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General Information/News

Oct 05
0

Monchill Dakich – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

By | General Information/News, Obituaries & Memorials | No Comments

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

Monchill Dakich, age 84 (September 9, 1932 – October 3, 2016), passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2016.

He is survived by his brother, Milan (Edith) Dakich; nephews: Peter (Karen) Dakich, Mark Dakich, David (Melissa) Dakich; great niece: Julia Dakich; great-nephews: James Dakich and Christopher Dakich.

Monchill graduated from Emerson High School in 1951 and served in the U.S. Army where he was in a Military Band and played the trombone. He attended Goodman Theatre and graduated from Columbia College. Monchill was active in Community Theatre. He went on to retire from U. S. Steel-Gary Works. He was a member of St. Sava Serbian Church, American Legion Post 54 in Hobart and Serb National Federation.

Monchill will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral Service will take place Friday, October 7, 2016, 10:30 a.m. with the V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

Friends are invited to visit with the family Thursday, October 6, 2016 at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until the time of Pomen Service at 7:00 p.m.

For info please call 219-736-5840.

Oct 05
0

Fall Folklore Festival 2016 takes place at St. Sava, sponsorships available – Saturday, Oct. 15

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

The youth folklore group “Srbadija” of St. Sava is hosting Serbian dance groups from around the midwest for the inaugural “Fall Folklore Festival” taking place Saturday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the Pavilion at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN.

Performances by the Srbadija Folklore Group and other Serbian dance groups participating in the program from throughout the Chicagoland area and midwest will showcase Serbian culture through dance. General admission tickets are open to the public and available at the door for $10. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend.

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 Rajic at the conclusion of all the official performances in the program by the featured dance groups.

Participating dance groups include (in alphabetical order):

  • Holy Resurrection Serbian Cathedral – Redwood Drive, Chicago, IL – Soko Folklore Ensemble – Facebook Page
  • Gracanica Serbian Church, Third Lake, IL –
  • St. Elijah Serbian Church, Merrillville, IL – Frula Folklore Ensemble – Facebook Page
  • St. George Serbian Church, Schererville, IN – Tromedja Folklore Ensemble – Facebook Page
  • St. John the Baptist Serbian Church, Bellwood, IL – Oplenac Folklore Ensemble
  • St. Nikola Serbian Church – Brookfield, IL – Moravac Folklore Ensemble
  • St. Sava Serbian Cathedral, Parma, OH – Facebook Page
  • St. Sava Serbian Church, Merrillville, IN – Srbadija Folklore – Website | Facebook Page
  • St. Simeon Serbian Church, 114th South Chicago, IL – Gavrilo Princip Folklore Ensemble – Facebook Page

Srbadija Folklore is also seeking table sponsorships and donations to defray the costs of the festival. Sponsors may donate $25 to be a “Table Sponsor” or may donate $75 for the cost of a “Box of Cevaps” for the event. To confirm your sponsorship donation, please send e-mail to Karen Knezic at karen.knezic@saintsava.net.

This Fall Folklore Festival maintains a focus on Serbian culture and dance, but Srbadija Folklore also hosts the “Intercultural Festival” that takes place each spring at St. Sava featuring youth dance groups from a variety of cultures. Youth from around the U.S. and Canada have participated to showcase culture and dance representing different regions of Serbia, Mexico, Greece, Ireland, Africa, Scandinavia, and India. The next Intercultural Dance Festival will take place May 20, 2017.

Please save-the-date Saturday, October 15 for the inaugural Fall Folklore Festival, hosted by Srbadija Folklore at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410. For contact information about the Fall Folklore Fstival 2016 taking place October 15, 2016 and the Intercultural Festival 2017 taking place May 20, 2017, visit the www.saintsava.net/folklore website.

Oct 03
0

St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church Celebrates 102nd Anniversary – Sunday, Oct. 9

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St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church located at 9191 Mississippi Street in Merrillville, Indiana will celebrate its 102nd Anniversary taking place Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016.

