[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 105 (Tuesday, July 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1118-E1119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT SAVA SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2014

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I recognize 
Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church as the congregation joins together 
in celebration of the church's 100th anniversary. The parishioners, 
along with Parish Priest, Reverend Father Marko Matic, and Parish 
President, Mr. Mike Ajder, will be commemorating this momentous 
occasion with a special 3-day celebration taking place from November 21 
through November 23, 2014. The event will honor all who have 
contributed to the success of Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church.
   Founded in Gary, Indiana, Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church is now 
located in Merrillville and is one of the oldest churches in the 
Midwest. In 1914, the church's founders declared their mission before 
the Secretary of the State in Indianapolis: ``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.''
   In 1914, Saint Sava's first church-school congregation was 
organized. It was named after Saint Sava, the first Archbishop of the 
Serbian Church. The church was built on 20th Avenue and Connecticut 
Street in Gary. After a devastating fire in 1978, Saint Sava relocated 
to their previously built chapel and parish hall located in Hobart, 
where the congregation held services until 1991. Very Reverend Father 
Jovan Todorovich led committed efforts in the construction of their 
current place of worship in Merrillville, which was completed in May of 
1991. Today, the parishioners and church leaders gather together in 
this magnificent building to worship, celebrate, and continue the 
mission of the founding fathers.
   Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church continues to touch the lives of 
countless individuals through its compassionate service and charitable 
work. Most recently, parishioners and church leaders participated in a 
relief effort to raise funds and collect needed supplies to help the 
victims in Serbia and surrounding communities recover from devastating 
floods. In addition, the members of this parish continue to preserve 
the traditions of the Serbian culture and the Orthodox faith through 
the church's historical society.

[[Page E1119]]

   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox 
Church in Merrillville, Indiana on its 100th anniversary. The members 
and church leaders have dedicated themselves to upholding Serbian 
heritage, tradition, and the Orthodox faith. For their noteworthy 
commitment to serving so many in need, the congregation is worthy of 
the highest praise.

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