Monthly Archives

April 2016

Resurrection Matins at St. Sava begin at 11:30 p.m. in Merrillville – Saturday, Apr. 30

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The remaining schedule of Holy Week and Easter Services taking place at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana is now available online and for download.

Holy Week and Easter Service Schedule

Holy Saturday – April 30, 2016

  • Resurrection Matins at 11:30 p.m.

Pascha – May 1, 2016

  • Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.

Easter Monday – May 2, 2016

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.

Easter Tuesday – May 3, 2016

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.

Hoosier Strings Jr. Tamburitza to perform in Merrillville at St. Sava Intercultural Dance Festival – Saturday, May 7

By | Folklore Groups, General Information/News | No Comments

Hoosier Strings Jr. Tamburitza representing Croatian Lodge 170 of Merrillville will be one of many groups celebrating culture through dance at the Second Annual Intercultural Dance Festival taking place Saturday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the Pavilion at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

Hoosier Strings Jr. Tamburitza is composed of youth from around Northwest Indiana, including some youth from St. Sava Church in Merrillville, with instruction by John Pruzin. The youth are taught to play Eastern European instruments (Tamburas), sing Slavic songs, dance traditional kolos, and other choreographed routines. The group is multi-cultural and take much pride in welcoming other nationalities into the group to share in the preservation and love of their unique culture.

Hoosier Strings Jr. Tamburitza will be playing instruments, singing, and dancing routines during their performance at the festival.

Performances by Hoosier Strings Jr. Tamburitza and other dance groups on the program from throughout the Chicagoland area will showcase various cultures from around the globe at the Second Annual Intercultural Dance Festival at St. Sava Church. General admission tickets are open to the public and available at the door for $10. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend.

Srbadija Folklore, the youth folklore dance group of St. Sava Church, will be playing host of the event. Serbian cuisine, beverages, and famous bake sale items will also be available for purchase throughout the evening.

For those desiring a more complete cultural experience, a Serbian “Zabava” (open dance party) will be available for all participants and audience members with music provided by DJ Vinko at the conclusion of all the official performances in the program by the featured dance groups.

Scandinavian, Irish, West African, and Serbian are among the cultures to be represented through dance during the official program portion of the festival.

Participating dance groups include (in alphabetical order):

  • Bozur Folklore Ensemble, Chicago, IL – Facebook Page
  • Frula Folklore Ensemble of St. Elijah Serbian Church, Merrillville, IL – Facebook Page
  • Gavrilo Princip Folklore Ensemble of St. Simeon Serbian Church, 114th South Chicago, IL – Facebook Page
  • Kolo Folklore Ensemble of St. Michael Serbian Church, Lansing, IL – Facebook Page
  • Mayer School of Irish Dance, Chesterton, IN – Website | Facebook Page
  • Nordikids, Munster, IN – Website | Facebook Page
  • Hoosier Strings Jr. Tamburitza, Merrillville, IN
  • South Shore Dance Alliance, Griffith, IN – Website | Facebook Page
  • Srbadija Folklore of St. Sava Serbian Church, Merrillville, IN – WebsiteFacebook Page
  • Tromedja Folklore Ensemble of St. George Serbian Church, Schererville, IN

This year there will be some familiar dance groups from the inaugural festival and some new additions to the lineup. More information about the performers, new additions to the program, and what you can expect to experience at the festival will be available as the event draws near.

The inaugural Intercultural Festival hosted in May 2015 took place in the new Pavilion at St. Sava and drew more than 400 people.

Last year groups represented different regions of Serbia, Mexico, Greece, Ireland, and India in the performance. Several of the Serbian troupes traveled from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Canada.

Please save-the-date Saturday, May 7 for the Second Annual Intercultural Festival, hosted by Srbadija Folklore at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410. For more information, visit the www.saintsava.net/folklore website.

Early Bird Drawing June 5 – Serb Fest Annual Cash Raffle at St. Sava Merrillville

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The first of two “Early Bird Drawings” for the Serb Fest Annual Cash Raffle will take place June 5, 2016 with the winner taking home $1,000. This first “Early Bird Drawing” will take place at 1:00 p.m. in the South Wing of St. Sava Church.

