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General Information/News

Jan 05
0

Ted Erceg Shares Memories of “Aunt” Daisy Wuletich

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Desanka "Daisy" Wuletich

Desanka “Daisy” Wuletich

The following was shared by Ted Erceg, a former 6-term Executive Board President at St. Sava Church, after the Pomen Service for Desanka “Daisy” Wuletich which took place Monday, January 4, 2016.

One of the most difficult tasks is to deliver these messages about someone you loved and knew all your life but when it’s time for them to pass, there is never enough to say what you want. That is my relationship with Daisy Wuletich.

Many years ago when her father Jefto (maybe you called him John) was President of St. Sava Church. Jefto appointed my father Mike to be a church Tutor. It was said by Daisy’s friends that she inherited many of her qualities from her parents, habits that instilled business acumen, orderliness and temperament. Daisy spent her whole life at St. Sava serving on any number of committees, but she is known to many of us as our favorite Sunday School teacher – she indeed knew her Bible studies and lived accordingly.

She was proficient enough in the Serbian language to translate for hundreds of refugees who came to us after WWII. Daisy spoke with them, and for them, and taught their children how to begin their lives in America on a solid Christian footing.

Years later Daisy kept many a church president informed on topics of church etiquette and social grace, which for many of us Serbs in Gary was difficult. Daisy also maintained a down-to-earth presence in everyday church activities. And she had a way of saying it nicely. I recall a church president who came to the office when our new church in Merrillville was under construction. He asked her to continue as Secretary because of her office skills. She hesitated at first asking how things would be different or difficult than before. She was told it would be different and difficult and she accepted the challenge immediately, known she would not do a mediocre job. She was marvelous at everything asked of her.

Daisy kept our clergy and Board apprised of our challenges, seeing us through many difficult situations, and she did it with a soft, feminine touch. For those who were fortunate enough to know Daisy, she was the very definition of a role model.

Daisy knew far more than she showed. She understood our Holy Holidays and she know how to celebrate them – Slavas, Weddings, Baptisms, the things she did she did with knowledge and with grace. That was the essence of your, and our, “Aunt” Daisy Wuletich.

Vjecnaja Pamjat, Desanka.

Ted Erceg 1/4/16

Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN 46410; interment will follow at the Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Sava Church.

More information about Daisy Wuletich is available at – https://www.saintsava.net/desanka-daisy-wuletich-memory-eternal-%E2%9C%9D-vjecnaja-pamjat/

Jan 02
0

Desanka “Daisy” Wuletich – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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Desanka "Daisy" Wuletich

Desanka “Daisy” Wuletich

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Desanka “Daisy” Wuletich. Memory eternal.

Desanka “Daisy” Wuletich (May 8, 1918 – December 31, 2015) of Merrillville, born on May 8, 1918 in Gary, IN to John and Cveta Gerun Wuletich and known to her extended family as “Aunt Daisy,” passed peacefully away on December 31, 2015.

Throughout her life, Aunt Daisy held dear her faith and devotion to St. Sava Orthodox Church where, following her work at the Cloverleaf Dairy Company, she served as Church Secretary and where, over the course of her life, she sang in the Choir, taught Sunday School, was a member of the Serbian Sisters Kolo and carried on the work of her father, John Wuletich, who was instrumental in founding St. Sava’s in 1913.

As with her faith, Aunt Daisy’s love of and devotion to family was absolute. Likewise, her appetite for knowledge, which blossomed at Indiana University where she was one of the first women to study astronomy, was an enduring passion in her life.

Aunt Daisy’s devotion to community was just as strong; she was a member of the Srbijka Club and the Serbian Republican Club, and she offered her services as a translator for Serbian refugees in the 1950s.

Daisy was preceded in death by her parents; by her siblings Bronko, Rudy, Violet “Fid” and Sam; and by her nephews, Tommy, Randy and Doug. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Michael C. Masters; her nieces and nephews: Jim Wuletich (Terry); Ann Krimmel; Teri LaJone (Jay); Sandy Funk (Jack); Ross “Gary” Wuletich (Brenda); John Masters (Jennifer); and Barbara Riley. In addition, are many grandnieces and grandnephews and great-grandnieces, all of whom will remember with love a woman of extraordinary curiosity, intellect, generosity, spirit and grace.

