St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Ravanica GLAS RAVANICE. Newsletter AUGUST Dormition of the Theotokos

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1 St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Ravanica GLAS RAVANICE Newsletter AUGUST 2015 Dormition of the Theotokos JOIN US FOR OUR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WEEK END OCTOBER 9 11, 2015

2 ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL RAVANICA August 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday *CHURCH SCHOOL Watch Bulletin and Facebook for C.S. start date! Wednesdays Religious 7 P.M. (For more Info. Call Fr. Dragan! Choir Rehearsals 7 P.M.(For more info call Milan Chonich! 1 2 Sun. 9 after Pentecost Prophet Elijah (Sv. Elijah) Divine Liturgy 10 A.M FAST 6 7 FAST 8 9 Sun. 10 after Pentecost Divine Liturgy 10 A.M FAST FAST DORMITION FAST BEGINS! 15 FAST 16 FAST Sun. 11 after Pentecost Divine Liturgy 10 A.M. 17 FAST 18 FAST 19 FAST Transfiguration of Our Lord Preobrazenje DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M. 20 FAST 21 FAST 22 FAST 23 FAST Sun. 12 after Pentecost Divine Liturgy 10 A.M. 24 FAST 25 FAST 26 FAST 27 FAST 28 FAST DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M Sun. 13 after Pentcost Divine Liturgy 10 A.M. 31 Mark your calendars: Ravanica Golf Outing Monday SEPT. 7 TH! - Znak za post - Sign for fasting

3 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

4 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.

5 Church Executive Board Cathedral Dean. V. Rev. Zivan Urosev Parish Priest Rev. Dragan Micanovic President Mike Balow 1 st Vice President Michael Timarac 2 nd Vice President Bogdan Beslach Treasurer Gregory Borchich Recording Secretary Milan Golusin Financial Secretary Zivorad Petrovich Audit Chair Bosko Vulinovic Members at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Ruza Batanjski Roy Downie Donna Rajkovic donna Boban Trajcevski Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo Affiliated Organizations St. Lazarus Church School St. Lazarus Church School/ Cultural Program Serbian Sisters Ravanica Ravanica Pensioner s Club Ravanica Choir St. Lazarus Sports Club Superintendents Marija Mijac & Danielle Nesovski Chairman Zoran Djurich President Donna Rajkovic President Branka Misovski President Dr. Milan Chonich David Willman Divine Liturgy Sundays Weekday and Feast Days Church Office Hours: Parish Office Phone: (313) Parish Office Fax: (313) CHURCH SERVICES 10 A.M. 9 A.M. (See Church Calendar) Monday, Tuesday, Wed., & Friday: 9:30 A.M. 2:30 P.M 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

6 The Transfiguration of Our Lord Celebrated on August 6 (August 19) When You were transfigured, 0 Savior, upon a high mountain, having with You the chief disciples, You shone forth in glorious majesty, proving thereby that those who surpass in the height of their virtues shall be counted worthy of the divine glory. Talking with Christ, Moses and Elijah showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, the God who spoke of old through the Law and the Prophets. And the voice of the Father testified to Him from the cloud of light saying, "Hear Him, who through His Cross destroys hell and gives the dead eternal life." Having uncovered, 0 Savior, a little of the light of Your divinity to those who went up with You into the mountain, You have made them lovers of Your heavenly glory. Therefore they cried in awe: "It is good for us to be here. With them we all we sing unto You From the Vespers and Matins for the feast. The Transfiguration of Christ is one of the central events recorded in the Gospels. Immediately after the Lord was recognized by His disciples as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, he told them that He must go up to Jerusalem and suffer many things... and be killed and on the third day be raised. This announcement of Christ's approaching passion and death was met with indignation by the disciples. And then, after rebuking them, the Lord took Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain, by tradition Mount Tabor, and was transfigured before them. In the Transfiguration, the disciples see the glory of the Kingdom of God present in majesty in the Person of Christ. They see that in Him, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. They see this before the crucifixion so that in the resurrection they might know who it is Who has suffered for them, and what it is that this One, who is God, has prepared for those who love Him. Besides this meaning, the presence of Moses and Elijah is also of great significance for understanding of the feast. These two figures actually stand for the Old Testament itself: MOSES for the LAW, and ELIJAH for the PROPHETS. They also stand for the LIVING and DEAD, for Moses died and his burial place is known, while Elijah was taken alive into heaven in order to appear again to announce the time of God s salvation in Christ the Messiah. Christ is the Lord of both the living and the dead. Taken from The Orthodox Faith, Vol. II, by Fr. Thomas Hopko.

