St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral

“Ravanica”

GLAS RAVANICE NEWSLETTER

JUNE, 2016

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

JOIN US IN COMMEMORATING OUR CHURCH SLAVA JOIN US IN COMMEMORATING OUR CHURCH SLAVA JOIN US IN COMMEMORATING OUR CHURCH SLAVA JOIN US IN COMMEMORATING OUR CHURCH SLAVA

VIDOVDAN!VIDOVDAN!VIDOVDAN!VIDOVDAN!

 

The Lord's Prayer

"Оче наш"

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from Evil. Amen.

Otce nas, ize jesi na nebesjeh. Da svjatitsja imja Tvoje, da pridet carstvije Tvoje, da budet volja Tvoja, jako na nebesi i na zemlji. Hljeb nas nasushnij, dazd nam dnes i ostavi nam dolgi nasja, jakoze i mi ostavljajem dolznikom nasim. I ne

vovedi nas vo iskushenije, no izbavi nas ot lukavago.

The Creed I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth, and all things visible and invisble. AND in one Lord Jesus

Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of light, true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from

Heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. And, He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate and suffered and was buried. And the third day, He rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into Heaven and

sits at the right hand of the Father; And he shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end. AND in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son

together is worshipped and glorified who spoke by the prophets. And in ONE Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the Resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Trinity Icon

Simbol Vere Verujem u jednoga Boga, Oca, Svedrzitelja, Tvorca neba i zemlje i svega vidljivog i nevidljivog.  I u jednoga Gospoda Isusa Hrista, Sina Bozijeg, Jedinorodnog, rodjenog od Oca pre svih vekova, Svetlost od Svetlosti, Boga istinitog od Boga istinitog, rodjenog ne stvorenog, jednosusnog Ocu, kroz  koga je sve postalo;  Koji je radi  nas  ljudi i radi nasega spasenja sisao s nebesa, i ovaplotio se od Duha Svetoga i Marije Djeve i postao covek;  I Koji je raspet za nas u vreme Pontija Pilata i stradao i pogreben;  I Koji je vaskrsao u treci dan kao sto je pisano;  I Koji se uzneo na nebesa i sedi s desne strane Oca;  I Koji ce opet doci sa slavom da sudi zivima i mrtvima, i Njegovom Carstvu nece biti kraja.  I u Duha SVetoga, Gospoda, Zivotvornoga, Koji od Oca ishodi, Koji se zajedno sa Ocem i Sinom  obozava i slavi, Koji je govorio kroz propoke.  U jednu, svetu, sabornu i apostolsku Crkvu, Ispovedam jedno krstenje za otpustenje grehova. Cekam vaskrsenje mrtvih, I zivot buducega veka.   Amin. 

ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL “RAVANICA” ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL “RAVANICA” ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL “RAVANICA” ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL “RAVANICA” June 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

MARK YOUR CALENDARS SUNDAY, JUNE 26TH OUR CHURCH SLAVA VIDOVDAN!

PENTECOST DUHOVI JUNE 19TH

1 FAST

2

3 FAST

Emperor

Constantine

and Helen

Divine Liturgy

9 A.M.

4

5 Sun. of the

Blind Man

Divine

Liturgy/C.S.

10 A.M. Spasovdan Slava

Last Day of C.S.

Kumovi Day

6

7

8 FAST

9

Ascension of

Our Lord

(Spasovdan)

Divine Liturgy

9 A.M.

10 FAST

11

12 Sun. 7 of

Pascha

Divine Liturgy

10 A.M.

13

14

15 FAST

16

17 FAST

18

SOUL

SATURDAY

(Zadusnice)

19

PENTECOST

(DUHOVI)

Divine Liturgy

10 .A.M.

HAPPY

FATHER’S DAY!

20 HOLY SPIRIT

DAY

Divine Liturgy

9 A.M.

*Prayer Service

For Beginning of

Children’s

Summer Camp!

21

CHILDREN’S

SUMMER DAY

CAMP!

22 NO FAST

CHILDREN’S

SUMMER DAY

CAMP!

23

CHILDREN’S

SUMMER DAY

CAMP!

24 NO FAST CHILDREN’S

SUMMER DAY

CAMP!

25

26

Sun. 1 after

Pentecost

Divine Liturgy

10 A.M.

VIDOVDAN

SLAVA!

27 FAST

APOSTLES’

FAST BEGINS

28 FAST

HOLY ST.

LAZARUS & ALL

SERBIAN

MARTYRS

VIDOVDAN

Divine Liturgy

9 A.M.

29 FAST

C.S. Michigan

Adventure Trip!

30

Znak za Post

Sign for Fasting

Church Executive Board

Cathedral Dean. V. Rev. Zivan Urosev

Parish Priest Rev. Dragan Micanovic

President Mike Balow-mikebalow@gmail.com

1st Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimarac@yahoo.com

2nd Vice President Bogdan Beslach -butchbeslach@comcast.net

Treasurer Gregory Borchich-

Recording Secretary Milan Golusin-milan.golusin@gmail.com

Financial Secretary Zivorad Petrovich- jim.petrovich@HP.com

Audit Chair Bosko Vulinovic -bvulinovic@wowway.com

Members at Large

Member at Large Roy Downie –rdownie2@gmail.com

Member at Large Bruce Kavaya – actonephoto@hotmail.com

Member at Large Srecko Nesovski -

Member at Large Donna Rajkovic -donna-rajkovic@yahoo.com

Member at Large Jordan Tasich

Boban Trajcevski - bobant@hotmail.com

Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo

Affiliated Organizations

St. Lazarus Church-School Superintendents – Marija Mijac & Danielle Nesovski

St. Lazarus Church-School/ Cultural Program Chairman- Zoran Djurich

Serbian Sisters Ravanica President – Donna Rajkovic

Ravanica Pensioner’s Club President – Branka Misovski

Ravanica Choir President - Daniel Capuzzi

St. Lazarus Sports Club David Willman

CHURCH SERVICES

Divine Liturgy – Sundays 10 A.M.

Weekday and Feast Days 9 A.M. (See Church Calendar)

Church Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wed., & Friday: 9:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M

Parish Office Phone: (313) 893-6025

Parish Office Fax: (313) 892-6944

The “Glas “ Newsletter Editors and Church Ex. Board assumes responsibility and the right to reject, delete and rewrite, any

part or all of the club articles submitted for publication. Any news or social interest should be submitted to the Editors.

“Glas” Editors: Donna and Paul Bielich

From the Church’s RecordsFrom the Church’s RecordsFrom the Church’s RecordsFrom the Church’s Records…………

BAPTISMS:

Clair Mihalj- April 16, 2016

Parents: Nenad & Jessica Mihalj

Shay Reading-April 23, 2016

Parents: Andrew & Maja Reading

Daniel Cable-May 14, 2016

Parents: Terry & Linda Cable

Gia Ventro-May 29, 2016

Parents: George & Daniela Ventro

Connor Apostolovski-May 29, 2016

Parents: Brian & Ashleigh Apostolovski

Zara Golusin-June 4, 2016

Parents: Milan & Olivera Golusin

Our most sincere congratulations are extended to the parents, grandparents, kumovi and all relatives of the newly

baptized babies. May God bless them all. Mnogaja Ljeta!

MARRIAGES: 0

CONVERSIONS: 0

DEATHS:

+Iljko Stefanovski – May 12, 2016

+Milijana Grujic – May 21, 2016

+Norma Bogoevich-June 14, 2016

Grant rest eternal in blessed falling asleep, O Lord, to the soul of Thy departed Servants, and make their memory to be

eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!

Congratulations To Our Dads and Grads!

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it ... Dad

Author Unknown

Your Adventure

Now that you've graduated,

Your adventure has begun.

Your schooling has prepared you

For the race life has you run.

We praise you for your efforts,

And send good wishes, too,

For a future filled with happiness,

And your fondest dreams come true.

By Joanna Fuchs

The SNF Basketball Tournament is now history. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Tournament Co-Chairmen David Willman and Sasha Ristic and their committee for the outstanding job they did in organizing and orchestrating this most successful event for our St. Lazarus “Ravanica” parish. Also we wish to thank our SNF Beograd Lodge #98, President Alex Bogoevich, Zdravko Dobrasevic and all Beograd Lodge members. Without our Lodges the SNF Tournament would not have happened.

The success of the Tournament could not have been possible without the large number of parishioners whose tireless volunteer efforts helped to make the Tournament the success that it was. From Kitchen, Bar, Ad Book, Tickets, and also behind the scenes hanging signs, hotels, hospitality… everyone’s help was greatly appreciated. We could not have done it without these wonderful parishioners. Detroit did a FANTASTIC job hosting this event!

Thank you also to all of our parishioners who supported and attended the Tournament weekend activities.

A huge HVALAHVALAHVALAHVALA to all.

THANKS “RAVANICA” JR. SISTER’STHANKS “RAVANICA” JR. SISTER’STHANKS “RAVANICA” JR. SISTER’STHANKS “RAVANICA” JR. SISTER’S

On behalf of our “Ravanica” Parish we would like to sincerely thank our “Ravanica” Jr. Sister’s for all their hard work and effort in planting a flower garden along our Angels’s walk to enhance the beauty of our Cathedral and property. It will certainly be enjoyed by all of our parishioners.

I’m sure they all had a great time together – this was a wonderful example and show of Stewardship in helping their Church.

