[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 2 (Friday, January 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E16]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E16]]
          TRIBUTE TO THE VERY REVEREND FATHER JOVAN TODOROVICH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and 
admiration that I congratulate the Very Reverend Father Jovan 
Todorovich upon his retirement as parish priest at Saint Sava Serbian 
Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana. I can truly say throughout 
his more than 36 years of service at Saint Sava, Father Todorovich has 
been one of the most dedicated, distinguished, and committed citizens 
of Indiana's First Congressional District. Northwest Indiana and Saint 
Sava have certainly been rewarded by the true service and 
uncompromising loyalty he has displayed to the parish and the entire 
community.
  Father Todorovich was born in Vratare, Serbia on July 5, 1940. From a 
very young age, he was inspired by his faith and realized that a life 
of service in the priesthood was his calling. In pursuit of his dream, 
Father Todorovich eventually went on to complete his courses, earning a 
Bachelor's Degree in Theological Studies at Saints Cyril and Methodius 
Seminarian College in Prizen. Following the completion of his studies, 
Father Todorovich emigrated to the United States of America in 1964. In 
1965, due to his perseverance and dedication, Father Todorovich's 
efforts came to fruition with his ordination into the priesthood.
  Prior to joining the congregation at Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox 
Church, while serving as parish priest for Saint George Church, Father 
Todorovich served as the director of the Saint Sava Mission Summer Camp 
program in California. Shortly thereafter, in 1970, he arrived at Saint 
Sava Church, which was located in Gary, Indiana at the time. Early on 
during his tenure as parish priest at Saint Sava, Father Todorovich's 
abilities as a teacher and community leader began to emerge. It was 
through his efforts at this time that many new members joined the 
congregation, a new donation campaign was initiated, new church bylaws 
were introduced, and the need for social gatherings and activities for 
youth was realized.
  When a fire destroyed the church in Gary, Father Todorovich led the 
parishioners of Saint Sava to a new chapel in Hobart, Indiana, where 
services were held until the construction of the current church, 
located in Merrillville, Indiana, was completed. Subsequently, the new 
church was consecrated in May 1991. Once again, with Father 
Todorovich's leadership and committed efforts, as well as the vast 
efforts of many parishioners, the people of Saint Sava were once again 
able to come together with their spiritual leader and each other to 
worship.
  The new church's consecration, however, was not the only momentous 
occasion at this time, as Father Todorovich was awarded the highest 
honor, the Pectoral Cross with the title of Protojerej Stavrofor. To 
further illustrate the high esteem in which Father Todorovich is held 
by his parish and his community, in April 1993, he was appointed to the 
distinguished position of Deputy to the Metropolitan.
  Another of the many ways Father Todorovich has touched the lives of 
so many people is through his writing. Father Todorovich is quite the 
accomplished writer, having produced several literary works, including: 
Patron Saint-Krsna Slava, Our Slava: A Manual on Confession and 
Communion, and A Visitor's Guide to Saint Sava Church. He has also 
penned various articles for the Diocesan Observer, as well as for Saint 
Sava's church bulletin.
  Although his pastoral duties and many additional responsibilities 
have required a vast amount of his time, what is most impressive is the 
fact that Father Todorovich has never let his busy schedule keep him 
from his greatest love, his family. Father Todorovich and his wife, 
Protinica Mirijana, are the proud parents of three daughters, and they 
have also been blessed with one grandchild.
  Madam Speaker, America is a better place because of the tireless and 
unselfish service of its citizens. Very Reverend Father Jovan 
Todorovich is a man who has dedicated his entire life to serving 
others, and he has been the truest example of morality and wisdom. In 
so doing, he has strengthened his community and the whole of our 
society. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in 
commending Very Reverend Father Jovan Todorovich for his lifetime of 
enduring service and the unforgettable effect he has had on the people 
of Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and Northwest Indiana. I wish 
Father Todorovich and his family well upon his retirement.

                          ____________________