At last night’s Executive Board meeting of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral (HRSOC), His Grace Bishop Serafim and Mr. Alex Lazich gave a compelling presentation on behalf of the Steering Committee, blessed and approved by His Eminence Metropolitan Longin, regarding the ambitious renovation plans at St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville, IL.
Their mission is to renew the sacred grounds by restoring the historic camp building and establishing the St. Mardarije Spiritual & Cultural Center—a place where Serbian Orthodox faith, culture, and community can flourish for generations to come.
This transformational project honors the legacy of Saint Nikolaj Velimirović and Saint Mardarije, who envisioned St. Sava Monastery as a spiritual and cultural home for Serbian Orthodox faithful in America.
Why This Project Matters
- Historic Importance: The camp building was established in the 1940s and served thousands of children before closing in 2015 due to safety concerns.
- New Center: The restored building will become a fully functional spiritual and cultural center, featuring a diocesan bookstore, library, offices, meeting spaces, and a dining hall with a commercial kitchen.
- Return of St. Sava Camp: The beloved youth summer program will be reinstated, serving children ages 6–18 with updated safety, lodging, and programming.
- Year-Round Ministry: In addition to youth camps, the center will host retreats, iconography and liturgical music workshops, clergy meetings, and diocesan events.
- Preservation Plan: The Diocese will implement formal maintenance and usage guidelines, with dedicated staff for long-term care and operations.
Fundraising Goals and Opportunities
The total campaign goal is $6 million, allocated as follows:
- $5.5M for construction, infrastructure, and ADA upgrades
- $400K for furnishings and equipment
- $100K annually for long-term care and operations
Supporters can contribute in the following ways:
- Legacy Brick Sponsor: Commemorative bricks will be permanently installed at the Center.
- Naming Opportunities: Ranging from individual rooms to the Fellowship Hall and Dormitory Wing.
- Open Donations: Every gift matters—whether large or small, one-time or recurring.
Be Part of This Legacy
This is not just a construction project—it is a spiritual investment in the future of our people. By restoring this holy site, we ensure that Serbian Orthodox youth and faithful across North America will always have a home for gathering, worship, and identity.
Let us come together—in faith, in memory, and in hope—to fulfill this mission and renew the sacred grounds entrusted to us.
