Monthly Archives

April 2017

Holy Week schedule of services at St. Sava Merrillville available now

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Join us as we commemorate Palm Sunday with Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Confession beginning as early as 9:00 a.m. Sunday, April 9 at St. Sava Church in Merrillville.

This weekend marks the beginning of Holy Week with special services taking place throughout the week. A complete list of services is available in the schedule below.

About Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is the holiday which commemorates the solemn entry of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ into Jerusalem six days before the Passover (Matt. 12:1-12).

As Jesus neared the Mount of Olives, He sat on an ass and entered into the Holy City. Throngs of inspired people greeted Him as their King, singing and strewing their garments and green branches in His path as He rode. The crowds followed Him, carrying Palms in their hands and crying, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

In remembrance of that event the first Christians established the holiday, Palm Sunday. With the celebration of Palm Sunday the custom to bless palm branches was established to celebrate Christ’s victory.

Even prior to the Christian era Palms were awarded as a sign of victory.  Palms, always green, are said by old beliefs, grown out of their ashes. It signifies the glory of a victor who deserves an immortal name.

Heroes were greeted and decorated with palms. Therefore, the people greeted the Savior with palms because nothing could have dissuaded His voluntary sufferings: no Gethsemane horrors, no injustice of Judean courts, no insidious leaders, not even His mother’s love nor Golgotha’s horrible sufferings.

In pictures, palms in the hands of angels or saints represent their victory over the earth and remind us of a beautiful place in Revelations, “Then I saw many people of all languages, generations and races standing before the throne and lamb, dressed in white garb, and palms in their hands.”

The word “palma” according to the Greek fine interpretation was a phoenix with which Christ was met, or in a wider interpretation may mean a bud or a shoot.

In regions where there are no palms, a willow is blessed because it is the first one to become green after winter. It reminds us of a general resurrection. Our presence at the church service with green willows in our hand witnesses our belief in Christ victory over death.

Holy Week Schedule of Services

LAZARUS SATURDAY LAZARUS SATURDAY – APRIL 8th 2017

  • Confession at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – VRBICA
  • Holy Communion for children

PALM SUNDAY PALM SUNDAY – APRIL 9th 2017

  • Confession at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM

HOLY WEDNESDAY HOLY WEDNESDAY – APRIL 12th 2017

  • Presanctified Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • Holy Unction Service: St. George Church East Chicago – 6:00PM

HOLY THURSDAY HOLY THURSDAY – APRIL 13th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • The Great Vigil: Reading of 12 Passion Gospels at 6:00PM

HOLY FRIDAY HOLY FRIDAY – APRIL 14th 2017

  • Morning Service / Hours at 10:00AM
  • Vespers with laying of Holy Shroud and Funeral Service at 6:00PM

HOLY SATURDAY HOLY SATURDAY – APRIL 15th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • Resurrection Matins at 11:30PM

PASCHA – APRIL 16th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM

EASTER MONDAY EASTER MONDAY – APRIL 17th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM

EASTER TUESDAY EASTER TUESDAY – APRIL 18th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM

SUNDAY – APRIL 23rd 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM

Holy Week Schedule available, begins with Lazarus Saturday – Apr. 8

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Join us for a special day for children as we commemorate Lazarus Saturday (Vrbica Day) with Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion for children beginning at 10:00 a.m. and Confession beginning as early as 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 8 at St. Sava Church in Merrillville. Services will include a mini-concert by the Children’s Choir of St. Sava.

Palm Sunday Services begin Sunday, April 9 at 10:00 a.m. with Confession beginning as early as 9:00 a.m.

This weekend marks the beginning of Holy Week with special services taking place daily. A complete list of services is available in the schedule below.

About Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday

Lazarus Saturday is the first day of the Great and Holy Week. On this day we commemorate Jesus raising his friend, Lazarus, from the dead. Lazarus Saturday is a paschal celebration, and is a preview of the Resurrection that we will celebrate one week later. At the Liturgy for this day, Christ is glorified as the Resurrection and the Life, and the baptismal verse “All you who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ” replaces the Thrice Holy Hymn.  By raising Lazarus, Christ has confirmed that we all will one day be resurrected.

