May 2022

With the weekend of Memorial Day approaching, let us remember all of the departed from this life, their names and their deeds, and let us rededicate ourselves to work for peace and good will and love among all people.

Beginning Saturday, May 28 Father Marko Matic will be blessing graves at Graceland cemetery in Valparaiso. Sunday, May 29 Father Marko will be blessing graves at our Holy Cross Cemetery at St. Sava Church. Monday, May 30 Father Marko will be blessing graves at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville and Oak Hill Cemetery in Gary. The complete list of times is available below.

In these days when so much is said about the high cost of living, it is fitting to pause on Memorial Day and acknowledge the great price that thousands of others have paid that we might live in this land of freedom, the United States of America.

Memorial Day came as a result of Civil War. This was America’s greatest war – in the lives that were lost, in the issues and principles at stake, in the fact that it was fought on American soil, and in the results that have come from it. American Land flowed red with blood in this terrible conflict. It was fitting that a solemn day of memory be set aside for such a conflict as that.

Just as the Jewish people have their feast of Passover to remind them of their freedom from Egyptian bondage, so America has its Memorial Day to remind us of the Salvation and rebirth of the United States as a free nation.

Since that time, Memorial Day has become a national holiday to honor the dead of all wars. Even more, it has become a day in which fitting remembrance is made of all of our relatives, kumovi and friends who rest in peace.

On this Memorial Day Weekend, let us remember all of the departed from this life, their names and their deeds, and let us rededicate ourselves to work for peace and good will and love among all people.

Memorial Day Weekend May 28-30, 2022

Services offered by Saint Sava Church

Saturday:

• 9:00 a.m. – Parastos and blessing of graves at the Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso

Sunday:

• Parastos and blessing of graves at the Holy Cross Cemetery (at Saint Sava Church) immediately after Holy Liturgy

Monday:

• 10:00 a.m. – Parastos and blessing of graves at the Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville
• 1:00 p.m. –  Parastos and blessing of graves at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Gary

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Desse Crnoevich (née Chelovich). Memory eternal.

Desse Crnoevich

Desse Crnoevich (née Chelovich), age 98, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Milan “Mickey” Crnoevich and cherished son Michael “Butch” Crnoevich. She is survived by her devoted son Charles (Marcia) Crnoevich, adored grandchildren Charles and Alexandra, and many dear nieces, nephews, and kumovi.

Desse and Mickey operated the Glen Park Tavern for over thirty years and were lifelong members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. Desse was also a lifelong member of the Church’s Circle of Serbian Sisters and, in retirement, was the financial secretary of the Church for twelve years. She was a champion bowler and an even better baker. Her family especially enjoyed her Christmas cookies and her chocolate chiffon cake.

Desse lived a long, full life and will be missed.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. at St. Sava with the Very Reverend Marko Matic officiating. The burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery. For further information, please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 219-736-5840.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church – Click now to make a donation at www.saintsava.net/donate on our secure online form.