots of ‘stuff’), we normally air the room out, dust it and change the bed linens which may have become somewhat musty. We might even wash the windows to let the light shine in, clean the floor, and make room by shoving all the ‘stuff’ into closets (or under the bed). We know then that cleaning the house of our soul is equally hard work – we take stock of our lives and actions over the past year, come to confession so that Our Lord – who washes away our sins when we confess them – when He comes in to us, has a refreshed and clean place worthy of laying His head – He comes to abide in us as well as our homes!

Blessing the home is a spiritual ‘exercise’ led by the Lord Himself, through his priest and in the presence of the members of the assembled family, dressed in ‘good clothes,’ and maybe even invited guests and friends, who all enter into worship and thanksgiving with us. Effective family life does not just happen; it is the result of deliberate intention, determination and practice.

Jan 25
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Blessing of Homes – Schedule 2025

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It is the time of the year where members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana may have homes blessed by Father Marko. The 2025 Schedule for Blessing of Homes is now available below.

VALPARAISO

    • From Monday, January 27th to Friday, January 31st

CHESTERTON

    • From Saturday, February 1st to Tuesday, February 4th

PORTAGE, OGDEN DUNES

    • From Wednesday, February 5th to Friday, February 7th

HOBART

    • From Saturday, February 8th to Wednesday, February 12th

HEBRON, KOUTS, LA CROSSE

    • Thursday, February 13th

WINFIELD

    • From Friday, February 14th to Tuesday, February 18th

CROWN POINT

    • From Wednesday, February 19th to Monday, February 22nd

GARY, MERRILLVILLE, HAMMOND

    • From Monday, February 23rd to Thursday February 24th

HIGHLAND, SCHERERVILLE, SAINT JOHN

    • From Tuesday, February 25th to Monday, March 3rd

MUNSTER, DYER, CEDAR LAKE

    • From Tuesday, March 4th to Saturday, March 8th

CHICAGO

    • From Monday, March 9th to Sunday March 16th

………………………………………………………………………………

VALPARAISO

    • Од понедељка, 27. јануара до петка, 31. јануара

CHESTERTON

    • Од суботе, 1. фебруара до уторка, 4. фебруара

PORTAGE, OGDEN DUNES

    • Од среде, 5. фебруара до петка, 7. фебруара

HOBART

    • Од суботе, 8. фебруара до среде, 12. фебруара

HEBRON, KOUTS, LA CROSSE

    • Четвртак, 13. фебруар

WINFIELD

    • Од петка, 14. Фебруара  до уторка, 18. фебруара

CROWN POINT

    • Од среде, 19. фебруара до суботе, 22. фебруара

GARY, MERRILLVILLE, HAMMOND

    • Од недеље, 23. фебруара до понедељка, 24. фебруара

HIGHLAND, SCHERERVILLE, SAINT JOHN

    • Од уторка, 25. фебруара до понедељка, 3 марта

MUNSTER, DYER, CEDAR LAKE

    • Од уторка, 4. матра до суботе, 8. марта

CHICAGO

    • Од недеље, 9. марта до недеље, 16. марта
Jan 18
0

Alex 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 friends and family of Alex Mileusnic. Memory eternal.

Alex Mileusnic

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alex Mileusnic, on January 15, 2025 with his family by his side. Alex enjoyed life and was considered to be a great guy, who had a fun sense of humor, kindness, intelligence and could fix almost anything. He also had stubbornness that helped fight his battle with renal failure and recently pancreatic cancer. Sadly it was too much for him.

Alex is preceded in death by his father Milorad and his brother Mitch.

He is survived by his loving wife Kim (nee Cannon) Mileusnic of 35 years; his cherished son Nikola Mileusnic; his beloved mother June Mileusnic; and best buddy Leif; also many Cousins and Kumovi.

Alex/Tat, we will miss eating your wonderful and delicious meals, spending time watching sports and movies, traveling, working on projects and other various activities we did together. Your life gave us memories too good to forget. Lastly, we promise to carry on the Serbian Orthodox traditions that were so important to you. Love, Mum, Kim and Nikola.

An intimate funeral service will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Alex’s name may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2101 Rosecrans Ave, Suite 3200, El Segundo, Califnornia, 90245 https://pancan.org/ways-to-give/ or to The National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St, New York, NY 10016 https://www.kidney.org/

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

Jan 14
0

Darinka (Dara) Pejnovic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the friends and family of Darinka (Dara) Pejnovic. Memory eternal.

Darinka (Dara) Pejnovic

Darinka (Dara) Pejnovic 88 of Hobart Indiana, passed away at home on January 11, 2025 after living a long and fulfilling life.

