Monthly Archives

March 2017

A message from Father Marko: “How can we keep Great Lent?”

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Lent is a Time of Slowing Down.

It is obviously impossible for us to go to Church every day. And since we cannot keep the Lent liturgically, the question arises: what is our participation in Lent, how can we spiritually profit by it?

The Church calls us to deepen our religious conscience, to increase and strengthen the spiritual contents of our life, to follow her in her pilgrimage towards renewal and rededication to God.

And, last but not least: there must be an effort and a decision to slow down our life, to put in as much quiet, silence, contemplation, meditation. Radio, TV, newspapers, social gatherings—all these things, however excellent and profitable in themselves, must be cut down to a real minimum. Not because they are bad, but because we have something more important to do, and it is impossible to do without a change of life, without some degree of concentration and discipline.

Lent is the time when we re-evaluate our life in the light of our faith, and this requires a very real effort and discipline. Christ says that a narrow path leads to the kingdom of God and we must make our life as narrow as possible. At first the natural and selfish man in us revolts against these limitations. He wants his usual “easy life” with all its pleasures and relaxations. But once we have tasted of such spiritual effort, once we have made by it one step towards God, the reward is great!

We discover a joy that cannot be compared to any other joy. We discover the reality of the spiritual world in us. We begin to understand what St. Paul meant by “the joy and peace in the Holy Spirit.” God Himself enters our soul: and it is this wonderful coming that constitutes the ultimate end of Lent: “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him.” (John 14:23)

Father Marko Matic
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church – Merrillville, Indiana
www.saintsava.net

Brkich Children Concert benefit – Sunday, Apr. 2

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Saint Sava Church is hosting this benefit that will be a performance of spiritual and traditional hymns and songs sung by Slobodan and Nada Brkic.

The Brkic Family is once again on tour visiting churches in the Midwest and across America and Canada. This concert is being held in an effort to raise funds to help them to continue with their vision medical needs to improve their sight which was greatly impaired at birth. Their voices are highly acclaimed wherever they go.

Following Holy Liturgy there will be a short Concert by Sloboda and Nada Brkic.

Join us in supporting these beautiful children as they sing to the glory of God.

You can send donations to our Saint Sava Church with memo: for the Brkich Children.

ХУМАНИТАРНИ КОНЦЕРТ

Породица Бркић је поново у посети Америци и црквама у Чикагу и околини. Нашу парохију посетиће у недељу 2. априла и одржати хуманитарни концерт одмах после свете Литургије.

Сав приход од овог концерта ићи ће у прилог лечења како би се поправио њихов вид који је тешко оштећен у њиховој младости, непосредно по рођењу.

Где год да певају, публика ужива у њиховим дивним песмама и гласовима.

Срдачно вас позивамо да дођете и подржите ову дивну децу која певају у славу Божију!

Уколико нисте у могућности да присуствујете Светој Литургији и концерту деце Бркић, вашу донацију можете послати на цркву Светог Саве уз напомену: за децу Бркић.

Preparing for Holy Confession and Communion – Discussion Series at St. Sava – Wednesday, Apr. 5

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Father Bogdan Zjalic and Father Marko Matic will lead a discussion about “preparing yourself for Holy Confession and Communion” as part of the ongoing discussion series focusing on the Orthodox Faith Wednesday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

The discussion series session provides an opportunity for everyone to gain new perspectives in the Orthodox Faith, including people currently participating in the Orthodox Faith and people from the community who are curious to learn more about the Orthodox Faith.

The sessions are free and open to everyone. The sessions will take place in the South Wing Social Center at the south end of the main Church building near the parking lot entrance.

The discussion series has been taking place monthly on the first Wednesdays since the beginning of the year and continues with two more sessions currently on the calendar taking place in April and May.

This special discussion series is being launched as result of a successful event earlier in January 2017 where Father Bogdan Zjalic presented the topic, “Human Relationship with Jesus Christ” with more than a dozen people attending to listen to the presentation and ask questions.

This special discussion series is also one of several new initiatives that have taken place in recent months at St Sava Church in Merrillville that provide opportunities for members of St. Sava, members of other Orthodox Churches, and community members to engage in unique spiritual and cultural learning opportunities.

Such opportunities have included learning about the history of the Cyrillic Alphabet, participating in a class to learn how to read and write the Cyrillic alphabet, and a Serbian Language class currently in session that is teaching participants the basics of conversational Serbian Language.

For more information about this discussion series, please send e-mail to ivana.stankovic@saintsava.net.