7 From the Church s Records BAPTISMS: Nikola Stakich- May 17, 2015 Parents: Steven & Lara Stakich Konstantin Kostadinovski May 24, 2015 Parents: Dean & Christina Kostadinovski Novak Jancevski June 7, 2015 Parents: Dragan & Kristina Jancevski Amelia Ekern June 14, 2015 Parents: Bertt & Kristina Ekern Penelopi Tegeltia June 21, 2015 Parents: Milos & Juliana Tegeltia Taylor Cambell July 12, 2015 Parents: Jason & Tanya Cambell Marko Savich- July 12, 2015 Parents: Robert & Kristina Savich Alice Michalak- July 19, 2015 Parents: Daniel & Linda Michalak Ava Urosev- August 2, 2015 Parents: Branislav & Tiffany Urosev 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: Raymond Cloutier & Violeta Petrovski May 16, 2015 Daniel Srbinovski & Ashley Hall May 17, 2015 Nebojsa Stojkovic & Ashley Velardo August 1, 2015 Congratulations to the newly married couples, your families and kumovi. May God grant you many blessed years of joy united in Love. Mnogaja Ljeta! DEATHS: +Bogdan Bakich May 15,2015 +Sophia Pavlovich May 17, Ilija Antich June 19, Zoran Mihajlovic June 25, Draginja-Dragica Jurisic July 25, 2015 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!

8 HAVE YOU HEARD? Parishioners in the News Congratulations to the recipient of our first ever Serbian Sisters Ravanica Scholarship, Katija Bjedov. She is the daughter of Nikki and Mark and granddaughter of Rosemarie and Mico Bjedov. She was awarded the $1,200 scholarship thanks to her outstanding leadership, extensive community service, and excellent academic record. Congratulations, Katija! It s anniversary time for the Bjedov Families. Congratulations to Mark and Nikki Bjedov, who celebrated 20 years of marriage on June 3 rd of this year and Greg and Denise Bjedov celebrated 15 years of marriage on June 10th. Not to be outdone, Mico and Rosemarie Bjedov celebrated 50 years of marriage on August 8. Congratulations to the Bjedov Family. Congratulations to Richard and Kathy Goich who celebrated 43 years of marital bliss since their June wedding in Monroeville, PA in 1972! Celebrating their 20 th wedding anniversary recently were Dragan and Petra Koprivica. Congratulations! In June of this year on an 8 th Grade field trip, Sophia Balow was selected along with three of her classmates to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. A very moving and proud moment for her mom and dad and something those children will always remember. Recognize these extreme athletes from a recent Detroit Free Press posting? Congratulations to Mark, Jill, and Ashley Maxwell. Jill, of course, is the daughter of Art and Kathie Anderson. We are pleased to announce that SNF Lodge 98 and St. Lazarus have been selected to host the 2016 SNF Basketball Tournament here in Detroit! Dates are May 19-21, Mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more information as we go forward. Dear Readers: If you have any news that requires our special attention or if we have missed your news please send us an so that it can be included in our next issue. We would love to hear from you. Please us at: dbielich@walshcollege.edu or pbielich@umich.edu.

9 Elm Way Elementary School Newsletter RAVANICA CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS CHURCH SCHOOL AND YOUTH REGISTRATION SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, A.M. PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL REGISTRATION AND OPEN HOUSE DEAR PARENTS: Children will be able to meet their classmates and teachers! We have a lot of new faces and are looking forward to seeing everyone on Sept. 13 th! After Divine Liturgy there will be a lunch for all children. This year our new Church School Superintendents will be Mrs. Marija Mijac and Mrs. Danielle Nesovski. They have many new and exciting ideas to offer our children this coming Church School year. Also we are pleased that Mr. Zoran Djurich will be returning as our Youth Program Director. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sept. 13 th! All are welcome! Sve Ste Nam Dobro Dosli! First Day of Classes Sunday, September 20 th

10 What is prayer? Department of Religious Education Prayer is doxology, praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication and intercession to God. "When I prayed I was new," wrote a great theologian of Christian antiquity, "but when I stopped praying I became old." Prayer is the way to renewal and spiritual life. Prayer is aliveness to God. Prayer is strength, refreshment, and joy. Through the grace of God and our disciplined efforts prayer lifts us up from our isolation to a conscious, loving communion with God in which everything is experienced in a new light. Prayer becomes a personal dialogue with God, a spiritual breathing of the soul, a foretaste of the bliss of God's kingdom. How is one to pray? Only the Holy Spirit can guide us to pray as we should. Just as a child learns to walk by walking, one can best learn to pray by praying, trusting in the help of God. Put your whole soul into your prayer. Think about the meaning of every word you pray. Make it your own personal prayer. Be persistent in prayer. Do not yield to carelessness or neglect. Strengthen your prayer through a lively faith in the Lord, a spirit of forgiveness toward others, and genuine Christian living. As we pray deeply within our hearts we grow in prayer. By the grace of God we suddenly catch a glimpse of the miracle of the presence of the Holy Spirit working within us. At first it is only a spark but later it becomes a flame freeing and energizing our whole being, provided we do nothing to grieve the Holy Spirit; and if we do sin we repent of our sin immediately and ask for God's forgiveness. To experience the fire of God's holy love, to give it space within us to do its cleansing and healing work as a breath of the Holy Spirit, and to use it as light and power for daily living -- such are the goals as well as the fruits of true prayer. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Source: My Orthodox Prayer