To gather pussywillows we walk in a festive procession on Lazarus Saturday. Coming back is particularly solemn. The clergy in their festive Garb are followed by festively dressed school children. They sing while they walk to the accompaniment of church bells. From the voices of innocent children who carry their willow twigs as a symbol of Christ’s victory reverberates, “HOSANNA…!” it is customary that each child is given a small bell which is rung during the procession thus proclaiming the Solemn Entry of our Lord into Jerusalem.

The picture remains indelible in the minds of children and continues into their later years. This is where the beauty of Orthodoxy is presented to them; this is where true dogmatic beliefs penetrate their souls to grasp resurrection from death. The beautiful holiday Troparion convinces them as well as nature which rested all winter and emerges to show itself stronger and more luxuriant.

Palm Sunday is the holiday which commemorates the solemn entry of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ into Jerusalem six days before the Passover (Matt. 12:1-12).

As Jesus neared the Mount of Olives, He sat on an ass and entered into the Holy City. Throngs of inspired people greeted Him as their King, singing and strewing their garments and green branches in His path as He rode. The crowds followed Him, carrying Palms in their hands and crying, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

In remembrance of that event the first Christians established the holiday, Palm Sunday. With the celebration of Palm Sunday the custom to bless palm branches was established to celebrate Christ’s victory.

Even prior to the Christian era Palms were awarded as a sign of victory.  Palms, always green, are said by old beliefs, grown out of their ashes. It signifies the glory of a victor who deserves an immortal name.

Heroes were greeted and decorated with palms. Therefore, the people greeted the Savior with palms because nothing could have dissuaded His voluntary sufferings: no Gethsemane horrors, no injustice of Judean courts, no insidious leaders, not even His mother’s love nor Golgotha’s horrible sufferings.

In pictures, palms in the hands of angels or saints represent their victory over the earth and remind us of a beautiful place in Revelations, “Then I saw many people of all languages, generations and races standing before the throne and lamb, dressed in white garb, and palms in their hands.”

The word “palma” according to the Greek fine interpretation was a phoenix with which Christ was met, or in a wider interpretation may mean a bud or a shoot.

In regions where there are no palms, a willow is blessed because it is the first one to become green after winter. It reminds us of a general resurrection. Our presence at the church service with green willows in our hand witnesses our belief in Christ victory over death.

Holy Week Schedule of Services

LAZARUS SATURDAY LAZARUS SATURDAY – APRIL 8th 2017

  • Confession at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – VRBICA
  • Holy Communion for children

PALM SUNDAY PALM SUNDAY – APRIL 9th 2017

  • Confession at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM

HOLY WEDNESDAY HOLY WEDNESDAY – APRIL 12th 2017

  • Presanctified Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • Holy Unction Service: St. George Church East Chicago – 6:00PM

HOLY THURSDAY HOLY THURSDAY – APRIL 13th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • The Great Vigil: Reading of 12 Passion Gospels at 6:00PM

HOLY FRIDAY HOLY FRIDAY – APRIL 14th 2017

  • Morning Service / Hours at 10:00AM
  • Vespers with laying of Holy Shroud and Funeral Service at 6:00PM

HOLY SATURDAY HOLY SATURDAY – APRIL 15th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • Resurrection Matins at 11:30PM

PASCHA – APRIL 16th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM

EASTER MONDAY EASTER MONDAY – APRIL 17th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM

EASTER TUESDAY EASTER TUESDAY – APRIL 18th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM

SUNDAY – APRIL 23rd 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM

At St. Sava this week: Fish Fry Apr.7 – Bake Sale Apr. 8 – Lamb/Pig pre-order deadline Apr. 12

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Final Fish Fry – Friday, April 7

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. This will be the final Fish Fry before Easter. Everyone is welcome to join us for a delicious meal! Carry-out is also available!

The final Friday Fish Fry before Easter will take place 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.

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.

Bake Sale – Saturday, April 8

Plan on arriving early to get the best selection of 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.

For more information, call the Church Office during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 219-736-9191.

Lamb and Pig on-the-spit pre-order deadline – Wednesday, April 12

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.

Holy Week begins with Lazarus Saturday, Apr. 8 and Palm Sunday, Apr. 9

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Join us for a special day for children as we commemorate Lazarus Saturday (Vrbica Day) with Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion for children beginning at 10:00 a.m. and Confession beginning as early as 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 8 at St. Sava Church in Merrillville. Services will include a mini-concert by the Children’s Choir of St. Sava.

Palm Sunday Services begin Sunday, April 9 at 10:00 a.m. with Confession beginning as early as 9:00 a.m.

This weekend marks the beginning of Holy Week with special services taking place daily. A complete list of services is available in the schedule below.

About Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday

Lazarus Saturday is the first day of the Great and Holy Week. On this day we commemorate Jesus raising his friend, Lazarus, from the dead. Lazarus Saturday is a paschal celebration, and is a preview of the Resurrection that we will celebrate one week later. At the Liturgy for this day, Christ is glorified as the Resurrection and the Life, and the baptismal verse “All you who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ” replaces the Thrice Holy Hymn.  By raising Lazarus, Christ has confirmed that we all will one day be resurrected.

To gather pussywillows we walk in a festive procession on Lazarus Saturday. Coming back is particularly solemn. The clergy in their festive Garb are followed by festively dressed school children. They sing while they walk to the accompaniment of church bells. From the voices of innocent children who carry their willow twigs as a symbol of Christ’s victory reverberates, “HOSANNA…!” it is customary that each child is given a small bell which is rung during the procession thus proclaiming the Solemn Entry of our Lord into Jerusalem.

The picture remains indelible in the minds of children and continues into their later years. This is where the beauty of Orthodoxy is presented to them; this is where true dogmatic beliefs penetrate their souls to grasp resurrection from death. The beautiful holiday Troparion convinces them as well as nature which rested all winter and emerges to show itself stronger and more luxuriant.

Palm Sunday is the holiday which commemorates the solemn entry of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ into Jerusalem six days before the Passover (Matt. 12:1-12).

As Jesus neared the Mount of Olives, He sat on an ass and entered into the Holy City. Throngs of inspired people greeted Him as their King, singing and strewing their garments and green branches in His path as He rode. The crowds followed Him, carrying Palms in their hands and crying, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

In remembrance of that event the first Christians established the holiday, Palm Sunday. With the celebration of Palm Sunday the custom to bless palm branches was established to celebrate Christ’s victory.

Even prior to the Christian era Palms were awarded as a sign of victory.  Palms, always green, are said by old beliefs, grown out of their ashes. It signifies the glory of a victor who deserves an immortal name.

Heroes were greeted and decorated with palms. Therefore, the people greeted the Savior with palms because nothing could have dissuaded His voluntary sufferings: no Gethsemane horrors, no injustice of Judean courts, no insidious leaders, not even His mother’s love nor Golgotha’s horrible sufferings.

In pictures, palms in the hands of angels or saints represent their victory over the earth and remind us of a beautiful place in Revelations, “Then I saw many people of all languages, generations and races standing before the throne and lamb, dressed in white garb, and palms in their hands.”

The word “palma” according to the Greek fine interpretation was a phoenix with which Christ was met, or in a wider interpretation may mean a bud or a shoot.

In regions where there are no palms, a willow is blessed because it is the first one to become green after winter. It reminds us of a general resurrection. Our presence at the church service with green willows in our hand witnesses our belief in Christ victory over death.

Holy Week Schedule of Services

LAZARUS SATURDAY LAZARUS SATURDAY – APRIL 8th 2017

  • Confession at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00 – VRBICA
  • Holy Communion for children

PALM SUNDAY PALM SUNDAY – APRIL 9th 2017

  • Confession at 9:00; Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM

HOLY WEDNESDAY HOLY WEDNESDAY – APRIL 12th 2017

  • Presanctified Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • Holy Unction Service: St. George Church East Chicago – 6:00PM

HOLY THURSDAY HOLY THURSDAY – APRIL 13th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • The Great Vigil: Reading of 12 Passion Gospels at 6:00PM

HOLY FRIDAY HOLY FRIDAY – APRIL 14th 2017

  • Morning Service / Hours at 10:00AM
  • Vespers with laying of Holy Shroud and Funeral Service at 6:00PM

HOLY SATURDAY HOLY SATURDAY – APRIL 15th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • Resurrection Matins at 11:30PM

PASCHA – APRIL 16th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM

EASTER MONDAY EASTER MONDAY – APRIL 17th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM

EASTER TUESDAY EASTER TUESDAY – APRIL 18th 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM

SUNDAY – APRIL 23rd 2017

  • Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM

Pre-order deadline Apr. 6 for Bake Sale at St. Sava Merrillville 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. Pre-order deadline is Thursday, Apr. 6.