Friends are invited to meet with Daisy’s family between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016 at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point. The Pomen will take place at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN 46410; interment will follow at the Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Sava Church.

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Desanka-Wuletich/#!/Obituary

Jan 02
0

St. Sava’s Aleks Novakovich featured in local newspaper basketball profile story

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Hobart High School junior boys basketball center Aleks Novakovich, son of Zeljko and Snezana Novakovich, was recently featured in a The Times newspaper sports section basketball profile story. Novoakovich has also played on teams in basketball tournaments, such as the 76th Annual SNF Basketball Tournament in 2015, representing St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church of Merrillville, Indiana.

Read the beginning of the story below or click here to read the entire article at The Times website.

From the Times Newspaper:

STEVE HANLON: This Brickie says ‘Srećna Nova godina’

While most of America woke up late Friday and said “Happy New Year,” there are others who said something else. Hobart junior boys basketball center Aleks Novakovich said that, along with “Srećna Nova godina,” which is the same greeting in his native Serbian tongue.

The Region has a long history of great Serbian high school basketball players hanging nets all over the 2-1-9. Novakovich is not at the top of the list right now. But don’t blink, because the 6-foot-8 center is moving up the name tree.

“Most Serbs are tall and good shooters,” Novakovich said Wednesday night after his Brickies lost to Griffith at the Highland Holiday Hoopfest. “There have been a lot of great Serbs who’ve played in the NBA, and I know who they are all.”

Vlade Divac, Predrag Stojaković and Vladimir Radmanović are some of the best of the best from the Eastern European hoops hotbed.

“Basketball is very big in our culture,” said Novakovich, who was born in the United States.

His parents — Zeljko and Snezana Novakovich — lived in Croatia. But the war-torn nation of the 1990s had them looking for freedom and peace.

So in 1996 the family moved here, like thousands before them. Region basketball’s history book would be missing a large chapter if not for this Nike migration.

“Aleks likes it here, we stay here,” said Zeljko, his father. “Aleks is a member of the Serbian National Federation, or what some call the ‘Serbian Olympics.’ He’s met a lot of former players and learned from them. It’s a language, a culture. It’s really good to meet other kids from around the country.”

Zeljko said Aleks has grown almost a foot in a year and a half. Hobart coach Mike Black has seen an even bigger growth on the court. All of Novakovich’s numbers are up. He’s averaging 9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2 assists a game.

Jan 01
0

Deadline for lamb/pig pre-orders at St. Sava for Orthodox Christmas – Sunday, Jan. 3

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The deadline to pre-order lamb and pig cooked on the spit, by the pound, for Orthodox Christmas prepared by St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana is Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to place your order to make your Christmas Dinner easier with some of the best lamb and pig cooked on the spit in the entire Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland area.

Lamb will be $14 per pound and Pig will be $12 per pound. Orders may be picked up Thursday, January 7, 2016 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church at the outdoor kitchen area at 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN.

There is a 2 pound minimum for all orders and prices are subject to change based upon market pricing.

Download the order form and and send it by fax to 219-736-7836 or call 219-406-7910. You may also e-mail the order form to karknezic@yahoo.com.

Dec 31
0

Serbian Christmas Traditions Play by Youth of St. Sava – Wednesday, Jan. 6

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

Sunday School children and young adults from St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana will present a “Christmas Traditions” play in the St. Sava Pavilion taking place before the blessing of the badnjak Wednesday, Jan. 6.

The play features the traditions of Serbian ancestors which include bringing the badnjak in the home, how we greet each other on Christmas, and other elements relating to Serbian Christmas Heritage. Many still practices these traditions annually even today.

The play is part of a series of special events taking place Wednesday, Jan. 6 which begin with Vesper Services in the St. Sava Church at 6:00 p.m. as people of Orthodox Faith celebrate the Nativity. The Orthodox Church uses the old ‘Julian’ Calendar, which means each year Christmas Eve takes place January 6 and Christmas Day January 7.