The celebration will begin with Divine Hierarchical Liturgy Officiated by His Grace Bishop Longin and Visiting Clergy beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by an Anniversary Banquet and Program in the St. Sava Event Center beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The program will feature posting of Colors/National Anthem, SSS. Karageorge Choir, recognition of Church Organizations, introduction of guests, and a performance by the St. Sava Folklore Group Srbadija.

A keynote speech will be provided by special guest speaker Milana “Mim” Bizic.

mim-bizic

Milana “Mim” Bizic

Milana (“Mim”) Karlo Bizic earned a B.S. degree in three (3) years from the University of Pittsburgh where she had a four-year scholarship; a Master’s Degree in 1967; School Library Certification in 1970; and Gifted and Talented Certification in 1981.

Her professional experience includes teaching all Elementary grade level students K-6;  Teaching Graduate level courses for Penn State University (Beaver Campus for nine years until 1994), Carlow College and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, where she taught fellow educators how to creatively integrate computers into their curriculums across all disciplines and all grade levels, K-12; working as a Supervisor of Student Teachers for the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) after she retired from working 40+ years teaching in the public schools, most notably for Quaker Valley School District.

Honors received by Milana (“Mim”) Karlo Bizic include:

  • Serbian Unity Congress Honoree-1995- 96
  • Serb National Federation Person of the Year 2008;
  • "Kuma" for St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, Aliquippa, Aug., 2012
  • Tesla Science Foundation Leadership Award, Philadelphia, June 28, 2014
  • Named #16 of the 100 most influential Serbs in the world (Srba u Svetu) March 1, 2016 by Blic

According to Dr. Milena Tatic-Bajich of Chicago, IL, “Mim is one of the best ambassadors of the Serbian community that we have.  Not only is she poised to let us know what it means to be Serbian, but to be proud of the fact even in an age where it may not be so popular.   She truly knows what it means to connect in a real way.  The real way is through her own heart and soul and through her living a Serbian life while in America and several generations removed.”

102nd Anniversary Schedule of Events

  • 10:00 a.m.
    • Divine Liturgy and Parastos, Laying of Memorial Wreath
  • 12:30 p.m.
    • Anniversary Banquet and Program in the St. Sava Event Center
    • Posting of Colors/National Anthem
    • S.S.S. Karageorge Choir
    • Recognition of Church Organizations
    • Introduction of Guests
    • St. Sava Folklore Group
    • Keynote Speaker – Milana “Mim” Bizic

 

Sep 26
0

Danica Ostojic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

By | General Information/News, Obituaries & Memorials | No Comments

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

Danica Ostojic, age 92 of Crown Point passed away September 23, 2016. Danica was a member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church since her arrival here in the US. Danica was retired from St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart with several years of service in the Dietary Department. She loved to sew, garden, and cook. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren loved her crepes “palacinke” immensely. She loved her family very much.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Djuro Ostojic; and her parents Stevo and Sara Ladjevic. She is survived by her two children: son, Rade (Nada) Ostojic of Crown Point, daughter, Radmila (Branko) Susnjara of Sydney, Australia; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; and many other Kumovi, Prijatelji, friends and family both here and in the former Yugoslavia.

Funeral Services will take place Tuesday, September 27, 2016 directly at 10:30 a.m. at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN with V. Rev Marko Matic officiating.

Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to the time of service Tuesday at the church. For further information please call Calumet Park Funeral Chapel at 219-736-5840.

Sep 14
0

Sunday School begins at St. Sava in Merrillville – Sunday, Sept. 18

By | General Information/News, Sunday School | No Comments

14290050_10211008630951190_4636847510829385062_oA new Sunday School year begins Sunday, Sept. 18 at St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana for the 2016-2017 school year.

Registration is taking place in the conference room from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Cost is $50.00 for the first child and $25.00 for each additional child. 

