[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING ST. SAVA SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm 
that I congratulate St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church as they join 
together in celebration of their 90th anniversary. They will be 
celebrating this very momentous and special occasion November 13 and 
14, 2004.
  St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and School is known throughout the 
northwest Indiana community as ``Serbian Gary'' because of its 
continued efforts over the past 90 years to perpetuate the Serbian 
Orthodox faith and traditions. In 1914, the founders proclaimed their 
mission of their new church before the Secretary of State in 
Indianapolis, Indiana. Their mission is as follows: ``The purpose of 
this parish is to preach the Word of God (the Lord Jesus) and take 
spiritual care of its members; to spread goodness, justice, brotherly 
love, and respect among its members.''
  After much debate and discussion on who would be their chosen patron 
saint, it was unanimously decided that the patron saint of the parish 
and church would be St. Sava, the First Serbian Archbishop and 
Enlightener. In 1917, the parishioners, although under tremendous 
economic hardships, built the first church and school on 20th Avenue 
and Connecticut Street in Gary. Mr. Michael Pupin, a well-known Serbian 
scientist, served as Kum at the consecration services. Immediately 
after the Great Depression, the parish built an even larger church, 
school, parish hall, and library on 13th Avenue and Connecticut in 
1938. Mr. Nikola Tesla, a well-known Serbian inventor and scientist, 
served as Kum at the consecration services.
  In 1969, after Chairman Nick Chabraja purchased 40 acres of property 
on 49th Avenue in Hobart, the parish built a new parish hall for their 
summer meetings and family picnics. In February of 1978, during the day 
of honor to St. Simeon and Ana, the church was completely destroyed by 
a terrible fire. Under the leadership of President Zivojin Cokic and 
many volunteers, they built another church in the small hall of the 
49th Avenue building. In May of 1991, the parish celebrated a ``new 
beginning'' when a brand-new building was constructed. The new building 
opened in Merrillville, where relics which survived the fire were 
blessed and installed into the new church.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church 
on their 90th anniversary. Throughout many hardships and trials, the 
members of St. Sava have dedicated themselves to providing a spiritual 
and guiding light through the protection of the Serbian Orthodox faith 
and traditions for all of northwest Indiana. Their constant dedication 
and commitment is worthy of the highest commendation.

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