This “Early Bird Drawing” is one of 18 total prizes in the annual raffle where a grand prize winner, chosen the last day of the Serb Fest,  takes home $25,000.

Early Bird Winners are still eligible for the final drawing which will take place the last day of the Serb Fest, Sunday, August 7, 2015 at 8:00 p.m.

There are only 1,000 tickets sold for the entire raffle. Tickets are a $100 donation and the winner need not be present.

A second Early Bird Winner will be selected July 17, 2016 where another lucky “Early Bird” will take home $1,000 as well.

To secure your ticket, contact Mike Jaksich at 219-880-6307, David Gerbick at 219-588-3604, or the Church Office at 219-736-9191.

The St. Sava Serb Fest will take place Friday, August 5 through Sunday, August 7 at the St. Sava Church and Pavilion, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410.

Learn more about Serb Fest 2016 by visiting www.serbfest.org and join us to celebrate at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana!

Annual Serb Fest Cash Raffle Prize Listing

  • Grand Prize – $25,000
  • 2nd Prize – $10,000
  • 3rd Prize – $5,000
  • 4th – 6th Prize – $1,000
  • 7th-16th Prize – $500
  • 17th Prize – $1,000 – Early Bird Drawing July 17th
  • 18th Prize – $1,000 – Early Bird Drawing June 5th

The Serb Fest Cash Raffle is organized by St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Indiana Gaming Commission license number 140666. The license is on file with the Church Office.

Nordikids to perform in Merrillville at St. Sava Intercultural Dance Festival – Saturday, May 7

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Nordikids, a Swedish Culture group located in Northwest Indiana, will be one of many groups celebrating culture through dance at the Second Annual Intercultural Dance Festival taking place Saturday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the Pavilion at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

Nordikids provides opportunity for Children from the age of 4 and up to have fun, make friends and learn all about singing in Swedish, Folk Dancing, Crafts, Customs and traditions. Nordikids membership open to all who are interested in learning about and preserving Swedish traditions.

Performances by Nordikids and other dance groups on the program from throughout the Chicagoland area will showcase various cultures from around the globe at the Second Annual Intercultural Dance Festival at St. Sava Church. General admission tickets are open to the public and available at the door for $10. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend.

Srbadija Folklore, the youth folklore dance group of St. Sava Church, will be playing host of the event. Serbian cuisine, beverages, and famous bake sale items will also be available for purchase throughout the evening.

For those desiring a more complete cultural experience, a Serbian “Zabava” (open dance party) will be available for all participants and audience members with music provided by DJ Vinko at the conclusion of all the official performances in the program by the featured dance groups.

Scandinavian, Irish, West African, and Serbian are among the cultures to be represented through dance during the official program portion of the festival.

Participating dance groups include (in alphabetical order):

  • Bozur Folklore Ensemble, Chicago, IL – Facebook Page
  • Frula Folklore Ensemble of St. Elijah Serbian Church, Merrillville, IL – Facebook Page
  • Gavrilo Princip Folklore Ensemble of St. Simeon Serbian Church, 114th South Chicago, IL – Facebook Page
  • Kolo Folklore Ensemble of St. Michael Serbian Church, Lansing, IL – Facebook Page
  • Mayer School of Irish Dance, Chesterton, IN – Website | Facebook Page
  • Nordikids, Munster, IN – Website | Facebook Page
  • Hoosier Strings Jr. Tamburitza
  • South Shore Dance Alliance, Griffith, IN – Website | Facebook Page
  • Srbadija Folklore of St. Sava Serbian Church, Merrillville, IN – WebsiteFacebook Page
  • Tromedja Folklore Ensemble of St. George Serbian Church, Schererville, IN

This year there will be some familiar dance groups from the inaugural festival and some new additions to the lineup. More information about the performers, new additions to the program, and what you can expect to experience at the festival will be available as the event draws near.

The inaugural Intercultural Festival hosted in May 2015 took place in the new Pavilion at St. Sava and drew more than 400 people.

Last year groups represented different regions of Serbia, Mexico, Greece, Ireland, and India in the performance. Several of the Serbian troupes traveled from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Canada.

