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Stevan Micic keynote speaker at 109th Anniversary Celebration at St. Sava Merrillville – Sunday, Nov. 26

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The celebration of the 109th anniversary and the 32 year anniversary since the consecration of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana will begin Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with Divine Liturgy and a banquet following that is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m.

Special guest speakers at the banquet will include His Grace Bishop Longin and Stevan Micic – the 2023 Gold Medal World Champion Wrestler representing Serbia.

Schedule Anniversary Celebration – November 26, 2023

  • 10:00 a.m. – Divine Hierarchial Liturgy, followed by Memorial Service and laying of Memorial Wreaths
  • 12:30 p.m. – Anniversary Banquet and Program at the St. Sava Event Center, Merrillville, Indiana
  • St. Sava Hymn, Posting of Colors, and National Anthem – S.S.S. Karageorge Choir
  • Welcoming and Introduction of Guests
  • Greetings and Introduction of Special Guest
  • Keynote Speaker Stevan Micic
  • Special Presentation by His Grace Bishop Longin

About Keynote Speaker Stevan Micic

Stevan Micic was born April 4, 1996, in Mesa, Arizona, to parents Stevan and Lori Micic. Stevan grew up in Northwest Indiana, and graduated from Hanover Central Hight School in Cedar Lake, Indiana in 2014. That same year he was named the Indiana state recipient of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award.

After high school, Stevan attended Northwestern University for one year and then went to the University of Michigan for his undergraduate and graduate degrees, where he was very active in wrestling.

At the end of 2018, he had a collegiate wresting record of 74 wins and 13 defeats. He was three-time Indiana state wrestling champion. Steven competed for the USA at the 2015 Junior World Championships in Salvador, Brazil, winning a bronze medal. In 2018 he joined the Serbian National Wrestling Team, winning two bronze medals at the European Championships.

At the 2023 World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, he won a gold medal. Stevan is the first wrestler representing Serbia to win a medal in men’s freestyle wrestling at the World Wrestling Championships.

Saint Sava Church is prod to recognize Stevan Micic as a contributing member of the parish and as the guest speaker for the Church’s 108th Anniversary celebration.

109th anniversary of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church takes place Sunday, November 26 in Merrillville, Indiana

By | General Information/News | No Comments

The celebration of the 109th anniversary and the 32 year anniversary since the consecration of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana will begin Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with Divine Liturgy and a banquet following that is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m.

Special guest speakers at the banquet will include His Grace Bishop Longin and Stevan Micic – the 2023 Gold Medal World Champion Wrestler representing Serbia.

Schedule Anniversary Celebration – November 26, 2023

  • 10:00 a.m. – Divine Hierarchial Liturgy, followed by Memorial Service and laying of Memorial Wreaths
  • 12:30 p.m. – Anniversary Banquet and Program at the St. Sava Event Center, Merrillville, Indiana
  • St. Sava Hymn, Posting of Colors, and National Anthem – S.S.S. Karageorge Choir
  • Welcoming and Introduction of Guests
  • Greetings and Introduction of Special Guest
  • Keynote Speaker Stevan Micic
  • Special Presentation by His Grace Bishop Longin

About Keynote Speaker Stevan Micic

Stevan Micic was born April 4, 1996, in Mesa, Arizona, to parents Stevan and Lori Micic. Stevan grew up in Northwest Indiana, and graduated from Hanover Central Hight School in Cedar Lake, Indiana in 2014. That same year he was named the Indiana state recipient of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award.

After high school, Stevan attended Northwestern University for one year and then went to the University of Michigan for his undergraduate and graduate degrees, where he was very active in wrestling.

At the end of 2018, he had a collegiate wresting record of 74 wins and 13 defeats. He was three-time Indiana state wrestling champion. Steven competed for the USA at the 2015 Junior World Championships in Salvador, Brazil, winning a bronze medal. In 2018 he joined the Serbian National Wrestling Team, winning two bronze medals at the European Championships.

At the 2023 World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, he won a gold medal. Stevan is the first wrestler representing Serbia to win a medal in men’s freestyle wrestling at the World Wrestling Championships.

Saint Sava Church is prod to recognize Stevan Micic as a contributing member of the parish and as the guest speaker for the Church’s 108th Anniversary celebration.

Mihailo (Michael) V. Dobrich – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Mihailo (Michael) V. Dobrich. Memory eternal.

