May 2024

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 25 Father Marko Matic will be blessing graves at Graceland Cemetery and Angel Crest Cemetery in Valparaiso.

Sunday, May 26 Father Marko will be blessing graves at our Holy Cross Cemetery at St. Sava Church.

Monday, May 27 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 25-27, 2024

Services offered by Saint Sava Church at the following locations:

Saturday, May 25:

• 9:00 a.m. – Memorial Service and blessing of graves at the Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso
• 11:00 a.m. – Memorial Service and blessing of graves at the Angel Crest Cemetery in Valparaiso

Sunday, May 26:

• Memorial Service and blessing of graves at Saint Sava Church Cemetery mmediately after Holy Liturgy (approximately 12:00 p.m.)

Monday, May 27:

• 10:00 a.m. – Memorial Service and blessing of graves at the Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville
• 1:30 p.m. –  Memorial Service 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 friends and family of Milutin Miljus. Memory eternal.

Milutin Miljus

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Milutin Miljus, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, on May 20, 2024. Born in the former Yugoslavia on April 4, 1954, Milutin immigrated to the United States in 1974, where he dedicated himself to building a new life and future for his family.

Milutin is survived by his loving wife, Radmilla Miljus, and their four children: Milutin Michael Miljus Jr., Slobodan Steve Miljus and his wife, Nicole Marie Miljus, Miroslav Mark Miljus, and Marina Belski and her husband, Kyle Belski. He was a proud grandfather to Evie Grace Miljus, daughter of Milutin Michael Miljus Jr.; Mason Aleksandar Miljus, Madelyn Nicole Miljus, Nicholas John Miljus, and Jacob Maksim Miljus, children of Slobodan Steve Miljus and Nicole Marie Miljus, whom Milutin considered his second daughter. His sister, Radmilla Djilas, and his nephew, Stevo Djilas. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Petar and Mirjana Miljus, and his brother, Ilija Miljus.

Milutin was a dedicated member of the Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. He worked diligently for over 40 years at the ArcelorMittal Steel Mill, and in his off time, he renovated homes with his sons. He found great joy in spending time with them productively while teaching them the value of hard work. Just last month, he proudly walked his beloved daughter, Marina, down the aisle at her wedding. Having recently retired, Milutin chose to spend his golden years surrounded by his cherished grandchildren. Their laughter and activities brought him immense joy, and his love for them was boundless.

Milutin’s journey from Yugoslavia to America was marked by resilience, hard work, and a profound love for his family. His legacy is one of strength and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Milutin Miljus will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville with Funeral Service to begin at 11:00 a.m. V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating.  Interment St. Sava Holy Cross Cemetery. For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840. Vecnaja Pamjat.