11 Welcome Father Dragan Ravanica s new priest is Father Dragan Micanovic. Raised in Borovci Bosnia Father Dragan is the oldest of four children born to +Milodrag and Milijana Micanovic. +Milodrag was a master home builder; and his love for creating with wood was passed on to his son Dragan. Brother Sinisha also became a priest and sister Liljana is a professional baker and pastry chef. Dragisa was struck with polio and lives at home with his mother. Dragan Micanovic attended the seminary school of Sremski Karlovci, the oldest continuously operating seminary in Serbia. He was greatly honored to be in one of the classes studying during the 200 th anniversary of Sremski Karlovci. He graduated in Father Dragan then studied at the Beograd Theological School for one year. It was during that year that he applied for admission to the St. Sava School of Theology in Libertyville, Illinois. He met with Metropolitan Christopher who was attending a meeting in Belgrade and Metropolitan Christopher further reviewed his records, interviewed him and administered the entrance examination. Successful in all areas Seminarian Dragan was issued an invitation to complete his application. Father moved to the United States in After completing his studies in Libertyville he was ordained a deacon on 28 August 2009,and as a priest 13 December In February Father Dragan was made priest-administrator of the St. Petka Church in Nashville, Tennessee. I In December 2011 he was assigned to the St. Stefan Dechanski parish where he remained until July of this year. Father and Popadija Radica have three children, daughters Stefanija (7.5) and Sofija (6.5) and son Milodrag (4.5). Father Dragan has many interests and hobbies including: woodworking, reading, gardening and herbs, candle making, creating herbal creams and ointments and music of all varieties from Church Byzantine to classical and opera. Ravanica Welcomes you Father Dragan and Popadija Radica. We look forward to many years together. Above interview conducted by Karen Todorov Photography by Bruce Kavaya

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14 ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL RAVANICA 12th ANNUAL GOLF OUTTING MONDAY, September 7, 2015 Dear Fellow Golfers, Come join in the fun as St. Lazarus Ravanica holds our 12th annual golf outing at: HICKORY HOLLOW GOLF COURSE NORTH AVENUE (North Avenue & 22 Mile Road) DINNER: following BELOVISTE PICNIC GROUNDS Prizes / Raffle Drawing 1ST PLACE MENS TEAM 1ST PLACE LADIES TEAM 1ST PLACE CO-ED TEAM LONGEST DRIVE LADIES AND MEN CLOSEST TO THE PIN LADIES AND MEN DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIP AUGUST 31, 2015 GOLF RESERVATIONS: COST: $85 per Person for Golf, Lunch and Dinner GOLFER 1 GOLFER 2 GOLFER 3 GOLFER 4 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Gold Sponsor $3,000 Silver Sponsor $2,000 (Includes 8 golfers & signage) (Includes 4 golfers & signage) Bronze Sponsor $1,000 Lunch Sponsor $500 Beverage Sponsor $300 Hole Sponsor $100 Name Address Phone # and Address CLEARLY PRINT HOW YOU WANT YOUR SPONSORSHIP TO BE LISTED THANK YOU & WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU MONDAY, September 7, 2015 For more info call: BUTCH BESLACH: ZORAN CRNOMARKOVIC: PETAR ISAKOVIC: NIKOLA PETROVIC: LJUBO SUVAK Ravanica Golf Outing (Payable to St. Lazarus Church Ravanica ) ATTN: Butch Beslach 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit, MI 48234

15 Serbian Orthodox Church glorifies two North Americans At their regular session here on May 29, 2015, the members of the Holy Assembly of Hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church announced the glorification of two clerics who served in North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Bishop Mardarije [Uskokovic] and Archimandrite Sebastian [Dabovich]. the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America. The annual commemorations of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville, Bishop of America-Canada, and Saint Sebastian of Jackson will be observed on November 29/December 12 and November 17/30 respectively. Saint Sebastian was born Jovan Dabovich in San Francisco, CA in 1863 in the midst of the US Civil war. His parents were Serbian immigrants from Sassovae. From his early youth he was devoted to the Church and spent much of his time at the city s Holy Trinity Cathedral, where he later served as a reader and teacher. In 1884, he was assigned to assist at Archangel Michael Cathedral, Sitka, AK. Shortly thereafter, he was sent to Russia for training and formation as a missionary priest. After completing three years of studies at the Saint Petersburg and Kyiv Theological Academies, he was tonsured to monastic rank and ordained to the diaconate in Returning to San Francisco, he served as a deacon at the cathedral and taught in the newly established pastoral school. On August 16, 1892, he was ordained to the priesthood and assigned to pursue missionary work in California and Washington. The following year, he succeeded Father [now Saint] Alexis Toth as rector of Saint Mary Church, Minneapolis, MN and taught at the Missionary School. Holy Missionary Sebastian (Dabovich) of Jackson: Proclaimed New Saint of the Orthodox Church! Both saints are being recognized as preachers of the Gospel, God-pleasing servants of the holy life, and inspirers of many missionaries for their pastoral labors in America and their homeland. The glorification came in response to a recommendation by the Episcopal Council of In 1894, Father Sebastian returned to California, where he established the first Serbian Orthodox parish in the US in Jackson, CA. Two years later, he was reassigned to San Francisco s Holy Trinity Cathedral while continuing his missionary efforts in Jackson. In recognition of his abilities, Archbishop Tikhon assigned him as part of the North American Mission s Administration. During this time he wrote a book titled The Ritual, Services and Sacraments of the Holy Orthodox Church. In 1902, he was transferred to Alaska, where he served as Dean of the Sitka Deanery.