Mihailo (Michael) V. Dobrich

Mihailo (Michael) V. Dobrich, age 87, of Merrillville passed away October 28, 2023. Mihailo was born July 28,1936 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia to the late Velibor M. Dobrich, a former Yugoslav Royal Army Colonel and late Darinka (Kocic) Dobrich, a former schoolteacher.  He was preceeded in death by Sister Danica and Brother-in-Law Aleksandar Trifunovic.

Mihailo met Ljiljana Tesovic in 1974 while she was visiting family. They were married on November 23, 1978 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Hobart, IN. He was a loving husband to Ljiljana and doting father to his Pilence, Doris. His family was his world and he would do everything for them.

Mihailo had many talents in his lifetime. In addition to English and Serbian, he was fluent in French and Russian. Early on in Belgrade, he was a professional cyclist for Beogradski Sportski Klub. He was also a talented artist and was the youngest Cartoonist at 18 years of age to illustrate for the Yugoslav Satire Magazine, JEZ.

In 1956, he left Yugoslavia for Austria, and then Paris, France for 1 year before coming to Gary, Indiana to reunite with his father after 18 years apart. His mother and sister rejoined the family soon after.

Mihailo worked as a Commercial Artist at U.S. Steel in Gary from 1957-1971, and was a member of the Glee Club.  He received his B.S. in Education in 1971 and M.S. in education in 1973 from Indiana University Northwest. He spent his summers at Aix en Provence, France from 1974 – 1978 and received his second Master’s in French Literature.

Mr. Dobrich was a beloved fifth grade teacher at Bailey Elementary in Lake Station, IN from 1971-1974. He then moved to Edison Sr. High School in Lake Station as the French Teacher for 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. He was affectionately known as DOB and DOBI by his students. His humor and wit in addition to his artistic posters invited his students into the French culture and language. The H.S. students took French just to be in Mr. Dobrich’s class. He was the sponsor of French Club, and was an illustrator of “Eagle Feathers”, the High School newspaper. He retired in 1999 but he continued his love of education in retirement and became a Substitute Teacher in the Merrillville Schools, this time affectionately known as Mr. Sub.

In addition to his Teaching career, Mihailo taught cartooning and French at Kid’s College at Indiana University Northwest. He was a member of PHI DELTA KAPPA, the association of professional educators and served as President. And like many teachers, he had his side business, Dobrich Signs. He did freestyle sign painting all over N.W. Indiana and Chicago area. He lettered trucks, cars, walls, boards, and posters with his steady, delicate hand. In an age where digital art became popular, he continued his artistic trade that was valued by his clients.

Mihailo was a faithful member of St. Sava Church. He served on the Executive Board for many years as the Serbian Secretary, and he was Chairman of Serbian Day in July. But, most people would remember the hundreds of business posters ads he created for the Annual Golf Tournament and Serb Fest. His huge Serb Fest Signs were visible all over Northwest Indiana.

Mihailo is survived by his loving wife, Ljiljana, Daughter Doris (Alan) Manojlovic, cherished grandchildren, Olivera and Nikola. He leaves behind niece Ariane Montemurro and family of TN, nephew Robert Trifunovic M.D and family of CA,  cousin Branimir Dobric and family of Belgrade, Serbia, and many friends, family, and kumovi in the USA and abroad.

The loss of Mihailo leaves a huge hole in our hearts and he is missed beyond words can describe. He was one of a kind, with his humor, heart, and personality. And if you met him, you never forgot him.

Visitation for dear Mihailo will take place Friday, November 3, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN with Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 a.m.  V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Holy Cross (St. Sava) Cemetery Merrillville, IN. Donations can be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church or it’s Karageorge Choir. Vecnaja Pamjat. For further information please call Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (219) 736-5840.

Tomislav Borjan – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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

Tomislav Borjan

Tomislav Borjan, age 74, of Hobart passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023, with his family by his side.  Tomo was born January 10, 1949, in Drniš, Yugoslavia to the late Nikola and Marija (Popac) Borjan.  Tomo was a loving husband of 50 years to Dragica Borjan, also of Drniš, Yugoslavia.  Though their villages were only separated by a small mountain, Tomo met Dragica upon emigrating to the United States in 1975.  Six months after meeting, they were married at St. Sava church in Gary, Indiana.

