Religious Observances

You are cordially invited to attend the Lenten Vesper Service Of the Chicago Deanery With His Grace Bishop Longin, visiting Clergy, and V. Rev. Radovan Jakovljevic taking place Saturday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana.

Following the Vesper Service a Lenten dinner will be served.

Guest speaker will be Deacon Jovan Anicic.

Anicic completed his studies at Saint Sava Seminary and the Theological Faculty in Belgrade.

He received his Masters of Divinity degree at the Gregorian University in Rome and submitted his doctoral dissertation for a PhD in Dogmatics at Aristotle University in Thessalonica.

The next Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts service will take place Wednesday, March 23 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana.

These services take place every Wednesday morning at St. Sava Church during Great Lent wherein communion is received from Gifts (the Body and Blood of Christ) that are sanctified (consecrated) in advance, hence the name Presanctified Liturgy; this Divine Liturgy has no anaphora (eucharistic prayer).

The Presanctified Liturgy is used on the weekdays of Great Lent, a season of repentance, fasting, and intensified prayer when the more frequent reception of communion is desirable; however, the full Divine Liturgy having a joyful character is not in keeping with the somberness of the season of repentance (Eucharist literally means “thanksgiving”) and so the Presanctified Liturgy is substituted.

Although this service may be performed on any weekday (Monday through Friday) of Great Lent, common parish practice at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church is to celebrate it on Wednesdays.

Find out all spiritual and other events taking place at St. Sava by visiting www.saintsava.net/calendar on the church website.

Descent of the Holy Ghost Romanian Orthodox Church, 750 W. 61st Ave., Merrillville, Indiana 46410

The Orthodox Christian Clergy Association of Northwest Indiana is sponsoring the “Triumph of Orthodoxy Pan-Orthodox Vesper Service” taking place Sunday evening, March 20 at 6:00 p.m.

Clergy from St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church will be participating in the services along with Clergy from Orthodox Churches from throughout the Northwest Indiana area. Members of St. Sava Church, Orthodox Faithful from throughout the region, and visitors are all encouraged to attend.

A reception will take place following the Vesper Service and presentation of the Holy Icons.

The service will take place at the Descent of the Holy Ghost Romanian Orthodox Church, 750 W. 61st Ave., Merrillville, Indiana 46410.

The guest speaker will be V. Rev. Dr. Milos Vesin, parish priest at Saint Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, Lansing, IL and Professor of Theological Faculty.

TheTriumph of Orthodoxy (also knowns as the Sunday of Orthodoxy or the Feast of Orthodoxy ) is unique historical event that is celebrated on the first Sunday of Great Lent (six Sundays before Pascha) in the liturgical calendar of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Feast is kept in memory of the final defeat of Iconoclasm, a time when icons were banned in churches, and the restoration of the icons to the church.

• Click to learn more about the story behind the Feast of Orthodoxy (also knowns as the Sunday of Orthodoxy or the Triumph of Orthodoxy).

For more information about this event, please contact V. Rev. Alin Munteanu at alinmunteanu1972@yahoo.com or 623-693-4639.

The Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts service will take place Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. beginning March 16 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana during Great Lent wherein communion is received from Gifts (the Body and Blood of Christ) that are sanctified (consecrated) in advance, hence the name Presanctified Liturgy; this Divine Liturgy has no anaphora (eucharistic prayer).

The Presanctified Liturgy is used on the weekdays of Great Lent, a season of repentance, fasting, and intensified prayer when the more frequent reception of communion is desirable; however, the full Divine Liturgy having a joyful character is not in keeping with the somberness of the season of repentance (Eucharist literally means “thanksgiving”) and so the Presanctified Liturgy is substituted.

Although this service may be performed on any weekday (Monday through Friday) of Great Lent, common parish practice at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church is to celebrate it on Wednesdays.

Find out all spiritual and other events taking place at St. Sava by visiting www.saintsava.net/calendar on the church website.

Join us this Thursday, Mar. 10 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana for our weekly Akathist prayers (Click here to learn more about the Akathist prayer services at St. Sava Church).