Please save-the-date Saturday, May 7 for the Second Annual Intercultural Festival, hosted by Srbadija Folklore at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410. For more information, visit the www.saintsava.net/folklore website.

View Holy Week and Easter services schedule at St. Sava – Apr. 27 to May 3

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The schedule of Holy Week and Easter Services taking place at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana is now available online and for download.

Holy Week and Easter Service Schedule

Holy Wednesday – April 27, 2016

  • Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.
  • The Sacrament of Holy Unction will take place at St. George Serbian Church, Schererville, IN at 6:00 p.m.

Holy Thursday – April 28, 2016

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.
  • The Great Vigil: Reading of 12 Passion Gospels at 6:00 p.m.

Holy Friday – April 29, 2016

  • Morning Service/Hours at 10:00 a.m.
  • Vespers with laying of Holy Shroud and Funeral Service at 6:00 p.m.

Holy Saturday – April 30, 2016

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.
  • Resurrection Matins at 11:30 p.m.

Pascha – May 1, 2016

  • Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.

Easter Monday – May 2, 2016

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.

Easter Tuesday – May 3, 2016

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.

Children’s Choir hosts luncheon, brief concert at St. Sava – Palm Sunday, Apr. 24

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The Children’s Choir will host a lenten luncheon with a brief concert taking place immediately after the Divine Liturgy (approximately Noon) celebrating Palm Sunday, April 24 in the South Wing Social Center at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana.

The luncheon is open to everyone – members of St. Sava Church, community members, and guests. This is a great opportunity for an enjoyable meal, fellowship, and to learn more about Children’s Choir at St. Sava or other ways you can engage and be a part of the St. Sava Church-School Congregation.

The Children’s Choir at St. Sava has had a busy year so far, recently hosting the inaugural Children’s Choir Festival earlier this year in March.

The festival featured more than 100 children singing a variety of songs and playing instruments that celebrated the rich Serbian cultural heritage. A zabava followed the festival for guests to enjoy dancing for the remainder of the evening after the performances were finished. Dinners and beverages were available for purchase throughout the evening.

Visit the website www.saintsava.net/childrenschoir to learn more about the Children’s Choir at St. Sava in Merrillville.

Final Friday Fish Fry of Lenten season at St. Sava – Friday, Apr. 22

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

The final “Friday Fish Frys” of the 2016 season of Great Lent will take place April 22 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana. Everyone is welcome to join us for a delicious meal!

The Friday Fish Frys will take place Friday April 22 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Pavilion at St. Sava Church 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

Fish fry meal choices week include Ocean Perch, Cod, Butterfly Shrimp 6 piece, or Bakalar served with bean soup, coleslaw, French Fries, and Serbian style green beans. Salad bar option also available. Beverages also available for purchase.

This week’s Fish Fry Sponsor is the Karageorge Choir of St. Sava Church.

Friday Fish Frys have taken place throughout the Orthodox Lenten season at St. Sava. These dinners are open to the general public wider community and with Serbian Orthodox Easter taking place place May 1 this year, just over a month after Easter was celebrated March 27 on the Western Calendar, it gives everyone in Northwest Indiana a few extra weeks of delicious Fish Frys!

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 Schedule at St. Sava Church – Merrillville, Indiana

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

  • March 18
  • March 25
  • April 1
  • April 8
  • April 15
  • April 22

Bozur Folklore to perform in Merrillville at St. Sava Intercultural Dance Festival – Saturday, May 7

By | Folklore Groups, General Information/News | No Comments

Bozur Folklore Ensemble of Chicago will be one of many groups celebrating culture through dance at the Second Annual Intercultural Dance Festival taking place Saturday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the Pavilion at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN.

Bozur Folklore Ensemble, founded in 1997, is a group of young adults who love to dance Serbian Folklore and share their passion for Folk Art from different regions including Serbia, Bosnia, Macedonia, and others.

Performances by Bozur Folklore Ensemble and other dance groups on the program from throughout the Chicagoland area will showcase various cultures from around the globe. General admission tickets are open to the public and available at the door for $10. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend.

Srbadija Folklore, the youth folklore dance group of St. Sava Church, will be playing host of the event. Serbian cuisine, beverages, and famous bake sale items will also be available for purchase throughout the evening.