Great job kids!

We commend all of our Jr. Sister’s on a job well done!

Any young girl that wishes to join our Jr. Sister’s of Ravanica please Any young girl that wishes to join our Jr. Sister’s of Ravanica please Any young girl that wishes to join our Jr. Sister’s of Ravanica please Any young girl that wishes to join our Jr. Sister’s of Ravanica please contact: Pres. Donna Rajkovicontact: Pres. Donna Rajkovicontact: Pres. Donna Rajkovicontact: Pres. Donna Rajkovic c c c

HOLY PENTECOST-DUHOVI

Duhovski Venac (VEH nats) Pentecost Wreath; The most significant wreath a Serb will make is his/her Duhovski venac, the Pentecost wreath.

Pentecost (also called Trinity Day or Descent of the Holy Spirit) is one of the Great Feasts of

the Orthodox Church, celebrated fifty days after Pascha (thus always falling on a Sunday, this

year: June 19, 2016.

In the Serbian Orthodox Church on Pentecost, long blades of grass are mowed in a meadow and

brought to church, where they are blessed. Then during the Prayers to the Holy Spirit offered at

the end of the special Pentecostal Service; parishioners kneel three times during this service, and

weave small wreaths from grass, representing the Holy Trinity, spread throughout the church as

three prayers are read. They place these wreaths on the family icon, on the graves of loved ones,

and even in their car. The green grass symbolizes spring and new life which represents the

Apostles after being enlightened by the Holy Spirit. The significance of Pentecost is compared

to the Apostles before they received the Holy Spirit to a seed without soil, water, and other

nourishment, unable to germinate and grow. After receiving the Holy Spirit they gained the

strength, knowledge, and courage to spread the word of our Lord Jesus Christ - Christianity.

PENTECOST-DUHOVI

Pentecost is celebrated the 50th day after Pascha; in remembrance of when the Holy Spirit, who

appeared to the Apostles and enabled them to teach the Gospel to all people of different

languages. The day of this appearance was the first day the Christian congregation was

organized. It was also the day the first harvest of the year was celebrated. In memory of this, the

custom of celebrating the ‘first harvest” is preserved in the Orthodox church today. After the

Divine Liturgy, a thanksgiving Vesper is served and the church is strewn with field grass (the first

Harvest, found in the Jewish Feast of the Tabernacles). During the prayers, the people kneel and

each person shapes the field grass into three wreaths, representing the Holy Trinity. These

wreaths are then taken home, and placed beside the family Icon. Come and teach your children

about their church and our faith.

Pentecost is an important holiday in the Orthodox Church. All the days in the year are numbered beginning at Pentecost and ending when we start preparing for tf'le next Great Lent. Pentecost takes place on a Sunday, 50 days after Pascha (Easter). This h

nts the last steps in Jesus' mission among us. The Holy Trinity come togethe Pent~~cc>S.fl..Or this day, the apostles are ordained for their special mission through the g;,,,.,,.r

This was the

of the Holy Spi in ~foFm of tongues of fire.

The Apostles were praying together fifty days after Pascha (Easter) when the Holy Spirit came down to them with a flame like fire. They began to speak in languages they never knew before. Now they

would be able to teach the message of God's love to all nations.

day that the Apostles The week after Pentecost,

we do not fast on Wednesday and Friday, however, this is the began to baptize people '\~~~-~~;;;.._. .. ~

in the name of the Holy Trinity. Over 3000 people were baptized on Pentecost. We can think of our own Holy Baptism

first time we kneel in Church since Pascha (Easter) . We

stop singing Paschal hymns and begin singing the hymn

and Holy Chrismation when the Priest says: "The seal of

the gift of the Holy Spirit".

"We have seen the light", because the light of the Holy

Spirit is now in all of us.

The icon of Pentecost is red and gold to show us what an important feast day this is. At the top, there is a semi-circle with rays that look like flames coming

down on the praying Apostles to show us the Holy Spirit coming down to them. We see the apostles with books. At the center, is Cosmos, a royal figure coming out of the darkness and into the light with the help of the Gospel

he is holding in a cloth . The Holy Spirit will always be sanctifying the work of the Church ..

Coming of the Holy Spirit Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there ap­

peared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance ... Then Peter said to them,

"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as

many as the Lord our God will call. " ... And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:1-47

023-EN-ed02

Orthodoxa b TM

Name: ______________ _

Please complete the crossword puzzle below

using the following

1.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

words.

Across The Holy Spirit sanctifies this. We read about Pentecost in the

Down 2. This comes

together on Pentecost.

Pentecost is the first time we kneel in Church since Who comes to the Apostles on Pentecost On Pentecost over 3000 people were Pentecost takes place on a

PRAYER

Date: _________ _

BAPTIZED

CHURCH

EASTER

GOSPEL

HOLY SPIRIT

HOLY TRINITY

SUNDAY

We have seen the light, we have received the heavenly spirit. the true faith , worshipping the undivided Trinity for the Trinity has saved us.

- Divine Liturgy -

Serbs in New York Mourn a Spiritual Pillar, Swallowed by Flames By COREY KILGANNONMAY 2, 2016

Our Prayers to Our Prayers to Our Prayers to Our Prayers to out to all parishioners of the Serbian Orthodox out to all parishioners of the Serbian Orthodox out to all parishioners of the Serbian Orthodox out to all parishioners of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava inCathedral of St. Sava inCathedral of St. Sava inCathedral of St. Sava in New YorkNew YorkNew YorkNew York CityCityCityCity

The Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava on Monday, a day after the Manhattan landmark was gutted by fire. CreditKirsten Luce for The New York Times

On Sunday, about 700 congregants of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava attended a festive Orthodox Easter celebration.They brought brightly colored eggs and heard a plea from the altar to contribute to the continuing renovation of their beloved church, a majestic stone structure on 25th Street between Broadway and Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan that New York City made a landmark in 1968.

But on Monday, worshipers began a sad pilgrimage to the church. Instead of taking their place in its pews, they leaned against police barricades and gazed upon the historic building, which was gutted by a raging fire on Sunday night.“It’s a very emotional experience,” said Velimir Sabic, a Serbian immigrant and longtime congregant of St. Sava, who stood with his wife and their three young children at a barricade.The vaulted roof, which had been renovated several years ago, was reduced to a charred, spindly skeleton. The roof of the apse in the rear section was a shambles. The once-grand stained-glass windows were now gaping chasms. The cause of the fire remained under investigation on Monday.

Mr. Sabic said his family had watched the 19th-century church burn on the evening news, as the blaze quickly tore through it, devastating the pitched roof. The footage reduced his two young sons, both altar boys at St. Sava’s, to tears.

He said he brought his family from their home in the Bronx to pay respects to the church, for decades the spiritual pillar of the Serbian community.“For Serbs, this was our main church in New York,” said Nick Zelenovic, a retired textile manufacturer from Middle Village, Queens, who said his two children were christened there.“For every Serb, there is a lot of sadness today,” said Mr. Zelenovic, who added that, within days of arriving in New York from Serbia in 1972, he began attending Liturgy at St. Sava.

The church had been a spiritual destination for Serbs living in the region, including many from Queens neighborhoods like Glendale, Maspeth and Ridgewood.It was a journey that required Mirjana Jovanovic, of Glendale, to take three trains and a bus to attend the Easter service, all while carrying the dozen colored eggs she had made.Ms. Jovanovic said she began attending services there almost immediately after immigrating to New York from Serbia in 1986. She was married in the church in 2002, she said on Monday after talking her way past police lines so she could take snapshots of the building, “just to remember.”

Besides news reports, word of the fire spread by word of mouth and over the church’s website, which alerted parishioners with a simple headline: “Our Church Has Burned Down.”Flames first began appearing out of the top edges of the front double doors, and within minutes, the circular stained-glass window higher up on the facade shattered, and “a big tongue of fire came jumping out,” said Herman Tulp, a Dutch tourist staying across the street at a hotel.“It was apocalyptic,” he said.Firefighters responded to the blaze around 7 p.m., which grew and required roughly 170 department personnel to curb, a Fire Department spokesman said.Investigators have not labeled the fire suspicious, the spokesman, Frank Dwyer, said, adding that the blaze may have been made worse by the age of the church and its wooden interior.“It’s a very large structure with lots of voids where heat and smoke can gather, and lots of combustible material,” Mr. Dwyer said.He said that firefighters continued to put out small pockets of flames until Monday afternoon, and that there were no reports of major injuries.On Monday, amid the destruction, the church’s two stone crosses still stood high atop the front and rear of the structure, and the American and Serbian flags flying outside the front entrance still waved, only slightly torn.“If the stone is strong enough,” Mr. Zelenovic said, looking upon the church, “maybe we can rebuild.”

GOA Expresses Sympathy for Serbian Orthodox Brethren

By Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Orthodox News

May 03, 2016 ⋅

NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America expresses deep sorrow, concern and

sympathy to our Serbian Orthodox brethren for the massive fire that destroyed yesterday evening the

Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Sava in lower Manhattan.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America responding to the sad news of the catastrophic fire

stated: “We stand together with our Serbian Orthodox brothers and sisters, who are saddened by this loss

of their beloved cathedral, on the day of our Lord’s Resurrection. We pray to the Risen Christ that the

hope of His resurrection sustains them and strengthens them in the face of such adversity.”