This week we offer praises forHoly Martyr Zlata of Maglen.

Holy Martyr Zlata of Maglen

Saint Zlata of Maglen

This week’s Akathist is dedicated to Holy Martyr Zlata of Maglen.

Holy Martyr Zlata was born in Slatina region, of poor peasants who had three other daughters. Zlata was a meek and devout girl, wise with Christ’s wisdom and golden (Zlata means golden) not only in name but also in her God-fearing heart.

When Zlats went out one day to get water, some shameless Turks sized her and carried her of to their house. When one of them urged her to embrace Islam and become his wife, Zlata answered fearlessly, “I believe in Christ, and know Him alone as my bridegroom; I shall never deny Him even if you put me to a thousand tortures and cur me into pieces.”

Her parents and sisters then arrived, and said to her. “O our daughter, have mercy on yourself and us. Deny Christ publicly; He will forgive you, that we all can be happy. Christ is merciful, He will forgive you your sins, committed under the pressure of life.”

She replied to her parents, “When you urged me to deny Christ, the true God, you are no longer parents or sisters to me; I have the Lord Jesus Christ as father, the Mother of God as mother, for brothers and sisters, the saints…’ Then the Turks hung her from the tree and cut her to small pieces.

This Martyr Maiden gave her soul into God’s hands, and entered into the realm of Paradise, in 1796. There were many miracles performed at the site of her grave, and holy relics.

What is Akathist?

The Akathist Service at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana is a brief weekly celebration of the works of the Saints, Holy Days, and Holy Trinity.

The Akathist service lasts approximately 35 minutes and is an opportunity for a uniquely participatory service in which men and women may have the option to read passages from the Book of Akathists, exchanging phrasings with Clergy, and experiencing a unique mid-week spiritual connection with fellow parishioners.

St. Sava Church understands the lives of parishioners today are increasingly busy. The intention of the this evening service start time is to enable people to come together, after work, in the early evening, to worship as a community for a mid-week spiritual uplifting and connection.

Consider making Thursday nights a special night for the entire family. Start your evening at Akthist and then enjoy some additional quality time together as a family.

Everyone is welcome to attend and participate as much as one feels comfortable. If you are new to the Orthodox Faith or if you are familiar, but haven’t been in touch recently, Akathist is a great way to connect and reconnect. It is completely acceptable to come to the Thursday evening Akathist service wearing a work uniform or making a visit on your way home from work. It’s not as much about what you wear as it is about the spirit you bring with you when you join us.

It is the time of the year where members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana may have homes blessed by Father Marko. The 2016 Schedule for Blessing of Homes is now available for download in both Serbian and English languages.

• Click to download the Blessing of Homes – Schedule 2016 in English and Serbian

If you live in one of the areas listed below for dates that have already passed and would like to schedule to have your home blessed, please call the Church Office at 219-736-9191 during regular business hours between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Blessing of Homes – Schedule 2016

Dear Members and Parishioners,

It is time for the blessing of homes. The following schedule will inform you as to when I will be in your area.

• Chesterton, Valparaiso
  • From Thursday, January 21st  to Thursday, January 28th
• Portage, Ogden Dunes
  • From Friday, January 29th to Tuesday, February 2nd
• Hobart
  • From Wednesday, February 3rd to Sunday, February 7th
• Hebron, Kouts, La Crosse, Demotte,
  • From Monday, February 8th to Wednesday, February 10th
• Crown Point
  • From Thursday, February 11th to Thursday, February 18th
• Gary, Merrillville
  • From Friday, February 19th to Sunday, February 21st
• Schererville, Dyer, St. John, Cedar Lake, Lowell
  • From Monday, February 22nd  to Friday, February 26th
• Hammond, Munster, Highland, Griffith
  • From Saturday, February 27th to Wednesday, March 2nd
• Chicago
  • From Thursday, March 3rd to Sunday, March 13th

With God`s blessing,

Father Marko Matic

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Драги наши чланови и парохијани,

Време је благосиљања и освећења домова. Распоред који шаљем, помоћи ће вам да знате када намеравам да будем у вашем месту.

