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Religious Observances

Akathist at St. Sava Church: St. Basil the Great – Thursday, Jan. 14

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Join us this Thursday, Jan. 14 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. Basil the Great (January 14 according to Gregorian Calendar and January 1 according to Julian Calendar).

St. Basil the Great

This week’s Akatist is dedicated to St. Basil the Great. St. Basil was born about 330 AD. He spent fifteen years studying philosophy, rhetoric, astronomy and other contemporary secular discipline.

Among his fellow-students were Gregory the Theologian and Julian, later the Apostate emperor.
He was a Bishop Caesarea in Cappadocia for nearly ten years, an died at the age of fifty.

He was a great champion of Orthodoxy, a great torch of moral purity and zeal for the Faith, a great theological mind, a great builder and pillar of the Church of God. Many of his writings survived such as theological, apologetic, on asceticism and on Canons (Church Law).

There is also Liturgy that bears his name. This Liturgy is celebrated ten times in the year: on January 1/14, on the Eve of Christmas and Theophany, on every Sunday in the great Fast with the exception of Palm Sunday, and on the Thursday and Saturday in Great Week.

St. Basil departed this life on January 1/14, 379.

 

Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great – Thursday, Jan. 14

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Join us at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church for the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great – Thursday, Jan. 14 beginning at 9:00 a.m.

The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil is used ten specific times per year and differs from the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom which has become the standard liturgy used in the Orthodox Church.

One of these special times each year where the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil is used falls on the feast day of St. Basil which takes place on the first of January on the traditional Julian Calendar used by the Serbian Orthodox Church (January 1 of the Julian Calendar falls on January 14 of the Gregorian Calendar).

An icon of Saint Basil the Great (AD 330-379) can be found at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana, in the recess of the altar east wall, south side. Like Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Basil was an early church Father. He established Nicean Orthodoxy over Arianism in the Byzantine east. His liturgical works are celebrated in the easter and western churches.

More about St. Basil the Great

According to book, “The PROLOGUE OF OHRID” by Saint Nikolai Velimirović:

Basil was born during the reign of Emperor Constantine. While still unbaptized, he spent fifteen years in Athens, where he studied philosophy, rhetoric, astronomy and all other secular sciences of that time. His colleagues there were Gregory the Theologian and Julian, later the apostate emperor. In his mature years he was baptized in the Jordan River along with Ebulios his former teacher. He was Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia for almost ten years and completed his earthly life fifty years after his birth. He was a great defender of Orthodoxy, a great light of moral purity, a religious zealot, a great theological mind, a great builder and pillar of the Church of God.

Basil fully deserved the title “Great.” In liturgical services he is referred to as the “bee of the Church of Christ, which brings honey to the faithful and with its stinger pricks the heretics.” Numerous works of this Father of the Church are preserved; they include theological, apologetical, ascetical and canonical writings, as well as the Holy and Divine Liturgy named after him.

This Divine Liturgy is celebrated ten times during the year: on the First of January, his feast day; on the eve of the Nativity of our Lord; on the eve of the Theophany of our Lord; all Sundays of Great Lent except Palm Sunday; on Great and Holy Thursday; and on Great and Holy Saturday. St. Basil reposed peacefully on January 1, 379 A.D., and entered into the Kingdom of Christ.

 

 

Serbian Christmas Traditions Play by Youth of St. Sava – Wednesday, Jan. 6

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Sunday School children and young adults from St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana will present a “Christmas Traditions” play in the St. Sava Pavilion taking place before the blessing of the badnjak Wednesday, Jan. 6.

The play features the traditions of Serbian ancestors which include bringing the badnjak in the home, how we greet each other on Christmas, and other elements relating to Serbian Christmas Heritage. Many still practices these traditions annually even today.

The play is part of a series of special events taking place Wednesday, Jan. 6 which begin with Vesper Services in the St. Sava Church at 6:00 p.m. as people of Orthodox Faith celebrate the Nativity. The Orthodox Church uses the old ‘Julian’ Calendar, which means each year Christmas Eve takes place January 6 and Christmas Day January 7.

Anyone of Orthodox Faith, and members of the general community wishing to experience a unique cultural and spiritual event, are welcome to attend and celebrate the Nativity with parishioners of St. Sava in Merrillville, Indiana.

Akathist at St. Sava Church: Our Lord Jesus Christ – Thursday, Dec. 31

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Join us this Thursday, Dec. 31 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 Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated, according to Julian Calendar, December 25, and according to Gregorian January, 7.

Orthodox Christians are following the Julian calendar which was active during the Birth of Christ. This Akathist is dedicated to Jesus.

When fullness of time was come, God sent His only begotten son’ (Gal. 4:4) to save the human race. And when the ninth month had come after the archangel Gabriel appeared to the most holy Virgin in Nazareth, saying: “Hail, thou that art highly favored.. thou shalt conceive and bear a son”…

Joseph and Mary were invited by a decree of Caesar Augustus the Emperor of Rome to register at their home town of Bethlehem. When they arrived they could not find a lodging in any house, and found shelter in a cave. In this cave the most holy Virgin gave birth to the Savior of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The shepherds came in from a field after they had heard a multitude of angels singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men” (Luke 2:14). They worshiped Him as Messiah and Savior.

At that time there also came wise men from the East, led by a wonderful star, bearing their gifts: gold, frenkincense and myrr, and worshiped Him as King of kings, offering Him their gifts (Mat. 2:11).

In the Akathist prayer we will glorify Our Lord Jesus Christ, and His Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit, asking Them for Their blessings and share with us Their Divine nature.

Come and joins us to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ!

What is Akathist?

Join us Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in the St. Sava Church for Akathist – 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. Click here to read more about Akathist…

Download Schedule of St. Sava Nativity Services – Special Message from Father Marko and Father Bogdan

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Orthodox Christmas Nativity Services are quickly approaching with Badnje Veče – Serbian Christmas Eve – taking place Wednesday, January 6.

Now is the time to view or download the schedule of services so you may plan ahead and join us for this special annual Nativity Celebration.

The Schedule of Services, in both English and Serbian Cyrillic languages, along with a special holiday message from Father Marko and Father Bogdan was sent in the mail to Church Membership and is now available for download.

DOWNLOAD THE SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND HOLIDAY MESSSAGE

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES – РАСПОРЕД БОГОСЛУЖЕЊА

SUNDAY: January 3rd

  • SUNDAY 31st AFTER PENTECOST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • НЕДЕЉА 31. ПО ДУХОВИМА: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру

WEDNESDAY: January 6th

  • CHRISTMAS EVE: Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM. Great Vespers at 6:00PM.
  • Children’s Christmas Play, blessing and burning of Badnjak.
  • БАДЊИ ДАН: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру. Празнично вечерње у 6:00
  • увече. Дечија Божићна Представа. Освећење и паљење Бадњака.

THURSDAY: January 7th

  • CHRISTMAS: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • БОЖИЋ: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру

FRIDAY :January 8th

  • ALL HOLY MOTHER OF GOD FEAST: Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • САБОР ПРЕСВЕТЕ БОГОРОДИЦЕ: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру

SATURDAY: January 9th

  • ST. STEPHEN THE ARCHDEACON: Divine Liturgy 9:00AM
  • СВЕТИ АРХИЂАКОН СТЕФАН: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру

SUNDAY: January 10th

  • SUNDAY 32nd AFTER PENTECOST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • НЕДЕЉА 32. ПО ДУХОВИМА: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру

THURSDAY: January 14th

  • ST. BASIL (SERBIAN NEW YEAR’S DAY): Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • СВ. ВАСИЛИЈЕ (СРПСКА НОВА ГОДИНА): Св. Литургија у 9:00 ујутру

SUNDAY: January 17th

  • SUNDAY 33rd AFTER PENTECOST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • НЕДЕЉА 33. ПО ДУХОВИМА: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру

TUESDAY: January 19th

  • HOLY THEOPHANY: Div. Liturgy and Great Blessing of Water at 9:00AM.
  • БОГОЈАВЉЕЊЕ: Св. Литургија и Велико освећење воде у 9:00 ујутру.

WEDNESDAY: January 20th

  • ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST: Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • СВЕТИ ЈОВАН КРСТИТЕЉ: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру

SUNDAY: January 24th

  • SUNDAY 34th AFTER PENTECOST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM. Saint Sava
  • Celebration. Blessing and cutting of Slava Kolach; Dinner and Program.
  • НЕДЕЉА 34. ПО ДУХОВИМА: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру. Светосавска
  • Прослава. Сечење Славског колача, ручак и програм у продужетку.

WEDNESDAY: January 27th

  • ST. SAVA: Divine Liturgy at 9:00AM
  • СВЕТИ САВА: Света Литургија у 9:00 ујутру

SUNDAY: January 31st

  • SUNDAY 35th AFTER PENTECOST: Divine Liturgy at 10:00AM
  • НЕДЕЉА 35. ПО ДУХОВИМА: Света Литургија у 10:00 ујутру

Download Serbian Christmas form letter for “Excused Absence” from Father Marko

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With Serbian Christmas quickly approaching January 7, 2016 and taking place during the work/school week on a Thursday, many people may work or have school obligations.

Whether it’s an Altar Boy participating in services on this holiday or students simply being with family during church services on this special day, a note from Father Marko may be required or requested by school officials relating to the absence.

Father Marko Matic has created a form letter that may be downloaded, printed and used as a request for an excused absence from school to participate in this Serbian Orthodox religious holiday.

This form letter is provided in the hope that it will enable more families to attend with their children on this special day.

We look forward to seeing you at the Christmas Eve celebrations Wednesday, January 6 and Christmas Day Thursday, January 7 at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana.

Akathist at St. Sava Church: Our Lord Jesus Christ – Thursday, Dec. 24

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Join us this Thursday, Dec. 24 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 Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated, according to Julian Calendar, December 25, and according to Gregorian January, 7.
Orthodox Christians are following the Julian calendar which was active during the Birth of Christ. This Akathist is dedicated to Jesus.

When fullness of time was come, God sent His only begotten son’ (Gal. 4:4) to save the human race. And when the ninth month had come after the archangel Gabriel appeared to the most holy Virgin in Nazareth, saying: “Hail, thou that art highly favored.. thou shalt conceive and bear a son”…

Joseph and Mary were invited by a decree of Caesar Augustus the Emperor of Rome to register at their home town of Bethlehem. When they arrived they could not find a lodging in any house, and found shelter in a cave. In this cave the most holy Virgin gave birth to the Savior of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The shepherds came in from a field after they had heard a multitude of angels singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men” (Luke 2:14). They worshiped Him as Messiah and Savior.

At that time there also came wise men from the East, led by a wonderful star, bearing their gifts: gold, frenkincense and myrr, and worshiped Him as King of kings, offering Him their gifts (Mat. 2:11).

In the Akathist prayer we will glorify Our Lord Jesus Christ, and His Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit, asking Them for Their blessings and share with us Their Divine nature.

Come and joins us to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ!

What is Akathist?

Join us Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in the St. Sava Church for Akathist – 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. Click here to read more about Akathist…

Akathist at St. Sava Church: St. Nicholas the Wonderworker – Thursday, Dec. 17

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saint-nichiolas-icon-fullJoin us this Thursday, Dec. 17 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. Nicholas’ continuing wonderworking miracles for all.

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Asia Minor

St. Nicholas devoted his life to Chirst and served as priest in Patara, Asia Minor. He was known throughout the region as wonderworker, and eventually he was elected as Archbishop of Myra.

After the death of his Parents he distributed all the properties he inherited to the poor. On several occasions he took presents to the poor children secretly and to the homeless in his diocese. He was imprisoned during prosecution of Diocletian and Maximian Roman Emperors, and became known as a great teacher and instructor of Law of God.

He was present at the First Ecumenical Council in 325. He was defender of the truth of God. People considered him a saint even during his lifetime. He would appear to them at great distance in both dreams and in reality to those who called upon him for help. He was celebrated in school, by armies, sailors, and became a patron intercessor for all of them before God Almighty.

His legend as St. Nicholas became known both in East and West. In 1838 he was known by the Scandinavian countries as Santa Claus, including in the USA. In the West especially he is considered as the great patron Saint of children and the cheerful giver of gifts under the name Santa Claus.

What is Akathist?

Join us Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in the St. Sava Church for Akathist – 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. Click here to read more about Akathist…

Relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Indianapolis, Indiana

Interestingly, relics from the holy body of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia (Died AD 343), arrived Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at about 6:30 p.m. at the IndianapolisInternationalAirport on their way to a special prayer service at the St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, 7855 Marsh Road, Indianapolis, Indiana.

This very small portion of the relics of the holy body of St. Nicholas first arrived in the United States from Bari, Italy, and remained in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Now located at the St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in northwest Indianapolis, this portion of the relics will remain at the church indefinitely.

Celebrate First Slava of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville and Chicago – Dec. 12

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You are invited to celebrate the first Slava of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville and Chicago, Saturday, Dec. 12 with Holy Hierarchical Liturgy taking place at 10:00 a.m. at the Saint Sava Monastery in Libertyville, IL. Lunch will be served with a special program to follow beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the New Gracanica Monastery, Third Lake, IL.

Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and Littoral will serve Divine Liturgy with members of the Episcopal Council of Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America.

About The life of St. Mardarije of Libertyville (1889-1935)

This text is available from the Western American Diocese – Serbian Orthodox Church of North and South America (http://westsrbdio.org/en/events/canonization/hagiography/965-the-life-of-st-mardarije-of-libertyville).

Born in village of Kornet, Ljesani County, in Montenegro, on November 2, 1889, to pious parents Petar and Jela Uskokovic, he was baptized in his village church dedicated to St. George and received his baptismal name Ivan. His mother was from the well-known Bozovic family. Both of his parents were well respected in their community holding the office of leadership and particularly his father was a captain of their clan.

Considering his parents’ status, young Ivan was sent to further his education, first in Rijeka Crnojevic, Cetinje, and then in Belgrade, Serbia. While in Belgrade, young Ivan advanced his childhood desire to serve God and the Church, and so from there he headed to monastery Studenica where after a short period of novice life he gets tonsured to monasticism having received the name Mardarije. With the decision of the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church, now young hierodeacon Mardarije is sent to Russia where he spent twelve years (1905-1917) furthering his theological education and growing in wisdom.

From there, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church sent him to the United States of America to organize the Serbian Orthodox Church. On December 1, 1923, now archimandrite Mardarije is appointed as administrator of the Serbian American-Canadian diocese with the see in Chicago and that same year he purchased around ten acres of land in Libertyville, Illinois, where later St. Sava monastery was built. He was elected by the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church as the first bishop for the newly established diocese in America on December 7, 1925, and his consecration took place on Palm Sunday, the Feast of the Entrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, on April 25, 1926.

From then on His Grace Bishop Mardarije, the first bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America, labored tirelessly in building churches, St. Sava monastery in Libertyville, sowing Christian love, spread peace, preached and witnessed the Gospel of Christ throughout his diocese. In spite of inescapable wordly trends, he lived spontaneity of truth and a provision of grace, just because Life has dawned from the Tomb, and is dawning still. Having labored as bishop for a little over nine years he died peacefully on December 12, 1935, hospitalized in Ann Arbor, Michigan, while writing his last Nativity Encyclical to his beloved flock. His earthly remains were laid to rest at St. Sava monastery in Libertyville.

The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church during its regular session held from May 14-29, 2015 brought forth a decision that his name be added to the Diptych of saints of the Holy Orthodox Church.

From the Holy Hierarch Mardarije, we see how the grace of God reaches the heart of our cities, bringing to the confusion of the world the breeze of the Spirit and the serenity of the Age to come.