Please join us in commemorating the 112th anniversary of our beloved St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church – a celebration of enduring faith, fellowship, and the vibrant Serbian Orthodox culture that continues to unite and strengthen our community taking place in our Pavilion Sunday, November 1, 2026, following Divine Liturgy. Baked goods are greatly appreciated.
Mihailo “Derek” Rutovic
We are honored to welcome Mihailo “Derek” Rutovic as our guest speaker. Derek serves as Director of the Airborne Science Program within NASA’s Earth Science Division. A brief biography is attached for your reference.
Derek is the son of Radoica and Lynne Rutovic, whose generous support and dedication have contributed to many projects at St. Sava Church. Through their many quiet acts of kindness, they have exemplified faith in action. Following their example, Derek has also devoted himself to helping those in need and supporting worthy causes.
As we gather to celebrate this significant milestone, we give thanks to God for the journey of faith we have shared together. This anniversary reminds us of our rich spiritual heritage and the strong foundation upon which our church was built. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of the past, celebrate the vitality of the present, and look forward with hope and faith to the future.
Come rejoice with us – as we celebrate 112 years of faith, service, and community. All are welcome!
Mihailo “Derek” Rutovic – Director of the Airborne Science Program within NASA’s Earth Science Division
Derek Rutovic has served as the director of the Airborne Science Program (ASP) since June 2025. As the ASP director, he is responsible for managing the cost, schedule, and performance of the aircraft NASA uses to meet Earth Science airborne data collection requirements now and into the future. These efforts include the sustainment and maintenances of government-owned and operated aircraft, enabling commercial aircraft vendors where appropriate, and forecasting the future mix of assets required to meet future requirements.
Prior to this role, Derek served as the ASP deputy director for 5 years after serving as an engineer and aircraft program manager at the NASA Johnson Space Center for nearly 20 years. During his career, he served as the lead mechanical engineer for the T-38N avionics upgrade, chief engineer for the Super Guppy avionics upgrades and for the G-III Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) integration, program manager for G-III, GV, and WB-57F aircraft, and has led several aircraft acquisitions for the Agency including a Boeing 777 and multiple Gulfstreams.
Derek received his B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University in 2004, and he graduated from the United States Naval Test Pilot School, Class 143, in 2013. When not working, Derek enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, cooking, and flying general aviation aircraft.
Photo of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church provided by Ed Stojancevich