Upcoming Orthodox Faith Discussion Sessions

  • Wednesday, April 5 – 6:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 10 – 6:30 p.m.

Fish Frys continue at St. Sava in Merrillville – Friday, March 31

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The legendary Fish Frys continue and we invite you to join us for our “Friday Fish Frys” at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana throughout the Orthodox Lenten season. Everyone is welcome to join us for a delicious meal! Carry-out is also available!

The Friday Fish Frys will take every Friday evening through April 7 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Pavilion at St. Sava Church 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

Choose from Cod, Perch, Shrimp, or the Serbian specialty known as Bakalar – Combo plates also available. All dinners include fish of choice, soup, french fries, coleslaw, and bread. Lenten salad bar and desserts also available. Beverages also available for purchase.

Friday Fish Frys will take place throughout the Orthodox Lenten season. These dinners are open to the general public every Friday throughout Great Lent until the Friday before Good Friday.

Dinner Options

$12.00 Menu:

  • BEER BATTERED COD: Dinner includes Bean soup, 3 pieces of Cod, fries, coleslaw
  • OCEAN PERCH: Dinner includes Bean soup, 3 pieces of Perch, fries, coleslaw

$13.00 Menu:

  • FANTAIL BUTTERFLY SHRIMP: Dinner includes 8 pieces Shrimp, bean soup, fries, coleslaw
  • BAKALAR: (Serbian Specialty): Canadian white salt Cod blended with potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and onions and then baked. Dinner includes portion of Bakalar, bean soup, coleslaw.

COMBO PLATTERS: All platters include bean soup, fries, and coleslaw

  • $12.00 – 1 Piece of Cod, 2 Perch
  • $12.00 – 1 Piece of Perch, 2 Pieces of Cod
  • $13.00 – 2 Pieces of Perch or Cod OR 1 piece Perch, 1 piece Cod with 4 shrimp
  • $14.00 – 1 Piece of Perch, 1 Piece Cod, and Bakalar
  • $15.00 – 1 piece of Perch or Cod, 4 shrimp, Bakalar

Sides/Extras:

  • Extra piece of Fish or shrimp $2.00 per piece
  • Bowl of Soup $2.00
  • Fries: $2.00
  • Coleslaw $2.00

Desserts sold separately

Volunteers still needed

Volunteers are needed to help in the kitchens, serving, and cleaning up. Salad bar and dessert items from members are also appreciated. Please call the church office at 219-736-9191 to volunteer.

2016 Fish Fry Dates at St. Sava Church – Merrillville, Indiana

We look forward to seeing you at one of our many Friday Fish Fry Dates:

  • March 3, 2017 hosted by the St. Sava Executive Board
  • March 10, 2017 hosted by Karageorge Choir
  • March 17, 2017 hosted by Srbadija Folklore (Youth Folklore)
  • March 24, 2017 hosted by Serbian Sisters Circle “Kolo”
  • March 31, 2017 hosted by St. Sava Sunday School
  • April 7, 2017 hosted by St. Sava Executive Board

Pre-order lamb and pig by the pound at St. Sava in Merrillville for Orthodox Easter

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You can pre-order lamb and pig cooked on the spit, by the pound, for Orthodox Easter prepared by St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana now through the pre-order deadline Wednesday, April 12 for pick-up Sunday, April 16, 2017

Lamb will be $15 per pound and Pig will be $14 per pound. Orders may be picked up Sunday, April 16, 2017 between Noon 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 karen.knezic@saintsava.net.

Fish Frys continue at St. Sava in Merrillville – Friday, Mar. 24

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The legendary Fish Frys continue and we invite you to join us for our “Friday Fish Frys” at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana throughout the Orthodox Lenten season. Everyone is welcome to join us for a delicious meal! Carry-out is also available!

The Friday Fish Frys will take every Friday evening through April 7 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Pavilion at St. Sava Church 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

Choose from Cod, Perch, Shrimp, or the Serbian specialty known as Bakalar – Combo plates also available. All dinners include fish of choice, soup, french fries, coleslaw, and bread. Lenten salad bar and desserts also available. Beverages also available for purchase.

Friday Fish Frys will take place throughout the Orthodox Lenten season. These dinners are open to the general public every Friday throughout Great Lent until the Friday before Good Friday.

Dinner Options

$12.00 Menu:

  • BEER BATTERED COD: Dinner includes Bean soup, 3 pieces of Cod, fries, coleslaw
  • OCEAN PERCH: Dinner includes Bean soup, 3 pieces of Perch, fries, coleslaw

$13.00 Menu:

  • FANTAIL BUTTERFLY SHRIMP: Dinner includes 8 pieces Shrimp, bean soup, fries, coleslaw
  • BAKALAR: (Serbian Specialty): Canadian white salt Cod blended with potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and onions and then baked. Dinner includes portion of Bakalar, bean soup, coleslaw.

COMBO PLATTERS: All platters include bean soup, fries, and coleslaw

  • $12.00 – 1 Piece of Cod, 2 Perch
  • $12.00 – 1 Piece of Perch, 2 Pieces of Cod
  • $13.00 – 2 Pieces of Perch or Cod OR 1 piece Perch, 1 piece Cod with 4 shrimp
  • $14.00 – 1 Piece of Perch, 1 Piece Cod, and Bakalar
  • $15.00 – 1 piece of Perch or Cod, 4 shrimp, Bakalar

Sides/Extras:

  • Extra piece of Fish or shrimp $2.00 per piece
  • Bowl of Soup $2.00
  • Fries: $2.00
  • Coleslaw $2.00

Desserts sold separately

Volunteers still needed

Volunteers are needed to help in the kitchens, serving, and cleaning up. Salad bar and dessert items from members are also appreciated. Please call the church office at 219-736-9191 to volunteer.

2016 Fish Fry Dates at St. Sava Church – Merrillville, Indiana

We look forward to seeing you at one of our many Friday Fish Fry Dates:

  • March 3, 2017 hosted by the St. Sava Executive Board
  • March 10, 2017 hosted by Karageorge Choir
  • March 17, 2017 hosted by Srbadija Folklore (Youth Folklore)
  • March 24, 2017 hosted by Serbian Sisters Circle “Kolo”
  • March 31, 2017 hosted by St. Sava Sunday School
  • April 7, 2017 hosted by St. Sava Executive Board

Pre-order strudels and nutrolls from Kolo Bake Sale at St. Sava Merrillville – Saturday, Apr. 8

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You can now pre-order strudels and nutrolls for Easter through the Serbian Sisters Circle Bake Sale which takes place Saturday, April 8 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana.

The Bake Sale will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the North end of the Pavilion Building located behind St. Sava Church. Various baked items will be available for sale.

Strudels come in the flavors of Apple, Cherry, Sweet Cheese, Regular Cheese, and Spinach/Cheese for $13 each. Nutrolls will be available for $14 each. Cookies will be available for $13 per pound.

Download the order form now online to fax your order or call the Church Office during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 219-736-9191.

Karageorge Choir at St. Sava invites you to practice for Easter – Tuesday, Mar. 21

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The Karageorge Choir at St. Sava Church continues their weekly practices as they prepare for Easter services. The next practice takes place Tuesday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the North Wing Conference Room at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

The practices help the choir prepare for the upcoming Great Lent and Easter services, as well as preparations for the 51st Annual Serbian Orthodox Choral Association (SOCA) Festival taking June 9 through 11 in Cudahy, Wisconsin.

All current members of the Karageorge Choir are urged to attend practices, as well as anyone wishing to learn more about the choir and sing with group. Music will be available for anyone wishing to make their own choir liturgy book.

More practices will take place on Tuesday evenings March 28 and April 4.

About the Karageorge Choir

The Karageorge Choir at St. Sava Church provides the liturgical responses for the Divine Liturgy every Sunday morning and at various events and special services throughout the year. The choir also participates regularly in the annual Serbian Orthodox Choral Association (SOCA) Festivals.

The Karageorge Choir at St. Sava Church is a unique organization within the church. It is one of the few organizations where every member of a family can participate together at the exact same time – moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, kumovi, young people are all able to share their love of singing and their faith together through the gifts of their voices.

Anyone is welcome to join the Karageorge Choir for the weekly open practices taking place at St. Sava Church.

51st Anniversary of the SOCA Festival – June 9 through 11, 2017

The Karageorge Choir is looking forward to participating in the 51st anniversary of the Serbian Orthodox Choral Association (SOCA) Festival in Cudahy, Wisconsin. The Karageorge Choir at St. Sava traveled together last year to the historic 50th Anniversary celebration that took place during a weekend in mid June at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in St. Louis, Missouri – the location where the first ever SOCA Festival took place.

More details about the SOCA Festival will be available in the coming weeks. Check back to the St. Sava website at www.saintsava.net and the St. Sava Facebook Page for more information to learn more about Karageorge Choir at St. Sava Church and how you can participate with them throughout the year and at the festival.

