[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1998-E1999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            SERBIAN SISTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to commend the 
Circle of Serbian Sisters of Northwest Indiana. This distinguished 
organization is holding its fifth annual benefit at St. Elijah's 
Serbian Orthodox Church Hall in Merrillville, IN, this Sunday, October 
12, 1997.
  The Circle of Serbian Sisters of Northwest Indiana is the combined 
effort to four Circle of Serbian Sisters organizations, each of which 
has about 200 members. The presidents of the Circle of Serbian Sisters 
organizations are: Ms. Helen Tezich, from St. George Serbian Orthodox 
Church in East Chicago; Ms. Natalie Tica, from St. George Serbian 
Orthodox Church in Schererville; Ms. Ann Rudman, from St. Sava Serbian 
Orthodox Church in Merrillville; and Ms. Milica Bodrozic, from St. 
Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville.
  Some 5 years ago, these organizations unified to assemble this 
humanitarian fundraiser in order to provide aid to orphaned and refugee 
children in the former Yugoslavia. This year alone, three women--Milica 
Bodrozic, Mira Radakovich, and Violet Sekulich--who are from various 
kolos--circles--personally distributed monie's to various orphanages 
and families in financial need. And 2 years ago, the Circle of Serbian 
Sisters sent over 7,000 packages and vaccines to displaced children, 
who are forced to live in refugee camps and shelters. These 
individually wrapped packages consisted of underwear, sweat suits, and

[[Page E1999]]

candy. The Circle of Serbian Sisters of Northwest Indiana works with 
the International Orthodox Christian Charities and Serbian Orthodox 
Church in the former Yugoslavia.
  Four priests who have supported this effort from the very beginning 
are: Father Steve Kovacevich, from St. George Serbian Orthodox Church 
in East Chicago; the Very Reverend Father Milan Savich, from St. George 
Serbian Orthodox Church in Schererville; the Arch Priest John 
Todorovich, from St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church; and Father Lazar 
Kostur, from St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church.
  This year, the Circle of Serbian Sisters will be honored with the 
presence of His Grace Right Reverend Longin, Bishop of Dalmatia and 
Auxiliary Bishop to His Holiness Patriarch Pavale. His Grace Right 
Reverend Longin is also the Administrator of New Gracanica, seated in 
Third Lake, IL.
  Mr. Speaker, during this difficult time in the former Yugoslavia, the 
mission of the Circle of Serbian Sisters of Northwest Indiana offers 
renewed hope in the humanity of all people. I ask you and my other 
distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Circle of Serbian 
Sisters and wishing them well on their fifth annual banquet, as well as 
the continued success of their humanitarian efforts.

                          ____________________