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General Information/News

Velko “Dr. Detroit” Kapetanov – 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 Velko “Dr. Detroit” Kapetanov. Memory eternal.

Velko “Dr. Detroit” Kapetanov

Velko “Dr. Detroit” Kapetanov, age 78, of Merrillville, IN, passed away on March 8, 2024. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 7, 1945. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery.

Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements.

Ljiljana Stefanovic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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

Ljiljana Stefanovic

Ljiljana Stefanovic  age 82 of Crown Point, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on February 28th, 2024.

Ljiljana was born in Boboviste (Aleksinac), Serbia and came to the United States on February 19, 1970 with her husband Zoran and children to Gary, IN. They later moved and settled in Crown Point, IN.

Ljiljana was a former member of St George Serbian Orthodox Church in East Chicago. She then became an active member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox church in 1978, where she was currently a parishioner, and actively involved in the St Sava Circle of Serbian Sisters (Kolo Sestara). Ljiljana was a retired employee of Bivona after many years of dedicated service.

Ljiljana was preceded in death by her husband Zoran; parents Djordje and Milunka Djordjevic; sister Vidosava Marjanovic and brother Dragoljub Djordjevic. She is survived by her two beloved children, son, Ljubisha “Lou” (Helen) Stefanovic, and daughter, Biljana “Billie” (Igor) Vrbica; three cherished grandchildren: Dejan, Sasha and Petar; and many other relatives, Kumovi and dear friends both here and in Serbia.

Ljiljana was a wonderful homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking, and gardening. She enjoyed hosting and entertaining family, friends, and guests in her always welcoming home.  Ljiljana’s biggest pride and joy were her grandchildren.  She was very supportive and enjoyed being part of all their activities as they were growing up.  She was always proud and full of joy attending their events.   Ljiljana will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Vecnaja Pamjat.

Funeral Services will take place Monday, March 4, 2024 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service to begin at 11:00 a.m.  Very Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment at St. Sava Holy Cross Cemetery, Merrillville. For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840.

Peter “Pete” Skorich – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Peter “Pete” Skorich. Memory eternal.

Peter “Pete” Skorich

Peter “Pete” Skorich, age 82 of Crown Point, IN, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 23, 2024. Pete was a 1959 graduate of Emerson High School in Gary. He retired from US Steel with over 40 years of dedicated service and served in the Indiana National Guard. Pete was a very active member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville where most will remember his years of dedication to the Serb Fests and Golf Tournaments. Over many decades, he was very fond of Tamburitza Music and enjoyed roasted lamb at numerous Lake County establishments. He never forgot his Alma mater Emerson High School of Gary.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary (nee Shaban) Skorich and two brothers, Nick and George.

Pete is survived by his loving niece & nephew Laura Skorich and Kurt Skorich; great nephew Sean Taylor; also many of his dear friends such as Gene Shayotovich and George Skrivan as well as the entire St Sava Church congregation. Pete will be remembered by all for being a friendly outgoing man with a very generous spirit.

Funeral Services will take place Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN with V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. For any further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840.

George Rosich – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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

George Rosich

George Rosich, age 94, of Spring Hill, FL passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2024. His wife of over 70 years, Paula (Pickford), and other family members were at his side at the time of his passing.

George was preceded in death by his father, Milos Rosich; mother, Mildred Konderla; brothers: Charles Rosich, Junior Rosich, Andrew (Billie) Dopiriak, and Michael Dopiriak; and sister, Joann (Jack) Lyons.

He is survived by his wife, Paula; son, Ron (April) Rosich; daughter, Terry (Harry) Revetta; grandson, Ryan Rosich; granddaughter, Elizabeth Rosich; brothers: Daniel (Phyllis) Rosich, John (Carol) Dopiriak; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

George and Paula were married in 1953 and resided in the Gary, IN area until building a new home in Portage, IN in 1959. They lived in Portage and raised a family there until retiring to Spring Hill, FL in 1989 and have lived there ever since.

George was born in Aliquippa, PA on November 11, 1929, and was baptized in the Serbian Christian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa. He relocated to Gary, IN at a young age with his family where he was raised.  George attended Merrillville High School where he met his future wife, Paula.