Anyone of Orthodox Faith, and members of the general community wishing to experience a unique cultural and spiritual event, are welcome to attend and celebrate the Nativity with parishioners of St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana.

Dec 29
0

Akathist at St. Sava Church: Our Lord Jesus Christ – Thursday, Dec. 31

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Join us this Thursday, Dec. 31 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 Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated, according to Julian Calendar, December 25, and according to Gregorian January, 7.

Orthodox Christians are following the Julian calendar which was active during the Birth of Christ. This Akathist is dedicated to Jesus.

When fullness of time was come, God sent His only begotten son’ (Gal. 4:4) to save the human race. And when the ninth month had come after the archangel Gabriel appeared to the most holy Virgin in Nazareth, saying: “Hail, thou that art highly favored.. thou shalt conceive and bear a son”…

Joseph and Mary were invited by a decree of Caesar Augustus the Emperor of Rome to register at their home town of Bethlehem. When they arrived they could not find a lodging in any house, and found shelter in a cave. In this cave the most holy Virgin gave birth to the Savior of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The shepherds came in from a field after they had heard a multitude of angels singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men” (Luke 2:14). They worshiped Him as Messiah and Savior.

At that time there also came wise men from the East, led by a wonderful star, bearing their gifts: gold, frenkincense and myrr, and worshiped Him as King of kings, offering Him their gifts (Mat. 2:11).

In the Akathist prayer we will glorify Our Lord Jesus Christ, and His Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit, asking Them for Their blessings and share with us Their Divine nature.

Come and joins us to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ!

What is Akathist?

Join us Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in the St. Sava Church for Akathist – a brief weekly celebration of the works of the Saints, Holy Days, and Holy Trinity.

The Akathist service lasts approximately 35 minutes and is an opportunity for a uniquely participatory service in which men and women may have the option to read passages from the Book of Akathists, exchanging phrasings with Clergy, and experiencing a unique mid-week spiritual connection with fellow parishioners. Click here to read more about Akathist…

Dec 28
0

Download Schedule of St. Sava Nativity Services – Special Message from Father Marko and Father Bogdan

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Orthodox Christmas Nativity Services are quickly approaching with Badnje Veče – Serbian Christmas Eve – taking place Wednesday, January 6.

Now is the time to view or download the schedule of services so you may plan ahead and join us for this special annual Nativity Celebration.

The Schedule of Services, in both English and Serbian Cyrillic languages, along with a special holiday message from Father Marko and Father Bogdan was sent in the mail to Church Membership and is now available for download.

DOWNLOAD THE SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND HOLIDAY MESSSAGE

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES – РАСПОРЕД БОГОСЛУЖЕЊА

SUNDAY: January 3rd

  • SUNDAY 31st AFTER PENTECOST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • НЕДЕЉА 31. ПО ДУХОВИМА: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру

WEDNESDAY: January 6th

  • CHRISTMAS EVE: Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM. Great Vespers at 6:00PM.
  • Children’s Christmas Play, blessing and burning of Badnjak.
  • БАДЊИ ДАН: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру. Празнично вечерње у 6:00
  • увече. Дечија Божићна Представа. Освећење и паљење Бадњака.

THURSDAY: January 7th

  • CHRISTMAS: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • БОЖИЋ: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру

FRIDAY :January 8th

  • ALL HOLY MOTHER OF GOD FEAST: Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • САБОР ПРЕСВЕТЕ БОГОРОДИЦЕ: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру

SATURDAY: January 9th

  • ST. STEPHEN THE ARCHDEACON: Divine Liturgy 9:00AM
  • СВЕТИ АРХИЂАКОН СТЕФАН: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру

SUNDAY: January 10th

  • SUNDAY 32nd AFTER PENTECOST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • НЕДЕЉА 32. ПО ДУХОВИМА: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру

THURSDAY: January 14th

  • ST. BASIL (SERBIAN NEW YEAR’S DAY): Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • СВ. ВАСИЛИЈЕ (СРПСКА НОВА ГОДИНА): Св. Литургија у 9:00 ујутру

SUNDAY: January 17th

  • SUNDAY 33rd AFTER PENTECOST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • НЕДЕЉА 33. ПО ДУХОВИМА: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру

TUESDAY: January 19th

  • HOLY THEOPHANY: Div. Liturgy and Great Blessing of Water at 9:00AM.
  • БОГОЈАВЉЕЊЕ: Св. Литургија и Велико освећење воде у 9:00 ујутру.