Darinka was born May 13, 1936 in Selo Raduc, Lika (former Yugoslavia). She came to the U.S. in 1975 with family. She is a lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and St. Sava Serbian Sisters Circle.

Darinka enjoyed knitting, gardening, baking and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had immense passion for her family.

Preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years Milan “Mile” Pejnovic, daughter Rada Josifovski, parents Milos & Soka Rutalj, brothers Mirko and Nikola, and sister Marica.

Darinka is survived by her three children Dusan (Danica) Pejnovic of Hobart, IN, Jovo (Gordana) Pejnovic of Valparaiso, IN, and Nikola (Vera) Pejnovic of Milwaukee, WI; eight dear grandchildren Sasho Josifovski, Nikola (Jelena) Pejnovic, Vesna (Clint) Konopasek, Jovica (Nicole) Josifovski, Mirjana (Sean) McBride, Michael Josifovski, Alex Pejnovic, Marko Pejnovic; four great grandchildren Luka, Emilija, Nikola, and Isabella; sister Mira Mogus. Also many other relatives, kumovi, and life long friends here and in Canada, and the former Yugoslavia.

Visitation will take place Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m.

V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery Merrillville, IN

For further information, please contact Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel at (219) 736-5840.

May her memory be eternal.

Jan 12
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Debra Rodich Zoumis – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the friends and family of Debra Rodich Zoumis. Memory eternal.

Debra Rodich Zoumis

Debra Rodich Zoumis, 63, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Debra was born on October 22, 1961 in Gary, Indiana, the daughter of Pero and Violet (Medich) Rodich.

Debi graduated from Hobart High School in 1980, and then earned a Bachelors of Science Degree at Indiana University. Debi loved music and most especially loved Sting. Her devotion to her favorite rock star was as legendary as the singer himself. Her love of music led her to work in the music industry in a variety of jobs, from managing Sgt. Roxx, a local band from the late 20th century, to working briefly at WXRT.

Debi finally chose to make a career in the financial departments at Ivy Tech and The American Academy of Art in Chicago. Debra was also a long-time member of the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church.
Some favorite memories of Debi include her amazing culinary talents. Family and friends enjoyed many delicious Thanksgiving meals around her table.

Debra is survived by her daughter Nikki Zoumis; brother, Eli (Arleen) Rodich; sisters, Marcia (Charles) Crnoevich; Anica (Djurica) Marjanov; nieces and nephews, Michael Rodich, Nicholas (Carol) Steen, David (Sara) Rodich, Jeffery (Jill) Steen, Charles (Cydney) Crnoevich, Alexandra Crnoevich (Jackson) Huemer, Matthew (Mia) Steen, Viera Marjanov (Joel) Mora, Stevan (Monica) Marjanov; and many great-nieces and nephews.

Preceding Debra in death are parents Pero and Violet Rodich and sister Mary (Rodich) Steen.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville with a funeral service beginning at 12 noon at the chapel.

V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. For further information please call Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840. May her memory be eternal.

Dec 18
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Dosta Ninkovic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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

Dosta Ninkovic

Dosta Ninkovich, 101, passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2024. Born on October 20, 1923 in Glamoc, Yugoslavia to Maksim and Stefanija Radoja.

She immigrated to the United States and settled in Gary, Indiana in 1972. Preceded in death by husband Rajko Ninkovich and stepson Mike Ninkovich. She is survived by her two step-daughters Radmila (Nick) Grubnich and Brenda (John) Brakulis, daughter-in-law Cyndi Ninkovich, grandchildren Tanya (Will) Maddocks, Eric (Lindsay) Coker, Ashlee (Bryan) Skaggs, Jessica (Sam) Porter, Matthew Ninkovich, Michael (Stacey) Ninkovich, and Jenna Brakulis, along with 7 great grandchildren, dear kumovi and friends.

Visitation will take place at 8:30 a.m. Friday, December 20 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church at 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN. Funeral services will follow at 9:00 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Sava Cemetery in Libertyville, Illinois.

Dosta was a member of the Kolo Sisters and worked at St. Sava’s Hall for several years. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana.

Dec 17
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Bake Sale – Saturday, December 21

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Bake Sale at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana
Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: St Sava Pavilion, main entrance
We will have nut rolls and homemade cookies while supplies last. No preorders for this sale.
Nut rolls are $18.00 each
Cookies are $17.00 per pound and you select cookies of your choice.

Oct 23
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St. Sava Circle of Serbian Sisters Slava Banquet – Sunday, Oct. 27

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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. 27, 2024.

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.