For those desiring a more complete cultural experience, a Serbian “Zabava” (open dance party) will be available for all participants and audience members with music provided by DJ Vinko at the conclusion of all the official performances in the program by the featured dance groups.

Scandinavian, Irish, West African, and Serbian are among the cultures to be represented through dance during the official program portion of the festival.

Participating dance groups include (in alphabetical order):

  • Bozur Folklore Ensemble, Chicago, IL – Facebook Page
  • Frula Folklore Ensemble of St. Elijah Serbian Church, Merrillville, IL – Facebook Page
  • Gavrilo Princip Folklore Ensemble of St. Simeon Serbian Church, 114th South Chicago, IL – Facebook Page
  • Kolo Folklore Ensemble of St. Michael Serbian Church, Lansing, IL – Facebook Page
  • Mayer School of Irish Dance, Chesterton, IN – Website | Facebook Page
  • Nordikids, Munster, IN – Website | Facebook Page
  • Hoosier Strings Jr. Tamburitza
  • South Shore Dance Alliance, Griffith, IN – Website | Facebook Page
  • Srbadija Folklore of St. Sava Serbian Church, Merrillville, IN – WebsiteFacebook Page
  • Tromedja Folklore Ensemble of St. George Serbian Church, Schererville, IN

This year there will be some familiar dance groups from the inaugural festival and some new additions to the lineup. More information about the performers, new additions to the program, and what you can expect to experience at the festival will be available as the event draws near.

The inaugural Intercultural Festival hosted in May 2015 took place in the new Pavilion at St. Sava and drew more than 400 people.

Last year groups represented different regions of Serbia, Mexico, Greece, Ireland, and India in the performance. Several of the Serbian troupes traveled from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Canada.

Please save-the-date Saturday, May 7 for the Second Annual Intercultural Festival, hosted by Srbadija Folklore at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410. For more information, visit the www.saintsava.net/folklore website.

Only 2 Friday Fish Frys remain at St. Sava before Easter – Friday, Apr. 15

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The legendary “Friday Fish Frys” continue April 15 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana throughout the Orthodox Lenten season. Everyone is welcome to join us for a delicious meal!

The Friday Fish Frys will take place every Friday through April 22 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Pavilion at St. Sava Church 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

Fish fry meal choices week include Ocean Perch, Cod, Butterfly Shrimp 6 piece, or Bakalar served with bean soup, coleslaw, French Fries, and Serbian style green beans. Salad bar option also available. Beverages also available for purchase.

This week’s Fish Fry Sponsor is the Sunday School of St. Sava Church.

Friday Fish Frys take place throughout the Orthodox Lenten season at St. Sava. These dinners are open to the general public wider community and with Serbian Orthodox Easter taking place place May 1 this year, just over a month after Easter was celebrated March 27 on the Western Calendar, it gives everyone in Northwest Indiana a few extra weeks of delicious Fish Frys!

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 Schedule at St. Sava Church – Merrillville, Indiana

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

  • March 18
  • March 25
  • April 1
  • April 8
  • April 15
  • April 22

Presanctified Liturgy takes place 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Merrillville – Wednesday, April 13

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In preparation for Orthodox East taking place Sunday, May 1, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts service will take place Wednesday, April 13 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana.

These services take place every Wednesday morning at St. Sava Church during Great Lent wherein communion is received from Gifts (the Body and Blood of Christ) that are sanctified (consecrated) in advance, hence the name Presanctified Liturgy; this Divine Liturgy has no anaphora (eucharistic prayer).

The Presanctified Liturgy is used on the weekdays of Great Lent, a season of repentance, fasting, and intensified prayer when the more frequent reception of communion is desirable; however, the full Divine Liturgy having a joyful character is not in keeping with the somberness of the season of repentance (Eucharist literally means “thanksgiving”) and so the Presanctified Liturgy is substituted.

Although this service may be performed on any weekday (Monday through Friday) of Great Lent, common parish practice at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church is to celebrate it on Wednesdays.

Find out all spiritual and other events taking place at St. Sava by visiting www.saintsava.net/calendar on the church website.