• Chesterton, Valparaiso
  • Од четвртка, 21. јануара до четвртка, 28. јануара
• Portage, Ogden Dunes
  • Од петка, 29. јануара до уторка, 2. фебруара
• Hobart
  • Од среде, 3. фебруара до недеље, 7. фебруара
• Hebron, Kouts, La Crosse, Demotte
  • Од понедељка, 8.фебруара до среде, 10. фебруара
• Crown Point
  • Од четвртка, 11. фебруара до четвртка, 18. фебруара
• Gary, Merrillville
  • Од петка, 19. фебруара до недеље, 21. фебруара
• Schererville, Dyer, St. John, Cedar Lake, Lowell
  • Од понедељка, 22. фебруара до петка, 26. фебруара
• Hammond, Munster, Highland, Griffith
  • Од суботе, 27. фебруара до среде, 2. марта
• Chicago
  • Од четвртка, 3. марта до недеље, 13. марта

С Божијим благословом,

Отац Марко Матић

About Blessing of Homes and Preparation

It is an Orthodox Tradition for the priest to visit his parishioners at their homes and performs the lesser blessing of water.

The purposes of this Holy Tradition are:

• That God will mercifully hear the prayers which are offered by the family.
• That the Almighty and Eternal Lord will send His holy angels to protect, save, watch, visit and safeguard the family members from evil powers.
• That the faithful who are sprinkled with Holy Water may be free from every unclean and satanic action.
• That the air in the home may be clean and healthy.
• That all strange powers which may create insecurity to the family will be removed by the grace of God.

When the priest comes to a home to perform such a service, it is appropriate for the host family to be prepared in the following manner:

• The house should be clean and in order.
• The vigil, if there is one, before the icon should be lit.
• There should be a candle with matches beside it.
• A plate or bowl with a little water should be placed on the table, turn toward the east and the icon.
• A list of names of the living members.
• Doors of the rooms where you wish the priest to enter and sprinkle the Holy Water should be kept open.

After the blessing, if the family does not wish to keep the holy water, it is appropriate to pour it over a plant, flower, under a tree, or any place where it will not be stepped on.

• Click to download the Blessing of Homes – Schedule 2016 in English and Serbian

Join us this Thursday, Feb. 18 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana for our weekly Akathist prayers (Click here to learn more about the Akathist prayer services at St. Sava Church).

This week we offer praises for St. Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople.

Veneration of the Holy Cross

This week’s Akathist is dedicated to St. Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople.

A great light in the Church, he was a kinsman of the Emperor and grandson of the famous Patriarch Tarasius. He was a forceful protector of the Church from the power-seeking of the Pope and other Roman perverters of the Faith.

He passed through all the ranks from layman to Patriarch in six days, being made Patriarch at Christmas, 858.

He departed this life in the Lord in about 895.

The Orthodox Church venerates St Photius as a “pillar and foundation of the Church,” an “inspired guide of the Orthodox,” and a wise theologian. He left behind several works, exposing the errors of the Latins, refuting soul-destroying heresies, explicating Holy Scripture, and exploring many aspects of the Faith.

What is Akathist?

The Akathist Service at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana is a brief weekly celebration of the works of the Saints, Holy Days, and Holy Trinity.

The Akathist service lasts approximately 35 minutes and is an opportunity for a uniquely participatory service in which men and women may have the option to read passages from the Book of Akathists, exchanging phrasings with Clergy, and experiencing a unique mid-week spiritual connection with fellow parishioners.

St. Sava Church understands the lives of parishioners today are increasingly busy. The intention of the this evening service start time is to enable people to come together, after work, in the early evening, to worship as a community for a mid-week spiritual uplifting and connection.

Consider making Thursday nights a special night for the entire family. Start your evening at Akthist and then enjoy some additional quality time together as a family.