16 With the development of additional Serbian parishes in the U.S., Archbishop Tikhon reassigned Father Sebastian to head the Serbian Mission in America in The Mission was based in Chicago, where Archimandrite Sebastian had organized and served as rector of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church. He continued to guide the Serbian Mission through July 1910, when at his own request he returned to missionary work. With the opening of Saint Platon Seminary, Tenafly, NJ in 1913, he served as a member of the faculty and also was involved in numerous conferences and discussions with non-orthodox Christian confessions. In these meetings, he was sympathetic and understanding, yet firm in his desire to reveal Orthodox Christianity as the fullness of truth and the Church of Christ. While Archimandrite Sebastian was obviously a candidate for the episcopacy is America, he likewise felt the calling to minister in his ancestral Serbia. He served as a chaplain to the Serbian Army during the Balkan War and World War I. In 1916, he requested a release from the North American Mission to serve in Serbia, where he ministered for the remainder of his life. He fell asleep in the Lord on November 30, 1940 and was interred in the Monastery of Zicha by his friend and Father Confessor, Bishop Nikolai [Velimirovic]. Saint Mardarije was born Ivan Uskokovic in Podgoritsa, Montenegro, in In 1907, he embraced monasticism at the Studenica Monastery and then relocated to Russia to study at the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy. After graduation, he was ordained by the Russian Orthodox Church and sent as a missionary to America. In 1919, he was one of five Serbian Orthodox priests who participated in the Second All-American Sobor, held in Cleveland, Ohio. in February 1919, at which time it was recommended that the Serbian Church in Belgrade advance him to the episcopacy to organize a Serbian Orthodox Diocese in America. Unfortunately, at this most chaotic time in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church, it was impossible to secure the written blessing of Patriarch [now Saint] Tikhon of Moscow. Later in 1919, Archimandrite Mardarije returned to Belgrade, where he was assigned as head of the Rakovica Monastery and principal of its monastic school. Subsequently, Bishop [now Saint] Nikolai [Velimirovic] of Ohrid was sent by Patriarch Dimitriye to administer the fledgling diocese. Having likewise returned to America, Archimandrite Mardarije served as Saint Nikolai s Deputy for two years, and continued to administer the diocese after the latter s return to Belgrade. On April 26, 1926, Archimandrite Mardarije was consecrated to the episcopacy in Belgrade. Prior to his episcopal consecration, he had carried out most of the actual work of organizing the Serbian diocese. He also served as parish priest in Chicago and purchased with his personal funds the land for Saint Sava Monastery in suburban Libertyville. From the moment of his return to America, Bishop Mardarije undertook a wide range of ministries. He did not spare himself, nor did he fear work, although he knew that he was gravely ill with an advancing case of tuberculosis. In 1927, he convened the first National Church Assembly of the Serbian Orthodox American-Canadian Diocese to address a variety of organizational issues. At a clergy conference held in Youngstown, OH in 1931, he renewed his appeal for all to work for the unity and good of the diocese. His kindness, patience and reluctance to use punitive measures resulted in a great measure of unity within the diocese by the time of his repose on December 12, 1935 at the age of 46 years. He was interred at Libertyville s Saint Sava Monastery. Source:

17 Feast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady, The Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary August 28th INTRODUCTION The Feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever- Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 28th each year. The Feast commemorates the repose (dormition and in the Greek kimisis) or "fallingasleep" of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord. The Feast also commemorates the translation or assumption into heaven of the body of the Theotokos. BIBLICAL STORY Icon of the Dormition of the Theotokos provided by Theologic and used with permission. The Holy Scriptures tell us that when our Lord was dying on the Cross, He saw His mother and His disciple John and said to the Virgin Mary, "Woman, behold your son!" and to John, "Behold your mother!" (John 19:25-27). From that hour, the Apostle took care of the Theotokos in his own home. Along with the biblical reference in Acts 1:14 that confirms that the Virgin Mary was with the Holy Apostles on the day of Pentecost, the tradition of the Church holds that she remained in the home of the Apostle John in Jerusalem, continuing a ministry in word and deed. At the time of her death, the disciples of our Lord who were preaching throughout the world returned to Jerusalem to see the Theotokos. Except for the Apostle Thomas, all of them including the Apostle Paul were gathered together at her bedside. At the moment of her death, Jesus Christ himself descended and carried her soul into heaven. Following her repose, the body of the Theotokos was taken in procession and laid in a tomb near the Garden of Gethsemane. When the Apostle Thomas arrived three days after her repose and desired to see her body, the tomb was found to be empty. The bodily assumption of the Theotokos was confirmed by the message of an angel and by her appearance to the Apostles.

18 DETROIT s ORTHODOX Ethnic FESTIVALS Ethnic FESTIVALS Opa!Fest St Nicholas Church, Troy August 20-23: Assumption Greek Fest Assumption Church, St Clair Shores August 23: Greek Festival St George Church, Southgate August 28-30: A Taste of Greece Nativity of Mary Church, Plymouth September Ya ssoo Greek Festival St George Church, Bloomfield Hills September 12-13: Romanian Festival of Greater Detroit St George Cathedral, Southfield

19 Dobro Došli: An Introduction To Serbia And Serbian Culture Changing misconceptions, incorrect information, and negative stereotypes. I present to you the wonderful country and culture of Serbia. Enjoy. Maria Protić in Ideas on Jul 20, 2015 "Oh, you're from Siberia?!" "Serbia? Isn't it, like, really cold there?" Where even is that place?" "Is your dad in the mafia?" or my personal favorite, "Didn't you guys just kill a bunch of people?" Those are some of the few questions I get when meeting a person unfamiliar with the wonderful land known as Serbia, formerly known as Yugoslavia. Before getting into the top ten things to know about Serbia and the culture, it is important to dismiss certain incorrect ideas about Serbia and Serbians. A little geography lesson never hurt anyone, right? My wonderful readers and friends, Serbia is located in the Balkans. Since everyone seems to know where Greece is, Serbia is relatively located in that area. So no, it is not cold. It actually gets extremely hot in the summers.

20 And no, not every man that is Serbian is in the mafia. In fact, very few that you encounter will be a part of the mafia. I would even argue none of the men you meet have anything to do with the mafia. As we put these incorrect ideas to rest, allow to introduce to you to Europe's little secret, Serbia. 1. Serbia has Belgrade as its capital. AKA voted number one city for night life by The Traveller. With endless nightclubs open until the break of dawn, literally, there is always something to do. And now, rumor has it, it will be transformed to a city on water! I'm going to assume that will be a more grandeur version of San Antonio's riverwalk. 2. RAKIJA. Serbia's gem. It is that national drink of Serbia, and the most popular one. Serbia is the world's largest rakija producer. Rakija is a fruit brandy. A host will first offer all of his male guests rakija. In Serbia, the rakija is often home-made. (Because that's allowed there, I think. If not, everyone does it anyway.) Why wouldn't you want to visit a country where you are greeted with a glass of alcohol? 3. "Mir Boziji, Hristos se Rodi" is the proper way to greet an indivudual on Christmas Day. And oh, by the way, Christmas day is on Jan. 7. Yes, it is much later than the typical Christmas day, and that is because Serbians, along with other Eastern European nations, follow the old calendar when it comes to the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith, the Julian Calendar. Unlike in America where gifts seem to be the most important facet of Christmas, Serbians typically don't exchange gifts, and they don't have Christmas tree. Santa Clause also does not exist. Instead, on Christmas Eve, Serbians find a branch from an oak tree and take it to be blessed, or take one of the branches offered at the local church's Christmas Eve midnight liturgy. Following the midnight liturgy, the family would come home to a home-cooked dinner, place straw in the kitchen underneath the

21 table to symbolize the birth of Christ, and the badnjak is brought into the house. On Christmas day, there is a special bread called a Ćesnica. Inside the bread are placed coins, small piece of wood, and a bean all with their own representation. The family then breaks the bread to see who gets what, and lunch is served. 4. Slava. After Easter and Christmas, Slava is probably the most important holiday for a family. Slava is the celebration of the patron saint, which is passed down father to son. The day is celebrated with a home-cooked feast, friends and family. For a slava, a Kolač is prepared, which is the holy bread decorated with crosses, doves, and braides. There is also the žito which is boiled wheat prepared with various ingredients such as walnuts. The žito is also taken to church to be blessed by the priest and is later served to all of the guests. 5. Music Festivals. Did you know that the world-famous EXIT festival takes place in Serbia? As in Novi Sad, Serbia. It is an award winning music festival that features the best of music. Ugh, I want to go! But if you're looking for something a little more traditional, there is always the festival in Guća, which takes place in the beginning of August. The best brass bands perform at the festival and it is the biggest event in Serbia. Literally, no one misses Guča. Still haven't gone and severely regret it. It's day and night of trumpets, Serbian folk music, and the most popular Serbian singers. 6. Kolo. What do Šumadija, Moravac, and and Čačak all have in common? They inspired the names of the most popular folklore dances. Serbia is home to the most beautiful of ensembles and dances with an abundant amount of diversity and history. In America, many churches organize youth folklore groups so kids can dance continue to be a part of the heritage and culture. The kolo is also a way to bring people together in various celebrations since it is danced typically in a circle with dancers holding hands. 7. Roman Emperors. No less than 17 of the Roman Emperors were from the area that is now known as Serbia just from that little country. Imagine the history there. 8. FOOD. Not a single person has walked through my household without trying Serbian food, and not a single one left hungry, or upset. Ćevapi, sarme, punjene paprike, pasulj, burek, and kajmak are one of the few delicacies attributed to Serbia. If you went to Serbia just because of the food, you wouldn't be disappointed. The food is inspired from different area of the Balkans, Greece, and Turkey (because they basically ruled over us

22 for a while). Visit a Serbian household if there isn't a Serbian restaurant near you, you will not be disappointed. 9. Sports. Just this year, the Serbian U20 soccer team won the World Cup, the Men's Water Polo team were named world champions, and the women's basketball team were named champions of Europe. Novak Djokovic is the number one tennis player in the world, and Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic also had their share of being number one or in the top five. For a smaller country, the sports scene in Serbia is huge. Serbians are present everywhere and compete at extremely high levels with teams such as America and Spain. Just this past year Serbia played America for the basketball world championship. And who says the little never wins? With the success Serbia has had in recent years, that statement is altogether false. 10. Eastern Orthodox Christianity. This religion is one of the most rich, beautiful, and traditional religions in the world. Priests are dressed in elaborate robes, church services are long and filled with prayer, excerpts fro the Old and New Testaments, and churches and monasteries are elaborately painted and covered with frescoes. Serbia is a country filled with history, culture, and tradition. Nothing of this country is short of beautiful, and if you take the time to learn more about it, it is easy to see that Serbia and the people are not portrayed on mainstream news media correctly. Learn, visit, explore, and be changed. No wonder Serbians are proud of where they came from.

23 The Friends of the Ravanica Library believe the Library is the basis of a healthy and literate parish community. Each and every contribution to The Friends of Ravanica Library helps us to achieve our goals of providing the facilities, services and programs required for a lifetime of learning about our Holy Orthodox Faith and Serbian culture and traditions. Membership as a friend will help to provide not only books and materials for the Church Library, but will allow us to offer programs, lecture series, and events throughout the year. We are grateful to the following individuals who have joined as Friends of the Ravanica Library: Donna Bielich Livija Marina Paul Bielich Donna Medich Gregory Borchich Snezana Milutinovic Nina Googasian George & Marie Nickson Aco & Carole Lazovic Milos and Anne Saravolatz All are welcomed and encouraged to become Friends of the Ravanica Library. To join, simply fill out the form on the back of this page and return it to either the Church Office in the Cultural Center or to the Church Library directly. Yearly membership is $ Join Today! We would also like to express our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Martin and Karen Todorov for their donation of a flat screen television monitor for our Church Library!

24 MEMBERSHIP FRIENDS YEARLY MEMBERSHIP $20.00 Become A Friend of the Ravanica Church Library! Since 1984 the parishioners of the St. Lazarus Serbian Cathedral Ravanica have regarded the Church Library as an informational and cultural resource, a source of inspiration, and a tool to foster education and individual development in the parish. The Friends of the Ravanica Library believe the Library is the basis of a healthy and literate parish community. Each and every contribution to The Friends of Ravanica helps us to achieve our goals of providing the facilities, services and programs required for a lifetime of learning about our Holy Orthodox Faith and Serbian culture and traditions. Your membership will provide not only books and materials for the Church Library, but will allow us to offer programs, lecture series, and events throughout the year. GIFTS Join Today! A gift made in one s name is always a meaningful way to mark a special occasion or to remember a beloved family member, respected friend or colleague. When you make a Memorial or Honor gift to the Friends of the Ravanica Library, we ll send your honoree or their family a card acknowledging your generosity. Nsme Address City State Zip Please make checks payable to: St. Lazarus Serbian Church and Mail to: St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church Friends of the Library 4575 E. Outer Drive Detroit, MI Or Remit application and check in person any Sunday in the Church Library following Church Services GIFT DONATION - - $ In Honor of: In Memory of: By (Name) Address City State Zip

25 SISTERS CORNER July/August 2015 Thank you to the Sisters who sponsored a table with a beautiful floral arraignment for Vidovdan. The hall always looks so beautiful! Alan Rajkovic Ruza Batanjski Katija Bjedov Father Zivan

26 The first Serbian Sisters Ravanica Scholarship Fund was awarded to Katija Bjedov in the amount of $1,200. Katija is the daughter of Mark and Nikki Bjedov and granddaughter of Mico and Rosemarie Bjedov. Katija recently graduated from Farmington High School. She competed in the Farmington Varsity Pom program for 4 years and served as team captain. She was awarded and was recognized individually for outstanding leadership. In addition, she served as a link leader, has had extensive community service involvement including coaching Middle School Pom; managing the boys Lacrosse team; and mentoring her peers and special needs elementary students. She maintained a high honor roll standing throughout high school and was as member of the National Honor Society. The Serbian Sisters are committed in continuing with our Scholarship Fund program for our students. If you would like to make a donation to our Scholarship Fund, you can mail in your donation to: St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Ravanica c/o Serbian Sisters Ravanica; 4575 East Outer Dr., Detroit, MI You can also find donor envelopes at the candle stand in church. Your donation is tax-deductible and will be recognized in our program at the end of the school year. Checks are made out to: Serbian Sisters Ravanica Scholarship Fund. THANK YOU FOR YOU CONTINUED SUPPORT!!

27 St. Lazarus Ravanica 2015 Graduates Congratulations to our graduates and their families!! Junior High School Sophia Balow Nada Barach Nicholas Borchich Angela Doncic Sam Googasian Michael Stevanovich Nikki Vulinovic High School Katija Bjedov Nicholas Bradley Charles Cronovich-Kearney Ljuba Popadic Zachary Raad Alan Rajkovic Niko Ristic Stefan Santrach Special Recognition Marko Stojanovic College Dejan Momcilovich Dusan Momcilovich Taylor Nezich Manueala Ana Radulovic Christina Sarkissian Marko Zatezalo Congratulations to all our Ravanica children. We are proud of your many accomplishments in your continuing education!

