Monthly Archives

February 2016

Children’s Choir of St. Sava to Perform at Dance at St. George, Joliet, IL – Saturday, Feb. 20

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The Children’s Choir of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church of Merrillville, Indiana will be traveling to 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.

Violette Bundalo – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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Violette-Bundalo-2016

Violette Bundalo, age 88 – December 24, 1927 – February 12, 2016

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

Violette Bundalo, age 88 (December 24, 1927 – February 12, 2016), lifetime area resident passed away Friday, February 12, 2016.

She was born December 24, 1927 in Hegewish Illinois to Serbian pioneers Sam and Ella Panayotovich.

Graduated from Thornton Fractional High School in Calumet City. She worked for NIPSCO in Hammond.

Violette met her late husband (Milan) at a SNF Bowling Tournament in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Violette was a professional Bowler and bowled at SNF Tournaments regularly. Violette still holds the all-time high scoring record at 286 pins.

Violette and Milan, were then married and together for 58 years.

The couple then worked together in business in Hobart. Milan was very well known as a wholesale meat dealer and preparer of roasted lamb and pork for numerous occasions from the former Bundalo Picnic Grove. They worked together side by side, and Violette was the entrepreneur of the business.

Violette was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. She was also a member of “Karageorge” Choir, and S.N.F Lodge #16 – “King Petar II” Gary, IN.

Her passion for singing and playing the piano, led her to join in and sing with numerous “Tamburitza” groups. Violette was also a member of the Indiana Symphony choir.

Violette also worked the Hobart City School System as a bus driver for over 20 years.

Violette is survived by her son David (Pamela) Bundalo, Daughter Dawn Z. Bundalo, Grandson Zachary David Bundalo, and Larry W. Shotwell; many nieces, nephews and Kumovi.

Funeral services will take place Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. directly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN. with Rev. Marko Matic, officiating. Entombment, Calumet Park Cemetery.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 2:00-9:00 p.m. At Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. under Burns Funeral Directors. A Pomen Service will be offered at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2016.

The family wishes to extend it sincere gratitude to Dr. Barbara Fuller, Dr. Eric Shulte and Dr. Donald Phillips.

Memorials may be donated The Leukemia Foundation and St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Merrillville, IN.

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Violette-Bundalo/

Children’s Choir Festival at St. Sava – Save-the-Date – Saturday, March 12

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Save-the-date to celebrate the talents of youth choirs from around the midwest at a first-ever 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 at 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.

 

St. Sava Folklore performs at St. Archangel Michael Folklore 50th Anniversary Festival – Saturday, Feb. 20

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Srbadija Folklore Group at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana (www.saintsava.net/folklore) will perform at the St. Archangel Michael Folklore Group 50th Anniversary Festival in Lansing, Illinois Saturday, Feb. 20. at 6 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.

 

Akathist at St. Sava Church: Veneration of The Holy Cross – Thursday, Feb. 11

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Join us this Thursday, Feb. 11 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 Veneration of the Holy Cross.

Veneration of the Holy Cross

This week’s Akathist is dedicated to Veneration of the Holy Cross.

In ancient times, Greeks and Romans used crosses for the execution of their worst criminals. It was called crucifixion. It was regarded as the most horrible and most shameful kind of punishment. Our Lord Jesus Christ was executed that way.

During His ministry on earth, Jesus Christ predicted that He would suffer and that He would be crucified. “And I, when I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (this He said signifying what death He should die), according to St. John 12:32-33.

Accordingly He thought, “Who soever will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me” (St. Mark 8:34).

Jesus Christ carried His Cross as an act of highest sacrifice, since He didn’t deserve punishment because He didn’t commit any crime or sin. But shedding His Holy Blood on the Cross, Jesus Christ sanctified the Cross, and elected as His sign, so that the Holy Cross became the main symbol of Christ and of Christianity.

To His Venerable Cross Jesus Christ gave a special spiritual power so that it became the most powerful weapon of Christians.

With that Holy sign we cross ourselves confessing our belief in Christ. With that holy sign we bless everything needed to be blessed. This is the sign which appeared in the sky before the Emperor Constantine the Great.

Many nations, as well as our own Serbian nation, have on their national banners, the sign of the Holy Cross. With this holy sign and as lightning, Jesus Christ will appear at the Last Judgement.

The Orthodox Christians should kiss piously the Venerable Cross in Church and make upon himself/herself that all powerful sing very often and on every occasion during his/her life.

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.

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

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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 of 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!

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 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, and 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 and the weekly open practices taking place at St. Sava Church will likely resume in February 2016.

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.

Mara Savic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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savic-maraThe Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Mara Savic. Memory eternal.

Mara Savic, age 56 (February 22, 1959 – February 5, 2016), passed away at Methodist Hospital/Southlake Campus on Friday, February 5, 2016.

Born in Gary, IN on February 22, 1959 to the late Obrad & Elfrieda Savic. Since birth, She was a lifelong, active Member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, of which She served on its Executive Board, and supported nearly every Parish event–dating back to the days the Church was located at 13th & Connecticut St. in Gary.

For years, She was also a faithful supporting Member of the Organization of Serbian Chetniks-“Ravna Gora.” A retired employee of U.S. Steel-Gary Works in the Quality Assurance Department. Mara was a Graduate of Lew Wallace High School–Class of 1977. In addition to Her Parents, She was preceded in death by Her Dear Sister- Mitzie (2007) and Brother, George Savic.

Mara is survived by Her Kumovi-“Godchildren”–Lauren & Ryan Ivankovich and their Father, Danny-‘Junior’ and Family; Also, numerous Cousins in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as Her many Dearest Friends–with whom She shared a majority of Her time with during Her lifetime.

Funeral Services will take place Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, Directly at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Church of Merrillville with V. Rev. Marko Matic, officiating. Interment, New Gracanica Cemetery, Third Lake, IL.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. A Pomen Service will be offered at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of Flowers, Memorials will be greatly accepted by the St. Sava Pavillion Building Fund, c/o 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410, as this was Mara’s wish. May Mara’s Memory Be Eternal!

For further information please contact Savich & Semplinski Funeral Directors at Burns Funeral Home (219) 769.0044 or www.burnsfuneral.com.

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Mara-Savic/

February 6 & 7 Weekend Marks “Halfway to Serb Fest 2016” at St. Sava – Merrillville, Indiana

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This weekend, Saturday February 6 and Sunday February 7 marks exactly six months away from the historic annual festival at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana – Serb Fest 2016 will take place August 5, 6, and 7.

This means it has probably been about 6 months since some have had the opportunity to dance the kolo or fill-up on cevaps and krofne. Fortunately this weekend you can get all this at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana!

While there isn’t necessarily an official “Halfway to Serb Fest 2016” party, we do have two very special events taking place in our new Pavilion at St. Sava that will be carrying the festival spirit where you can get ready for Serb Fest 2016.

Join us Saturday evening, February 6 at the St. Sava Pavilion beginning at 6 p.m. for a Mardi Gras party – A Serbian Zabava with a Cajun Flare. It’s a family-friendly event with great music, great food, and lots of kolo dancing under a special light show by DJ Vinko! We’ll be featuring Cajun style food, a special menu for kids, famous krofne, and palacinke. Children 8th grade and under get in for free.
– Learn more by visiting – https://www.facebook.com/events/895451320532753/

Then, join us Sunday, February 7 at the St. Sava Pavilion beginning at 1 p.m. where the St. Sava Obilic Legends Soccer Team is hosting a party to watch the NFL Football Championship Game. There is no charge at the door. We’ll have lots of good foods – cevaps, chicken, and all sorts of pastries throughout the afternoon and during the game. You can also learn about the exciting season ahead for our 2016 soccer players and enjoy watching some American Football along the way.
– Learn more by visiting – https://www.facebook.com/events/199220687091363/

It’s been a long six months since our last Serb Fest where you had a chance like this to enjoy a weekend of fellowship, culture, food, and music all in one place.

In the coming weeks we will be detailing our Serb Fest 2016 at www.serbfest.org but for now you can visit that link to get a glimpse of the excitement from last year.

All these events are open to everyone in the community throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland including parishioners of St. Sava Church, neighboring Serbian and other churches, and the general public.

Learn more about upcoming events at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana by visiting our website at www.saintsava.net/calendar to see our online calendar.

Akathist at St. Sava Church: The Holy Apostle Simon Zealot – Thursday, Feb. 4

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Join us this Thursday, Feb. 4 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 The Holy Apostle Simon Zealot.

The Holy Apostle Simon Zealot

This week’s Akathist is dedicated to The Holy Apostle Simon Zealot. He was one of the twelve Great Apostles, born in Cana of Galilee. The Lord Jesus came to his wedding with His Mother and His disciples, and, when the wine run out, the Lord changed the water into wine. Seeing this wonder, the newly-married Simon left his home and parents and bride, to go after Christ.

Simon was called the Zealot because of his great and burning zeal for the Saviour and His Gospel. After receiving the Holy Spirit, he went off to preach the Gospel in Mauretania  in Africa. As a result of his success in bringing many to the Faith of Christ, he was tortured and finally crucified like his Lord, who had prepared a crown of glory for him in His immortal Kingdom.

Obilic Legends Soccer Team at St. Sava Announces 2016 League

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The Obilic Legends Soccer Team at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana is proud to announce they will be playing the 2106 season as part of the Chicagoland Premier Soccer League.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL), is a non-for profit organization and a member of the USSF, and USASA via the Illinois State Soccer Association (ISSA).

The PSL plays according to FIFA rules and play 11 v 11 in 45 minute halves. The regular season is followed by a tournament for each division.The PSL consists of four age groups: Open Men, Over 30, Over 40 and Over 48.  These age groups are divided into divisions according to skill level.

The Obilic Legends Soccer Team at St. Sava will be hosting a fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 7 at the St. Sava Pavilion in Merrillville, Indiana as they host an event to watch the NFL Football Championship Game with food and drink specials. Learn more about this special fundraiser event by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/events/199220687091363/

Learn more about the Obilic Legends Soccer Team by visiting: https://www.saintsava.net/soccer/

Premier Soccer League Quick Overview

  • Minimum 15 Game Season Followed by Tournament
  • 3-man Professional Referee Crew
  • Supplemental Medical Insurance
  • Liability Insurance
  • Hands-On Commissioners
  • Elected Board of Directors
  • USASA / USSF Affiliated Membership
  • Support for State and National Competitions