Monthly Archives

February 2016

Feb 29
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St. Sava Hosts Inaugural Children’s Choir Festival – Saturday, Mar. 12

By | Children's Choir, General Information/News | No Comments

Preparations are underway for the inaugural Children’s Choir Festival event taking place March 12 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana where children’s choirs from around the midwest will be performing.

The Children’s Choir of St. Sava will be playing festival host under the direction of Ivana Stankovich. The festival titled “The Crown of Tones” will feature children singing a variety of songs that celebrate the rich Serbian cultural heritage. This special event will take place in the new Pavilion at St. Sava, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410.

Youth choirs from churches around the midwest will share their talents including St. Sava Serbian Church, Merrillville, IN; St. George Serbian Church, Schererville, IN; St. George Serbian Church, East Chicago; and St. Sava Serbian Cathedral, Milwaukee, WI.

Youth orchestras from New Gračanica, Third Lake, IL and St. George Serbian Church, Joliet, IL will also be performing. Additional youth choirs are working on confirming participation so check back for updates.

More details will appear in the coming weeks. Please follow the St. Sava Merrillville, Indiana Facebook Page, “The Crown of Tones” Facebook Event, and the www.saintsava.net website for more.

Feb 28
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Kathryn “Kata or Katie” Bozich – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

By | General Information/News, Obituaries & Memorials | No Comments

Kathryn-Bozich-2016The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Kathryn Bozich. Memory eternal.

Kathryn “Kata or Katie” Bozich (nee Kuruzovich), age 91 (May 15, 1924 – February 25, 2016) of Merrillville, passed away on February 25, 2016.

She was a former employee of U. S. Steel, Gary Works. She was a lifetime member of the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church where she was the assistant to the Financial Secretary and Treasurer of the Serbian Sister’s Circle (KOLO) for 25 years.

She was also a member of the King Peter Lodge and a supporting member of the Karageorge singing society. Kathryn was a beautiful generous soul who was beloved by her many friends and family. She will always be remembered and cherished as a selfless, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She worked tirelessly and was totally devoted to her Serbian faith. She was also known for her legendary homemade walnut rolls.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Bozich; brother, George; father, Dan; mother, Mildred and her stepmother, Rose. She is survived by 3 children – Steven (Gene) Bozich of Cincinnati, OH, Nancy Christensen of Chicago, Daniel (Denise) Bozich of Schererville; 2 grandchildren, Daniel Bozich and Faye Cinquina; great grandchild, Alice Cinquina; sisters, Nadine Bruhl and Darlene Sever; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Missy.

Funeral service will take place Monday February 29, 2016, 10:00 a.m. directly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN, V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville.

Friends are invited to visit with Kathryn’s family on Sunday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. A pomen service at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Sava Serbian Sisters (Kolo).

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Kathryn-Bozich/

Feb 24
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Monthly Membership Meeting – Sunday, Feb. 28

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The St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana will host the monthly General Membership Meeting Sunday, Feb. 28 following the Divine Liturgy in the South Wing Social Center.

The monthly meeting provides the general membership of St. Sava Church the opportunity to learn about important updates relating to the overall church organization such as the status of the cemetery project, pavilion, and information about the various groups and their activities that make for a vibrant church community.

Everyone is encouraged to attend to join us to learn more and help make our church stronger.

Feb 23
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St. George Children’s Choir Among Performers at St. Sava Choir Festival – Saturday, Mar. 12

By | Children's Choir, General Information/News | No Comments

The Children’s Choir of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church of Schererville, Indiana will be among the many children’s choirs from around the midwest performing at the inaugural Children’s Choir Festival event taking place March 12 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana.

The Children’s Choir of St. Sava will be playing festival host under the direction of Ivana Stankovich. The festival titled “The Crown of Tones” will feature children singing a variety of songs that celebrate the rich Serbian cultural heritage. This special event will take place in the new Pavilion at St. Sava, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410.

Youth choirs from churches around the midwest will share their talents including St. Sava Serbian Church, Merrillville, IN; St. George Serbian Church, Schererville, IN; St. George Serbian Church, Joliet, IL; and St. Sava Serbian Church, Milwaukee, WI. A youth orchestra from New Gračanica, Third Lake, IL will also be performing. Additional youth choirs are working on confirming participation so check back for updates.

More details will appear in the coming weeks. Please follow the St. Sava Merrillville, Indiana Facebook Page, “The Crown of Tones” Facebook Event, and the www.saintsava.net website for more.

Feb 22
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Committee Announces Serb Fest 2016 Aug. 5, 6, & 7 – St. Sava, Merrillville, Indiana

By | General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

The planning committee recently made the announcement of August 5, 6, and 7 as the official dates for Serb Fest 2016 taking place at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana. The planning committee asks everyone to save-the-dates to enjoy this annual summer celebration of music, culture, and cuisine.

For more than three decades the Serb Fest at St. Sava has been among the most celebrated cultural festivals in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. Music, dancing, barbecue lamb and pork, cevaps, a variety of other Serbian classic dishes, and the Famous Serbian Bake will all return this summer, along with more special announcements evolving in the coming weeks.

Tours of the Church interior will be available along with a special exhibit by the Historical Society at St. Sava Church in the museum located in the North Wing of the Church complex. The main activities of the festival will take place in the newly completed Pavilion, one of the most modern event venue facilities in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland, available for rental to the general public throughout the year for weddings, business meetings, conferences, and conventions.

The planning committee will also be announcing sub-committee leaders to begin the process of securing volunteers and resources necessary to host this massive event. While the emphasis of Serb Fest is the celebration of culture, it is also important to note that Serb Fest serves as a primary fundraiser to support the aims and programs of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church throughout the entire year (learn more about the aims of the church).

It takes support of the entire congregation and the wider Northwest Indiana community to make Serb Fest the success it has been for generations. As the committee seeks to build the best festival experience to date, the entire planning committee expresses appreciation to the volunteers and visitors who have enjoyed the festival over the years and continue to provide support.

In these early planning stages, questions about the festival, volunteers, donations, and any other feedback may be directed to the Serb Fest 2016 Planning Committee Chairmen Ray Radjenovich (ray.radjenovich@saintsava.net) and Vlade Stevanovic (vlade.stevanovic@saintsava.net).

The St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church-School Congregation looks forward to welcoming you to Serb Fest 2016 – August 5, 6, & 7.

View memories from last year as we prepare to announce the newest details for Serb Fest 2016 at the www.serbfest.org website.

 

Feb 20
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Pre-order Strudels & Nutrolls through Kolo Bake Sale – Saturday, Mar. 19

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

You can now pre-order strudels and nutrolls for Easter through the Serbian Sisters Circle Bake Sale which takes place Saturday, March 19 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.

Pre-orders for strudels and nutroll will be taken until March 10.

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.

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.

Feb 19
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St. Sava Children’s Choir Performs in Joliet, IL; Srbadija Performs in Lansing, IL – Saturday, Feb. 20

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

The Children’s Choir and Srbadija Folklore Group of St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana will both be traveling this weekend to perform at Serbian Churches in Illinois as they share their talents at special dances and festivals. Please share and join our youth to offer your support as they celebrate Serbian culture and heritage.

Srbadija Folklore Group (www.saintsava.net/folklore) will perform at the St. Archangel Michael Folklore Group 50th Anniversary Festival in Lansing, Illinois Saturday, Feb. 20. at 6:00 p.m.

The event will celebrate 50 years of song and dance at the Serbian Social Center located at 18550 Stony Island Avenue, Lansing, IL 60438. This is a special opportunity to celebrate old friendships, make new friendships, and make memories.

For more information about this special event at St. Archangel Michael, please contact Natasa Bastaic at kolo.lansing@gmail.com.

The Children’s Choir (www.saintsava.net/childrens-choir) will perform at a special dance hosted by St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Joliet, Illinois taking place Saturday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m.

The dance will take place at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 300 Stryker Avenue, Joliet, IL 60436.

The Children’s Choir of St. Sava have been invited to perform numerous times over the past year at events including the 2015 World Cultural Festival in Valparaiso, Indiana and a special performance at St. Sava Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Children’s Choir of St. Sava will host a Children’s Choir Festival titled “The Crown of Tones” taking place Saturday, March 12, 2016 in the new Pavilion at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana.

For more information about the March 12 Children’s Choir Festival, visit our Facebook Event at www.facebook.com/events/1535545033426865/ or learn more about the Children’s Choir at St. Sava at www.saintsava.net/childrens-choir at our website.

Feb 18
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Karageorge Choir at St. Sava Announces Practices Begin – Tuesday, Mar. 1

By | General Information/News, Karageorge Choir | No Comments

The Karageorge Choir at St. Sava Church announces their weekly practices will resume beginning Tuesday, Mar. 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the North Wing Conference Room at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

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.

Practice Dates

Practices take place most Tuesdays during March and April beginning at 6:30 p.m., with some exceptions. Please look to the online calendar at www.saintsava.net/calendar regularly to confirm.

  • March 1
  • March 8
  • March 15
  • March 22
  • April 5
  • April 12
  • April 19

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.

50th Anniversary of the SOCA Festival – Save-the-Date – June 17, 18, 19

This year will be the 50th anniversary of the Serbian Orthodox Choral Association (SOCA) Festivals and you are invited to celebrate this historic milestone the weekend of June 17, 18, and 19 along with the Karageorge Choir of St. Sava Church as the group travels to participate in this special event at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in St. Louis, Missouri.

The first ever SOCA Festival took place in St. Louis 50 years ago and in honor of this historic event, the festival this year returns to the city where it all began. Be sure to block out your calendars and spread the word to your choirs, friends, family, and kumovi!

More details about the 50th Anniversary SOCA Festival and Karageorge Choir at St. Sava 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.

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

Feb 17
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Blessing of Homes Continues – Schedule 2016 Now Available

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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.

If you live in one of the areas listed below for dates that have already passed and would like to schedule to have your home blessed, please call the Church Office at 219-736-9191 during regular business hours between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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.

Feb 16
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Akathist at St. Sava Church: St. Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople – Thursday, Feb. 18

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Join us this Thursday, Feb. 18 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 St. Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople.

Veneration of the Holy Cross

This week’s Akathist is dedicated to St. Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople.

A great light in the Church, he was a kinsman of the Emperor and grandson of the famous Patriarch Tarasius. He was a forceful protector of the Church from the power-seeking of the Pope and other Roman perverters of the Faith.

He passed through all the ranks from layman to Patriarch in six days, being made Patriarch at Christmas, 858.

He departed this life in the Lord in about 895.

The Orthodox Church venerates St Photius as a “pillar and foundation of the Church,” an “inspired guide of the Orthodox,” and a wise theologian. He left behind several works, exposing the errors of the Latins, refuting soul-destroying heresies, explicating Holy Scripture, and exploring many aspects of the Faith.

What is Akathist?

The Akathist Service at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana is 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.

St. Sava Church understands the lives of parishioners today are increasingly busy. The intention of the this evening service start time is to enable people to come together, after work, in the early evening, to worship as a community for a mid-week spiritual uplifting and connection.

Consider making Thursday nights a special night for the entire family. Start your evening at Akthist and then enjoy some additional quality time together as a family.

Everyone is welcome to attend and participate as much as one feels comfortable. If you are new to the Orthodox Faith or if you are familiar, but haven’t been in touch recently, Akathist is a great way to connect and reconnect. It is completely acceptable to come to the Thursday evening Akathist service wearing a work uniform or making a visit on your way home from work. It’s not as much about what you wear as it is about the spirit you bring with you when you join us.