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.

Final Fish Fry before Easter at St. Sava in Merrillville – Friday, Apr. 7

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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. This will be the final Fish Fry before Easter. Everyone is welcome to join us for a delicious meal! Carry-out is also available!

The final Friday Fish Fry before Easter will take place 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

Final practice before Easter with Karageorge Choir at St. Sava – Tuesday, Apr. 4

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The Karageorge Choir at St. Sava Church will practice for the final time before Easter Tuesday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the North Wing Conference Room at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

The choir has been preparing for several weeks for 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 is available for anyone wishing to make their own choir liturgy book.

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

A message from Father Marko: Shining forth the glory of Christ’s resurrection by a radiant life.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I don’t believe that anyone would argue that, this time of the year, is most beautiful. Spring lifts our minds and spirits as we come out of the winter months and look ahead to the warmer months of summer.

It’s at this time of the year that we also celebrate the gift of the new and everlasting life that is offered to us through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Before this month is out, we will once again join together to celebrate the solemn and beautiful services of Pascha, the Passover of our Lord: his passing over from death to life, from bondage to freedom, from darkness to light.

The brightness of these days is our own participation in the “true life” spoken of by Saint Gregory Nazianzus (+390). We can see this life all around us in nature.

In his homily on Pascha, St. Gregory describes many things in nature that reveal to us this new life springing up all around us. He says that everything is “conspiring together, rejoicing together, for the beauty of this feast.”

Everything all around us is hymning Christ who has sprung up from the tomb in order to bestow life on the whole world. He begins:

“Now the heaven shines more brightly, the sun stands higher and glows more golden; now the moon’s orb is more radiant, the chorus of stars gleams more clearly. Now the sea’s waves make their peace with the shores, the clouds with the sun, the winds with the air, the earth with the plants, the plants with our eyes. Now the springs gush forth with a new sparkle; now the rivers flow more abundantly, released from the bonds of winter’s ice. Now the meadow is fragrant, the shoots burst forth, the grass is ready for mowing, and the lambs skip through the rich green fields… All things sing God’s praise, and give Him glory with wordless voices. Now is the world’s spring, the spiritual spring, spring for our souls, spring for our bodies, spring visible, spring invisible.”

How beautiful are these words that express even creation’s response to Pascha.

In celebrating Pascha, there are really two Paschas that we celebrate. The first is our Lord’s and the second is our own. And ours is rooted in and made possible by the Lord’s: our Passover from death to life is made possible by Christ’s glorious resurrection. We are those in the tombs whom Christ has come to free and release.

Like Adam and Eve portrayed in the icon of the Descent into Hades, we are being yanked out of the slumber of death. It is during the radiant days of Pascha that we must continue to shine forth the glory of Christ’s resurrection by a radiant life.

What we also celebrate is our own passing from the tyranny of sin and death to victory and joy in the Kingdom. Just as during Great Lent we learn to fast and prepare ourselves to meet Christ, so must we learn how to truly celebrate the feast.

Feasting is not just about eating meat and dairy products. True Christian feasting, especially at Pascha, is a continual offering of ourselves to Christ. It is a feast of renewal where we put off the old man, and walk in newness of life (Ephesians 4:22).

“Let your old person become new! Celebrate the renewal of your soul!” says St. Gregory, stressing to us how we can continue to celebrate the Resurrection. He urges us to:

“Put restraints on everything that is the source of death, train all your members, develop a hatred for all the evil fruit of the tree…This is the way a human person is renewed, this is how the Day of Renewal should be honored: with this kind of finery, with a banquet such as this!…Bring this as your offering to the festival: be changed for the better…Scripture does not wish you to remain always as you are, but to be constantly in motion, beneficially in motion, even ‘a new creation’;—if you are a sinner, turning towards the good, and if you are upright, holding to your course.”

May the remaining days of our Lenten fasting lead us to true feasting and may the Lord receive our Lenten efforts as an acceptable offering. And may the upcoming celebration of the Lord’s Pascha be bright and joyous for you and your family.

Bake Sale at St. Sava Merrillville Saturday Apr. 8; Pre-order deadline Apr. 6

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, April 8 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana. Pre-order deadline is Thursday, Apr. 6.

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.