28 Our Junior High School Graduates Sophia Balow is the daughter of Mike and Debbie Balow. She graduated from Central Middle School in Plymouth and will be attending Canton High School in the fall. Sophia is active in Swimming, Dance and will go out for Lacrosse. She is a National Junior Honor Society, School Choir, WEB leader, participated in wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns on the DC field trip. Recipient of the Presidential Gold Award. Nada Barach is the daughter of David and Lillian Barach. She graduated from Hillside Middle School and is will be attending Northville High School in the fall. She wants to pursue a career in the medical field when she gets older. She is an active dancer, cheerleader and loves to kolo dance. She is a Pom State Finalist. Nicholas Borchich is the son of Margaret and Gregory Borchich. He graduated from Shelby Jr. High School and will be attending Utica Academy for International Studies, their International Baccalaureate Academy. All A honor roll. Angela Doncic is the daughter of David and Tanja Doncic. She is attending 9 th Grade in the fall at Shelby Junior High. With a 4.0 average, she is on the National Honor Society, received a Certificate of Honor, Perfect Attendance and the President s Award in Education. She is also a Gold Medalist and recipient of the Gold Lapel Pin and Gold Certificate symbols of her success in the U.S. Figure Skating Association.

29 Sam Googasian is the son of Dean and Nina Googasian. Sam is graduating from the 8 th grade at Berkshire Middle School and will be attending Groves High School. Sam plays hockey, baseball and runs cross-country. Marko Stojkovic was nominated to be a guest speaker at the "Social Studies Olympiad" in Lansing. Congratulations Marko!! Michael Alan Stevanovich, son of Saso and Sandra, is graduating from Heritage Junior High. He spent the past year attending classes at UofM Dearborn as part of the Yes for Prep program. Michael will be attending Detroit Country Day where he was awarded a scholarship. Michael aspires to go to medical school someday and perhaps even run for president! As the parents of this bright child, we are overjoyed with his achievements but mostly we are proud of the kind, generous and loving young man he has become. Nikki is the daughter of Bosko and Patty Vulinovic. She has graduated from 9 th grade at Jeannette Junior High School and will be attending Stevenson High School in the fall. Nikki s passion is soccer. She has played on various travel and local soccer teams. She loves her Serbian heritage and loves to dance Kolo.

30 Our 2015 High School Graduates Congratulations and Best Wishes!! Nicholas Bradley, son of Jagoda and Tom Bradley, graduated from Troy High School where he lettered in both baseball and football. He was the captain of the baseball team and was voted player of the year on his football team. Nicholas earned recognition as a Scholar Athlete all four years of High School (3.5 GPA or higher). Charlie Cronovich is the son of Carla Cronovich Kearney. Charile graduated from Athens High School. In the fall Charlie will intern at Beaumont Hospital for a year in project search. Charlie plans on continuing his education at a community college following his internship. Ljuba Popadic, daughter of Aco and Nela Popadic, graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School and will be attending Mount Holyoke in the fall where she has a Leadership Scholarship. Ljuba received an Honor Award and was a member of the Student Assoc. LINK crew. She was also in both the National Italian and National Spanish Honor Societies. A member of National Society of High School Scholars, Ljuba was also on her high school lacrosse team. C

31 Zachary Raad, the son of Michael and Debe Raad, graduated from Rochester Adams High School. Zach will be attending Michigan State University in the fall; he is interested in studying science. A Alan Rajkovic, the son of Mike and B Donna Rajkovic, graduated Cum Laude from Novi High School. Alan lettered in Choir and Soccer. He was the captain of his Varsity Soccer Team and earned recognition as a Scholar Athlete. Alan will be attending John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio where he will play soccer and study business. Niko Ristic, the son of Sasa and Susie (Seka) Ristic. He graduated from Dakota High School in Macomb, Michigan. He will attend Macomb Community College for his first year with plans to transfer to Central Michigan University. Niko is leaning toward a business degree or criminal justice degree, and is thinking of perhaps furthering his education to go to Law School. He also hopes to become a hockey coach and stay active in the sport he loves. Stefan Santrach, the son of Dragoljub and Ann-Marie Santrach, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Novi High School. Stefan was awarded State Officer for Deca. He will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall where he plans to study business at the Ross School of Business.

32 Our 2015 College Graduates Congratulations!! We hope your dreams take you To the corners of your smiles, To the highest of your hopes, To the windows of your opportunities, And to the most special places Your heart has ever known. Dejan Momcilovic, son of Pero and Milka Momcilovic, graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Computer Science. Dusan Momcilovic, son of Pero and Milka Momcilovic, graduated from Oakland University with a degree in Mathematics and Actuarial Science.