WEDNESDAY: January 20th

  • ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST: Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • СВЕТИ ЈОВАН КРСТИТЕЉ: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру

SUNDAY: January 24th

  • SUNDAY 34th AFTER PENTECOST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM. Saint Sava
  • Celebration. Blessing and cutting of Slava Kolach; Dinner and Program.
  • НЕДЕЉА 34. ПО ДУХОВИМА: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру. Светосавска
  • Прослава. Сечење Славског колача, ручак и програм у продужетку.

WEDNESDAY: January 27th

  • ST. SAVA: Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • СВЕТИ САВА: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру

SUNDAY: January 31st

  • SUNDAY 35th AFTER PENTECOST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • НЕДЕЉА 35. ПО ДУХОВИМА: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру
Dec 26
0

Deadline approaches for lamb/pig pre-orders at St. Sava for Orthodox Christmas

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There is still time remaining to pre-order lamb and pig cooked on the spit, by the pound, for Orthodox Christmas prepared by St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana now through January 3, 2016.

Lamb will be $14 per pound and Pig will be $12 per pound. Orders may be picked up Thursday, January 7, 2016 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church at the outdoor kitchen area at 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN.

There is a 2 pound minimum for all orders and prices are subject to change based upon market pricing.

Download the order form and and send it by fax to 219-736-7836 or call 219-406-7910. You may also e-mail the order form to karknezic@yahoo.com.

Dec 24
0

Announcement of Annual Membership Meeting – Save the Date – January 17

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Dear Members,

In accordance with the by-laws of the Church-School Parish, Part III, Article 16 (A, b, and c), we call the assembly of the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Parish membership to be held on Sunday January 17, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the South Wing Social Center of St. Sava located at 9191 Misssissippi Street in Merrillville, Indiana.

The Executive Board proposes the following agenda:

  1. Opening of Assembly with prayer
  2. Establishment of the Quorum
  3. Election of the Assembly President
  4. Confirmation of the proposed agenda
  5. Acceptance of the minutes of the 2015 Annual Assembly
  6. Discussion and acceptance of the Executive Board reports:
    • Parish Priest
    • Financial Secretary
    • Treasurer
    • Church School Report
    • Executive Board President
  7. Report of the Auditing Committee
  8. Report of the Audit BOard
  9. Questions and proposals for the good of the Parish
  10. Election of delegates for the Diocesan Church Peoples Assembly
  11. Dismissal of the old Board and election of the new Board
  12. Closing of the Assembly with prayer

Dues will be collected at this Annual Meeting.

Minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting, in two languages, will be attached to each member’s 2015 Report. In order to save time and spare our members of the need to have the 2015 minutes read in two languages, members will have ample time before the meeting to read the minutes in the language of his or her choice. This rule was unanimously passed at the 1989 General Assembly.

A copy of the above information is included in a downloadable document in both English and Serbian.

Dec 23
0

Download Serbian Christmas form letter for “Excused Absence” from Father Marko

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With Serbian Christmas quickly approaching January 7, 2016 and taking place during the work/school week on a Thursday, many people may work or have school obligations.

Whether it’s an Altar Boy participating in services on this holiday or students simply being with family during church services on this special day, a note from Father Marko may be required or requested by school officials relating to the absence.

Father Marko Matic has created a form letter that may be downloaded, printed and used as a request for an excused absence from school to participate in this Serbian Orthodox religious holiday.

This form letter is provided in the hope that it will enable more families to attend with their children on this special day.

We look forward to seeing you at the Christmas Eve celebrations Wednesday, January 6 and Christmas Day Thursday, January 7 at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana.