On Sunday, October 17, 2021 – His Grace Bishop Longin (Krco) served Holy hierarchical Liturgy at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana. Divine Liturgy began at 10:00 a.m. with a banquet following at 1:00 p.m. Тhis year we had a beautiful weather to celebrate.

Concelebrants were: V. Rev. Archimandrite Thomas (Kazich), V. Rev. Fr. John Todorovich, V. Rev. Fr. Marko Matic (parish priest) and diocesan protodeacon Milovan Gogic. In the Holy Altar was present retired clergyman – V. Rev. Bogdan Zjalic, who prayed with us and received Holy Communion. There were several altar boys who helped during the service being coordinated by our subdeacon Stefan Radovic. Many guests came from all around the country to attend the service and prayers. Other priests from local parishes came as well to participate and support this parish.

The parish choir did an excellent job with beautiful singing and making the service to God more glorious. After lunch there were several speakers who shared their common stories which were edifying to hear on such a momentous anniversary. 

Very Reverend Father Jovan Todorovich, former parish priest at the time of the consecration of the new church in 1991,  held a beautiful speech in the hall and was honored by Father Marko Matic and President Tony Settele. Ted Erceg, former executive board president at the time of the consecration of the new church in 1991, was also honored by them. It was nice to be present and hear the wisdom of these elders who have invested their whole lives into this parish. Our young but prosperous generations were able to learn a lot and receive the best example for their bright future. The Church Board honored its youth members, and congratulated Ana Blagojevic and Alex Jensen as they received the St. Sava Youth Leadership Awards.

 May our Lord bless this parish with many blessed years of service to the community.