Learn more about SOCA and follow their Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=162207370493680

Friday Fish Frys coninue at St. Sava in Merrillville – Friday, Mar. 17

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The legendary Fish Frys continue and we invite you to join us for our “Friday Fish Frys” at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana throughout the Orthodox Lenten season. Everyone is welcome to join us for a delicious meal! Carry-out is also available!

The Friday Fish Frys will take every Friday evening through April 7 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Pavilion at St. Sava Church 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

Choose from Cod, Perch, Shrimp, or the Serbian specialty known as Bakalar – Combo plates also available. All dinners include fish of choice, soup, french fries, coleslaw, and bread. Lenten salad bar and desserts also available. Beverages also available for purchase.

Friday Fish Frys will take place throughout the Orthodox Lenten season. These dinners are open to the general public every Friday throughout Great Lent until the Friday before Good Friday.

Dinner Options

$12.00 Menu:

  • BEER BATTERED COD: Dinner includes Bean soup, 3 pieces of Cod, fries, coleslaw
  • OCEAN PERCH: Dinner includes Bean soup, 3 pieces of Perch, fries, coleslaw

$13.00 Menu:

  • FANTAIL BUTTERFLY SHRIMP: Dinner includes 8 pieces Shrimp, bean soup, fries, coleslaw
  • BAKALAR: (Serbian Specialty): Canadian white salt Cod blended with potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and onions and then baked. Dinner includes portion of Bakalar, bean soup, coleslaw.

COMBO PLATTERS: All platters include bean soup, fries, and coleslaw

  • $12.00 – 1 Piece of Cod, 2 Perch
  • $12.00 – 1 Piece of Perch, 2 Pieces of Cod
  • $13.00 – 2 Pieces of Perch or Cod OR 1 piece Perch, 1 piece Cod with 4 shrimp
  • $14.00 – 1 Piece of Perch, 1 Piece Cod, and Bakalar
  • $15.00 – 1 piece of Perch or Cod, 4 shrimp, Bakalar

Sides/Extras:

  • Extra piece of Fish or shrimp $2.00 per piece
  • Bowl of Soup $2.00
  • Fries: $2.00
  • Coleslaw $2.00

Desserts sold separately

Volunteers still needed

Volunteers are needed to help in the kitchens, serving, and cleaning up. Salad bar and dessert items from members are also appreciated. Please call the church office at 219-736-9191 to volunteer.

2016 Fish Fry Dates at St. Sava Church – Merrillville, Indiana

We look forward to seeing you at one of our many Friday Fish Fry Dates:

  • March 3, 2017 hosted by the St. Sava Executive Board
  • March 10, 2017 hosted by Karageorge Choir
  • March 17, 2017 hosted by Srbadija Folklore (Youth Folklore)
  • March 24, 2017 hosted by Serbian Sisters Circle “Kolo”
  • March 31, 2017 hosted by St. Sava Sunday School
  • April 7, 2017 hosted by St. Sava Executive Board

Lenten Vesper Service, dinner, and guest speaker at St. Sava in Merrillville – Saturday, Mar. 18

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V. Rev. Father Dennis Pavicevich

You are cordially invited to Saint Sava Church for Lenten Vesper Service taking place at 6:00 p.m. with Lenten dinner following on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Merrillville, Indiana.

Vesper Service and veneration of the Holy Cross with His Grace Bishop Longin and visiting clergy and guests. Responses by Karagerge Choir and Saint Sava Children’s choir. Lenten dinner to follow.

Guest Speaker during the dinner will be V. Rev. Father Dennis Pavicevich.

Father Dennis Pavichevich (Dragoljub Pavicevic) began his theological studies at Saint Sava Seminary in Belgrade, Serbia. He returned to the United States after two years and completed his undergraduate studies at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science in 1972. Graduating from Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in 1975 with a Master of Divinity degree. He is well versed in the Christian Orthodox faith.

Father Dennis’s first parish was at Saint George in Schererville, Indiana, where he helped build the church itself as well as a parish home. While at his second parish with Saint Steven’s Cathedral in Alhambra, California, Father Dennis led a large Eucharistic revival while establishing an adult Bible study program that took place within parishioners’ homes.

Following Saint Steven’s, Father Dennis served at Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Chicago where he helped establish a full time parochial school – Saint Sava Academy.

Father Dennis is now at Saint Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church since December of 2012, and the congregation is very blessed to have him.