NOTE: The Executive Board of Saint Sava currently endorses ONLY one single online donation option which can be found on their

website. Please beware of any unofficial and fraudulent online donation seeking campaigns. They have NOT created a

gofundme.com or crowdrise.com page yet.

Photo Credit: Saint Sava Cathedral in New York facebook page

THE 2nd ANNUAL

CHILDREN'S SUMMER DAY CAMP

will be held from

MONDAY, JUNE 20TH, 2016 - FRIDAY JUNE 24TH 2016

Location: St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral " Ravanica", Detroit MI

All Serbian Churches in Detroit area are invited to participate.

Our children will learn Orthodox Faith, Serbian Language, Serbian History and Church & Traditional Serbian Music

Classes. Two field trips are included. Everyday breakfast, lunch and snack will be provided as well.

Cost per child: $ 100 for whole week

For more info call Fr. Dragan at 313.893.6025 office or 248.778.8477 cell

Ravanica Church School

•

• Ravanica Church School Highlights

• This Year’s Highlights included:

• Dancing for several

churches.

• Sveti Sava Celebration

• Our children support the

Orthodox Outreach and

sack lunches for

homeless and needy.

• Summer Day Camp for

Serbian Orthodox Youth

of Detroit.

• This summer’s theme draws inspirations from Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” By the end of the week kids will

Ravanica Church School and Youth Program Dear Ravanica Families, End of Church School/Youth Program and Kumovi Day The end of the Church School year is here. On Sunday June 5, we will end by sharing the day with our Kumovi/Special Person. Kids will do a lesson and activity together. Lunch will be served after Liturgy. Also on this day, Father Dragan Petrovic, the Director of the Youth Department for the New Gracanica Midwest Diocese, will be visiting from Indianapolis. He would like to meet with our Ravanica teenagers for a talk after church. Summer Day Camp for Serbian Orthodox Youth of Detroit This summer’s theme draws inspirations from Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” By the end of the week kids will better understand ways in which they can allow the fruits of the Spirit to manifest in their daily lives. In addition to this important spiritual lesson, kids will learn about Serbian history, language, and music. The cost is $100 per child for the week. The camp is for kids entering Kindergarten-12th grade. The location will be St. Lazarus Cathedral and the American Serbian Memorial Hall (security will be provided). Remember the June 12 deadline if you wish to register. Registration forms have been emailed and posted on the Ravanica Kids FB page. If you did not receive one, please contact Marija Mijac mmijac19@hotmail.com or pick one up in the Church office. Completed registration forms and checks can be dropped off at the church office or mailed to: Marijana Cindric 2738 Crescent Oak Drive Sterling Heights, MI 48314 *please make checks payable to St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church and write 'summer camp' on the memo line. We look forward to seeing you at the 2016 Summer Day Camp!

better understand ways in which they can allow the fruits of the Spirit to manifest in their daily lives. In addition to this important spiritual lesson, kids will learn about Serbian history, language, and music.

• Kumovi Day

• Spring Folklore Festival

• ●Vrbica

• Easter Egg Dying and

Lesson

• SNF Basketball

Tournament

Upcoming Dates to Keep in Mind June 20-24 - Ravanica Summer Camp June 26- Vidovdan Church Slava Wednesday June 29 - Michigan Adventure

Michigan Adventure Below is the link for the June 29 Michigan Adventure trip. Once again, all registered church school/youth group kids are paid for by the church. Parents/guests are $55 for bus+admission, $28 for park admission only if you are driving. Looking forward to a fun time! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044eaaa828a75-michigans2/

Still Calling All Graduates! Our list of 2016 graduates is growing. If you have not shared a bio and photo of graduating 8th grader, high schooler, or collegian, it is not too late. Contact Marija Mijac at mmijac19@hotmail.com -------------------------------------------------------------------

Youth Program Thank you to all the kids and parents who came to Windsor last Sunday to dance at the Djurdjevdan Picnic. You did a terrific job!!

Gracanica Camp Season 2016 Dear Parents and Campers,

With the blessing of his Grace Vladika Longin, the 2016 camp season will begin June 26th! We are looking

forward to another wonderful season. Our Kolo Sisters are diligently working to make all the preparations for

a fabulous camp season. Attention: The camp phone has been changed to 630-597-5692 please make

note of this change.

2016 Camp Fees

The cost of camp includes: all room and board, t-shirt, pool entrance, Great America and movie. Full

payment must accompany registration.

Before May 6 After May 6

Weeks 1, 2, 3* $145 $165

Teen Fusion Week $170 $190

Non-member** $215

* Boys, ages 11-18, are being wait listed for Week 3

**Non-member fee will be charged if no priest signature on application.

Important Details, Teen Fusion Week � REGISTER SOON! Only the first 60 applicants from each camp

(Gracanica & St. Sava) will be registered.

� All applicants registering for Teen Fusion Week need to provide

proof of fall grade placement with the application. This can be a

copy of a school ID or report card that states the applicant’s grade

in the fall.

Important Details, Attire � Please refer to the packing list posted on the webiste when

choosing attire for camp

� Girls may not wear halter tops or those that expose their midriff

� Girls may not wear shorts that are above mid-thigh

� There is to be no writing on the backside of shorts or pants

� Any clothing displaying vulgar or explicit language is not allowed

� Church attire for boys prohibits jeans, t-shirts, gym shoes

� Church attire for girls prohibits bare shoulders, skirts/dresses

above the knee, gym shoes

� If attire is deemed inappropriate by a staff member, campers will

be required to change into something appropriate. If they do not

have an alternate choice, appropriate clothing will be provided.

Important Details, Registration 1. All applications must be complete, in full, in order to be registered

(excpetions will be made for Medical Release Forms where

Physicals are scheduled at a later date)

2. Campers with incomplete applications will not be registered

3. As of April 30th, there are no spots available for 3rd week

4. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 23

5. Make checks payable to: Most Holy Mother of God Children’s

Camp

6. All applications must be mailed to:

Zoki Mandic

6678 W. Harts

Niles, IL 60714

Questions?

Call Camp Secretary (630) 597-5692, Teta Mira (224)659-030 or Email us for any questions or to check

status of applications campgracanica@gmail.com

2016 Camp Weeks

� Week 1, June 26 thru July 2, campers Grades 1-12 � Week 2, July 3 thru July 9, campers Grades 1-12 � Week 3, July 10 thru July 16, campers Grades 1-12 � Week 4, July 17 thru July 23, campers Grades 9 – 12

Check-in: each Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Check-out: the following Saturday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM.

Activities

Religion and heritage classes

� Serbian language classes

� Arts and crafts

� Community service event

� Bonfire with ćevap picnic

� A day at the pool

� Great America

� Candle Light dinner with speakers

� Talent show, and lots more!

ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL “RAVANICA”

CHURCH SLAVA

VIDOVDAN SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

DIVINE LITURGY WILL BE CELEBRATED BY OUR PARISH

PRIESTS AND LOCAL GUEST CLERGY AT 10 A.M. WITH PROCESSION

AROUND THE CHURCH TO FOLLOW

RESPONSES BY S.S.S. RAVANICA

CUTTING OF THE SLAVSKI KOLAC

FOLLOWED BY SLAVA BANQUET

HONORED SLAVA KUMOVI

ROY AND MARY DOWNIE

Tickets $25 Adults; $10 Children from 6 to 16 yrs. old

PLEASE PURCHASE TICKETS FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE

Music will be provided by Orchestra Lira

Our Church Slava is the time when we pause to thank God for all His blessings

to our parish and church community, and rededicate ourselves to its mission

and future. Let us join that day in honoring our St. Lazarus Church “Ravanica”

and all the pioneers, founders and benefactors who have gone before us.

EVERYONE WELCOME! SVI STE NAM DOBRO DOSLI!

Vidovdan (song) "Vidovdan" is the name of a patriotic Serb folk song that was featured on the 1989 album with the same name of Gordana Lazarević, a famous singer from Serbia. The Serbian Singing Federation published this song in memory of long-time Ravanica Church President, +Rudolph Kordich.

Vidovdan (St. Vitus' Day, June 28) is one of the most important religious holidays of the Serbs, Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbia, as it is of great a historical importance because of the Battle of Kosovo which was fought between Medieval Serbia and the invading Ottoman Empire on June 28, 1389. The lyrics refer to the battle and Serbs of Kosovo

Lyrics

Serbian lyrics

U nebo gledam prolaze vekovi, Sećanja davnih jedini lekovi.

Chorus: Kud god da krenem Tebi se vraćam ponovo. Ko da mi otme iz moje duše Kosovo

Vidovdan

K'o večni plamen u našim srcima Kosovskog boja Ostaje istina.

Chorus x1

Vidovdan

Oprosti Bože sve naše grehove Junaštvom daruj kćeri i sinove.

Chorus x1

English translation

I'm looking at the sky, centuries are passing by, The only remedy for Old memories.

Chorus: Wherever I may go, I will always return. Nobody can tear Kosovo away from my soul

Vidovdan

Like an eternal flame burning in our hearts The battle remains the truth.

Chorus x1

Vidovdan

Lord, forgive us of all of our sins. Give the courage to our sons and daughters.

Chorus x1

VIDOVDAN-JUNE 28, 2016

Icon courtesy of “Kosovski Bozur”, a magazine of the children of Kosovo and Metohija

Vidovdan is a major feast in the calendar of the Serbian Orthodox Church, when we commemorate both an event from our Serbian history but also a person, Holy Prince Lazar of Kosovo. One major figure from our history who defines our Serbian identity as people of God.

St. Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Philippians, “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things” (Phil 4:8). It is, therefore, on Vidovdan that we mediate upon and remember those who fought and gave their lives for those things which are true and pure and of good report. On this day, the feast of the Holy and Great-Martyr Prince Lazar of Kosovo, we remember in our prayers not only those who fought on that Kosovo field at the end of the fourteenth century but each year a Parastos is served on this day for all the heroes of Kosovo and all Serbs who gave their lives for the Christian faith and freedom from the Battle of Kosovo to the present day.

There was a time in our history when Serbia was an empire. It was during the reign of Tsar Dušan, known as Dušan the Mighty, that Serbia reached its territorial peak. It was during his rule, in the year 1346, that the Serbian church became a patriarchate. It was during that era, around the year 1329, that Lazar Hrebeljanovic was born in the city of Prilepac. He was brought up in the Christian faith and was known as a humble young man; he was brave and of a

noble heart and soul. He richly multiplied the gifts with which God had endowed him. He was so gifted that he not only surpassed his peers, but even attracted the attention of Dušan the Mighty and obtained his favor. He was taken into the imperial palace and soon thereafter was involved in affairs of the state.

Soon, he even became the mighty tsar’s in-law as Dušan gave him for his wife his own relative, Milica, who was a descendent of the holy dynasty of St. Symeon and his son St. Sava, the Nemanjic dynasty. It was after their marriage that Lazar received the title ‘Knez’, or Prince. He became a general in Dušan’s army since he was skilled in the art of warfare and in commanding troops. It was at this time in history that a great peril was threatening all Christians and rulers in the Balkans in the form of the Turkish armies which were penetrating into Europe from Asia Minor more and more often. Dušan was marching against them with his army when he became ill and suddenly died in the year 1355.

Dušan’s son, Uroš, unlike his mighty father was nicknamed “the weak” and it was during his reign that his father’s empire was carved up as some of the Serbian feudal lords who had been under Tsar Dušan didn’t want to be under his son. Uroš was by nature gracious and meek, he was only nineteen when he became Tsar and incapable of uniting the Serbian provinces. The only one who stayed with him was Prince Lazar, who remained at the palace and was Uroš’s most faithful and devoted nobleman. It was Lazar’s goal to unite all the Serbian provinces and to gather all Christians together in the struggle against the Turks. In 1371 Tsar Uroš passed away but Lazar continued in his efforts of uniting the Serbian lands. Soon he created an alliance with some provinces and thus he became “in Christ our God the devout and autonomous lord of the Serbian and Coastal Lands, the great Prince Stefan Lazar”, but even though he was only a prince the whole Serbian nation called him their Tsar.

As ruler Lazar was credited with many things, renovations and building of churches and monasteries. But, the advance of the Turks continued. In 1387 they captured Thessalonica and in 1386, the Serbian city of Niš, under the leadership of their Sultan Murat I. Murat’s army even penetrated into Bosnia but the brave general of King Tvrtko engaged the Turkish army and heroically defeated it. Murat even clashed with Lazar’s army in 1387 but Murat was unsuccessful and fled from Prince Lazar. But all this did was make the Turkish army more determined and the Sultan began to build and gather a mighty, huge army.

The battle was approaching and, just as the young Tsar Uroš struggled with uniting the different Serbian groups there was little to no loyalty to the Prince for the upcoming battle. In fact, Lazar had to summon the Serbs by begging them and imploring them. At a national assembly at Kruševac his message to all Serbs was: “Whoever fails to come to the Battle at Kosovo, may his hands produce none of the fruits of the earth, neither red wine nor white wheat.”

It’s interesting that, when we celebrate St. Sava’s feast day, his entire life story is retold, yet when we think of the Holy and Great Martyr Prince Lazar we think instantly, and almost exclusively of the Battle of Kosovo. Yet, the things mentioned are only a small number of his many accomplishments as Serbian ruler. For instance, when Dušan became tsar it caused a division between the Serbian Patriarchate and Constantinople. After the tsar’s death his wife, Tsaritsa Jelena tried to heal these wounds but, in the end, it was Prince Lazar who achieved it. In other words, the same Prince Lazar who worked and labored so hard at healing the wounds between the two churches; the same

Prince Lazar who worked and labored so hard at uniting the Serbian people, who wanted peace and unity among the Serbian lands, this same man leads an army, indeed the entire Serbian nation, to do battle against a much larger force. This is precisely what he is remembered for and this is the essence of this Holy Feast Day – the choice the Holy and Great Martyr Lazar of Kosovo made, his choosing to go to battle and defend those things which the Apostle Paul calls pure and noble and just.

More than the actual battle, therefore, it was the choice Lazar made for which he is glorified. First of all, it was his choice to go to battle. The choice that he made was ultimately the choice for freedom but not a freedom “at any cost”, that is, not a freedom which would be apart from God. In setting out to the battle at Kosovo field Lazar had made his choice not for the earthly kingdom which, as he confessed, “is only for a brief time but the Kingdom of Heaven is unto the ages of ages.” St. Sava’s ideal and plan for his nation was: “Give up everything for Christ, but Christ for nothing.” No one ever realized this ideal and plan to such a full extent as the Holy and Great Martyr, Prince Lazar.

It was William Makepeace Thackery who said, “It is not dying for the faith that’s hard, it’s living up to it.” Our Commemoration of St. Lazar, and for that matter all the Saints of the church, is our commemoration of those holy men and women who lived up to their faith. In St. Paul’s Epistle, after he says we should meditate on things which are pure and noble and just, he writes, “the things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do…” (v.9). It is in this doing that gives meaning to our remembering and celebrating the lives of the Saints. This is that choice all of us are called to make individually – to follow in their footsteps, of those who followed in the footsteps of the Apostles who followed Christ’s example, who did that which was the will of the Father.

When the Turks, after the battle, saw how much dignity this Christian Prince displayed in accepting death, as he was beheaded, they allowed the monks to take the body of their Holy ruler in order to give him a proper burial. In fact, a year later, when the remains of Lazar were uncovered, they were discovered to be undecayed, producing an exceedingly fragrant scent. In the end, St. Lazar, who chose the Heavenly Kingdom over this passing one, remained, through God’s grace, with his people, giving them, through his Holy Relics, hope in the Resurrection and in their own salvation. The memory of St. Lazar remained with the people as remains with us today as we pray that, through the prayers of St. Lazar and all the Holy Martyrs, God’s mercy might be with all of us. Amen.

Kosovska Devojka (Kosovo Maiden)

Uroš Predić's Kosovo Maiden.

The Kosovo Maiden or Maiden of the Blackbird Field is the central figure of a poem with the same name, part of the Kosovo cycle in the Serbian epic poetry. In it, a young beauty searches the battlefield for her betrothed husband and helps wounded Serbian warriors with water, wine and bread after the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 between Serbia and Ottoman Empire. She finally finds wounded and dying warrior Pavle Orlović who tells her that her fiancée Milan Toplica and his blood-brothers Miloš Obilić and Ivan Kosančić are dead. Before the battle they had given her a cloak, golden ring and veil for the wedding as a promise of safe return, but they were slain and Pavle pointed to the direction of the bodies. The poem finishes with;

"Unhappy, if I were to grasp a green pine, Even the green pine would wither"

The poem became greatly popular as a symbol of womanly compassion and charity. Noted artist Uroš Predić took up the theme in 1919 with an oil painting of the same title. In 1907, the sculptor Ivan Meštrović created a marble relief of the subject as a part of his Kosovo-sculpture cycle.

The Kosovo Battle

Saint Lazar the Great Martyr of Kosovo Prince Lazar was born in 1329 in Prilepac to the aristocrat family Hrebeljanovic. His father Pribac was a Logotet-secretary doing very confidential work for King Dusan the Powerful in the royal palace. Young Lazar was raised in the palace, and was respected by the King who entrusted him with the rule of two parts of his kingdom: Srem and Macva. Lazar married Milica the daughter of an important aristocrat named Vratko also known as Yug Bogdan - a very wise and honorable man from the Nemanjic family. Lazar had three sons: Stevan, Vuk and Lazar and five daughters: Jelena, Mara, Despa, Vukosava and Mileva. King Dusan the Powerful died unexpectantly in 1355 at the age of 48. This led to a weakening of Serbia's central government. Many dukes used this opportunity to secede from the Kingdom with the land that had been entrusted to them. The young son of Dusan Uros took over the throne and soon was killed. Vukasin Mrnjacevic proclaimed himself the King of Serbia. At this time, Turks were advancing toward the Kingdom of Serbia. In a battle on the river Marica in 1371, Vukasin was killed leaving behind him a weakened, poor and torn Serbia. Serbia was in desperate need of a gifted statesman, rich in virtue and deserving of God's Grace: a man similar to St.Sava and his father St. Stefan Nemanja who had founded the Serbian state. The Church recognized just such a man in Prince Lazar. His talent for leadership, wisdom and experience lifted him above those who would seize the throne by force and sought their own glory and importance. Prince Lazar, first sought to consolidate and strengthen the Kingdom. As was the custom of that day and age, he married his daughters to the rebellious Serbian aristocrats. This enlarged and stabilized Serbia. Having thus secured the loyalty of dissident aristocrats, Prince Lazar turned to those countries which bordered his own, seeking to deepen Serbia's relationship with them. At this time, the Serbian Orthodox Church was in a dispute with the Patriarch of Constantinople. King

