Once again this year, our school honored its patron saint, Saint Sava, the first Archbishop of Serbia, with a heartfelt and solemn celebration. The highlight of the event was the festive Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, held on February 9th at St. Nicholas Church in Lyons. The service was led by His Eminence, Archbishop of New Gračanica and Chicago and Metropolitan of Midwestern America, the Most Reverend Longin, with the concelebration of His Grace, Bishop of Kostajnica, Serafim, along with numerous clergy and deacons, including some of our professors and former students. The liturgical service was beautifully enhanced by the chanting of our students, and toward the end of the Liturgy, the traditional blessing and breaking of the festal bread (Slava Kolach) took place.
Following the service, the celebration continued in a spirit of fellowship and gratitude. Thanks to the generosity of parish priest Fr. Nemanja and his parishioners, a festive luncheon was served, offering an opportunity for joyful gathering and conversation. The formal program that followed was organized by our professor of Church Chant and Liturgics, Protodeacon Dr. Jovan Aničić, in collaboration with our students.
The program opened in the traditional manner with an inspiring lecture, delivered this year by Professor of Church Canon and Marriage Law and Director of the Saint Sava Academy, Fr. Dragan Arsić. His talk, titled “The Schools of Saint Sava,” reflected on the saint’s enduring influence on education and spiritual formation.
Guided by fourth-year student Stefan Dmitrović as the master of ceremonies, the program continued with a lively performance by the Moravac children’s folklore ensemble from St. Nicholas Church in Lyons, delighting the audience with traditional Serbian dances.
The celebration was further enriched by a performance from our faculty’s vocal ensemble, under the direction of Protodeacon Jovan, as well as several recitations delivered by fourth-year students Milan Petrović, Djordje Vučetić, and Stefan Dmitrović; third-year student Mihajlo Knežević; and first-year students Ian Stahl and Igor Glišić.
As the program drew to a close, our Dean and professor of Church Mission, Protopresbyter Dr. Aleksandar Novaković, addressed the gathering with words of encouragement and reflection, reminding everyone of Saint Sava’s profound legacy as a guide and inspiration for students and educators alike.
The celebration concluded in a truly moving fashion, with all the children and students joining together in a rousing performance of the Hymn to Saint Sava. Their voices were soon joined by the entire audience, who rose to their feet and sang together with joy and devotion:
“Sing to him, Serbs, and praise him threefold!”
Text by Mr. Stefan Dmitrovic and Mr. Milan Petrovic, seniors