Tomo was a trained mason in Split, Yugoslavia.  He went on to work in Benghazi, Libya where he spent several years building a university.  He then returned to his family in Yugoslavia, including his sister, Milka, and brother, Stevo, before emigrating to the United States.  Tomo worked as brick layer at United States Steel for 35 years.  Through his hard work, he was able to provide an education to his three children.

Tomo is survived by his loving wife Dragica; children Marija (Paul), Branka (Toby) and Nikola; granddaughter Lilijana; Kumovi Crncević; and nephews Ante and Tomislav Pleadin.

Tomo was a faithful member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church.  He lived for his granddaughter, Lili.  He had a natural talent for gardening.  Strangers would stop and take pictures of the beautiful flowers he’d planted.  Tomo had a curiosity for life, always reading and watching documentaries.  He enjoyed sports and western films.  His wisdom and always well-chosen words will be cherished.  He had an incredible sense of empathy toward others and could find joy in even the smallest things.

Tomo was the best husband and father anyone could ask for.  He was an incredible human being.  He will live on in our hearts forever.

Visitation for Tomo will be Friday, September 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville with Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (219) 736-5840. Vecnaja Pamjat.

Zagorka Micic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Zagorka (Zaga) Micic. Memory eternal.

Zagorka Micic

Zagorka (Zaga) Micic, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones Wednesday August 23, 2023.  Born in Dvorovi, Yugoslavia April 12, 1938 to late Andrija & Stana Mihajlovic.  She was a loving wife to late Stevan Micic and she was an amazing mother to daughter; Marija (Vinko) Topalovic, daughter; Ivanka Rada (Milos) Tomich; and grandchildren Natasha, Marko (Chrissy) and great Grandson, Bogdan. Son Milos (Lori) Micic and grandchildren, Stevan, Ivana (Dyllan) Bakker, and Tatiana. Son Ljuboje Micic, grandchildren Danijela, Alek, and Kristina.

Also survived by loving sister Milica (Mijo) Loncarovic and family; and loving brother Dobrinko (Goja) Mihajlovic and family, as well as numerous Kumovi and lifelong friends.

Zaga was a lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and Kolo.  She lived for her late husband and children.  She had a great appreciation for beautiful flowers, plants, and trees.  She was known for her baking and generous heart.  She was a giver and rejoiced mostly in doing for her family.  She adored her parents and always talked of her siblings and their respective families in Serbia.  Zaga was a very independent, smart, and spunky woman.  She will be missed by many.

Funeral Services will take place Friday, August 25, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN with a visitation beginning at 8:00 a.m. V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment New Gracanica Cemetery, 35240 West Grant Ave, Lake Villa IL 60046. For any further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 219-736-5840.

Vesa Wolanyk – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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

Vesa Wolanyk

Vesa (Galić) Wolanyk, age 88 of Griffith passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2023 with her family by her side.

Vesa was born April 25, 1935 in Donje Peulje, Bosnia to parents Dušan & Jela Galić. She came to the U.S. in 1967 to have a better life to be with her uncles, aunts, cousins & family. In 1974 she married Dmytro  Wolanyk. She had her only daughter in 1976 Tamara Jelena.

Vesa was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and it’s Circle of Serbian Sisters. She worked at St. Mary Medical Center Hospital in Hobart for 9 years in the Dietary department.

She was preceded in death by husband Dmytro Wolanyk in 2008, parents Dušan & Jela Galić, sister Milica Ačamović and brothers Slavko & Dravko Galić.

She is survived by her loving daughter Tamara Jelena (James) Papenleur; one sister Milica Ajduković; one brother Miloš Galić both from Serbia and many loving family, friends kumovi, throughout U.S., Canada & Europe

She enjoyed helping at her St. Sava Serb Fest in the bakery and folklore festivals, and she will be well remembered for her many years of dedication to her church. She enjoyed being a “True” historian of “Selo” stories drinking coffee with her family, friends & Kumovi.

Vesa loved watching “Friends ” TV show, Wheel of Fortune, doing cross words, enjoying her coffee candy & lastly NBA basketball.

She was a sister, a Kuma, a Tetka, a friend, a strong Bosanka & the “Best” mama with a “heart of gold” that anyone could ask for.

Vesa is survived by her loving daughter Tamara Jelena (Son in law James Papenleur), one sister Milica Ajduković and one brother Miloš Galić both from Serbia many cousins, kumovi & family throughout U.S., Canada & Europe

Our wounded Mother bird may you fly away into the heavens and meet your other loved ones. Vječnaja Pamjat  Memory Eternal

Funeral Services will take place Saturday, July 8, 2023 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville with a visitation from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. and Funeral beginning at 9:00 a.m., V. Rev Aleksandar Novakovic officiating.

Interment New Grancanica Monastery Cemetery 35240 W. Grant Ave, Lake Villa, Il 60046. May her memory be Eternal Vecnaja Pamjat!

For further information please call Mileva or Dave at Caluemt Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840.

Lidija Subotic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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

Lidija Subotic

Lidija Subotic (nee Ignatiev), age 95 of Hobart, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2023. Lidija was born in Russia-Ukraina in 1928 to Nikolaj and Olga (Parkevich) Ignatiev. She emmigrated to America with her husband and made their home in Hobart, IN. Lidija was a retired housewife and a dedicated member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville.

She is preceded in death by her husband Mihajlo and her parents Nikolaj and Olga.

She is survived by loving friends and caretakers.

Funeral Services will take place, Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840.

Blessing of graves Memorial Day Weekend 2023

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

Sunday, May 28 Father Marko will be blessing graves at our Holy Cross Cemetery at St. Sava Church.

Monday, May 29 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 27-29, 2023

Services offered by Saint Sava Church at the following locations:

Saturday, May 27:

  • 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 28:

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

Monday, May 29:

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

Last chance to view the “Celebrating Serbian Women” exhibit at St. Sava Merrillville – Sunday, May 21

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The last day to view the “Celebrating Serbian Women” exhibit in the Historical Society’s “Milan Opacich Cultural Museum” at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana will take place Sunday, May 21, 2023 beginning at Noon.

Special guests at this final showing of the exhibit will be members of the visiting Merrillville Historical Society.

After viewing the exhibit in the “Milan Opacich Cultural Museum” at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana, everyone is invited to visit the Merrillville Historical Society for a tour the same day, Sunday, May 21 beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The exhibit at St. Sava Church will be replaced with a new exhibit that will launch on the first day of the annual Serb Fest taking place Friday, July 28.  The next exhibit will be titled “Immigration” and all parishioners are invited to share their stories, photos, and artifacts for display in this special collection for the next year.

 

Share your story and be part of the SerbFest 2023 Historical Exhibit at St. Sava in Merrillville

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The Historical Society at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana is inviting members and parishioners to participate in the exhibit theme for this year’s 2023 Serb Fest focusing on our collective immigration experiences.

The Historical Society welcomes participation through the sharing of stories of your family or yourself as an immigrant to America.

Tell us about the journey: struggles, hardships, successes, and especially those who may have helped along the way. Finding work, schooling, making new friends, interacting with neighbors, learning the new language, and the role of the church were all part of adjusting to a new life.

Saint Sava’s Vrtikapa and Pujo families have a history of 5 generations in active membership! We have many 4th generation families. Many post WWII Serbian children were born in displaced person camps in Germany or Italy, while others had fathers who were prisoners of war.

Some members came as Chetniks and have fascinating stories of courage and resilience. Ellis Island was the processing and entry point for many immigrants who traveled by ship.

Members of St. Sava Church welcomed immigrants by providing sponsorship with housing and assistance in finding steady jobs. The Serbian National Defense loaned cash to arriving immigrants.

Some came during peaceful times; others immigrated after being driven from their homes in the 1990’s. Every family has a unique experience worth sharing.

We are collecting related artifacts that were brought here by you or a loved one. Examples would be: legal travel documents, photos, keepsakes, cookware, a coat, hat, dress, trunk or suitcase. Original items or copies will be displayed under heavy glass in a locked room. All items are on loan and will be returned at the end of the exhibit the following summer.

Invite your children to write the story to learn about their own family ancestry. Please limit your story to 2 pages plus photos and documents. If you would like assistance, one of our members would be happy to meet with you in person or take a phone interview to write your story.

Please have you stories completed by July 1, 2023. We look forward to showcasing the stories of Serbian immigrants who helped build this country and this beautiful church with hard work, integrity, and pride.

Contact:
Dorothy Paunovich 510-289-9862 dorothyshops@&mail.com
Milica Ruzbasan 219-310-8255 milicatl@comcast.net
Paul & Xenia Jancarich 219-242-0077