He is a U.S. Military Veteran having served in the Army and fought overseas on the front lines in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1953.

George was an Ironworker and a proud member of Ironworkers Local 395 for over 70 years. Over his career, he built a number of hospitals, schools, bridges, and other structures throughout Northwest Indiana. George was also the owner of Portage Ornamental Iron and had a welding shop for many years in Portage.

He was an antique car enthusiast, having been a member of several car clubs. He was often seen driving his 1929 Ford Model A which he restored with his son Ron and his brother Danny. George was seen in the neighborhood in his Model A only a few months before his passing. He had many friends who were also antique car enthusiasts during the time he lived in Florida.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, February 24, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN 46410, from 9:00 AM until the Funeral Service at 10:00 AM.

Burial to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. Father Dragan Petrovic of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church-Indianapolis presiding.

The family wishes to thank Chapters Hospice of Brooksville, FL for their excellent care during George’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to Chapters Health System Hospice HPH in memory of George Rosich.  https://www.chaptershealth.org/foundation/hph-hospice-donation/

George was a dedicated father, a loving husband to his wife, a veteran of the armed forces, a proud union member, and a skilled craftsman. George never met a stranger and was a friend to many

Visit Thomas’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500.

Helen Baroevich – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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

Helen Baroevich, a life long resident of Griffith, Indiana and member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church passed away Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the age of 100. Helen is survived by her 2 daughters Kathleen Baroevich and Diane (+Bob) Holstein and her 2 granddaughters Lauren (Matt) Yukich and Caitlyn (Riste) Talev, also numerous nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great-great nephews and 1 great-great-great niece.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Steve Baroevich; her son and daughter-in-law Steve and Marie Baroevich; her parents Geroge and Anna Zelenak; her 4 sisters and brother-in-laws, Mary (Leo) Grogan, Ann (John) Sopko, Julie  (Max) Hutka, Josephine (Norman) Kellams, her brothers George (Sue & Betty) Zelenak

Helen was a very active St. Sava church member especially with the sisters making the Nutroll and Strudels. She loved baking and cooking and trying new recipes. She also loved to crochet and knit and made many blankets of various sizes and patterns.

Helen was also a member for many years of the American Legion Post 66 in Griffith and as an Honorary member of War Mothers. God rest her soul, she will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

Funeral Services will take place Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville with a visitation for friends, family and Kumovi which will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service; V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Sava Church, St. Sava Sisters Auxiliary or Karageorge Choir, or charity of your choice. For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840.

St. Sava annual membership meeting agenda now available; meeting scheduled – Sunday, Feb. 25

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The Executive Board of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church has shared the agenda for the Annual Membership Meeting taking place Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the South Wing Social Center of St. Sava Church, located at 9191 Misssissippi Street in Merrillville, Indiana.

It is important to note that membership dues must be up-to-date before the day of the meeting. Members are encouraged to make arrangements to make sure dues are paid and up-to-date prior to February 25. Call the office at 219-736-9191 for more information or to make appropriate arrangements.

This annual meeting will take place in accordance with the by-laws of the Church-School Parish, Part III, Article 16 (a, b, and c), the Annual Membership Assembly of the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Parish membership.

All current members are encouraged to attend to gain important insights about church operations and to vote for the new Executive Board that will provide leadership throughout 2022 until the next annual meeting in early 2023.

Annual Membership Assembly 2024 Agenda

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 2023 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 Audit Board
  8. Report from all organizations including financial balance sheerts
    1. This includes Sunday School, Kolo, Folklore, Choir, and Historical Society
  9. Determination of all financial and fringe benefits for the Parish Priest and other employees.
  10. Questions and proposals for the good of the Parish
  11. Election of delegates for the Diocesan Assembly
  12. Dismissal of the old Board and election of the new Board
  13. Closing of the Assembly with prayer

DUES WILL NOT BE COLLECTED AT THIS ANNUAL MEETING

Minutes of the 2023 Annual meeting will be attached to each member’s 2023 Report. In order to save time and spare our members of the need to have the 2023 minutes read, members will have ample time before the meeting to read the minutes. This rule was unanimously passed at the 1989 General Assembly.

