General Information/News

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!

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.

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.