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General Information/News

Feb 05
0

February 6 & 7 Weekend Marks “Halfway to Serb Fest 2016” at St. Sava – Merrillville, Indiana

By | Athletics, Folklore Groups, General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

This weekend, Saturday February 6 and Sunday February 7 marks exactly six months away from the historic annual festival at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana – Serb Fest 2016 will take place August 5, 6, and 7.

This means it has probably been about 6 months since some have had the opportunity to dance the kolo or fill-up on cevaps and krofne. Fortunately this weekend you can get all this at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana!

While there isn’t necessarily an official “Halfway to Serb Fest 2016” party, we do have two very special events taking place in our new Pavilion at St. Sava that will be carrying the festival spirit where you can get ready for Serb Fest 2016.

Join us Saturday evening, February 6 at the St. Sava Pavilion beginning at 6 p.m. for a Mardi Gras party – A Serbian Zabava with a Cajun Flare. It’s a family-friendly event with great music, great food, and lots of kolo dancing under a special light show by DJ Vinko! We’ll be featuring Cajun style food, a special menu for kids, famous krofne, and palacinke. Children 8th grade and under get in for free.
– Learn more by visiting – https://www.facebook.com/events/895451320532753/

Then, join us Sunday, February 7 at the St. Sava Pavilion beginning at 1 p.m. where the St. Sava Obilic Legends Soccer Team is hosting a party to watch the NFL Football Championship Game. There is no charge at the door. We’ll have lots of good foods – cevaps, chicken, and all sorts of pastries throughout the afternoon and during the game. You can also learn about the exciting season ahead for our 2016 soccer players and enjoy watching some American Football along the way.
– Learn more by visiting – https://www.facebook.com/events/199220687091363/

It’s been a long six months since our last Serb Fest where you had a chance like this to enjoy a weekend of fellowship, culture, food, and music all in one place.

In the coming weeks we will be detailing our Serb Fest 2016 at www.serbfest.org but for now you can visit that link to get a glimpse of the excitement from last year.

All these events are open to everyone in the community throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland including parishioners of St. Sava Church, neighboring Serbian and other churches, and the general public.

Learn more about upcoming events at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana by visiting our website at www.saintsava.net/calendar to see our online calendar.

Feb 03
0

Akathist at St. Sava Church: The Holy Apostle Simon Zealot – Thursday, Feb. 4

By | General Information/News, Religious Observances | No Comments

Join us this Thursday, Feb. 4 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana for our weekly Akathist prayers (Click here to learn more about the Akathist prayer services at St. Sava Church).

This week we offer praises for The Holy Apostle Simon Zealot.

The Holy Apostle Simon Zealot

This week’s Akathist is dedicated to The Holy Apostle Simon Zealot. He was one of the twelve Great Apostles, born in Cana of Galilee. The Lord Jesus came to his wedding with His Mother and His disciples, and, when the wine run out, the Lord changed the water into wine. Seeing this wonder, the newly-married Simon left his home and parents and bride, to go after Christ.

Simon was called the Zealot because of his great and burning zeal for the Saviour and His Gospel. After receiving the Holy Spirit, he went off to preach the Gospel in Mauretania  in Africa. As a result of his success in bringing many to the Faith of Christ, he was tortured and finally crucified like his Lord, who had prepared a crown of glory for him in His immortal Kingdom.

Feb 01
0

Obilic Legends Soccer Team at St. Sava Announces 2016 League

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The Obilic Legends Soccer Team at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana is proud to announce they will be playing the 2106 season as part of the Chicagoland Premier Soccer League.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL), is a non-for profit organization and a member of the USSF, and USASA via the Illinois State Soccer Association (ISSA).

The PSL plays according to FIFA rules and play 11 v 11 in 45 minute halves. The regular season is followed by a tournament for each division.The PSL consists of four age groups: Open Men, Over 30, Over 40 and Over 48.  These age groups are divided into divisions according to skill level.

The Obilic Legends Soccer Team at St. Sava will be hosting a fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 7 at the St. Sava Pavilion in Merrillville, Indiana as they host an event to watch the NFL Football Championship Game with food and drink specials. Learn more about this special fundraiser event by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/events/199220687091363/

Learn more about the Obilic Legends Soccer Team by visiting: https://www.saintsava.net/soccer/

Premier Soccer League Quick Overview

  • Minimum 15 Game Season Followed by Tournament
  • 3-man Professional Referee Crew
  • Supplemental Medical Insurance
  • Liability Insurance
  • Hands-On Commissioners
  • Elected Board of Directors
  • USASA / USSF Affiliated Membership
  • Support for State and National Competitions
Jan 29
0

Serbian Sisters Circle Annual Meeting at St. Sava Church – Sunday, Jan. 31

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

The Serbian Sisters Circle at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana will host their Annual Meeting and elect the new leadership to serve throughout 2016. The meeting will take place Sunday, Jan. 31 after the luncheon following the Divine Liturgy. All Kolo Sisters are encouraged to attend.

The luncheon will take place in the South Wing Social Center. The meeting will take place in the North Wing Conference Room.

The Serbian Sisters Circle has had a successful year of fundraising through their tireless efforts throughout the year and have offered tremendous support to the many organizations dedicated to making the St. Sava Church-School community stronger.

Jan 27
0

Akathist at St. Sava Church: The Icon of the Mother of God – Thursday, Jan. 28

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Join us this Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana for our weekly Akathist prayers (Click here to learn more about the Akathist prayer services at St. Sava Church).

This week we offer praises for The Icon of the Mother of God.

The Icon of the Mother of God, “She who gives suck”

This week’s Akathist is dedicated to The Icon of the Mother of God, “She who gives suck.” This is the name given to the Icon of the Mother of God that St. Sava of Serbia brought from the monastery of St. Sava the Sanctified near Jerusalem and placed in his hermitage at Karyes on the Holy Mountain.

In that way the prophecy, made 800 years previously by St. Sava the Sanctified, was fulfilled – that one day a Serbian priest called Sava would come and would be given the Icon and his staff. When Sava of Serbia visited the community of St. Sava the Sanctified, the monks called to mind the prophecy of their founder and gave the icon and the staff to Sava.

vThe icon was placed at the right – hand of the Royal Doors in the hermitage, and the staff in a cell which receive the name “Pateritsa” (the name used for a bishop’s staff, the fathers rod”, also situated at Karyes.

Jan 26
0

It’s Mardi Gras: A Serbian Zabava with a Cajun Flare at St. Sava – Saturday, Feb. 6

By | Folklore Groups, General Information/News | No Comments

10398972_947066928704442_6244555041483963282_nYou’re invited to a classic Serbian Zabava with a twist – It’s Mardi Gras: A Serbian Zabava with a Cajun Flare taking place Saturday, February 6, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to Midnight at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in the Pavilion, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

This family-friendly event is suitable for all ages and sponsored by the St. Sava youth folklore group Srbadija. Music will be by DJ Vinko where you can dance the Chicken Kolo under a special light show along with your other Serbian Kolo favorites, with some Mardi Gras/Zydeco music in the mix.

There will be a $10 charge at the door, with all kids in 8th grade and under free. Cajun style food, a special menu for kids, famous krofne. palacinke, and beverages will be available for purchase.

Though there is no required dress code for the event, some will be wearing “ball” style attire while others may choose to wear fun Mardi Gras costumes. Some will wear fancy Mardi Gras style masks. Hint: Pier One has a beautiful assortment of traditional masks.

Come as you are or dress up in your favorite attire!

Check out all the events taking place at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana by visiting https://www.saintsava.net/calendar/.

Questions?  Contact Karen Knezic at 219-406-7910 or srbadijafolklore@yahoo.com.

Jan 25
0

Blessing of Homes – Schedule 2016 Now Available

By | General Information/News, Religious Observances | No Comments

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 2016 Schedule for Blessing of Homes is now available for download in both Serbian and English languages.

Blessing of Homes – Schedule 2016

Dear Members and Parishioners,

It is time for the blessing of homes. The following schedule will inform you as to when I will be in your area.

  • Chesterton, Valparaiso
    • From Thursday, January 21st  to Thursday, January 28th
  • Portage, Ogden Dunes
    • From Friday, January 29th to Tuesday, February 2nd
  • Hobart
    • From Wednesday, February 3rd to Sunday, February 7th
  • Hebron, Kouts, La Crosse, Demotte,
    • From Monday, February 8th to Wednesday, February 10th
  • Crown Point
    • From Thursday, February 11th to Thursday, February 18th
  • Gary, Merrillville
    • From Friday, February 19th to Sunday, February 21st
  • Schererville, Dyer, St. John, Cedar Lake, Lowell
    • From Monday, February 22nd  to Friday, February 26th
  • Hammond, Munster, Highland, Griffith
    • From Saturday, February 27th to Wednesday, March 2nd
  • Chicago
    • From Thursday, March 3rd to Sunday, March 13th

With God`s blessing,

Father Marko Matic

Драги наши чланови и парохијани,

Време је благосиљања и освећења домова. Распоред који шаљем, помоћи ће вам да знате када намеравам да будем у вашем месту.

  • Chesterton, Valparaiso
    • Од четвртка, 21. јануара до четвртка, 28. јануара
  • Portage, Ogden Dunes
    • Од петка, 29. јануара до уторка, 2. фебруара
  • Hobart
    • Од среде, 3. фебруара до недеље, 7. фебруара
  • Hebron, Kouts, La Crosse, Demotte
    • Од понедељка, 8.фебруара до среде, 10. фебруара
  • Crown Point
    • Од четвртка, 11. фебруара до четвртка, 18. фебруара
  • Gary, Merrillville
    • Од петка, 19. фебруара до недеље, 21. фебруара
  • Schererville, Dyer, St. John, Cedar Lake, Lowell
    • Од понедељка, 22. фебруара до петка, 26. фебруара
  • Hammond, Munster, Highland, Griffith
    • Од суботе, 27. фебруара до среде, 2. марта
  • Chicago
    • Од четвртка, 3. марта до недеље, 13. марта

С Божијим благословом,

Отац Марко Матић

About Blessing of Homes and Preparation

It is an Orthodox Tradition for the priest to visit his parishioners at their homes and performs the lesser blessing of water.

The purposes of this Holy Tradition are:

  • That God will mercifully hear the prayers which are offered by the family.
  • That the Almighty and Eternal Lord will send His holy angels to protect, save, watch, visit and safeguard the family members from evil powers.
  • That the faithful who are sprinkled with Holy Water may be free from every unclean and satanic action.
  • That the air in the home may be clean and healthy.
  • That all strange powers which may create insecurity to the family will be removed by the grace of God.

When the priest comes to a home to perform such a service, it is appropriate for the host family to be prepared in the following manner:

  • The house should be clean and in order.
  • The vigil, if there is one, before the icon should be lit.
  • There should be a candle with matches beside it.
  • A plate or bowl with a little water should be placed on the table, turn toward the east and the icon.
  • A list of names of the living members.
  • Doors of the rooms where you wish the priest to enter and sprinkle the Holy Water should be kept open.

After the blessing, if the family does not wish to keep the holy water, it is appropriate to pour it over a plant, flower, under a tree, or any place where it will not be stepped on.

Jan 24
0

Saint Sava Day Celebration at St. Sava Church – Sunday, Jan. 24

By | Children's Choir, Folklore Groups, General Information/News, Sunday School | No Comments

St. Sava Sunday School President Olivera Lela Jensen expressed appreciation to all those attending the St. Sava Day Celebration at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana and noted continuing support of the Sunday school is greatly appreciated.  As we all know the children are the future of St. Sava.

Kumovi of today’s Slava Celebration were Savka, Mila and Mihailo Popovic, all youth from St. Sava Church who are active in may programs at the church.

The program began with a poem titled “Rastko” by Savka Popovic. Srbadija Folklore performed traditional dances and children of Sunday School and the St. Sava Children’s Choir performed songs including Svetom Savi, God Bless America,  Ajde Kato, U Milice Dige Trepavice, Sveti Sava, and Srpkinjica Jeda Mala.

Between songs groups of school children recited poems from memory they have been practicing for weeks.

An adaptation of the play “Rastko Becomes Sava” was also performed. The St. Sava Day Program was made possible through the efforts of many people throughout St. Sava Church.

Danica Pejnovic, newly elected Executive Board President of St. Sava Church, also addressed the audience.

Look for images and video from the event in the coming days at www.saintsava.net and the St. Sava Facebook Page.

Sunday School Board

  • Olivera Lela Jensen, President
  • Vesna Radjenovich, 1st Vice President
  • Snezana Latinovic, 2nd Vice President
  • Sandy Shinovich, Secretary
  • Gina Orlich, Treasurer
  • Protinica Vesna Matic, Superintendent

Sunday School Teachers

  • Preschool – Ursula Brboric & Nevena Djurdjevic
  • K & 1st – Gina Orlich, Alexis Orlich & Jelena Djurdjevic
  • 2nd & 3rd – Sandy Shinovich & Biljana Vrbica
  • 4th & 5th – Ljubica Popovic & Betsy Kirby
  • 6, 7 & 8th – Susan Labovic, P. Vesna Matic & Sandra Serdar

Special Support and Appreciation

  • Fr. Marko & Fr. Bogdan for your spiritual guidance
  • Ivana Stankovic our Musical Director
  • Karageorge Choir for your responses
  • Karen Knezic & Srbadija Folklore
  • Melanie & Nick Sever for the Children’s treat bags
  • Sincere thanks to our wonderful cooks, photographers & bartenders
  • Parents, grandparents, Kumovi and friends for all of your hard work and dedication in bringing the children to Church & Sunday school.
Jan 23
0

Play about life of St. Sava among features of St. Sava Day Celebration – Sunday, Jan. 24

By | Children's Choir, Folklore Groups, General Information/News, Sunday School | No Comments

Sunday School children and youth from St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana prepare final rehearsals for the play “Rastko Becomes Sava” which is based upon the life of Saint Sava, the patron saint of St. Sava Church. The play is among the many features of the St. Sava Day celebration program and luncheon taking place immediately following the Divine Liturgy Sunday, January 24, 2016. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The play is set in Serbia about 800 years ago. At that time, although Serbian people were baptized Orthodox Christians, they did not understand the meaning of their faith. The bishops at that time in Serbia were Greeks, who considered Serbian people uncultured and the Serbian Orthodox Church did not yet exist.

Also at that time the Serbs themselves were divided into many small groups, ruled by “zupani.” That is until they were finally united in the 12th century under one extraordinary man, named Stefan Nemanja – the Veliki Zupan of all Serbia and the father of St. Sava. The play tells the story of Rastko, son of Nemanja, who decided to leave the monarchy to become a monk – Rastko becomes St. Sava.

This St. Sava Day Play was originally written by Jerodjakon Stevan of St. George SOC, Oakland, California where the first stage presentation took place January 27, 1980. It has been adapted from the original by Protinica Vesna Matic for performance at St. Sava Day January 24, 2016 at St. Sava Church, Merrillville, Indiana.

The St. Sava Day Celebration program features the play, traditional poems, songs, and dances that honor St. Sava and church schools. Srbadija Folklore will perform traditional dances.

The youth of the St. Sava Sunday School put many hours of work into their songs, poems, and dances guided by their caring teaching and instructors.

Parents, and anyone able, are asked to bring baked goods for desserts. These baked goods and other donations area greatly appreciated by the Sunday School. Please join us at the Pavilion to show support for the spirit the youth of St. Sava bring to their special performances.

Look for more information about special events taking place at St. Sava by visiting www.saintsava.net/calendar and look for event information on the St. Sava Facebook Page and Events.

Jan 21
0

Sunday School Students Prepare for St. Sava Day Celebration – Sunday, Jan. 24

By | Children's Choir, Folklore Groups, General Information/News, Sunday School | No Comments

Sunday School students at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana have spent weeks preparing for the St. Sava Day celebrations taking place Sunday, Jan. 24 following the Divine Liturgy and Luncheon in the Pavilion at St. Sava.

Please join us at the Pavilion to show support for the spirit the youth of St. Sava bring to their special performances.

The program features a play, traditional poems, songs, and dances that honor St. Sava and church schools. Srbadija Folklore will perform traditional dances.

The play is about when Rastko decided to leave the monarchy to become a monk – Rastko becomes St. Sava.

Saint Sava, born Ratsko Nemanjic in 1174, was a Serbian prince, first Archbishop of Serbia, and one of the most influential figures in Serbian law and literature. He left a life of royalty to become a monk in his youth; he influenced his father, Saint Simeon, to do the same, and subsequently founded Monastery Hilander on Mount Athos, which is still to this day one of the most revered cultural and religious centers for Serbian people.

The youth of the St. Sava Sunday School put many hours of work into their songs, poems, and dances guided by their caring teaching and instructors.

Parents, and anyone able, are asked to bring baked goods for desserts. These baked goods and other donations area greatly appreciated by the Sunday School.

Look for more information about special events taking place at St. Sava by visiting www.saintsava.net/calendar and look for event information on the St. Sava Facebook Page and Events.