Everyone is welcome to attend and participate as much as one feels comfortable. If you are new to the Orthodox Faith or if you are familiar, but haven’t been in touch recently, Akathist is a great way to connect and reconnect. It is completely acceptable to come to the Thursday evening Akathist service wearing a work uniform or making a visit on your way home from work. It’s not as much about what you wear as it is about the spirit you bring with you when you join us.

Join us this Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana for our weekly Akathist prayers (Click here to learn more about the Akathist prayer services at St. Sava Church).

This week we offer praises for Veneration of the Holy Cross.

Veneration of the Holy Cross

This week’s Akathist is dedicated to Veneration of the Holy Cross.

In ancient times, Greeks and Romans used crosses for the execution of their worst criminals. It was called crucifixion. It was regarded as the most horrible and most shameful kind of punishment. Our Lord Jesus Christ was executed that way.

During His ministry on earth, Jesus Christ predicted that He would suffer and that He would be crucified. “And I, when I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (this He said signifying what death He should die), according to St. John 12:32-33.

Accordingly He thought, “Who soever will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me” (St. Mark 8:34).

Jesus Christ carried His Cross as an act of highest sacrifice, since He didn’t deserve punishment because He didn’t commit any crime or sin. But shedding His Holy Blood on the Cross, Jesus Christ sanctified the Cross, and elected as His sign, so that the Holy Cross became the main symbol of Christ and of Christianity.

To His Venerable Cross Jesus Christ gave a special spiritual power so that it became the most powerful weapon of Christians.

With that Holy sign we cross ourselves confessing our belief in Christ. With that holy sign we bless everything needed to be blessed. This is the sign which appeared in the sky before the Emperor Constantine the Great.

Many nations, as well as our own Serbian nation, have on their national banners, the sign of the Holy Cross. With this holy sign and as lightning, Jesus Christ will appear at the Last Judgement.

The Orthodox Christians should kiss piously the Venerable Cross in Church and make upon himself/herself that all powerful sing very often and on every occasion during his/her life.

What is Akathist?

The Akathist Service at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana is a brief weekly celebration of the works of the Saints, Holy Days, and Holy Trinity.

The Akathist service lasts approximately 35 minutes and is an opportunity for a uniquely participatory service in which men and women may have the option to read passages from the Book of Akathists, exchanging phrasings with Clergy, and experiencing a unique mid-week spiritual connection with fellow parishioners.

St. Sava Church understands the lives of parishioners today are increasingly busy. The intention of the this evening service start time is to enable people to come together, after work, in the early evening, to worship as a community for a mid-week spiritual uplifting and connection.

Consider making Thursday nights a special night for the entire family. Start your evening at Akthist and then enjoy some additional quality time together as a family.

Everyone is welcome to attend and participate as much as one feels comfortable. If you are new to the Orthodox Faith or if you are familiar, but haven’t been in touch recently, Akathist is a great way to connect and reconnect. It is completely acceptable to come to the Thursday evening Akathist service wearing a work uniform or making a visit on your way home from work. It’s not as much about what you wear as it is about the spirit you bring with you when you join us.

Join us this Thursday, Feb. 4 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana for our weekly Akathist prayers (Click here to learn more about the Akathist prayer services at St. Sava Church).

This week we offer praises for The Holy Apostle Simon Zealot.

The Holy Apostle Simon Zealot

This week’s Akathist is dedicated to The Holy Apostle Simon Zealot. He was one of the twelve Great Apostles, born in Cana of Galilee. The Lord Jesus came to his wedding with His Mother and His disciples, and, when the wine run out, the Lord changed the water into wine. Seeing this wonder, the newly-married Simon left his home and parents and bride, to go after Christ.

Simon was called the Zealot because of his great and burning zeal for the Saviour and His Gospel. After receiving the Holy Spirit, he went off to preach the Gospel in Mauretania  in Africa. As a result of his success in bringing many to the Faith of Christ, he was tortured and finally crucified like his Lord, who had prepared a crown of glory for him in His immortal Kingdom.