Dusan the Powerful wanted Serbia to have an independent Church. He single-handedly sought to elevate the Serbian archbishop to the level of a patriarch. The Patriarch of Constantinople utterly rejected this act and broke relations with the Church in Serbia. This was a very serious problem and one which King Lazar managed to solve by reconciling the Serbian Church and that of Constantinople. It was a result of this reconciliation that gave the Serbian Church its first canonical Patriarch. The expansion of that Ottoman state, and increasingly frequent Turkish raids into his land, warned Prince Lazar that the time for a decisive battle was drawing near. Lengthy preparation on both sides preceded this confrontation. The fact that the armies were led by the Turkish ruler Murad 1 and by King Lazar of Serbia illustrates the importance of this battle. It was decided that the site of the battle would be a field in Kosovo (Kosovo Polje). Prince Lazar knew that his chances against the Turkish aggressor were small and on the eve of the Battle of Kosovo he gathered his upper aristocracy and asked if they should fight for the Holy Cross and Golden Freedom or surrender to their adversaries and live as slaves of the Muslims. They had to chose between the Heavenly Kingdom and earthly one. In the true spirit of Christianity they preferred to place their hope in Christ and Eternal Life. The Prince and all of his warriors took Holy Communion and went into battle on Saint Vitus Day, Tuesday June 28th 1389.( We commemorate Prince Lazar of Serbia/ Vidovdan on June 28th. Our Ravanica  Church Slava Vidovdan commemorates this day on the Sunday nearest to June 28th ever year.)   In the beginning of the battle Serbian warriors were able to advance. Milos Obilic, the most famous hero of this Kosovo Battle, killed the Turkish King Murad. Despite this unexpected development, the Turkish army re‐grouped and over ran the Serbs. They captured Prince Lazar alive, but beheaded him shortly thereafter.   Today his earthly remains are amazingly preserved intact and kept in the monastery Ravanica which was founded by him, along with many other churches and monasteries. The faithful gather from all Serbia just as they have through centuries to venerate his Holy relics and to get comfort and healing and to inspire them in the hope and belief that better days will come. 

1375 Serbia Ravanica Monastery and Church

Ravanica monastery, together with the Church of the Holy Ascension, and its buildings surrounded by strong defensive walls with seven towers, lies at the foot of the Kučaj mountains, in the village of Senje near Ćuprija. It was the endowment of Prince Lazar. It was built during the period between 1375 and 1377, and its frescoes were painted in the years preceding the Battle of Kosovo. The benefactor’s composition was added to after Lazar’s death in the battle. Due to its architectural and artistic features, the Ravanica church can be called the birthplace of the new artistic movement called the Morava school. The church is original in its architectural style, which is a blend of the Mount Athos tradition of the trefoil base and the cross-in-square five-domed model which became standard in the time of King Milutin. Its trefoil floor plan inspired the future development of church layout. The church was built from alternating rows of stone and brick and was decorated with ceramic ornamental elements and rich sculpture. In its frescoes, which have remained preserved in the apse and main interior portion of the church, certain innovations can be observed relating to patterns in the selection of themes and cycles (Major Festivals, the Passion of Christ, Miracles and Parables) which were to become standard in the painting of later Moravian Serbian churches. Ravanica is the main endowment of the famous Prince Lazar , where he was buried following his death in the Battle of Kosovo. Since then, Ravanica has been a pilgrim's destination and an important center of cultural activities and the Serbian people's assemblies. The monastery has been damaged by the Turks several times, in 1386, 1398, and 1436. In the great war following the second siege of Vienna, a number of monks got killed and the rest of them took the relics of the canonized Prince Lazar and withdrew in face of the Ottoman's offensive in 1690. Only in 1717 was the sole survivor among the monks, teacher Stefan, to come back to Ravanica and find the monastery looted and deserted. With the help of local inhabitants he restored the monastery and built a new narthex. However, the site suffered repeated assaults during the Serbian revolution at the beginning of the XIX c. The new restoration took place in the middle of the XIX c. During World War II, Germans damaged the monastery one more time, and detained, tortured, and killed its archimandrite Makarije on February 24th, 1943. The Ravanica church is the first monument of the Morava School of the Serbian medieval art. Its ground plan has the form of an enlarged trefoil with a nine-sided dome in the middle and four smaller octagonal domes above the corner bays. There are 62 windows. The church was built in alternate courses of single-line stone and three-line brick. Valuable ceramic decoration makes use of geometric patterns, floral motifs, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic shapes. The frescoes were not all painted at the same time and by the same artists, though they are mostly dated between 1385 and 1387. The middle-register frescoes, which are of the highest artistic value, were painted by two artists, one of them known as Constantine, who left his signature on a fresco of a warrior saint. Some of the noteworthy compositions include the

Communion of the Apostles and the Adoration of the Lamb in the altar apse, as well as the Festival cycle in the upper registers of the church.

                               

 

From the Epic Cycle of Kosovo

On Vidovdan the Serbian people received their greatest victory through defeat.

This victory was made by a choice; a choice between a heavenly kingdom and an earthly kingdom. The poetic epic cycle of Kosovo reminds us of this choice.

Saint Knez Lazar

“The book itself preached to the Tsar: ‘Tsar of noble ancestry! Which kingdom will you choose? Will you choose the earthly kingdom? Or will you choose the heavenly kingdom? If you choose the earthly kingdom…. All the Turkish host will perish. If you choose the heavenly kingdom…. All your army will perish, And you, O Prince, will die with them.’

After the Tsar heard these words, He pondered all sorts of thoughts: ‘Dear God, what shall I do and how shall I? Which kingdom shall I choose? Shall I choose the earthly kingdom? Or shall I choose the heavenly kingdom? The earthly kingdom lasts only a brief time, But, the heavenly kingdom always and forever.’

So the Tsar chose the heavenly kingdom Rather than the kingdom of this world.  

"Kosovski Bozuri" is the Serbian's beloved bright red Kosovo poppy

(bozur), which according to tradition, sprang up from the precious blood

of the heroes of Kosovo, and covered the "Field of the Blackbird."

(Tole Artwork by Billie Brnilovic & Georgette Osman)

For generations, Serbian poets, writers, artists and composers have

created cultural flowers, spiritual Kosovo poppies.

Paul Bielich, wrote in the August 23, 1989 American SRBOBRAN,

"These spiritual Kosovo poppies watered the soul with patriotism and

faith. The spiritual bouquets trace the historical rise and fall of our

people from Kosovo to the present day--- in which they still proclaim

loudly,

"For the Honorable Cross and Golden Freedom!"

Za krst casni, i slobodu zlatnu!

“Angel Garden” There is something comfortingaboutangels in thegarden. They are as graceful and ethereal. Theyremind us of the real presence of our GuardianAngelsandtheneedtothanktheminprayer.Theybringgoodcheer.Theywatchoverlittleonesatplay.Theywatch over the garden itself. And in times ofsorrow,theybringsolace.OurAngelGardenissponsoredbyourJuniorSistersandwillbeopentotheentireParishtoparticipate.Our gardenwill undergophasesofplantingwherewecanwatchourheartgrow.Youcanchooseandpurchaseyourplantingmaterialor if you would like to sponsor the garden pleasecontact Donna Rajkovic atdonna_rajkovic@yahoo.com or 248-231-3341.Please let us know who the planting material isdedicatedto.

SPONSORSHIPOPTIONSFOROURGARDEN:

Rose(Love)-$100Lily(Faith,Grace&SpiritualHealing)-$250

Anemone(Resurrection)-$500Aster(God’sGrace)-$1,000

Cash or check made payable to Serbian SistersRavanica,wewillneedyourorderandpaymentbyJune19th.Thechildrenwillbeginplantingwiththeassistance of Karen DiPaolo and Glorious Gardensduring Church School Day Camp,Wednesday, June22nd.Our garden will consist of Herbs, Bulbs, Annuals,Perennials,Trees,aPergolaandBenches.

The Children are excited to start planting their garden and watching their HEART and garden grow!!

SISTERS CORNER SERBIAN SISTERS RAVANICA’S JUNE ISSUE

Price List and Step by Step Procedure

Contact Ms. Dig – Serbian Sisters

Contact Irrigation – Serbian Sisters Contact Lawn Service – Serbian Sisters

Schedule a maintenance schedule for upkeep ***Orders, donations or sponsorships due on or before June 19th in order to plant on June 22nd. We will be collecting through out the year in preparation for the Spring of 2017. You can also consider purchasing Memorial Bricks for the “Angel Path”. Memorial Brick forms can be found on our Website or by the Candle Stand. Herbs and Walkable Price List: TBD Bulbs Price List: Fall Planting (TBD)

Annuals Price List:

Geraniums $10/gallon Chrysanthemum $10/gallon Morning Glory $10/gallon Zinnia $15/flat Petunia $15/flat Pansy $15/flat Fuchsia $15/flat Alyssum $15/flat

Perennials Bellflower $15 Forget Me Not $15 Heliotrope $35/tray Lavender $10/gallon Lily $15/bulbs Daisy $10/gallon Lady’s Mantle $10/gallon Roses $25/3 gallons Blue Salvia $15/gallon Yarrow $15/gallon Peony $30/2gallons Aster

Trees: Phase 2 (TBD)

Arborvitae

Oak

THANK YOU! Thank you to all the Sisters who volunteered their time and talents in welcoming the players and their families to Detroit for a memorable three day SNF Basketball Tournament.

Kumovi Day

End of the Church School Year A special visit from -

Father Dragan Petrovic from Indianapolis

June 5, 2016

Serbian Sisters Ravanica

Second Annual Scholarship Recipient!

Daniella Suvak

Daniella has been part of the Saint Lazarus community her entire life. This year, as well as graduating out of the program as a 12th grader, she graduated from Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights. There, Daniella was a stand-out student. Some of her achievements at Stevenson include serving on student council as a sophomore, junior, and senior; member of the Principals’ Advisory Board as a junior and senior; playing basketball throughout her high school career; yearbook committee; Project Unify which is a group that works with special needs students; National Honor Society; and National Technical Honor Society. Daniella has been accepted to the Irvin D. Reid Honors College at Wayne State University where she will pursue a degree in Accounting.

At Saint Lazarus, we were honored to have Daniella as our Young Kuma for Sveti Sava. There she gave an extremely moving speech about what being a part of Saint Lazarus has meant to her. We are so proud of Daniella and congratulate her, along with her parents and sisters on being the 2016 Serbian Sisters Ravanica Scholarship recipient. We wish her continued success in her university career and beyond. Mnoga La Ljeta, Daniella!

Vidovdan JUNE 26, 2016

Wishing our Church and Parishioners a Sretna

Slava!

Please join us in the celebration of our Church Slava. The Sisters will once again

sponsor a table with their own unique centerpieces.

Congratulations to our Junior Sister Angela Doncic for taking 1st place in her skating competition. We are so proud of

you. Angela is the daughter of Tanja Miteva Doncic and Dave Doncic. Way to

go Angela!!

Sister are happy to help Sponsor

Summer Day Camp, as well

as, Church Camp this

summer for our children.

Sisters Lenten Cookbook “Food for the Soul”

A sneak peek at the cover of our Lenten

Cookbook!! We are getting close to completion!!

11th Annual Grape Harvest Ball

ThisistheSistersonlyannualFundraiserwhereweraiseenoughmoneytohelpourchurchand

childrenthroughouttheyear.Weinviteyoutocomeoutforan

eveningoffunwithyourFamily,KumoviandFriendsandenjoysomegreatfood,laughterand

greatmusic!!Welookforwardtoseeingyou!

UP COMING EVENTS SAVE THE DATES

(Look for updates regarding some events)

ODO Mission Weekend – June 25-26th Stefan’s Hope – August (Date- TBD) Sister’s Meeting – August 28th Golf Outing – Church Picnic – Church School Registration/Ravanica Open House – September 18th Royal Family Visit – September 25th Serving Lunch at SS Peter and Paul – September 25th Sisters Slava – October 16th Talija – October 21st.

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER AND SEE YOU IN THE FALL!

Learning to Pray

What are the things you do daily without thinking twice? We brush our

teeth, we put on clothes, and we never leave the house to begin our day

without a pair of shoes on our feet to equip us for the road ahead.

In the same way, we can strive to see prayer as an essential part of our day, for the

benefits are greater than fresh breath or comfortable feet! Let us teach our children to

start small, with an icon of Christ and just five minutes, but strive for consistency. The

goal is to remember, thank, and glorify God each and every day by coming to meet Him

face to face. By doing this, we grow to rely on Christ and He becomes the center of our

lives.

Remember, when we pray, we open the communication between us and God in a very

personal way. There’s no one who knows us better than our Lord. He is with us each

step of the way, and He knows exactly what we need. The Blessed Elder, IERONYMOS

of Aegina +1966 encourages us in his writings "Do not leave off prayer. No matter

how tired you are, you can pray for half an hour. Feed your body as if you

were going to live a hundred years, but feed your soul as if she were going

to die tomorrow."

In the Orthodox Church, we learn how to pray from the Saints who are illumined by God

and who share in His glory. When we use their prayers that were written and passed on

to us, we become like them and follow them into union with God. Certainly, we can also

speak from the heart, but to rely on the words of the Saints for help is the most accurate

way of reaching our Lord – for not every ship that sets sails reaches its

destination.

Serbian Orthodox Church Has a New Bishop in the Eastern American Diocese

By St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary in Orthodox Seminary News

Jun 03, 2016

His Grace the Right Reverend Irinej (Dobrijevic), a graduate of both St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological

Seminary and St Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, was recently elected to serve as bishop of the

Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Currently, His Grace is bishop of the

Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand, a diocese that, like the diocese to which he is newly

elected, is under the authority of the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate. The Enthronement of Bishop Irinej is

scheduled to take place on September 18, 2016, in New York City.

The announcement of the election was made in an official communiqué that recounted the proceedings of

the regular meeting of the Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, held in Belgrade, May

14-25, 2016. The communiqué further announced that the current bishop of the Eastern American

Diocese, His Grace Dr. Mitrophan (Kodic) had been, at that same meeting, elected bishop of the vacant

Diocese of Canada; and that Protosindjel Siluan (Mrakic), of the Pustinje Monastery in the Diocese of

Valjevo in Serbia, had been elected to replace Bishop Irinej in Australia.

Both the CEO and Dean of St Vladimir’s Seminary, the Very Reverend Dr. Chad Hatfield and the Very

Reverend Dr. John Behr, respectively, expressed their pleasure at hearing the announcement.

“His Grace has maintained his contact with, and support for, our seminary while serving in Australia and

New Zealand,” noted Fr. Chad. “Now that he will be geographically close once again, I anticipate that our

historically close ties to the Serbian Orthodox Church will become even stronger.”

Father John added, “I am thrilled to hear of Bishop Irinej’s election to the Eastern American Diocese, and

look forward to welcoming him to his alma mater and working closely with him in the formation of our

Serbian students.”

The election of Bishop Irinej amounts to a “homecoming” for him, both as a U.S. citizen and as a native of

Cleveland. Alex Machaskee, Executive Chair of the Board at St Vladimir’s Seminary and retired president

and publisher of Cleveland’s major newspaper, The Plain Dealer, recalled his personal history with the

new bishop, saying, “I have known Bishop Irinej for many years and see him every time he returns to

Cleveland, as well as visiting him with my wife in Sydney several years ago.

“I was very impressed with the work Bishop Irinej did as the External Affairs Officer for the Serbian

Church in Washington D.C. years ago,” he further noted. “I had recommended to the Patriarchate in

Belgrade several times that Bishop Irinej should return to the United States, and I am delighted that that

is now going to happen.”

“I consider His Grace a wonderful spiritual leader, my dear friend, and an outstanding leader of the

Serbian faithful,” Machaskee remarked.

More about His Grace the Right Reverend Irinej

Born in 1955, Bishop Irinej completed his elementary and secondary education in his hometown, and

after attending the Cleveland Institute of Art from 1973–1975, he enrolled in St Tikhon’s Seminary in

South Canaan, PA, where he graduated with a Licentiate in Theology, with the academic distinction

maxima cum laude. In 1980 he enrolled in St Vladimir’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY, and graduated in 1982

with a Master of Divinity degree, with an Honorable Mention for his master’s thesis, “Bishop Nicholai

Velimirovich: A 1921 Mission to America.” Afterward, he studied at the Athens Center in 2000 and 2003,

and received levels I and II certificates in contemporary Greek language.

He spent most of his professional career in the field of education, lecturing at Loyola University in

Chicago, and as a member of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade, under the auspices of the

Serbian Orthodox Church. For many years he was the co-editor of The Path of Orthodoxy, the official

publication of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the USA and Canada.

NEWS AND EVENTS - Monday, May 2, 2016

DIOCESAN SABOR 2016 OF THE NEW GRACANICA MIDWESTERN DIOCESE

New Gracanica, IL - One of the best gatherings we have had, took place at the end of

the fifth week of Great Lent, with the blessing of his Grace Bishop Longin. It all started

with a pre-sanctified liturgy on Friday morning and a clergy brotherhood meeting,

lecture and discussion.

At 4PM the vigil was served, during which the clergy took confession. The faithful and

honorable members of each of our churches started gathering at the service, continuing

on to registration for the upcoming meetings.

Dinner and fellowship followed. During dinner an older gentleman recited two very

touching Poems in Serbian. Then business as usual.

Towards the end of the first portion of the meetings, two short movies were shown –

one about the recently proclaimed Saint of our diocese Saint Mardarije, and the other,

about an annual mountain climbing pilgrimage in Colorado, offered by one of our

churches. The evening ended with great enthusiasm and gratitude.

The second day of meetings also started with divine liturgy led by our bishop, served by

many priests and deacons surrounded by the fateful and representatives of our

churches.

Following breakfast and fellowship, more reports to be heard as well as the now much

anticipated oratorical Festival offered by our teens. Such an awesome feeling to witness

the future of our church and our diocese - at the same time, a feeling of hope and

thanks to God, parents, grandparents, godparents family and friends for raising such

good young people.

The meeting continued and ended with singing praises to the Most Holy Mother of God,

around whose Monastery and Replica of the Miraculous Icon we have gathered.

At the end of the day one could say, the greatest thing and most amazing reality is, that

once a year each of our parishes sends representatives together in one place to pray,

and break bread and fellowship together. This truly is the most important part of these

kind of gatherings - Glory to God for all things.

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LET’S PLANT BASIL!

According to tradition, when St. Helena found the Cross of Jesus, the area was covered with basil. Basil is used in various ways in the church. We decorate the cross with dried basil branches. Sometimes branches of basil are used by the priest when he blesses water and homes and articles. St. Nikolai (Velimirovich) compared basil to the soul of a righteous man. The older a good man gets, the more pleasing his soul smells. And basil smells much better when it dies and is dried out. Indoors: Sow in early spring 2 to 3 seeds to a half pot containing a good potting soil medium. Maintain a minimum temperature of 55 degrees F (13 degrees C), during germination. As the seedlings develop, pot into larger containers. Up to 6 plants of the smaller variety can be grown to maturity in an 8” (20 cm) pot. Water freely. Outdoors: Sweet Basil can be sown outdoors in prepared soil after danger of spring frost is gone. Cover seeds with 1/4” of fine soil and firm lightly. Keep moist until germination occurs which is 7-14 days, depending on soil and weather conditions. Thin plants so that they stand 1” apart. In Serbian basil is called bosiljak. It can be used as a herb in

preparation of many foods.

Primary Business Address

Your Address Line 2

Your Address Line 3

Your Address Line 4

LET’S P LA NT BA SI L!

The Sower and the Seed by Fr. Zivojin Jakovljevic. Reprinted with permission.

A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell upon the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away because it had no moisture. And some of them fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold (Luke 8:5-8). In the parable of the Sower and the Seed, Christ explains that the seed is the word of God. People's hearts are the soil. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved (Luke 8:11-12). These are the people who receive God's word but ultimately lose their faith because of the devil's temptations. How does the devil have access to us? Why do we sometimes let him in? The answer is, because we lack humility. True faith is a gift from God—some have it, and some do not—and to receive and keep it requires humility. True faith means that we are certain that God exists. For us to be sure of anything, God must reveal it to us. He reveals His divine truths to the humble, the lowly of heart, and not to the proud and conceited. Just as when rain falls from the sky, the water never stays on the peaks of the highest mountains—it descends into the lowest of valleys. In the same way, revelations from God descend past the proud and are collected below, by the humble. Christians who lived before us were so firm in their belief of the heavenly kingdom, that they were willing to give their lives for that faith. This strength of faith can only come from humility, because humility is the only way in which we keep the devil away. The devil told Saint Macarius, "You fast, but I do not eat. You keep vigil, but I do not sleep. The only thing by which you defeat me is your humility." And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away (Luke 8:13). These are the ones who receive God's revelation but lose their faith because of human weakness. Yes, we are created imperfect, but God expects us to be aware of our imperfections and weaknesses. With His help, we can overcome them. When we fall into temptation, God never says He will not accept our apology. He says, rather, that the only sin that will not be forgiven is the one that is not confessed. He is merciful, but He expects us to do our part. What does doing our part involve? When we sin, we should repent and confess it. When we do not know about our faith, we should learn. When we do not understand, we should seek advice from holy people, read holy books, and visit holy places. By following these examples, we can overcome our weaknesses and preserve our faith. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature (Luke 8:14). These are the people who are tempted by the material world. We are often tempted by worldly things, the desire to accumulate worldly riches. When this desire is not kept in check, it has no limits or boundaries. Our desire for material things leads to greed, and our greed leads to competition—we desire to have more than our neighbors. When we have less, the competition turns into jealousy—nothing less than a lack of love. Instead of loving others, we love what they have. When we devote all of our attention to material things, we no longer have time for God. We become distracted from Him and our faith, and this causes stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed by our vain desires and pursuits. As the wise Solomon states, "Vanity of vanity; all is vanity."

The world offers us many things and promises us everything, but in the end also takes away everything. When we accumulate material things, we frequently forget that this world, the material world, will pass away. When we leave this world, we really do not take anything with us, only our crossed hands—empty hands—and our good deeds. When we forget about the spiritual riches, and focus only on attaining material ones, we lose both. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience (Luke 8:15). These are the people who receive their faith from God and keep it. There are always temptations and obstacles to prevent us from being faithful—the devil, our own weaknesses, and the outside world. All of these influences have the potential to harm or even destroy our faith, but we also have the potential to overcome them. To do so, let us keep in mind the following things. When the devil tempts us, we can overcome him if we remember humility. When our weaknesses tempt us, we can overcome them if we remember that God is with us, but that He also expects us to be with Him. And when worldly things tempt us, we can overcome them if we remember that the world is only temporary. In any time that our faith seems threatened by temptation, let us ask God for help and make an effort ourselves. As the saying goes, "Help yourself and God will help you also."

HAVE YOU HEARD?

Parishioners in the News

• Jessica Suvak, daughter of Ljubo and Angel Suvak, just graduated from Oakland University, majoring

in Education. Congratulations Jessica !!!

• Ava Tavrazich, daughter of Jim and Janice Tavrazich, will be at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade from

May 16 through August 5 and will be in the Consulate area for at least part of the time. She will be

starting her senior year at the University of Michigan in the fall, with a double major of International

Studies and Spanish and a Balkan studies minor. At Michigan, she is also the director of the Quito

Project and a contributor to the Michigan Journal of International Affairs. While in Belgrade this

summer she hopes to do more research for her honors thesis with the Humanitarian Law Center and

the Kosovo Memory Book. During her summer weekends in Belgrade, Ava plans on traveling through

Europe with her friends! The family asks that if anyone from the church is traveling to Belgrade this

summer, please reach out to her, so they do not have to worry so much. In addition, if you have a

similar interest and would like to work and travel the world, Ava applied for the position through

USAJOBS.gov. Congratulations and safe travels Ava !

• Luka James Barach, son of Niko and Melissa Barach was born on April 18, 2016. He weighed 6 lbs 6

oz and was 19.5 inches long. Big sister Sofia is thrilled with her new baby brother! Congratulations

to the Barach Family !

Dear Readers: If you have any news that requires “our special attention” or if we have missed

your news please send us an email so that it can be included in our next issue. We would love to

hear from you. Please email us at: dbielich@walshcollege.edu or

pbielich@.umich.edu

THE DEVELOPMENT OF SERBIAN MUSIC

Serbian religious singing changed from Byzantine Greek melodies to a Serbian style after 1219 when

St. Sava obtained independence for the Serbian Church. What we know of the music of that period was passed down orally. Church music eventually was written down, and a 14th century manuscript is preserved to show its form. Those melodies still are used today in the church, for the tropars and other hymns, and they are single-voiced singing, mostly in old Slavonic. During the Turkish enslavement, guslars, like Philip Visnic, wandered from village to village bringing news to the people and singing ballads about their heroic history. People sang also about their glorious past and their hopes for the future. They sang during the harvest, around the fire and while they spinned. Many of these songs developed through the centuries into the old songs we hear today. In the 18th century, Serbian music used many folk melodies as a basis for excellent compositions. When the Serbs obtained freedom in the 19th century, there was a flourishing of Serbian composers, many of whom studied in Europe. Serbian composers used many folk melodies as a basis for excellent compositions. One of the most famous is Stevan Mokranjac, whose “Rukovets,” symphonies, and choral compositions were very popular. Besides the folk music, he took the Divine Liturgy and adapted it from Serbian traditional melodies in four parts for choirs. Other famous composers were Kornelije Stankovic and Branko Radicevich. Today many choirs are named after them in the United States and Canada and use their arrangements.

Why Are Vigil Lamps Lit before Icons?

by St. Nikolai Velimirovic

FirstFirstFirstFirst - because our faith is light. Christ said "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). The light

of the vigil lamp reminds us of that light by which Christ illumines our souls.

SecondSecondSecondSecond - in order to remind us of the radiant character of the saint before whose icon we light

the vigil lamp, for saints are called "sons of light" (John 12:26, Luke 16:8).

ThirdThirdThirdThird - in order to serve as a reproach to us for our dark deeds, for our evil thoughts and

desires, and in order to call us to the path of evangelical light; and so that we would more

zealously try to fulfill the commandments of the Savior: "Let your light shine before men, that

they may see your good works" (Matthew 5:16).

FourthFourthFourthFourth - so that the vigil lamp would be our small sacrifice to God, Who gave Himself

completely as a sacrifice for us, and as a small sign of our great gratitude and radiant love for

Him from Whom we ask in prayer for life, and health, and salvation, and everything that only

boundless heavenly love can bestow.

Fifth Fifth Fifth Fifth - so that terror would strike the evil powers that sometimes assail us even at the time of

prayer and lead away our thoughts from the Creator. The evil powers love the darkness and

tremble at every light, especially at that which belongs to God and those who please Him.

SixthSixthSixthSixth - so that this light would rouse us to selflessness. Just as the oil and wick burn in the vigil

lamp, submissive to our will, so let our souls also burn with the flame of love in all our

sufferings, always being submissive to God's will.

Seventh Seventh Seventh Seventh - in order to teach us that just as a vigil lamp cannot be lit without our hand, so too,

our heart, our inward vigil lamp, cannot be lit without the holy fire of God's grace, even if it

were to be filled with all the virtues. All these virtues of ours, after all, [are only] like

combustible material, but the fire which ignites them

proceeds from God.

EighthEighthEighthEighth - in order to remind us that before anything else the Creator of the world created light,

and after that everything else in order: "And God said, let there be light; and there was light"

(Genesis 1:3). And it must be so also at the beginning of our spiritual life, so that before

anything else, the light of Christ's truth would shine within us. From this light of Christ's truth

subsequently every good deed is created, springs up in us and grows in us.

Could Attending Church Services be the Key to a Longer Life? By Orthodox Christian News in Orthodox News

May 17, 2016

•

Attending religious service might nurture your physical health as well as your spiritual health. A new

study published by the American Medical Association “says that those who attend church services more

often actually have a better chance of staying alive in the long run.” Doctors might consider

recommending attending services to their patients who already hold religious beliefs as a means of social

support, spiritual support and positive engagement with others.

From The Washington Post, By Julie Zauzmer May 16

Religious services aren’t just good for your soul — they might be good for your health.

A new study, released Monday in a journal published by the American Medical Association, says that

those who attend church services more often actually have a better chance of staying alive in the long

run.

Over a 20-year span, the study surveyed a group of more than 76,000 female nurses, most of whom were

Catholic and Protestant. At the end of 20 years, more than 13,000 of them had died. The women who

went to religious services more than once a week, it turned out, were 33 percent less likely to be in that

group who died, compared to those who never attended services.

Tyler VanderWeele, a researcher at Harvard’s school of public health who co-wrote the study, said the

effect diminished as the study participants decreased their service attendance. Those who attended

services once a week saw their odds of dying go down 26 percent. For those who attended less than

weekly, the odds of dying decreased 13 percent, VanderWeele said.

That led the study’s authors to a striking recommendation: “Religion and spirituality may be an

underappreciated resource that physicians could explore with their patients, as appropriate,” they wrote.

“Our results do not imply that health care professionals should prescribe attendance at religious services,

but for those who already hold religious beliefs, attendance at services could be encouraged as a form of

meaningful social participation.”

VanderWeele said that other studies have suggested a similar link between service attendance and

decreased mortality, but his team aimed to prove that service attendance actually causes the better

health outcomes. Because the nurses answered questionnaires periodically over a long time frame, he

said, the researchers were able to look at whether a change in service attendance led to a change in

health.

They found numerous benefits associated with attending services. Women who started going to services

then became more likely to quit smoking and less likely to show signs of depression, for instance — even

when the researchers controlled for a long list of other variables, from age and exercise habits to income

and other non-religious social engagement.

The effect of religious attendance, they found, was stronger than that of any other form of participation in

a social group like a book club or a volunteer organization.

“We were a bit surprised, initially, by the magnitude of the findings,” VanderWeele said. He said

they found a long list of positive effects: “Service attendance is increasing social support. Through social

norms, it’s also decreasing the likelihood of smoking. Perhaps through some of the messages of hope, it’s

decreasing depressive symptoms. Perhaps self-discipline, a sense of meaning or purpose in life — it’s

not just one pathway.”

He continued, “I don’t think it’s one single reason that this effect is emerging. I think it’s that service

attendance affects so many different aspects of life.”

Richard Sloan, a Columbia medical school professor who has expressed skepticism of similar studies in

the past, said these latest results should not lead doctors to talk about faith in the examining room.

“Physicians threaten to compromise the religious freedom of patients to make decisions about religious

practice on their own,” Sloan said. “It’s perfectly reasonable for physicians to make medical

recommendations which they expect patients to follow:. When physicians stray from a medical agenda

to some kind of social agenda, it’s a violation of the patient’s autonomy.”

But VanderWeele said doctors should be aware of the apparent benefits of religious attendance.

One of the team’s most striking findings was on breast cancer. Women who attended services were no

more or less likely to contract breast cancer. But those who attended services were substantially less

likely to die of it.

“We were quite struck by that,” VanderWeele said. “Maybe it is a sense of hope or of faith, even in the

face of illness and disease. A capacity to try to find meaning in the disease experience. Or feeling

supported by a community even while struggling with illness. That would be my speculation as to those

results. But I do agree it was surprising.”

Daniel Hall, a University of Pittsburgh medical professor not involved in this study who trained as both a

doctor and a minister, said that pious people might see this study as affirmation that there is a God

listening to the prayers at those worship services, and others might see non-faith-based

explanations. “Human beings are so religious in their behaviors. Quite apart from a truth clam in whether

there is a God or not, it’s just anthropologically one of the strongest ways human communities are held

together,” he said.

Hall said that just as doctors learned in recent decades to be less squeamish about asking about patients’

sex lives, since the information can have medical value, physicians should keep patients’ faith lives in

mind.

The Valley of Lilacs and Maglic Fortress

The Of Lilacs In the valley of the rivers Ibar and Raska, from Kraljevo to Novi Pazar, once upon a time existed the mediaeval Serbian state. That is why some call it Valley of the Kings while others call it The Lilac Valley. Anyway, this valley is home to some of the most valuable Serbian mediaeval monasteries and fortesses. Seven centuries have passed and the Valley of lilacs and the enchanting scent of these flowers still carry the love story of a French princess, later Serbian queen, Helen of Anjou. Serbian king at the time, Uros I Nemanjic, wanted to welcome his future queen in a particular way, so he ordered beautiful lilacs to be planted along the inaccessible valley of the Ibar river to remind her of her home in Provence. This Valley survived all the long centuries symbolizing the love and respect of our people for their noble queen, known for her wisdom and education. Helen of Anjou significantly contributed to the cultural rise of the medieval Serbian state. She had the first library at the court and encouraged transcription of books in monasteries. She had two sons, Dragutin and Milutin, with King Uros, the third son of Stefan Prvovencani (the first-crowned). After her death, she was canonized as a saint.

The medieval city-fortress Maglic raises on a steep cliff over the Ibar river and it is assumed that it was named after dense fog that covers the very foundations of the fortress and the whole valley. It is not known who was its founder, but the first written documents on it originate from the 14th century. All seven towers, protected by the Saint George, still stand firm. The Maglic was built on the steep cliff raising 150 meters above the Ibar. It is located on an extremely inaccessible terrain and it is surrounded by the river on three sides. This fortress is an exceptional example of the Serbian medieval military architecture. The fortress is approachable only from the western side and hiking to the old fortress on a winding path and the suspension bridge can be a true adventure. Maglic is the starting point of a regatta sailing to Kraljevo every June. The fans of this fast river gather then and using the most versatile water craft travel into an unusual adventure. The Ibar River offers a lot of opportunities for the sports and fishing.

Nearby Maglic there is some of the most beautiful Serbian monasteries such as the Zica monastery, Ljubostinja and Studenica. You can also visit city of Kraljevo, one of the most significant cities in Central Serbia.

Mobile Apps – Orthodox News & Orthodox Prayerbook By Orthodox Christian News in Orthodox News

•

The Orthodox Christian Network is thrilled to announce the launch of Orthodox News (Spark

OCN) and Orthodox Prayerbook – our new mobile apps for iPhones & iPads!

Orthodox News (OCN Spark):

• OCN Spark is an Orthodox Christian News portal that allows you to take action. Spark provides daily

devotions, live Bible study, and you can read and learn about events going on in the Orthodox

Christian world and persecuted Christians. In addition to making it easy to share news and articles

with friends, Spark allows you make prayer requests for those who are suffering.

Orthodox Prayerbook:

• Orthodox Prayerbook: Orthodox PrayerBook is the ultimate prayer assistant for Orthodox Christians.

Not only does it allow you to carry your prayers around, it was designed from the ground up for the

iPhone to allow you to pray in the least distracting manner possible.Carry with you all the prayers,

information about daily saints and fasting schedules. Keep a list of people you want to pray for and

have them automatically embedded into the prayers.Orthodox PrayerBook currently supports the

Antiochian, Greek and OCA specific saints and daily variables.The Orthodox PrayerBook has been

developed tirelessly by the Spark OCN team that include: Johanna Phillips, Michael Otte, Kali

Godshall, Kyra Godshall, Nicholas Kachur and Juan Gabriel Quinodoz. This project also could not

have come about without the support of the Orthodox Christian Network (www.myocn.net) and the

Spark OCN executive team including Charles Lelon, Joanna Read, Nick Mavrick and Garry Paxinos.A

special thanks to all the beta testers, especially the ever-vigilant Mat. Irene Phillips.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBERIMPORTANT TO REMEMBERIMPORTANT TO REMEMBERIMPORTANT TO REMEMBER

The most useless thing to do : Worry

The greatest Joy : Giving

The greatest loss : Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work : Helping others

The ugliest personality trait : Selfishness

The most endangered species : Dedicated leaders

The greatest "shot in the arm" : Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome : Fear

The most effective sleeping pill : Peace of mind

The most crippling failure disease : Excuses

The most powerful force in life : Love

The most dangerous pariah : A gossiper

The world's most incredible computer : The human brain

The worst thing to be without: Hope

The deadliest weapon : The tongue

The two most power-filled words : "I Can"

The greatest asset : Faith

The most worthless emotion : Self-pity

The most prized possession : Integrity

The most beautiful attire : A SMILE!

The most powerful channel of communication: Prayer

The most contagious spirit : Enthusiasm

The most important in life is : GOD

                        

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Both President Wilson, in 1916, and President Coolidge, in 1927, issued proclamations asking for June 14 to be observed as the National Flag Day, but it wasn’t until August 3, 1949, that Congress approved the natonal observance, and President Harry Truman signed it into law.