Children of all ages are welcome to attend. Parents or guardians can help teach the next generation about values and spirituality by bringing children to church to experience Sunday School at St. Sava.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

A luncheon is also taking place in the South Wing Social Center following the Divine Liturgy Sunday, Sept. 18. Contact the Church Office at 219-736-9191 for more information about registering your children for Sunday School.

Aug 29
0

Srbadija Folklore announces board for 2016-2017

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

Srbadija Folklore recently announced their 2016-2017 Board Members that will help lead the youth folklore group at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana.

Karen Knezic, president of the board again this year explained, “It is an honor to help continue leading this group and helping to connect young people who will cherish this experience throughout their lives. It’s also exciting to have such an enthusiastic group of parents stepping forward in leadership positions to that will really help strengthen the group.”

Knezic also added, “We are fortunate to have board members taking the lead in various aspects of Srbadija Folklore, but we couldn’t do any of this without the tireless dedication and effort from each and every parent, grandparent, and the other special people who bring the youth to the practices, the performances, and volunteer at our events. It really is a team effort and we are excited to move forward together in the year ahead.”

Srbadija Folklore Board Members for 2016-2017:

  • President – Karen Knezic
  • Vice President – Lela Jensen
  • Secretary – Vesna Radjenovich
  • Treasurer – Anka Dinich
  • Special Events Coordinator – Billie Vrbica
  • Fundraising Coordinator – Ursula Brboric

For more information about Srbadija Folklore, visit www.saintsava.net/folklore, follow the St. Sava Facebook Page or the Srbadija Facebook Page.

Aug 23
0

Senior luncheon at St. Sava in Merrillville – Thursday, Aug. 25

By | General Information/News, Kolo Sisters | No Comments

Please attend the Senior Luncheon beginning at Noon, Thursday, August 25 in the South Wing Social Center at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, IN.

The Senior Luncheon is hosted by Kolo and everyone is invited to attend, especially our seniors! You’ll enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Kolo members and see what else they have in store for you. Please feel free to bring a friend.

This is a great opportunity to show appreciation for our seniors, hear stories of so much great history, and share in the fellowship with the people who have helped build the vibrant spirit and culture of St. Sava Church. Please share word of this unique opportunity and consider helping our seniors with rides to help them attend and celebrate a delicious lunch with dear friends.

For more information, please call the Church Office at 219-736-9191.

Aug 03
0

Serb Fest 2016 Feature: Mladost Folklore Group from San Francisco to perform

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

The Mladost Folklore Group of the San Francisco Bay Area Serbian Orthodox Churches in California is set to take the main Kolo Stage for a special feature performance Saturday, August 6 at 3:00 pm during Serb Fest 2016 (www.serbfest.org) taking place at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

The Mladost Folklore Group will perform along with Srbadija Folklore Group, the youth folklore group of St. Sava Church in Merrillville.

Everyone in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland community is welcome to attend the annual Serb Fest and enjoy the traditional cultural dance presentation. This will be the first time a visiting dance group will perform at Serb Fest in the new pavilion at St. Sava in Merrillville.

Last year in October, Srbadija Folklore and members of St. Sava Church visited St. John the Baptist Church in San Francisco and made lasting friendships. That friendship continues to grow with the congregation of St. Sava Church now delighted that Mladost Folklore is coming to share in the fun and traditions that St. Sava Serb Fest has to offer.

There will be plenty of chairs set up in front of the stage so please offer your undivided attention and support to our guests. Don’t miss out on this special performance to experience the sights and sounds of traditional Serbian dance!

Aug 02
0

Serb Fest 2016 Exhibit: The Halyard Mission – Classified

By | General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

The Historical Society at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church has assembled a special exhibit that will debut during Serb Fest 2016 titled, “The Halyard Mission: Classified” and will be open to the public during the fest taking place August 5, 6, & 7.

It’s the story of the largest rescue ever behind enemy lines that was finally de-classified by the U.S. Government.

The heroic Gen. Draza Mihailovich and his Serbian Chetniks and villagers rescued and cared for 512 Allied airmen shot down by Hitler’s forces during WWII in occupied Yugoslavia.

The Allied assault on Ploesti, Romanian oil fields forced hundreds of Allied airmen to bail over Nazi-occupied eastern Serbia, an area patrolled by the Allied-friendly Chetnik guerrilla army.

Villagers hid and cared for the airmen for months at great personal sacrifice until the OSS (Pre-CIA) arranged for their evacuation. 7,500 Serbian Chetnik soldiers from Ravna Gora Corps carved a dirt runway at Pranjani and defended the airlift of the Halyard Mission.

Major Richard Felman was rescued and befriended by Serbian Chetniks. As a result of the Halyard airlift, he often spoke of a debt of honor he owed the Serbian people.

Major Felman repaid that debt many times over, tirelessly speaking in support of the truth and honor of General Mihailovich and the Serbs throughout his remarkable life.

View his personal artifacts – uniform, Medals of Honor, documents, and personal effects, all donated to St. Sava’s Serbian Historical Society at the HALYARD MISSION Exhibit during Serb Fest 2016.

Honoring Veterans From All Conflicts

Additional exhibit features will honor St. Sava’s US Armed Forces Veterans from all conflicts including WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Also learn about the historic WWII Memorial Monument located at the south end of the Church complex and how it was moved to its present location.

For more information about Serb Fest 2016, visit www.serbfest.org or call 219-736-9191.

*Special tribute to U.S. Armed Forces and Gen. Draza Mihailovich and Serbian Chetnik

Aug 01
0

Weekly folklore dance sessions open to adults from around the community – Monday, Aug. 1

By | General Information/News, Serb Fest | No Comments

You are invited to join the dozens of people that have been showing up each week to celebrate the cultural and healthy exercise benefits associated with traditional Serbian Folklore Dance at St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana.

The Adult Folklore Dance Sessions meet each Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the South Wing Social Center at the church learning new dances, getting a dose of exercise, and simply having fun.

The open group formed earlier this year at St. Sava seeking to gather people interested in learning traditional Serbian Kolo dances and to just have fun. The group welcomes those with no previous dancing experience from the greater Northwest Indiana community along with people who learned the traditional dances growing up in youth folklore groups and want to keep dancing with friends in an adult environment.

Everyone is welcome to attend – men and women, members of St. Sava, members of other churches throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland, and anyone in the community who simply wants to learn about the culture and the fun, circle dance called the Kolo (no more sitting on the sidelines during Serb Fest 2016 which takes place August 5, 6, and 7 – you will be dancing like a pro by the time the fest rolls around – www.serbfest.org).

The dance sessions each Monday evening start at 7:00 p.m. and end by 9:00 p.m. Each session begins with some general dance instruction and review for dances that are commonly performed at various Serbian festivals and celebrations. The second half of the session focuses on more structured types of folklore dances. All of the instruction is provided by Miloš Drljević Djakovac, the dance instructor for St. Sava’s youth folklore group named Srbadija.

The focus of the dance sessions is to have fun, so don’t worry if you don’t have traditional Serbian “opanke” dance shoes in your closet. Wear your tennis shoes and comfortable clothes because dancing the kolo can be a serious workout!

Magda Serdar, organizer of the dance sessions, explained her reasons for wanting to help form such a group. “I just love folklore. You are never too old to dance. A lot of people have talked about forming such a group and there are so many people who have danced in the past when younger, now is the time to do it,” Serdar said.

Dance sessions begin at 7:00 p.m. Monday evenings at St. Sava and take place in either the South Wing Social Center or the Pavilion, depending on group size and room availability. A small fee of $5 per week will be collected and used to support the church, children’s folklore, and children’s choir.

For more questions or more information, please call Magda Serdar at (440) 954-2039.