33 Taylor Nezich, daughter of Mark and Linda Nezich, graduated from University of Michigan. Manuela Ana Radulovic, Graduated from Rochester College with a Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology. Manuela has been accepted into the Liberty University Master of Arts; Professional Counseling program for the academic year. Manuela and her husband recently relocated to sunny Florida. Christina Sarkissian, daughter of Florence and Philip Sarkissian, graduated from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 25, She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Science and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish. She was given the honor of being on the Dean's List for high academic achievement. Her future plans are to attend University of Michigan in the fall to begin her Masters Program in Biomedical Science. Marko Zatezalo, son of Sheryl and the late Emil Zatezalo, graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor s Degree in Business and Accounting.

34 ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL RAVANICA CENTENNIAL HISTORY COMMEMORATIVE BOOK A Lovely Centennial Book of Our St. Lazarus Parish History and Faith will be available on our Centennial Week End October 9 11, This Special Commemorative Book highlights our 100 years through our Ravanica Church History and Our Beautiful Serbian Orthodox Faith. This historical volume will be treasured in your home for many years to come. Be sure not to miss getting a copy of this very special book!

35 Acolytes Altar Boys The word acolyte comes from the Greek and means attendant that is free from sin. Acolytes or altar boys have a very important role in the Orthodox Church services. They help priests and bishops better serve God and the Church. Altar boys represent the angels of the church because they are pure and are always ready to assist all those who need them. It is a great honor to serve as an acolyte. 1. Acolytes have many jobs to do. They must light candles, prepare the censer, carry the cross during processions, be familiar with the different vestments and sacred vessels, and follow the liturgy to participate in the Small and Great Entrances as well as other parts of the Services. 3. Acolytes wear special vestments: a tunic (stiharion) which represents purity of soul, happiness, and salvation. The very young acolytes are permitted to wear a long sash (orarion) which represents the wings of an angel because they are considered pure. Older acolytes will be permitted to wear the orarion when they are ordained as readers of the church and have attained purity of spirit. 4. When you are an acolyte, you have to realize that it is a privilege to serve God this way. You will have the chance to get first-hand exposure to the liturgy by participating in it. You will create many memories of your special role in the Orthodox family. 2. The most important thing young boys must realize is that when they are an acolyte or altar boy, people are depending on them and look up to them to better reach God through prayer. Altar boys are an example to others so they must always be calm, pious, and ready to serve. 5. Acolytes must always behave in an exemplary way both inside and outside of the church. They must always be prepared for the service by reading the scripture so that they can follow the liturgy. Also, they need to know their prayers like Our Father, The Creed and the prayers before Holy Communion. They need to be familiar with the different parts of the church. Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. John 12:26 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Psalm 26: EN-ed03

36 Name: Date: Unscramble the words to discover different responsibilities of an acolyte. SERVE GOD LIGHT CANDLES PREPARE CENSER CARRY CROSS HELP PRIEST WEAR STIHARION KNOW PRAYERS CYRAR CSOSR KWON PSERAYR _ PAREREP CNSERE _ WRAE SARINIOHT _ HLPE PERSTI LGITH CNLDESA SVERE GDO PRAYER O King of Glory, For to serve Thee is a great and awesome thing, even to the heavenly powers. - Priest s Prayer during the Cherubic Hymn EN-ed03

37 Acolytes Altar Boys {Teacher s Edition} Lesson Objective: To have children become familiar with the roles and responsibilities of an altar boy acolyte. Introduction: Bible Reading The word acolyte comes from the Greek and means attendant that is free from sin. Acolytes or altar boys have a very important role in the Orthodox Church services. They help priests and bishops better serve God and the Church. Altar boys represent the angels of the church because they are pure and are always ready to assist all those who need them. It is a great honor to serve as an acolyte. Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. John 12:26 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Psalm 26:6-8 Highlights: 1. Acolytes have many jobs to do. They must light candles, prepare the censer, carry the cross during processions, be familiar with the different vestments and sacred vessels, and follow the liturgy to participate in the Small and Great Entrances as well as other parts of the Services. 2. The most important thing young boys must realize is that when they are an acolyte or altar boy, people are depending on them and look up to them to better reach God through prayer. Altar boys are an example to others so they must always be calm, pious, and ready to serve. 3. Acolytes wear special vestments: a tunic (stiharion) which represents purity of soul, happiness, and salvation. The very young acolytes are permitted to wear a long sash (orarion) which represents the wings of an angel because they are considered pure. Older acolytes will be permitted to wear the orarion when they are ordained as readers of the church and have attained purity of spirit. 4. When you are an acolyte, you have to realize that it is a privilege to serve God this way. You will have the chance to get first-hand exposure to the liturgy by participating in it. You will create many memories of your special role in the Orthodox family. 5. Acolytes must always behave in an exemplary way both inside and outside of the church. They must always be prepared for the service by reading the scripture so that they can follow the liturgy. Also, they need to know their prayers like Our Father, The Creed and the prayers before Holy Communion. They need to be familiar with the different parts of the church. Activity: Prayer: Have children unscramble the words to discover the different responsibilities of an altar boy. O King of Glory, For to serve Thee is a great and awesome thing, even to the heavenly powers. - Priest s Prayer during the Cherubic Hymn EN-ed03

38 Dormition Crossword Activity for Children The Mother of God Crossword

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