Stevo Djankovic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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

Stevo Djankovic

Stevo Djankovic, aged 64 of Hobart, IN passed away on January 26th, 2024. He was born June 25, 1959 in Perna, Yugoslavia (Modern day Croatia). Stevo came to the US in his early 20s and worked as a millwright and machinist for several different companies for 43 years. Stevo was an active member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church where he enjoyed volunteering at the lamb area for many events. He was also a member of M. L. McClelland #357 Masonic Lodge in Hobart.

He is preceded in death by his Mother Julika Djankovic.  Stevo is survived by his father Ljubomir Djankovic, Daughter Juliana Djankovic, Grandson Logan, Brother Jovo Djankovic, Sister Mara, Nephews Steven & Marco, Niece Julia as well as many friends & loved ones with special acknowledgment to Virgil & Brenda Clary.

Funeral Services will take place Saturday, February 3, 2024 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Holy Cross (St. Sava) Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. Vecnaja Pamjat.

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

Fragment of the True Cross of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ at St. Sava Serbian Church in Merrillville, Indiana – January 18

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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 Thursday, January 18 from Noon to 7:00 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 Thursday 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.

Celebrations begin Christmas Eve at St. Sava in Merrillville – Saturday, January 6

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badnjak-blessing

Join us for the celebration of Orthodox Christmas beginning with Divine Liturgy taking place at 9:00 a.m. and Great Vespers taking place at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, January 6 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church at 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

The Blessing and burning of the Badnjak will take place immediately following the Great Vespers.

Divine Liturgy will take place Christmas morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, January 7.

The complete listing of services taking place during this special time of the year is listed below.

The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak

badnjak-st-sava-merrillville

Burning of the Badnjak outside the Pavilion at St. Sava Church, Merrillville, Indiana.

Have you ever brought a Badnjak into your home? Do you know that the Badnjak is the finest and foremost custom of all the many traditions by which our people enhance the Christmas celebration?

Click here to read an article explaining the Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak.

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES  –   РАСПОРЕД  БОГОСЛУЖЕЊА

SATURDAY, January 6th

  • CHRISTMAS EVE:
    • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM.
    • Great Vespers at 6:00PM. Blessing and burning of Badnjak.
  • БАДЊИ ДАН:
    • Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру.
    • Празнично вечерње у 6:00 увече. Освећење и паљење Бадњака.

SUNDAY, January 7th

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

MONDAY, January 8th

  • ALL HOLY MOTHER OF GOD FEAST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • САБОР ПРЕСВЕТЕ БОГОРОДИЦЕ: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру

TUESDAY, January 9th

  • ST. STEPHEN THE ARCHDEACON: Divine Liturgy 9:00AM
  • СВЕТИ АРХИЂАКОН СТЕФАН: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру
  • Cutting of Slava Kolach after Holy Liturgy

SUNDAY, January 14th

  • ST. BASIL (SERBIAN NEW YEAR’S DAY): Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • СВ. ВАСИЛИЈЕ  (СРПСКА НОВА ГОДИНА): Св. Литургија у 10:00 ујутру

FRIDAY, 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.

SATURDAY, January 20th

  • ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST: Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • СВЕТИ ЈОВАН КРСТИТЕЉ: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру
  • Cutting of Slava Kolach after Holy Liturgy

SUNDAY, January 21st

  • ST. SAVA DAY CELEBRATION: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM.  Blessing and cutting of Slava Kolach; Dinner with Children’s Play and Program.
  • CABИНДАH: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру. Светосавска Прослава. Сечење Славског колача, ручак и програм.

SATURDAY, January 27th

  • ST. SAVA DAY: Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • СВЕТИ САВА: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру
  • SAINT SAVA BALL: 7:00 PM – GALA dress code/black tie – Saint Sava Pavilion

SUNDAY, January 28th

  • SUNDAY 34th AFTER PENTECOST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • НЕДЕЉА 34. ПО ДУХОВИМА: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру