Shadeland Camp......
Summer, 2020:
Due to the Corona Virus, there was only a Virtual Camp Experience, but the Campers found a way to connect to each other, regardless. “Ako Bog da, Next year, God Willing!
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Opening Number to the delight of a packed house for the great show the 2014 Tambura Week Campers put on was, “Oj Moravo!” Click on the YouTube link below to see them playing their tambura/violin instruments and singing for YOUR pleasure!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jE9briQFXo
Other photos from 2014:
Young and YOUNGEST Shadeland lovers!
Photo 1 is of 8 month old Nikola (“Niko”) Benusa and his Dad, Matt Benusa. Niko has on his Pittsburgh Pirate hat and his “Super Serbs SNF Manager Pittsburgh Basketball Team” shirt that was once worn by his mother, HALLE BELOSH BENUSA! That’s 5 generations at Shadeland, with a 2nd generation T-shirt! 🙂
Niko loved eating little bits of lamb (janjetina!)
Photo 2 is of the youngest person we know to have visited Shadeland for Diocesan Days is “Ava,” only one week old! Congratulations all!
Photos by Mim Bizic, 8/10/14.
Photos of our wonderful clergy led by His Grace, Dr. Mitrofan and guest Bishop Sava of St. Marks, formerly of Slavonia. Thank you to Zika Markov Markov for the photo above. August 10, 2014.
Another packed-house audience, 2014!
From former camper
to beloved 1st year Counselor! 🙂
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Following photos by Zika Markov Markov. Thank you, Cica Zika!
And Mim Bizic caught Cica Zika Markov busy at work taking photos of our beautiful Shadeland Campers! He does a wonderful job of capturing the joy of our Shadeland campers!
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Shadeland, 2006; photo by Mim Bizic with Bishop Mitrophan and +Metropolitan Christopher.
The PATH OF ORTHODOXY issue always has information about next year’s Camp season. I hope everyone reading this can go to Shadeland Camp or send someone they know. The experience is NOT TO BE MISSED! Ask any camper! 🙂
The 2014 Season just completed to the enjoyment of all in attendance at Shadeland’s Diocesan Day on Sunday, August 10, 2014. Besides His Grace Dr. Mitrofan and guest bishop Sava, there were 26 area priests in attendance from all over the Eastern Diocese for Church Services. Afterwards, the Tamburitza Week campers put on a tremendous program for all to enjoy!
The kids had a ball and enjoyed the great food prepared by their loving cooks, led by Millie Radovick, and her mother, Olga Dimitijevich and Dee Dee Baskot.
Website for further info:
http://www.easterndiocese.org/
Kids+Summer+fun=SHADELAND
That’s the equation for our favorite summer pasttime: SHADELAND!
For many of the children in the Eastern Diocese and beyond, summer just wouldn’t be complete without spending at least part of it at St. Sava Camp, Shadeland, PA. For four weeks, Shadeland in 2015 will once again be filled with the familiar sounds of children’s laughter, the hustle and bustle of the kitchen and support staff, and voices raised in prayer and worship. The children make lifelong friends.
What is Shadeland?
(Anyone who has ever been there can attest to THIS truth!!!)
Once again, the Standing Committee on Christian Education is preparing a program that will educate and enlighten. One year the theme was “Face to Face with God,” where the children learned more about Icons!
This included the role of icons in worship, an interview with an iconographer history of icons in the Orthodox Church, and the tradition of miraculous icons.
If you haven’t considered sending your child or grandchild to Shadeland, now is a great time to start making them part of the equation. Space is available, though limited. Room for 76 campers each week! Sign up early!
Be sure to learn more about registering though your local clergy and also in PDF format on the website of the Eastern Diocese. Click here below!
www.easterndiocese.org/shadeland.
Shadeland Picnic—let’s make it a BIG ONE!
The annual Shadeland Picnic always takes place on Sunday at the end of Tambura Week, usually the second Sunday in August. His Grace Bishop Mitrophan, clergy, parents and faithful gather in worship and then enjoy the traditional picnic. As is customary, the children from Tammie Week perform a program of music and dance for all to enjoy! (This will melt your heart, too!)
Make Shadeland part of your Summer Holiday!
You’ll be glad you did!!!!
All finished now…. little by little with good direction!
Here are some OLD Shadeland Camp photos taken by the master photographer, Milan M. Karlo, my dad.
Milan graduated from the prestigious Rochester Institute of Photography in New York. The feat is rather remarkable, considering that Milan was totally deaf and had to rely on his excellent lip reading skills and friends to help him “translate” what was being said. He lived very frugally in the YMCA and your hostess treasures the letters that went back and forth between Milan and Laura while he was away, and she was “manning” the store while taking care of Milana and Roseann. (Alexandra came later!)
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Beautiful Manor House in the Summer- our first camp building, also the Old Folks Home for our Serbian wards. We loved to run around in the whitewashed cellar, imagining the slaves that were hidden there as part of the Underground Railroad! (Erie County Historical Records attest to this!)
The Manor House in Winter. This was a Christmas card my father sent out to Milan and Dara Tomich in 1961.
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(I forgot to turn off the flash when I copied these photos below!)
In this first photo, I see sister Rose (2nd from left in front row) talking to Mary Ranick, our Sunday School teacher. Behind her is Dorothy Conway. Bet you can recognize a lot more too!
These guys were always ready to ham it up for the camera at Shadeland Camp! Did you know that Crown Prince Aleksandar was also a Shadeland camper? King Peter II was thrilled with the news of the second cabin building when he saw the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph full-page spread on Shadeland while he was visiting the SNF offices in Oakland, and decided then and there to send his son to camp!
“In Pittsburgh they sold pogachas baked lovingly by one of their ‘Babas’; iin Youngstown the merchandise was candy; and in Canton, Ohio, flowers. From such sales and contributions, Sunday school groupings in the East defrayed some of the $21,000 cost of building Cabin No. 2. Each Sunday School tot was to contribute $2 to cover the cost of a concrete block.”
No one, NO ONE, cooked more for the kids than our beloved Teta Mileva Mrvosh. Dorothy Conway and Fr. Irinej Kovacevich look on.
Fr. Irinej: Priest/Director/Farmer
Fr. Irinej, officially the priest-director for the 1400-acre estate, had graduated from Dorchester College in England in the late ’40’s, and picked up his Master’s Degreee at Columbia University. He was tremendous in getting people to work for the common good. He was rightly called “crowd hypnotist, bold and imaginative planner with the zeal of a missionary, engineer of all the progress up at Shadeland from paper draft to finished construction.”
Vjecnaja Pamjat to these Camp pioneers!
I think this is the Aliquippa committee turning over the first shovel full of dirt for the Lake! Every colony gave something. Aliquippa donated the lake like Wilmerding (Monroeville) gave the playground. The two Pittsburgh Parishes raised money for a cabin, etc. That’s how we moved ahead. Everyone working together!
“$5,000 Project of St. Elijah Aliquippa (PA) Parish Folk: Spring of 1959, a big hole, the size of a football field (2.5 acres!) was dug, its outer layer covered with sand for a beach. Water was piped in from a spring on the top of the hill (on the other side of the highway). Drive leaders were George Zatezelo and Eli Rebich, two young men active with their families in Shadeland Camp life. Dorothy Reback was secretary, Dorothy Maravich, financial secretary; and Sam Urick, treasurer. President of the parish was Sam Tatalovich, who helped in the drive which Aliquippa conducted under the slogan of: ‘Go BIG LEAGUE or don’t go at all.’ ”
“Kuma for the Lake project was Elaine Vincic. The bulk of the monies raised was individual and family $5 and $10 donations. Almost every family in the parish gave something and just about every merchant doing business with the parish people. The largest sums were contributed by the organizations–the church congregation, the Serbian Club, the Mother’s Club and the CIO Steelworker’s Local 1211.”
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“Our Shadeland” was once world-renown as one of the finest Clydesdale horse farms in the world. As you can see from the above ad that appeared in the prestigious THE CENTURY magazine, Shadeland was owned by the Powell Brothers, from Crawford Co.
A New York Times article from Feb. 2, 1907 lists a 2 yr. old trotter horse owned by the Powell Brothers of Shadeland, PA as selling for $810.00 in a sale of 482 horses at the Madison Square Gardens in NY which realized $175,230. The Powell Brothers horse was much more than the average sale horse.
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The front cover of the Shadeland Spomenica, marking the first 10 years as the Serbian Orthodox Children’s Camp. Almost all the photos were taken by Milan Karlo, who absolutely loved Shadeland and recorded the scenes for posterity.
He was recognized for his great zeal as “one of Shadeland’s most enthusiastic supporters and one who rates high on her list of constructive builders and boosters. His Grace Bishop Dionisije, who purchased the property, led others “in tribute and recognition to the person who did to much to keep Shadeland, its needs, its problems, its progress and its growth foremost in the minds of our people over the past ten years.”
“It would have been completely impossible, and out of the question, for the Diocese, the KSS, Savez and the Shadeland Board to even begin to hire someone to accomplish the tremendous task performed by this one man. Truly in Milan Karlo Shadeland has found a devoted friend, supporter and benefactor. The publication of this book, with professional attention to photography and excellence in the telling of Shadeland’s story, is largely the work of Milan Karlo.”
Outdoor religious services had to do until we built the church years later. Always, as the photo caption says, flanked by the Serbian and American flags.
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The architect for Fr/ Irinej Kovachevich’s grand plan known as “The Shadeland of Tomorrow” was George Vojnovich, better known now as the Father of U.S. Senator George Vojnovich. The late +George graduated from Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), and besides being one of the leading architect-designers in the Cleveland area, he also had an intimate knowledge of all things Serbian. (He designed the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa!) George Vojnovich was a generous benefactor of Shadeland. He designed the two cabins for free, in fact, he gave almost $100,000, ranking with the top five monetary contributors to the estate!
“His two boys frequently accompanied him to Shadeland. It could be that what he is doing he is doing as a momento to his boys.”
“George is a rare credit to the few native-born, depression-educated youth who have given of their not inconsiderable talents and money for Shadeland, their heritage, and for their posterity. Thank you, George! You are remembered!
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When you visit the cemetery at Shadeland, be sure to say special prayers for all the wonderful people buried there. Look how Tima and Marija Bukvich gave their entire $10,000 estate to Shadeland! That’s at a time when people were lucky to be making only a few thousand dollars working for a whole year or more!
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If only I could find the REAL photos my father had of these Shadeland Charity Home Residents! They were magnificent 8″ x 10″ portraits which could easily be classified as winning pictures in any photo contest! My father would develop them himself, perhaps making 20 or more pictures until he had just the exact exposures/development he wanted! I remember Vujo and so many others, always with a smile for us campers. He worked so hard on his Shadeland garden!
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“Here we stand like birds in the wilderness, birds in the wilderness, birds in the wilderness, here we stand like birds in the wilderness, waiting for something to eat!” Joi!
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The Picnic Glen with the tall trees was always so beautiful and cool. We loved running around and then finding our parents and grandparents after we were exhausted or wanted more tickets for drinks! As far as your eye could see would be parked cars from all over the USA and Canada.
Group after group of happy campers from the 1960’s
People from Pittsburgh and elsewhere enjoying the picnic with Bishop Dionisje, on the right. He was the one who purchased these Holy Grounds for us.
This is Cabin #1 of the “Shadeland of Tomorrow” Complex— the wooden cabin was really first. This is the FIRST camper building made of concrete blocks.
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October 16, 2008 American SRBOBRAN -“We Get Letters” section, p. 33.
“Enjoyed the pictorial about Shadeland (“Celebrating Shadeland,” September 3, 2008 by Mim Bizic) and recognized some of the people who worked so hard for the enjoyment of others. I remember Mrs. Simich, Mrs. Kobac, and Mrs. Mrvosh. I was a “camper” at Shadeland in the late 1950’s along with Mrs. Simich’s duaghter Danielle (DeeDee), Bob Conway, Terry Kulics, and Norman Winowich, to name a few. I’ve seen Terry’s photos in the Srbobran, but where are the others? Was surprised to see that the Manor House had been demolished. Shadeland was a great place to attend picnics with plenty of time to slip away to Conneaut Lake Park, now closed. More memories. Some people claim you can’t go back. Maybe physically, but you can certainly remember the good times.
Joe Cupurdija, Mechanicsville, Virginia
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Bishop Mitrofan, Metropolitan Christopher, & Fr. Zivojin J. with our great campers, 2006.
Shadeland is a WONDERFUL experience for children! Take it from a FIRST YEAR Shadeland Camper, and then Shadeland Counselor, whose son Nick was a camper, and then a counselor, and we counted tonight, it will only be five more years before the THIRD generation of campers will attend in our family!
2nd Generation of Campers
Shadeland Camp @ 1980-82
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This house was directly across from the Manor House & was the first Nursing Home facility for our Serbian pioneers.
If you can remember this statue of Mercury that was encompassed by the tree at Shadeland, you must be over 50 years old!
This wonderful Shadeland phenomenon was real close to the house with the SHADELAND name on it, directly across from the HUGE white Manor House. (Both now gone.) Here we have +Steve Yorgin & our Ujak, +Milosh Klaich, who are with MERCURY, the messenger of the Gods!
Manor Home in Winter Picture Postcard Perfect!
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In May of 2006, I was traveling throughout Serbia visiting our beautiful monasteries. One lady on the trip said to me, “I think I remember you from Shadeland Camp from a long time ago. You had a cousin with a funny name who I remember because he always made us laugh.”
Knowing immediately who she was talking about, I did a Rumpelstiltskin trick. “Was it my cousin Paul?”
“No…..” “Was it my cousin Joe?”
“No…..” “Was his name JULES?”
“Yes! Jules! Jules Bobik, from Pittsburgh!”
Oh, how we laughed and rejoiced on that bus, bouncing along on the roads coming from St. Basil of Ostrog Monastery!
Immediately we embraced and started singing,
“We are the Shadeland girls, we wear our hair in curls, we wear our dungarees, way up above our knees, we are too big for toys, but oh so right for boys, if we don’t get our man, we do the Can-Can!”
Didn’t believe me, eh?
We were so silly, but loved it!
It turns our that “lady” on the trip is now a Matushka at the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Washington, DC. Kathy Siljegovic and I and her husband, Deacon Blagoje, are now VERY close friends! Originally, Kathy lived in Lackawanna. Her sister and her friend (“Kuma”) Monica Damjanovich were also on the trip. That’s what’s special about attending camp. You get to meet so many people from ALL over!
Deacon Blagoje grew up only BLOCKS from Shadeland when his family came here from Serbia! The family still owns a small farm nearby, and it was great seeing Deacon Blagoje again at Shadeland 2008!
Here’s another great story about Matushka Kathy that you’ll love. When we went to Lelic Monastery, to see where Saint Bishop Nikolai is buried, we were surprised to find there was a photo from the American SRBOBRAN on display of Kathy when she was a young girl and was an angel for a special Christmas production. Bishop Nikolai was in the audience. Kathy had the same photo that appeared in the display with her on the trip and we all delighted in seeing it!
We also sang this Shadeland song:
“Shadeland Camp all fellows fall in line, and we will have a good old jolly time, and for the camp we love and love so well, we’re gonna yell and yell and yell and yell and yell!”
We asked each other…
“Do you remember singing around the campfire,
‘Each campfire lights anew, the flame of friendship true, the joy we had in knowing you, will last our whole life through!”
And it did!!!
Shadeland Camp, that’s US!
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The Shadeland Playground was donated by the Wilmerding (now Monroeville) PA parish since they sent the largest camper contingents each year, with Mimi Smith and Emma Swencki camp chairmen or aides. Pastor at the time was Fr. Mitrofan Kresejevich, for many years the right hand of Fr. Irinej.
The seed was planted with Fred (Shorty) Polojac, Mike Basara, and George Eremic. They held a “supper” which instantly totaled $1200. They “pushed, prodded, coaxed and begged the remainder with an ad book, a bowl jamboree, and another supper. In the Spring of 1960 they loaded their purchased equipment on a couple trucks and proceeded to install it on the grounds of Shadeland. Later, a miniature-sized concrete basketball floor was poured. Mary Wukas was Kuma. Sam Milanovich of Aliquippa contributed the backboards and hoops for the basketball court.
Other committee aides were Nick Trkulja, John Karas, Goerge and Mary Vuick, Emma Swenky, casey and Ann Visnick, Sophie Vislay, Helen Sarver and Milka White. Exceptional aid was rendered by the Mother’s Club, the KSS Sisterhoods from Export and Wilmerding and the SNF Lodges and the SRBOBRAN newspaper. The Danny Kukich, Mel Ray and Zabadava tamburitza orchestras contributed their services.”
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Administration Building Dedication Plate:
All told, the POLICH Family gave $100,000.00!
Inside the Administration building with stage being used as Chapel. Great oil paintings of the benefactors, Todor and Andja Polich to the left, and founder, Bishop Dionisije to the right.
This is the house where all the priests and Bishop stayed. To the house’s far left is the cemetery.
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Bob Samardick from Omaha, Nebraska, freely parted with his money for all Serbian projects. This shows him giivng $6,000 to purchase the sheep herd; $5,000 for the gas piping which is STILL helping Shadeland!
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The Simich Family worked tirelessly in all ways, even though this shows only MISTER Simich, Mrs. Milka Simich mopped floors, cooked, washed dishes and did whatever it took to lead the ladies in her KSS role.
Trisha Simich, from Cleveland, was Chairman of the Lay Board at Shadeland, and shared the $10,000 cost of the gas pipes with Bob Samardick. He also gave $2,500 for the Cabin Drains.
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Willing Hands and Open Hearts…. Scores pooled their resources, energies, talents to lick the unfairly pinned “Jama Bez dna” (Bottomless Pit) stigma of early days at the Estate. For this reason, these people deserve to be mentioned-and remembered-by posterity!
Manojlo Topalsky (Akron), Fr. Vlad Suka & Paul Kobac (Farrell), Dan Kovacevich (West Palm Beach, FL), Elmer Garber, Lou Obradovich (Duquesne), John Peters (Cleveland), Spasoje Vincic shown above.
Literally, scores of people have given “Shakom and kapom” or worked their fingers to the bone, for Shadeland. Other donors mentioned besides those above, Mrs. Clements and John Hall who were Shadeland neighbors. Mr. Hall was the PA State Agricultural representative, and his activities got Drs. Greer and Dr. Clements involved (General Practioner and Dentist. ) Mrs. Hall threw open her home for visiting dignitaries!
Elijah Vracarich (Youngstown), Branko Generalovich and Spiro Andrich (Farrell), V. Rev. Petar Paunovich (Youngstown) and M. Milich. Paso Vincic (Aliquippa), Elmer Garber and Peter Mamula (Pittsburgh), Nick Borata & Alex Matich (Cleveland).
“Incredible hardships confronted these people. Everything was in a raw state. The dwellings were in disrepair; the land overrun with weeds. Operational costs were running to $40,000-$50,000 a year and only a fraction of that was coming in. The FRIENDS of Shadeland then could be counted on the fingers of one’s hand.
Wonderful ladies who did the cooking and anything else that needed to be done!
This was our FIRST cabin. (Before that, we stayed in the Manor House for camp!) Our new WOODEN cabin wasn’t far from where the big Manor House was….same side of the road, perhaps where the Church is now. It was the ultimate at the time! As counselors, we loved listening to Elvis Presley on the radio at night, singing “There Will Be Peace in the Valley” and “Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear.”
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All about Fr. Irinej and the many roles he played. Held a Master’s Degree from Columbia, yet never hesitated to get on a tractor and work too. Whatever needed done, he did it. He was best at getting others to help us!
This wishing well held money that well-wishers threw in to help support the camp. It was located right in front of the house with SHADELAND on it, and the Mercury statue covered by the tree was down to the left, towards the old picnic glen. (Found out that the boy on the right in the shorts is our own Mark Zatezalo, another one who loved (Still LOVES!) Shadeland!)
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“Uncle” John Milusnich, Protonica Angeline Marjanovich (not Protonica Marianov as it says in the clipping) and Mrs. Milka Simich-great cooks and friends to all! We loved them!
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Buses used to come from far and near. This Beaver Valley Motor Coach came from Aliquippa, PA.
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Photos of the Cemetery where so many of our Pioneers are buried. Always well cared for. The cemetery project was undertaken by the Farrell Community with $6,000.00. The first person buried there was the V.Rev. Fr. Pavle Markovich, in 1956.
Our departed pioneers are not forgotten. Here are our 1st week 2008 campers & 4 priests remembering the Serbs buried at St. Sava Shadeland.
Go to this link to see who is buried in Shadeland, thanks to the Conneaut Valley Historical Society and others who helped with the info.
Vujo by Milan M. Karlo
“Dreamer of Lofty Dreams”
Thanks for the photos, Dad!
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Also, be sure to check out other Diocesan Camps in Libertyville, IL, Gray’s Lake, IL, Jackson, CA, St. Mark’s in Sheffield Lakes, OH, and other places as well. You make friends you’ll have for the rest of your life!
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Our Serbian Old-Timers when we had an Old Folks Home at our Shadeland in 1960’s.
Photo by Milan Karlo.
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Shadeland Camp Memories
October 15, 1959 Shadeland
by
Milana Mamula Karlo (Bizic)
There is a Serbian children’s camp near Meadville, PA, called Shadeland, that I have attended for nine years, half of my lifetime. The changes that have taken place are as pronounced as those marking my growth from girlhood to womanhood. The first year there was nothing but a creek and a cow trail for us to explore.
Just seven of us attended: my sister Rosie(Karlo-Gantner), George Trbovich, also from Pittsburgh, and (Fr. Pete) a priest’s two sons and their two friends from Youngstown, Ohio.
We slept in the Manor House and got our meals from Teta Mileva Mervosh, who was always feeding us whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. One asked for pancakes, another wanted eggs, still another just wanted cereal. There was always someone asking for French toast. We repaid her with the wildflower bouquets we picked for her, made up of white daisies, Queen Anne’s lace, and the blue button-like flowers that grew along the highway.
We also drew up our own schedules and looked after one another. We were awfully homesick those days, but didn’t dare let on because our parents were determined that the camp would succeed.
We swallowed our disappointments as best as we could, several times crying ourselves to sleep at night.
One personality stands out in my mind as a lifesaver then, the priest director of the property, Fr. Irinej Kovachevich. He was a kindly, thoughtful man. He knew we were lonesome and whenever he could tear himself away from the management of the 1400 acre property and it’s charity home for aged men, looked to our needs. He took us to Conneaut Lake for swimming and to Pymatuning Lake for fishing during the day and to the drive-in theater or Roller Rink in the evenings. He would pay our way into the roller rink found on the property, fit us up with skates and buy us treats too, contending he had no one else to spend his money on.
As I look back today, to the changes that have taken place since, I can’t help but marvel. Now the enrollment is 150 a week or more with scores of volunteer workers on hand, house mothers, cooks, recreation experts, even a doctor and a nurse. Now they have all kind of facilities; our own lake, a playground, a ballfield, the old roller skating rink, and two spic and span cabin dorms, and an immense dining hall/ recreation center.
From morning to night there is someone to supervise every activity imaginable, varying from the religious and music classes in the morning to the Wiener roasts, masquerade parties, and the talent shows in the evening. Instead of the campers being lonely, it’s a problem to tear them away. After a week of constant friendship, the goodbyes never leave anyone with dry eyes. As one camper prepares to leave, all of his friends gather around his family car singing “”Živeli!” with promises of “See you next year!”
This little ceremony continues until the very last camper leaves and is continued from week to week. For no sooner are the cooks and counselors made hoarse from singing and shouting goodbyes than they must get ready to greet another batch of campers from yet another colony, with “Howdy-do Everybody, howdy do!”
I know all this, you see, because this year I was honored by being made a Counselor!
Shadeland 2008 Diocesan Day
Diocesan Days 2008 began with special Church services in the Most Holy Mother of God Church filled with Clergy from all over the Eastern Seaboard led by His Grace Dr. Bishop Mitrofan and his guest, His Grace Dr. Longin, beautiful singers in the form of the Shadeland Camp Choir under the direction of V.Rev.Zivojin Jakoljevich from Cleveland’s St. Sava parish, and guest participants from colonies far and near who truly enjoyed sharing in the experience.
The old adage of “If you snooze, you loose” can apply to those who missed the wonderful church services and “togetherness-family feeling” that is an integral part of Diocesan Days.
Joyful Bishops Longin and Mitrofan give nafora bread
Thirty (30!) of our finest religious leaders present!
It boggles the mind to think of the talent, education, and wisdom of the ages represented here!
These wonderful boys are incredible musicians!
Bobiks: Kristen came all the way from Washington!
Great shoppers & donors! Thanks, Bobiks!
3 Photos already! Can you tell I’m related to all of them? Almost! GREAT SERBS/ Pgh to Erie!
OK—- getting ready! Our MC is Dan Jovanovich, who also sets up all that sound equipment!
Dan introduces Camp Director, Fr. Zivojin!
Who introduces His Grace, Dr. Bishop Mitrofan, who extends the heartiest of welcomes as Host!
These kids are absolutely fantastic! What a credit they are to their teachers, Nikola Jovich and Nicole Belich, who continue to inspire us with new dances and songs each year!
But they captured EVERY HEART with their songs about Kosovo! One after the other after another! I think they sang every song about Kosovo there is!
Did you know this was one of the best camps yet?
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If they can do all of this NOW, can you imagine them 10 years from now? I know this was in everyone’s mind. They were all so good!
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“Don’t worry. You’ll be a star just like them, in just a couple more years…..”
Look at this great Serb & his t-shirt! My husband, Gus, would have really loved the modern-designed double-headed eagle with the 4 Cs inside. Great shirt, great kid! Thanks for all your work & help!
You can click the photo of these beauties above to enlarge the picture to see that these lovely young ladies were collecting donations for Shadeland. Please, so many people MISSED putting anything in the envelops that I KNOW it had to just be an oversight and that you all want to help Shadeland remain the BEST it can be. It’s never too late. Just send your donations to the Serbian Eastern Orthodox Diocese on behalf of Shadeland. There’s lots of activity going on there….. a fabulous new pavilion, finally a new home for the Mothers, Tetas and Grandmothers who work so hard for the camp children, and new steps have been added in front of the church, along with lots of excavation work for drainage, etc. that we can’t see. Shadeland DESERVES our help. If you agree, send your donations. Here’s the address (Click below!):
Serbian Eastern Orthodox Diocese
Leaving Shadeland, from my car window….
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Wait! We had been to the church, to the picnic grounds, to the Serbian cemetery. I told Natalie I had to make one more stop. There was something else I always wanted to see….. The nearby SPRING Cemetery and the Powell Family graves. The Powells were a VERY wealthy family at the turn of the LAST century, who owned Shadeland previously. They sold horses and people came from all over the world to purchase their stock.
Remember the old saying….
“God in his mercy made it so, together the rich and the poor would go.”
I knew without looking that this was the POWELL monument, and all the graves surrounding this obelisk belong to the Powell family.
Howell Powell was the Founder of the Dynasty. He was born near Utica, NY on March 11, 1804 and died at his home, “Shadeland,” Feb. 11, 1873.
“He sought the welfare of others, rather than praise.”
He was the 4th child of Watkin & Rebecca Powell.
His father there (Utica, NY) married Mrs. Sarah-Morris Nicholas in 1815. They with their families, in 1816, came to “Shadeland,” Spring, Crawford County, PA, where they both died Sept…1850, aged 77 and 88 years.
(I’ve shared as much as I could read)
Sons James Powell (1848-1909) and William Powell (1840-1913) made Shadeland famous.
As I stood here right before leaving, I couldn’t help but notice that all these Powells in Heaven had to be joyous in knowing that the music being played at the new Pavilion could be heard right here in this cemetery, from across the glen at their beloved Shadeland. I smiled as I got back into my car to head for home!
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Shadeland Memories: 2001
By Milana Karlo Bizic 8/10/01
Was it when Danny and younger brother Stevan (now studying to become a pharmacist) played their trumpets for the big Tri-State Pittsburgh-area Serbian Relief Banquet in the mid 90’s? They thrilled everyone in the audience with the first few haunting strains of “Mars Na Drinu,” as they led off the ceremonies, fellow performers following them down the two middle aisles of the packed auditorium to create one large mass ensemble meeting on stage. Their audience’s hearts and purses opened up quickly to help their unfortunate brothers and sisters overseas in time of their direst needs.
Or was it when the young college student accompanied his famous grandfather, Danny Kukich, to our house, in a surprise tribute to fellow tamburitzan, Milan Opacich, from Schererville, Indiana, who was celebrating his 47th anniversary with his wife, Roz? Young Danny and his life-long grandfather/mentor joined Milan, Teddy Shatlan, Al Abramovich, Georgie Klipa, Milan Stefanovich, Tosho Erdel and Nick Lalich and a house full of other guests in a song fest that won’t soon be forgotten, one of those precious memories that make life too-good-to-be-true.
And such was the feeling when I saw our young Danny lead 76 talented youngsters from all over the eastern seaboard in a magnificent performance at Shadeland on August 4, the culmination of a week-long intensive training program at camp. How I delighted in watching the young, 23 yr. old maestro lift up the scroll of his tambura as a signal for the youngsters before him to get ready to end a musical selection, and when he lowered the scroll, they stopped on a dime! What respect and discipline on their parts. The audience loved it.
Although the dismal-looking day seemed fraught with rain as we started out from home early that morning to make sure we were in time to attend church services, I assured almost-83 year-old Mom Laurie (Karlo) not to worry, that we would make our own sunshine.
No need to. Once the final strains of “Uskliknimo” and “Krst je sila” were sung as the children filed out of line after receiving bread from their beloved Bishop, the sun broke through in all it’s glorious splendor, shining down on the beautifully-manicured property and glistening lake.
Standing outside of the church, the sight was magnificent to behold, for as far as your eyes could see, this was our Shadeland, Serbian land! It’s ours, all ours, Not a Presbyterian Camp not a Jewish kibbutz. But ours, Serbian Orthodox property! And it looked good. Really good. I was so proud!
To the left was the picnic area starting to bustle with activity, with a few of the tall, majestic elms still providing a grand canopy. Ahead on the horizon a lonely boat lingered near the lakeshore, framed by the large cross. To the right were the familiar administration and camp buildings, this time joined with a new cabin, now under roof, almost finished and ready for occupancy year-round.
To the very far right, past where the old roller skating rink was, a hay wagon stood ready, later piled with lucky, happy children, drawn over the property with two magnificent bay-colored horses. I remember thinking to myself as the pastoral scene passed by the lake, “can Heaven be any better?”
We were disappointed that all the picnic tables had already been taken so early on, but we improvised, turning one of the benches that lined the pavilion into a long, narrow table, and the Alex Brinilovich family delivered in true fashion, with folding chairs ready for all. Joining us were proud Shadleand camper parents, Milana Milosh and Dolly Zatezelo, two of the main planners for the recently completed wonderful 100th SNF Anniversary Celebration.
George Topich, who co-chaired the event with Alex Malich and Milana, was nearby, selling the SNF commemorative books and beautiful print of the exquisite painting done by Yvonne Kozlina. One book was a compilation of many authors’ work, edited by Dr. Krinka Petrov, and the other book was by her husband, Dr. Alexander Petrov, the Serbian section editor of the SRBOBRAN. We’re very lucky to have them here with us in America. Their talents span two continents, and they serve as the proverbial white dove bridge, with outstretched wings, linking us and “Stari Kraj.”
Pittsburgh’s Diane Ranick asked if Baba Laurie would like to sit with them, and Monroeville’s Millie Visnick did the same. (Serbs are kind and look out for one another.) That was when Millie proudly announced that her grandchildren had been coming to St. Sava’a Shadeland Camp for the last nine years in a row, all the way from Washington, D.C.! God bless Milan and Joyce Visnick for their foresightedness!
The McKeesport Vranasevichs were there at tambura camp, too. How could those kids miss when they have 2 twin fathers/uncles so talented? Ringers, that’s what they are!
“Don’t forget McKeesport’s 100th Anniversary coming up in October!” Grandma Vranasevich reminded me. What a year for celebrations this has turned out to be.
Worthy to note is that the one-ton bell now used in the Shadeland church is from the old St. Sava Church in McKeesport/Duquesne. It was blessed in 1901 by the great hierarch of the Russian Church, Patriarch Tikhon, Archbishop of North America, when the Serbs were under his jurisdiction and pastoral care. Folks remember Lou Obradovich for his leadership in saving the bell for Shadeland, and also for his help in planting 7,000 seedlings around the church.
Millicent Luketich Belich, ever effervescent and bubbly, like in our old high-school days, made sure I was on the look-out for her grandson, Josh Vuketich, who would also be performing on his prim. It was almost strange to hear, as wasn’t it just a few years ago that we were laughing and singing campers here ourselves, and then our children were?
Danny Kukich and his wife Anne (Balta), had front row seats, near to the Bishop, thanks to daughters Martha and Donna.
As the last stanza was sung invoking the Lord to take care of his people, I remembered seeing the gigantic, beautifully rendered, chalk drawing of the double headed eagle with the 4 C’s Serbian crest, drawn by extremely artistically talented Justin Mills, of Lackawanna, New York. It was on the roof-covered blacktop floor, now completely covered with performers.
There were LOTS of them, filling the whole dance area, exquisitely dressed in their beautiful folk costumes representing different regions of Serbia!
I couldn’t help but smile at one boy’s black woolen socks, lovingly embroidered with the Serbian crest of the cross and 4 C’s. All of the children looked beautiful, smiles capping off medal-bedecked shajkashas, gold-trimmed vests, red-ribboned blouse sleeves, and upturned leather opankes. What else could we have asked for?
The musical director knew what he was doing when he started off his program with the rousing “Djurdjevdan.” Ej-ej-ej-ej! Smiles came readily as Danny Capuzzi had the entire camp ensemble singing and playing their tamburas, flutes, clarinets, accordions, violins and trumpets, finishing to thunderous applause from a most-appreciative audience.
How talented do you think Danny has to be to coordinate all of that talent in front of him? Quite musically accomplished, indeed! You could tell that Fr. Dragoljub Malich was proud of the fact that Danny was from his Monroeville parish! We all felt that pride!
Then Nicole Belich Bronkaj, the Pittsburgh dance director, led her groups in renditions of “Moravac Kolo” and “Vranjanka (Shano Dusho)” from South Serbia to the delighted onlookers. It’s great to see young leaders such as Danny and Nicole lending their talents to help train our talented youth. Leadership comes from within when your hearts are full of love for your heritage.
The audience was so happy to see this heritage being preserved, when what song should come next, but “Vesela je Srbadija,” leading to a standing ovation. You bet, “Little Serbia” in America couldn’t have been happier that day, and if the Serbs in Serbia saw it, they would have been “veseli” too! As would the Serbs in England, Australia, South America, and everywhere! What a show! We were all beaming!
All the while, I couldn’t help but notice a very young boy standing on a painted wooden box to help him reach his big bass instrument that seemed to dwarf him. Who is that darling young boy over there? Why, that;s Nick Jovonovich’s son, Nicky! Another ringer! His Dad, Nick, plays many instruments, besides playing to huge crowds as the General Manager of the Milwaukee Serbian Center and the Serbian Center in Weirton!
The children celebrated the Bishop’s birthday by honoring him with a song from Bosnia, “Kad Ja Podjoh Na Bembasu,” delighting the Bishop and breathlessly leading him to declare, “May there be 100+76 of you next year! 176!” Daj Boze!
But it wasn’t over yet. No, not until the costumed campers all united in “brotherhood,” holding each other lovingly by the shoulders or waists, singing and swaying to “Uskliknimo,” not one verse, but ALL of them. They sang about Bosna, Hercegovina, Srem, Banat and Backa, and the children on this side of the ocean, singing their triumphant hymn to Sveti Sava! Everyone felt the special force field, the synergy of the moment.
This is what Shadeland is about. It’s comraderie, the making of friendships that will last their entire lives through, wherever they go, whatever roads they travel. Their “Srpstvo,” their heritage and Serbian Orthodox faith will always be a part of them. They’ll remember, as this tear-filled old camper is proud to report!
Everyone worked hard to make the day so special. Congratulations to the Midland folks at the gate and manning the booths. Thanks to Mile Kovachevich, a very handsome, talented and successful, former Duquesne University performer, and one of the incredible stars of the SNF’s “Century of Serbdom Spectacular,” for helping in the background with his accordion. It all goes to show what can be accomplished when Serbs work together. “Samo Sloga Srbina Spasova!”
The Dushan Milicevich family, formerly from Bosnia, now of Erie, marked their third year for Shadeland’s picnic, thanks to the recruiting efforts of Paul and Kathy Belosh of Edinboro. The Milicevichs, in turn, recruited other grateful Serbs from the northern Pennsylvania area, where all seemed to be having a good time sharing food, friendship, and music. Ziveli!
Once again, thank you to all of the priests who worked so hard at Shadeland this year, the cooks, the workers, the counselors, the performing campers, and the people who traveled from far and wide to get there. This includes poor Mike and Wilma Minich from Orlando, Florida who got off too soon on Interstate #79 and traveled around in circles instead of further north on Rt. 18 and never got there!
But most of all, thank you to folks like Danny Kukich, who continue to preserve for us our beloved heritage, passing on their love to their children and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Danny’s daughter, Martha, held her nephew’s job for seven years, volunteering her talents at Shadeland. She was as proud of young Danny as could be, and delighted in nieces Milana Capuzzi’s solos (the next sevdalinka according to Milana Milosh!) and little eight-year old Sonya’s talents. Wait until Martha’s own three (Natalia, and twins Anna and Mira) are a little bit older! We’re ready now to ask: “Who needs the “Von Trapp” family of Stowe, Vermont when we have our own “Kukich Zadruga” in Shadeland, PA?
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The Radovick-Topichs are an incredible family. They have been helping Shadeland since time immemorial! Thank you to KSS Chairperson Millie Radovick, and her wondrful Mom too. Millie’s Dad used to make AFGHANS to raffle off each year. That’s SRPSTVO, everyone! Maca’s husband, Dane Topich, used to be called “Mr. Shadeland,” because he emceed many a program and more!
No age boundaries when you’re Serbian! These two old friends are genuinely happy to see each other again!
“Bogu Fala Sto Sam Lala”
Serbs LOVE being SERBS!
Just ask THESE Serbs, with their Shadeland Camp T-shirts!
Look at how their heads are held high!
Are they beautiful or not?
Yes, they are!
They brought the house down! Look at the beautiful new pavillion too!
Great photo op!
Fun posing afterwards for proud relatives & friends!
I know Kristen & Brett were happy their parents donated the new shrubbery around the church. Their father, Joe, remembers being a Shadeland camper and loving the experience. He remembers us singing in front of the campfire. The Bobiks were amazed at all the wonderful new changes and were happy to be a part of it!
Lots left to do, so please help!
They did their share to help in the past, but they CONTINUE to do whatever it takes NOW!
These people ALWAYS worked for Shadeland too! Nick, a retired Principal, used to teach the kids all about Serbian coins and other great crafts.
The Kukich-Steen twins celebrated their 8th birthday at Shadeland, while their older sister reminds us that their Aunt Sonja celebrated her 16th birthday on the Boat Ride! Lucky girls all!
Here’s our Vujo!
Here’s what our +Shadeland pioneers get to see & hear!
Sports & Beaver Valley Serbs
Sam also served as the SNF Athletic Director for many years.
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Michael Arbutina of Freedom area. Player/Coach
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Fred Milanovich was also Superintendent of the Hopewell Area School District, and my 2nd boss!
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We were all so proud of Jan Ujevich (another Zernich Pitt star from Aliquippa!) Jan’s name is on the Athletic Walk at Pitt.
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Chuck Belas (honorary SERB!) is Andy Muha’s grandfather! He also has a great singing voice and loved to sing in church while still able to come!
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Pete Maravich again!
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Dr. Mickey Zernich is the person responsible for the ATHLETIC WALK at Pitt. He recently donated two hundred fifty thousand dollars + to Pitt for their athletic center!
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George Medich, MD played for the Pittsburgh Pirates!
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George BUTCH Zatezalo…. also used his talents to teach youngsters about tambura music.
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According to my Dad, one of the greatest coaches who ever lived: Press Maravich.
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Pete (Pekey) Suder
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DAN RADAKOVICH:
Sports Director, Georgia Tech
A rightly proud father, Dan Radakovich, Sr., gave me this Georgia Tech magazine article about Dan the younger, to share with you on Father’s Day, June 19, 2011. Congratulations, Dan!
Sam as Coach
In this 1946 issue he wrote about the FIRST Serbian Softball Tournament becoming a big-time event. Eight teams had already signed up to compete in the regional playoffs: Farrell, Duquesne, Canton-Massilon, South Chicago, Milwaukee, and two Gary teams, with four more expected before the contest got under way. (You know those last-minute Serbs!) “Some of the best Serbian softball talent in the country will take part in the playoffs, according to the rosters turned in by team managers.”
Also, plans were being formed to state a tri-state Serbian basketball league in the Pittsburgh area based on the successful old Penn-Ohio League which was so popular ten years prior.
Vic wrote about sports celebrities Milo Komenich, Gary’s great all-American center who graduated from Wyoming University and was scheduled to pay with the Fort Wayne Zollers in the pro basketball circuit. Next was Sam Vukovich, of Chicago’s championship team playing first string at Loyola University. Stanley Milankovich, the 22-year-old Farrell right-hander had won five straight games for the New Orleans Pelicans since he joined the squad only a month before. South Side (Pittsburgh) sports fans were excited about Bebbers Milkovich, an all-American guard while at Duquesne University playing pro basketball with Pittsburgh. Branko Kosanovich, star gridder from Aliquippa was reporting to Penn State to begin football practice.
Vic said that Pete Porter sent word that Nick Lalich, mainstay of the Cleveland Serbs cage quintet, was working on his master’s degree at Columbia University in NY. Mike Adams informed Vic that Akron was planning to sponsor TWO Serbian basketball teams and challenged the other colonies to at least floor one!
Emil Obren reported to Vic that appoximately 50 golfers would participate in the Sixth National Serbian Golf Tournament in Gary on August 31, the same date of the championship softball game.
Athletic Director Edward Milkovich urged colonies to apply for the 1947 National Basketball tournament, inviting lodges, local church parishes and other organizations to cooperate in staging a tournament. The Sports Commission and the host organizations would divide the proceeds on a 50-50 basis, including gate receipts, social affairs, souvenir booklet sales and other types of income.
The Midland Serb Athletic Club was sponsoring a banquet and dance following a double-header softball game on August 18. Midland would play Ambridge and Farrell Serbian teams in the Midland Heights field. The Youngstown Tamburitza Orchestra would furnish the music for dancing at the club in the evening.
Elsewhere, Vicky Krnich of St. Louis was writing about the up and coming wedding of John Azich marrying Miss Eva Chulick, and also about members of Klub Kultura having a wonderful time at the outing in Spring Forest where everyone participated in the softball and swimming events. She reported that President Steve Milasevich did a splendid job of handling the arrangements.
Srbi su osvojili prvo fudbalsko prvenstvo 67 u Americi. Bio je klub iz Oaklanda koji je imao jedno 10 srba i osvojili su. Pobedili su Fiorentinu i Manchester City.
The above is from Soccerman1980. Thanks!
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Dan Radakovich, seen below on the left side on this web page, has a new book out called
BAD RAD, FOOTBALL NOMAD.
Written by Dan Radakovich and his long-time friend, Lou Prato (veteran print and broadcast journalist and unofficial PSU historian), BAD RAD FOOTBALL NOMAD has a Foreward by the famous Steeler football star, Jack Ham.
Our “Bad Rad” was at Penn State University from 1953-1969;
Univ. of Cincinnati, 1970
Pittsburgh Steelers, 1971
Univ. of Colorado, 1972-73
Pittsburgh Steelers, 1974-77
San Fran.49ers, 1978
Los Angeles Rams, 1979-81
No.Carol.St. Univ., 1982
Denver Broncos, 1983
Minnesota Vikings, 1984
New York Jets, 1985-88
Cleveland Browns, 1989-90
Robert Morris Univ., 1994
St. Louis Rams, 1995
Robert Morris Univ., 1996
London Monarchs, Spr.1977
Robert Morris Univ. 1997-07
“55 years of a Nomadic Jouney,” he says!
Front of Dan’s book above
Back of book below:
Dan Radakovich is called the originator of “Ssteel Curtain” Defensive Lines; and Father of Penn State’s “Linebacker U.”
Jack Ham adds” There is always one more player Rad believes he can make better, whether it is a veteran pro or a kid in high school. They might not like what he tells them and how he tells them, but sooner or later they will be glad they listened to him.”
(Jack Ham is the only Penn State football player enshrined in both the COllege Football Hall of Fame and the Pro-Football Hall of Fame. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, helping them win four Super Bowls!
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My favorite part of the book is from pp. 339-342 wherein Dan tells the story of my father, Milan M. Karlo, asking Dan to help his nephew, Lou Astorino, get into the main branch campus of Penn State in State College. He did.
Lou Astorino went on to win many awards from his Alma Mater, and Dan tells the story how PSU Coach Joe Paterno sent his private jet to pick up cousins Lou and Denny Astorino in his private jet as he had them as the architects for a $17 million dollar project–called the Mildred and Louis Lasch Building, housing the ractice locker room, weight room, training room and equipment room.
Lou and his brother Dennis Astorino, went on to design the Univeristy of Pittsburgh-Steeler’s dual use building on the practice facility of Pittsburgh’s South Side, and also PNC Baseball Park in Pittsburgh, said to be the most beautiful baseball park in the country!
Lou Astorino received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Penn State University’s Alumni Association and another from the College of Architechture. He was also the commencement speaker at the 2010 Arts and Architecture graduaton ceremonies!
Buy the book. “Bad Rad” is the ultimate story teller!
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V.Rev.Stav. Fr. Stevan Stepanov
St. George Slava, St. Elijah’s Serbian Orthodox Church, 2014. You can enlarge photo by clicking on the lower right hand corner of the picture.
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In Memorium,
V. Rev. Fr. Stevan Stepanov
May 25, 1940 – February 24, 2018
‘Protojerej-Stavorphor Stevan Stepanov’, beloved “Proto/Father Stevan” left us this past February for the next [eternal] life with our Lord. He will forever be loved and missed, and his memory cherished, while he leaves behind a void and a legacy that can never be filled.
Our Grace Bishop Irinej, who officiated at Father’s beautiful funeral service, so perfectly recognized and described Father’s [God-given] nature as “loving, gentle and humble”. Several of Proto’s brothers-in-Christ also most generously and reverently contributed lovely tributes to Proto Stevan. However, and none-the-less, Father’s own parish of more than 41 years, his beloved ‘St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church of Aliquippa, PA.’, would be most remiss if it did not convey what he meant to us and what he did for us over the course of those years. With these sentiments, we share and submit the following:
Father Stevan Stepanov was born May 25, 1940, in Gospodjinci (Backa, Voyvodina), and, as such, added a new dimension to the home of his late father Marko Stepanov and mother Evica, nee Dejanovic. At an early age Father manifested a genuine interest and keen desire for entering the priesthood and serving the Church. That deep resolve and determination carried over into his teens. Accordingly, in 1955, Father Stevan enrolled in the St. Sava Seminary in Belgrade, and graduated in 1960. That same year he was admitted to the Theological Faculty in Belgrade. A year later, he also began studies at the Philological Faculty. In addition to pursuing his academics, ‘Stevan’ also found time to pursue one ‘Ana Radosavljevic’. The latter “pursuit” proved very exciting, motivating and stimulating. His ardor prevailed, and on February 17, 1963, classmate Ana became Mrs. Stevan Stepanov. [It can be suggested here that this persevering suitor had won his bride by “Degrees”]. Eventually, their first child, Ivana, was born July 14, 1964 in Belgrade. Son Marko (born later in the U.S.), became an exemption on June 11, 1976, and consequently, also became a ‘bicentennial souvenir’.
In conjunction with his service at the Belgrade Theological Faculty (1963), Father was assigned to the Archdiocese of Belgrade. That same year he was ordained into the Diaconate in the Cathedral of Belgrade by Patriarch German. He was then also appointed Professor of Music and Director of the Seminarian Choir in Belgrade. It was the perfect union- Stepanov and music.
In 1965, “Professor” Stepanov received his B.A. in Linguistics and Literature from the University of Belgrade. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Diocese of Backa, and was named Deacon of the Cathedral of Novi Sad by His Grace Bishop Nikanor. There he served as Clerk of the Ecclesiastic Court and Instructor of Religious Studies.
Father Stepanov arrived in America, specifically, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1971, and joined the Eastern American and Canadian Diocese. His Grace Bishop Sava appointed him Deacon and Secretary of the Ecclesiastical Court for the Diocese. In addition, Father continued to expand his musical interests and talents and apply his choral skills. He subsequently directed the Isidor Baich Choir of Akron, Ohio, and the Dr. Laza Kostich Choir of Midland, PA.
A most eventful year for Father Stevan was 1973. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Sava in Aliquippa, PA. That same year he accepted the position as parish priest of St. Elijah Church in Aliquippa as well. Later, at the consecration of the St. Elijah Serbian Center, Father was promoted to the rank of Protonamesnick by His Grace Bishop Sava. During this same time Father Stepanov continued his graduate studies and furthered his professional growth at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1979 he received his Master’s Degree in Slavic Languages and Russian Literature. In 1981, Father Stevan was promoted to the rank of Protopresbyter by His Grace Bishop Christopher. These early promotions were testimony to the high regard and esteem in which he was held by both his peers and superiors.
Father Stevan was a dynamic and creative force in and for St. Elijah Church and parish from the time of his arrival in Aliquippa. He shared his first and enduring love -music- so generously, enthusiastically, and of course, spiritually. Evidence of this was seen (and heard) throughout the years with the St. Elijah Junior Choir, K.C.C. Choir, the original Serbian Radio Hour, the Tsar Lazar Male Choir (which he founded in the early 1990s), and the St. Elijah Church Choir, with which he forged a most special bond and relationship. [Regarding ‘Tsar Lazar’, Father’s arrangement of Kiev’s TROPARION [“Lord Save Thy People”] remains one of the most beautiful and moving renditions ever sung and/or heard]. Further to St. Elijah’s Church Choir, Proto was, of course, also known for directing and singing with the choir, and serving as its advisor, composer, arranger and interpreter in his “spare” time. Proto inspired the choir anew, and in a way that continues to motivate the choir- spiritually and artistically- to this day. For this, St. Elijah Choir is forever grateful and blessed.
Much of Father’s love, energy and concern was directed toward and devoted to the children of St. Elijah Parish. The “Altar Boys”, whose ranks were always full, brought him endless pride and joy. One of his most special and important efforts was the children’s summer ‘day camp’ [“St. Elijah Church Camp”] which Father Stevan founded in 1977. This effort yielded innumerable and invaluable results for the children, and consequently, [the future of] the church. The camp was so successful it became a template for other Serbian parishes around the country, and was subsequently recognized and replicated accordingly. In addition, Father’s oversight of the ‘Sunday School’ program and other church-related programs and holiday activities for the children were ongoing and most meaningful as well.
In reflecting upon his ‘flock of children’, Father once stated: “My renewal is the presence of our children – eyes aglow, and faces eager, innocent and curious! They are my greatest and dearest challenge and concern. We dare not neglect nor disappoint them.”
The Weekly Envelope System, Weekly Bulletin, and revised Liturgical Books were also products of Proto’s efforts and attention. His spear-heading of a new “bell sound-system” and air-conditioning system were additional significant, timely and welcome improvements to the church.
One of Father Stevan’s most personally gratifying efforts among his many initiatives was the development and building of the Resurrection Chapel at the St. Elijah Cemetery. Built in the late 1980s with and through his inspiration and direction, Father provided the original impetus for the chapel, and was a prime force for both the fund-raising and construction projects and efforts. The St. Elijah Resurrection Chapel stands among the first of its kind to be added to a Serbian cemetery in America. It remains, to-date, a statement and tribute to Father’s foresight, planning, determination and vision.
So much of Father Stevan’s work was tangible, physical and obvious from the time of his arrival and the beginning of his ministry in Aliquippa, and throughout the course, conduct and discharge of his normal, pastoral obligations. They were/are a matter of record, and, more significantly, were most evident in the performance of his daily and weekly duties. His parish concerns spread across the full spectrum of local and diocesan needs and demands. He not only met those needs and demands successfully, he met them with grace, dignity, confidence and optimism. Father was neither intimidated nor deterred by changes and challenges. Rather, he helped the church meet its challenges, resolve them, and in the process, move forward and prosper. Father was a true “custodian” of our St. Elijah Church. He endorsed that same process and concept and kept it his mission over the course of his tenure.
We would be remiss if we did not especially “thank and commend” Father for recognizing his own enviable talents, and more importantly, for sharing and offering them so willingly and so generously, in terms of his prolific musical talents. It can truly be said that his voice was and remains woven into the very fabric of our St. Elijah Choir, our congregation and indeed our liturgy. As has come to be known, Father’s God-given talents forged and established a special relationship between himself and the St. Elijah Choir. For any relationship between two parties to remain healthy and prosper, however, the main catalyst must always be the degree and the quality of the harmony that exists between them. That element, over the years, was present in very generous and evident proportions between the choir and Proto Stevan. Through Proto’s efforts, and with his assistance, St. Elijah’s church hymns, litanies, troparions and liturgical responses and prayers became the ‘hallmarks’ of the choir’s presence in the choir loft. To this day, this remains the choir’s focus and its continuing mission.
Beyond this musical harmony, however, Father Stevan wove and blended other less-tacit and less readily obvious ‘harmonies’ into the St. Elijah Church family, relationship and identity as well, and we continue to feel and recognize them in our hearts and souls: …..Spiritual Harmony- which brought added meaning and depth to Serbian Orthodoxy and the teachings it embraces; Harmony of Purpose- to support, prepare and strengthen the Church for future challenges; Harmony of Service- to keep the Church strong, solvent and responsive; Social Harmony- to sustain and promote a healthy climate of good fellowship and good will within the church; and, finally, Harmony of Common Concern- for the ultimate well-being, direction and future of the entire St. Elijah Parish.
Transcending all of Father’s efforts and accomplishments within the St. Elijah Church, however, were his personal dedication and commitment to the Priesthood. Father accepted the total discipline of his calling, full obedience to his Church, and loyalty to his vows. These were the tenets of his ministry, and the badges of his office.
In keeping with this sentiment, Father once submitted to St. Elijah Parish: “Whatever I have done, proposed or recommended as your parish priest, I have done, first- in accordance with my oath; and secondly- in the best interests of my church and parish. I shall not compromise the vows vested in me, nor betray the trust my calling imposes and commands. This is the only way I can discharge my duties, and in the process retain your confidence, support and respect.”
St. Elijah Parish was TRULY BLESSED, and enjoyed and benefited from a most wonderful, loving and benevolent steward [and stewardship] in Father Stevan Stepanov. He kept our Home in order, our Ship on course, and our Holdings and Operation both solvent and in/under control. Proto Stevan’s leadership provided St. Elijah with pride, progress and true spirituality. [We dare suggest that Sveti Ilija himself would be most pleased and proud].
Very importantly, to also give credit (due) to Proto’s ‘immediate’ family (St. Elijah Parish’s “first family” for those 41 years), we submit to you his sentiments decreed upon them at the occasion of his 25th Anniversary with St Elijah Church, so many years ago: “I might add at this point my boundless gratitude to my wife Ana and my children, Ivana and Marko….. I was not alone in toiling in the vineyard. My wife was my associate, counselor, advisor, critic and chief supervisor of our domestic operations. Her contributions, efforts and sacrifices released me and allowed me to direct my full attention and effort to the needs of my parish. Her understanding, tolerance and moral support gave me the strength, encouragement and incentive to address the issues, and fulfill my pastoral duties. To Ivana and Marko- from the depths of my heart- I offer my simple “Thank you” for understanding, appreciating and recognizing the significance and demands of my parish responsibilities and obligations. You were my dedicated and devoted cheering section. I hope I never “fumble the ball.””
With heartfelt gratitude, emotion, respect and love, St. Elijah Church Parish of Aliquippa, PA., remembers Father Stevan Stepanov for his spiritual guidance, and for tending to us, his “flock”, with love, care, reverence and vigilance over the course of his time with us.
Father Stevan will forever remain in our hearts and in our prayers.
Vjecnaja Pamjat.
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On behalf of St. Elijah Church/Parish, Laurene Maravich.
[Written and compiled by Laurene, with historical text previously
written by [her own beloved father] Lazo Maravich, and with additional
text extracted from St Elijah Church’s commemorative event narratives].
VERY REVEREND STEVAN STEPANOV
(May 25th, 1940 – February 24th, , 2018)
“IN MEMORIAM”
VERY REVEREND STEVAN STEPANOV
(May 25th, 1940 – February 24th, , 2018)
“IN MEMORIAM”
V. Rev. Stav. Fr. Stepanov cutting the Bizic Kolach on St. George’s Day.
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The Funeral of +Protojerej-Stavrofor Stevan Stepanov from the Serbian Eastern Diocese Website, along with photos:
The Serbian Orthodox Church lost a devoted, faithful, and loving servant in this world with the passing of Protojerej-Stavrofor Stevan Stepanov on February 24, 2018 at his home in Medina, Ohio.
From February 1973 until his retirement in August 2014, +Proto Stevan served the Serbian Orthodox Church as pastor of the parish of the Holy Prophet Elijah in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
He returned to his beloved Sveti Ilija a final time for his funeral and burial on February 27-28, 2018.
The funeral proceedings began with visitation in the St. Elijah Church on the afternoon of February 27.
Per his wishes, +Proto Stevan was arrayed in priestly robes that had once belonged to one of his predecessors at the parish, +Protojerej-Stavrofor Vlastimir Tomich of blessed memory.
Hundreds of faithful and friends came throughout the visitation and services to pay their final respects to +Proto Stevan and to offer prayers and support to his devoted wife, Protinica Ana, his daughter Ivana and husband Tony, his son Marko and wife Inna, and his grandsons Alexander, Dimitri, Roman, and Stevan.
At the family’s request, during the visitation a recording of +Proto Stevan singing liturgical songs with his St. Elijah Serbian Church Choir played over the church’s sound system, offering a testament to the distinct and rich musical talents +Proto Stevan shared so freely with so many during his life.
Read more here:
https://easterndiocese.org/news_180309_1.html
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A Tree is planted for Fr. Stevan by the St. Elijah Church Campers under the direction of Georgette Brnjilovic Osman.
Special Pomen Services were offered by Rev. Fr. Branislav Golic, parish priest, and Retired Fr. Stav. Dr. Rodney Torbic, a member of St. Elijah’s from an early age.
The Tree and Onlookers….
V. Rev. Rodney Torbic…
Georgette made Koljivo for us
Fr. Branislav addresses the church camp children, reminding them again about Fr. Stepanov’s great deeds while serving the St. Elijah parish.
Lynn Popovich represented the Mother’s Club in a tribute, and then Georgette B. Osman added her own words of gratitude for a True Servant of the Lord, V. Rev. Fr. Stevan Stepanov.
+Slobodan Zelich, Composer and Director
This ad, placed my Mim, Nick, Dana and Jocelyn Bizic, appeared in the Commemorative booklet for Slobodan Zelich’s retirement. It reads as follows:
Saluting our dear friend, Slobodan Zelich, on the oaccasion of his well-deserved Retirement.
Sve Nabolje! All the best to you!
We will never forget how you watered our souls with your motivational, spiritual cantata “Kosovo Bozuri” bouquet, a personal gift from your heart celebrating the 600th Anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo in 1989.
We will always remember the beautiful liturgical hymns and love song compositions you laced together that renewed and rejunenated our faith, hope and happiness quotients one hundred-fold….
Forever we will recall how you made our minds march in step and our Serbian hearts beat with pride, with your patriotic and rousing arrangements of “Za Krst Casni i Slobodu Zlatnu!”
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V.Rev. Strav.Rade Merick, in his “In Memoriam” article @ +Slobodan Zelich in the PATH OF ORTHODOXY wrote:
Steubenville, OH—Slobodan Zelich, well-known composer and arranger of Serbian liturgical and folk music, passed away here on February 5, 2013 at age 88. He was the long-time director of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church of Steubenville’s SSS Petar Krstich Choir and an honoree of the Serbian Singing Federation.
Mr. Zelich was born in Zegar and raised in Sibenik, Dalmatia, the son of the late Prota Pavle and Protinica Milica (Sekulich) Zelich. During World War II he survived imprisonment at the hands of the Italian occupiers, and after his release joined the ranks of the Royalist Chetniks of the Dinara Division under the command of Vojvoda Momcilo Djujic, protecting the Serbs of the Tromedja of Dalmatia-Lika-Bosna from both the Croatian Fascist Ustahi and Tito’s Communists. At the conclusion of the war the survivors of the Dinara Division were able to fight their way through to Italy, where they were interned in displaced persons camps. He later was transferred to a refugee camp in Germany, where he married Nevenka Torbica, who had accompanied the Chetniks out of Yugoslavia.
When Slobodan’s Father Prota Pavle assumed the pastorship of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church in Steubenville in 1947, Slobodan and his wife moved to Steubenville and began their family. During and after the war, Slobodan had been active in choral music with the Chetniks, and he continued with this interest in his new home. He organized a junior choir at the church, many of whose members went on to join the Petar Krstich Choir, which he directed from 1961 until his retirement in 2008.
He instilled a strong sense of Serbian ethnic pride and identity in his singers, both young and old, with a genuine love for Serbian Orthodox Liturgical music, as well as his folk and patriotic music.
Slobodan ended his career with his 100th composition entitled “Sonja.” The Petar Krstich Choir traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada, establishing a reputation as one of the finest choirs in the Serbian Singing Federation.
Slobodan won numerous honors and awards within the Serbian Singing Federation. Many of his compositions and arrangements are used by choirs throughout the SSF. He also arranged the Divine Liturgy in English using Serbian melodies in memory of his son, and much choral music in Serbian, Slavonic and English for the major feast days. He insisted that the first and foremost purpose of the Choir was to sing responses in church, and that the choir be present from the first “Amen” to the very end.
The Petar Krstich Choir under his direction, and his beautiful tenor voice, did much to enhance the worship services of the Steubenville Serbian Orthodox community.
Mr. Zelich was preceded in death by his parents, two sons Milan and George, and a brother Milan. He is survived by his beloved wife Nevenka, son Paul and daughter Sonja (Clyde) DiAngelo, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, two sisters and many nieces and nephews.
With Utmost Respect for Slobodan Zelich
By Milana (Mim) Karlo Bizic 2/13/13
RESPECT. I felt it as soon as I began to climb the steps of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church on the corner of North 4th Street, in Steubenville, OH to attend the funeral of our beloved Serbian composer, +Slobodan Zelich.
With each step up, I thought about different things connecting the church with Slobodan:
- How Slobodan’s father, V. Rev. Paul Zelich, was at one time, the spiritual leader of this church, and the one tasked with helping Steubenville’s faithful garner the funds to build it in 1947.
- How Slobodan would have taken these same steps for Sunday services throughout his lifetime;
- How he must have always stepped up to help the serving clergy.
- How he felt when he first stepped up to become a singer in the choir loft.
- How he must have studied before stepping up to serve as SSF Petar Krstich Choir’s beloved director from 1961-2008.
- And then, the mixed feelings he must have had, stepping out of the spotlight by handing the baton over to his chosen one, replacement Nino Karas.
- Upon making my last step up, I was able to see that Slobodan had made one last step, this time, lying in state in front of the altar of the church he was so proud to be a part of.
RESPECT. I saw it because the vestibule was full of singers from all over the tri-state area who had come to pay their last respects to this great Serbian legend. George Mistovich, Kathy Loverich and son Adam, Diane Volitich Knapp and Dushie Mistovich from the Aliquippa choir greeted me warmly there, but sadly. They all had their own wonderful memories of Slobodan at Choral Festivals all over the USA. So did the helpful tutors of the church, where I purchased some candles to light in Slobodan’s memory, and to pray for the latest victims of Kosovo, the monks in Visoki Decani, who had to close the centuries old Serbian monastery for the first time in five centuries due to the dangers from Albanian extremists who were viciously proclaiming the Serbs had usurped this monastery from them. “Oh, Slobodan, you and your beloved Kosovo…,” I whispered as I placed the candles in the holder. If anyone is able to make a difference from above, I know my deceased hero will be trying….”
Slobodan, age 88, looked dignified and regal in his coffin, ever the gentleman, even though he had been ill for a long time. Slobodan’s sister, Duska Milo, traveling from Florida, met me on my way back to my seat, to say how pleased the family was to see him resting so beautifully. “You can hardly tell from looking at him, how much he suffered these last few months, or how much weight he really lost, he looks so good.” Then she added with her beautiful, so youthful a smile and beautiful dancing eyes,
Dushka Milo, Slobodan’s sister, who traveled with her father and brother over the hills and mountains to freedom following Vojvoda Momchilo Djurich during WWII. Dusha remembers how the Chetnik soldiers went in front of them and behind the large contingent of thousands of refugees, to protect them. Dushka sang the solo part of Majka Jugovica at the Kosovo Detroit 1989 celebration. She said she knew Slobodan was pleased with her singing because he really smiled at her and she felt so proud to be able to do it, especially just returning home from Kosovo for the 600th Anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo in June, 1989. “All those memories were in my heart as I sang,” she said.
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“Mim, do you remember the wonderful time we all had singing throughout Serbia in 1989 for the 600th Anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo, and how Slobodan asked me, of all people, to sing the solo for our Kosovo Detroit concert in 1989?” her face belying her 89 years! Indeed, who could forget either of those momentous, historical events and our connectivity to each other? Ask anyone who was there. Traveling to Kosovo in 1989 was almost like now having blood-brother, pobratim, Kumstvo ties.
Slobodan’s wife, another Serbian beauty, Nevenka (“Nena”), was composed and thoughtful, kindly finding a memory to relate to everyone as they passed by and expressed condolences. Slobodan’s family, led by son Paul and daughter Sonja and children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, filled the first four rows, and the rest of the church was full of mourners from all over the USA.
RESPECT. I sat besides Dr. Natalie Pavlovich, who despite needing a walker, made sure she was in attendance. John and Joanne Wuchenich, and others from Pittsburgh’s Holy Trinity Cathedral came out of respect. Behind me was Mark Zatezalo and his beautiful daughter, Jennifer. We spoke quietly before the services started about the 50th Anniversary of the Steubenville Church and the impact Slobodan made that day, and also, how much fun it was to gather to honor Slobodan for his many contributions to the Serbian people just a few years ago in the same hall where his dacha (mercy dinner) would be held later in the Weirton Serbian Cultural Center.
RESPECT. More and more people continued to enter the church and I wasn’t surprised at all to see Rick and Mary Zivic from Cleveland, in attendance. Wife Mary had been in Canada, visiting her mother, and Rick was supposed to join them for the weekend, but the tables were turned. They knew what they had to do. Each person present wanted Slobodan’s family to know just how very much he was respected, appreciated and loved.
RESPECT. Four priests served the funeral service. Joining V.Rev. Stavrophor Rade Merick from Steubenville’s Holy Resurrection church were V. Rev. Stavrophor Stevan Stepanov from Aliquippa’s St. Elijah, V. Rev. Stavrophor Dragoljub Malich from Monroeville’s St. Nicholas, and V. Rev. Stavrophor Stevo Rocknage, from the St. Sava parish in Monroeville. The night before, retired Cleveland priest V. Rev. Stavrophor Vasilije Sokolovic and his family were there for the Pomen services. Fr. Merick, in his heart-wrenching eulogy to Slobodan and his innumerable good deeds, mentioned also how His Grace, Bishop Dr. Mitrophan had sent his sincerest sympathies, and was so sorry he couldn’t attend as Slobodan deserved it, but he had made a commitment to be in New York’s St. Sava Cathedral for an Opening Exhibit from Monastery Hilandar. Fr. Rocknage shared warm memories as a child and teen-ager, growing up in the Steubenville church, and how proud Slobodan always made them feel. Fr. Malich recalled the wonderful times had when Steubenville Choir was guest choir for Monroeville’s parish concerts and the excitement felt by all.
RESPECT. A full-house Petar Krstich Steubenville choir, augmented with some out-of-town singers, sang responses, both in old Slavonic and English. How often it was mentioned by many speakers, afterwards, how appreciative Fr. Merick and the Choir were to have had Slobodan Zelich translate the traditional Serbian responses into English, to be among the 100 compositions he had created! Slobodan’s repertoire contained not only Serbian Orthodox Liturgical selections (with English translations also!), but folk and patriotic music as well, which stirred the hearts of all in attendance whenever his choir performed. Slobodan was benevolent and productive, using all of his God-given talents so wisely.
Our Sunday church bulletin from Feb. 3, 2013 mentioned how St. Niphon, a 12th century Saint who spent many years living in the Kievan Caves before becoming Bishop of Novgorod, offered these wise words to a young man who felt he needed to go to a monastery in order to be saved: “My son, a man is neither saved nor lost by the place he is in, but is saved or lost by his deeds. Neither a holy place or a holy state is of use to him if he does not fulfill the commandments of the Lord.” We all know that Slobodan, the son of a priest, lived his faith to the fullest, and served the Lord in many different ways, including the translation of the entire Liturgy into English! St. Niphon also said these additional words: “Be devout towards God and loving towards men, and you will be saved.”
If only I could remember word for word what each of our religious leaders had to say! Each one spoke lovingly of Slobodan’s many deeds and good work, and how he encouraged each of them in his unique way. Indeed, the overall theme from our priests and six speakers at the hall was two-fold: How much of a Mentor Slobodan was, encouraging in his unique way, pushing for more and more when he recognized latent talent, and also, how proud he was of his ethnic Serbian heritage and how proud he made all around him feel to be Serbian Orthodox Christians. It always came with a stern, but loving warning for the younger ones in the Junior and Senior choirs: “Never forget who you are and always act accordingly! You’re representing all of us in all you do. Be proud, but posteni. And ALWAYS remember, you’re SERBIAN!”
His singers had an ethnic identity. They KNEW who they were and what they represented. Only the best.
Indeed, as each speaker talked about Slobodan’s love and admonishments, you couldn’t help feel yourself sitting up a little bit straighter and prouder in your seat, whether in church or at the hall for the mercy dinner.
V. Rev. Stravrophor Rodney Torbic reminds us: “The biggest project in life for individuals is the care of their own souls. Each person has the responsibility for his or her own soul. The choices made and the way life is lived determines the ultimate judgment when Christ returns.”
Jesus said: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing.”
Slobodan believed. Slobodan chose Christ, and was able to bear much fruit.
The six people who spoke of his incredible contributions at the Mercy dinner were: Milan Vuchenich on behalf of the family; Mary Lynn Pavokovich Ricci, president of the Petar Krstich choir; Mary Zivic, SSF Board member; John Martich, SNF Board Member and representing Slobodan’s Lodges #22 and #78; Nino Karas, Petar Krstich Choir Director, and Bob Zori, Church President.
All spoke directly from the heart, but I also have a few written notes that I was able to secure and share with you:
Mary Lynn Ricci lamented: “The Serbian Singing Federation and all Serbian singers on the North American continent have indeed lost a tremendous choir director, composer and arranger. His contribution to Serbian choral music on this continent was astonishing. He is indeed a legend among SSF choir directors and I was fortunate to be able to call Slobodan a friend.
“Husband, Father, Father-in-law, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Kum, Friend, Neighbor and Mentor are words that describes this man who has touched so many people throughout the Serbian Communities. +Slobodan leaves us with a physical void, but even as we take leave of our friend today, we are joyful that his music will live on with us and all future Serbian singers.
“My first meeting of Slobodan was in junior choir. At my first practice, he placed me from the back row to the front row and said, “Sing loud and sing with your heart. Show how proud you are to be Serbian Orthodox.”
That’s when I fell in love with singing.
“I’ve witnessed him composing music sitting on the beach or during a sunset while on vacation in Naples, Florida which he loved doing and then, his first Tuesday back, he was teaching these new songs to his choir. We rarely sang a song twice, as Slobodan believed in singing a new song for festivals. That’s why there are 100 musical compositions in our choir room with his name on them.
“Slobodan we will feel your presents with us in the choir loft, on stage and even standing at the bar singing. You have taught us that he who sings prays twice.
“Slobodan also had a saying, ‘Keep on singing.’ That’s what we will do to honor him.”
Mary Zivic, trying to hold back the tears in her eyes of the big loss felt in her heart, represented the Executive Board of the Serbian Singing Federation of the US and Canada.
“+Slobodan’s contribution to the Petar Krstich Serbian Choir of Steubenville will not soon be matched, nor will it be forgotten. This in turn made him a gem in the world of SSF singers. He was an amazing man, director and arranger who represented his choir, his church, and his family with grace and dignity. Those of us fortunate enough to have known him, shall keep his memory close always.
“+Slobodan’s arrangements memorializing the trials and tribulations of his generation of displaced Serbs, and his never-ending pride and loyalty to his beloved Chetniks will always remain a part of his legacy and will be immortalized with the continued performances of his pieces.
Mary ended: “We were blessed to have had him in our midst and part of our American Serbian community and we will continue to sing his songs as long as we have voices.”
John Martich began by saying what a challenge it was to summarize Slobodan’s lifelong contributions to our Holy Church, but how evident it really was in the Pomen and Funeral services conducted for him. Morever, he added, his own favorite memory of Slobodan’s was when the Petar Krstich Choir was asked to sing for the closing of the SNF’s 90th anniversary. “True to his style,” John related, “Slobodan dutifully prepared for months in anticipation of the big event. He chose the difficult Cantata of the renowned Serbian composer, Ljubomir Bosnjakovic, ‘Albanska Glogota.’ As if directing this were not enough, Slobodan also composed the music for an orchestral accompaniment performed by many young Serbian musicians from throughout the Pittsburgh area.
The audience sat spellbound as the choir and orchestra together gave a flawless performance. Having been a member of the choir at the time, I recall Slobodan placing his hand on his heart several times during the song, and each time, looking up as us and smiling. We didn’t need him to tell us how well we were doing. We saw it in his eyes and in his smile. The standing ovation and the tears flowing from an appreciative audience proved it was one of the choir’s greatest moments under Slobodan’s direction. As a side note, we remember the opening tenor solo masterfully performed by our friend and parish priest the time, Proto Vasilije Sokolovic.
“Slobodan loved all things Serbian, “ John continued. “He would faithfully read the American SRBOBRAN from cover to cover, paying particular attention to news items of other member choirs of the Serbian Singing Federation. He did this regularly until his failing eyesight made it too difficult to read, and it was then that Sonja was recruited to read it to him, with Nena pitching in when it came to reading the Cyrillic section.”
Then John really brought it on home with his Serbian: “Dragi Nena, Paul i Sonja, u ime clanova I odbor direktora srpska narodna saveza, nudimo najdublje saosecanje Zelich porodicu i hvala Slobodanu za njegove doprinose savezu. Neka mu Bog podari vecni pokoj u njegovum carstvu. Vjecna mu pamjat, Cika Slobodan.”
Vjecnaja pamjat. One last respect. I remember how last September, 2012, Omaha was the guest choir of our host Aliquippa. Under the direction of Tom Olsen, the Omaha singers proudly ended their selections with the invigorating “Vesela je Srbadija,” (All of Serbia is happy!) arrangement by the immortal Slobodan Zelich of Steubenville, Ohio!
In Aliquippa’s St. Elijah, dentist and fellow tenor, Dr. George Mistovich, relayed how happy he was to have been one of the trumpet players for Slobodan’s cantata. “I said, “Slobodan, I haven’t played my trumpet since High School.” “You can do it,” he told me. “Just practice.” “And I did. I was so happy to be part of that special moment. Slobodan gave you confidence, but you also knew you had to produce!”
Stepping Up! Producing! Knowing Slobodan met the criterion for entry into Heaven, its fun to imagine the welcome he will receive from all past +SSF members. He’ll soon be busy, creating Arrangement 101, and helping to direct all of those wonderful SSF choir members who have since gone on to their Heavenly rewards: Nick and Bob Stone, the Popovich Brothers, Helen Bizich, Milan and Dara Tomich, John Tomich, Martha Belosh, Kay Begovic, Mary Beaver, Monty Popovich,……. the list is endless. Like Slobodan’s good deeds! Vjecnaja Pamjat!
May he be endowed with paradise and eternal blessedness and may his memory be eternal! He surely earned our heartfelt RESPECT.
This article was published in the Wednesday,
March 16, 2013 issue of the American SRBOBRAN,
pp. 14, 15.
Slobodan Zelich, Gentleman, Composer, Director of Holy Resurrection’s “Petar Krstich” Church Choir
Slobodan’s last trip to his beloved Holy Resurrection Church before his final internment. Friends came from far and wide to pay their sincerest respects to him and his family. Four priests served in the altar. Here, people are passing by for the “Last Kiss.”
Three of the four priests present gave stirring Eulogies: V. Rev. Rade Merick, V. Rev. Stevo Rocknage, and here, V. Rev. Fr. Malich of Monroeville’s St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church speaks about Slobodan’s great deeds, especially how his Holy Resurrection Petar Krstich Serbian Orthodox Choir always answered the call to perform freely at the SERBIAN RELIEF CONCERTS held in Monroeville, PA.
Mourners pouring out of church at Slobodan’s funeral in Steubenville, Ohio. There were more than 35 cars that went to the cemetery, many others going directly to the Serbian Cultural Center hall on Collier’s Way, in Weirton, West Virginia, for the dacha.
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(As an aside, I pause to add this information shared in Slobodan’s official obituary:
“Slobodan joined the organized guerrilla fighters known as the Chetniks, detachments of the Yugoslav Army, led by Gen. Draza Mihailovic, who, as royalists, fought to preserve the crown of young King Peter II of Yugoslavia. The Chetniks battled the communist Partisans of Josip Broz Tito, as well as the fascist Ustase, allied to Nazi Germany.
Near the end of the war, Vojvoda (Chief) Momcilo Djujic, sensing all was lost, marched his Dinara Division, to which Slobodan belonged, out of Yugoslavia, fighting his way with his men over snowbound mountains, leading a mixed body of 20,000 combatants and civilians, a long line of humanity, stretching for miles, girded by soldiers to the front, rear, and flanks.
Slobodan and his future wife, Nevenka, possessing only what they were wearing and what they could carry, trudged through deep snow for hundreds of miles, eventually transiting the Istrian peninsula to the relative safety of Italy, where they spent time in displaced persons camps, then on to refugee camps in Germany, where they were married in Diepolz in 1947.
They came to the United States in 1949, after burying their first born son, who had died of a fever in a postwar Germany sadly lacking in medicine.”)
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Beautiful oil painting of Serbian Composer, Petar Krstich, from the Holy Resurrection Church Hall in Steubenville, Ohio.
“The P.K. Choir was formed in 1943 as the Mirjana Choir of Holy Resurrection, and their first appearance was in 1946. That same year, the choir took the name of the prominent Serbian composer and director, Petar Krstich. In 1948 the choir was officially brought into the Serbian Singing Federation by the Exec. Secretary, Vlajko Lugonja, with the St. Elijah SSF Church Choir as sponsor!
“The PK Choir has been honored by invitations to sing all over the United States and Canada. They have performed on radio and television and have sung for special events
at the request of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada, the Movement of Serbian Chetniks “Ravna Gora,” the Serb National Defense of Canada, and the Serb National Federation.
The Choir, however, is first and foremost a church liturgical choir, singing the responses in both Church Slavonic and in English faithfully at the Divine Liturgy and many other services in their home parish.
The Petar Krstich Choir has been led by their well-known and widely respected director,
Slobodan Zelich, since 1960.”
(Church web site info)
Slobodan did so much to keep the Serbian heritage and traditions alive, we are all grateful for his service on earth!
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50 year Members plaque hanging in the Holy Resurrection Church Hall. You might recognize a few names! (Click bottom right hand corner to enlarge photo.)
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“The Petar Krstich Choir has produced five recordings that showcase their favorite
liturgical and folk selections. They are:
Songs of the Serbian People and
Bells of Visoki Decani, which are LP recordings;
Kosovski Bozuri and Za Krst Casni i Slobodu Zlatnu, which are cassette tapes; and the most recent production,
A Portrait
of Orthodox Hymns and Serbian Folk Music, which is available in both cassette and CD format.“
(H.R. Church website)
I don’t know how the “Songs of the Serbian People” could have been improved upon! The singers sang with their whole beings…hearts pounding. Much of that has to be due to Slobodan’s great teaching and directing!
To learn more about Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church and its pastor, V. Rev. Rade Merick, check out their website, but remember to come back! 🙂
http://www.hrsoc-steuben.org/aboutus.html
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History of Holy Resurrection of Steubenville
“Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church was founded in Mingo Junction, Ohio in 1906 by Serbian Orthodox Christians who began to arrive in the Upper Ohio
Valley in the 1890’s. These immigrants came chiefly from what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and what are now the areas of Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina.”
“They belonged to the Serbian jurisdiction of the ancient and world-wide Orthodox Christian
Church. They came to escape ethnic and religious persecution and to earn a better life in a free land. Although some were businessmen, most took up employment in the area’s
steel mills and coal mines.
“These immigrants felt a deep need for a place to worship Christ as they were
accustomed, in a language they understood. Organizing in 1906, they formed a
congregation and purchased a church building in Mingo Junction from the Methodist
Church. They adapted this building for Orthodox worship and it was consecrated in honor
of the Resurrection of Christ with great joy in November of that year.”
(Read more on the church’s website listed above!)
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Listed on FB & YouTube 3/18/13 thanks to Dane Radoja and Jovica. Thank you from all of us!:
The Petar Krstich Choir of Steubenville, OH presents SONGS OF SERBIAN PEOPLE:
Pjesme iz Srbije:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nto3AFMxasg
Za Cast i Slobodu Srbije:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8N-L-eVu_Sc
Pjesme sa Tromedje
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZjrvbRgHrE
Davno Je Bilo To:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7lDuos9SDc
Names of those participating in this record album of wonderfufl songs (thanks to Dane Radoja of Crown Point, Indiana):
Mary Visnic, Mildred Dojonovic, Duska Milo, Helen Bizich, Nevenka Zelich, Mildred Stepanovich, Sarah Baltich, Sally Madich, Mickey Martich, Ann Bruich, Babe Vuckovich, Mickee Vaughn, Mary Momcilovich..
Sophie Divich, Mimi Ostovich, Lil Porec, Lydia Milo, Marsha Momcilovich, Dawn Baltich Marie Karas, Lil Zellar, Sonja Zelich, Nada Marovich, Dorothy Yujevic, Barbara Rocknage, Mika Rocknage. Nino Karas, Robert Suka, Nikola Vuchenich, Bert Dojonovic, Milan Suka, Nick Karas, John Smiljsnich, Jimmy Musulin, Bob Zori, Stevo Rocknage, John Kosanovich, Pete Momcilovoch, Milan Vuchenich, George Martich.
Thanks to Dane for listing these. A great piece of valuable American Serb history!
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Website Testimonials.....
Now you’ve also heard from Alaska. There is quite a Yugoslavian heritage here, especially in Juneau. My father was Mayor in Sitka for 12 years and I am now finishing up my second term. (!!!!! :-))
Juneau was a mining town and many Serbs worked the mines there. My grandfather was the one who helped organize the workers for safe and fair conditions. My father would be an amazing source of information for you. He also speaks the language. He can tell you all the rich history from the twenties on up.
Regards,
Marko Dapcevich, Sitka, Alaska!!!
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Very good, Mim! Bane S., Cleveland, OH
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EXCELLENT! Fr. Mateja M., Columbus, OH
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Website looks terrific! Lana B., Boston, MA
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I could not stop looking at this site. I never knew you created this and it is awesome. You are amazing!!!! I loved reading your bio’s as you don’t brag about your personal accomplishments and I’ve found out some of them through family and reading about you in newspapers. As I scrolled down through the photos, I was teary-eyed (but happy tears) at the one of the Muskateers!!! (with their matching ties that they all planned to be buried with!) I can’t wait to show my Father this site. The Ambridge Kolo photo was great, also! And, surprise, The Sergeant’s even made the site, with Kum Andy & our Tata (again)…he’ll really like that!
I have forwarded your site on to my sisters, relatives and friends this morning as I am sure they will love it. Thank you for your time, talent, and love you put forth for the preservation of our beautiful Serbian history! Have A good day, (I have to get dressed- haha!) With love, Patty S Aliquippa, PA
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Website is great. I only hope our young people read it (they seem to be glued to internet.) I especially like the photos in color. And I am grateful to your mentioning of my translation of Njegos’s “Mountain Wreath.” My translation of it is available from Belgrade. Everybody says it is the most readable of all MW translations. Keep up with the good work. The only thing I would like to add is to make it more contemporary. The battle of Kosovo is one thing (on the very day today), but our kids should know more about the present-day Serbia. For example, the success of our tennis player, etc. You have been traveling through Serbia lately and I am sure you have much more to say about it, especially about your meeting young people there. With best wishes for your success in your future work, your ardent double compatriot Serb , Vasa Mihailovic., Stanford, CT
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Just wanted to say your website is fantastic….bravo. Haven’t read it all yet but enjoyed seeing the Aliquippa church….and esp like the wedding picture showing the entire iconastis with Apost. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I always wondered why they were removed? Do you know? Keep it up, you are an amazing woman!!! Martha Zatezalo, Weirton, WV
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I enjoyed your website and have passed it on to all of my children and relatives. Rade V., Pittsburgh, PA
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I can’t beleive this website. It’s fabulous. Very comprehensive. I read some but need time to go through everything. A job well done. Yvonne P., Aliquippa, PA.
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Your website is really impressive! It may be more useful than history lessons for kids. Svetlana M., Belgrade, Serbia.
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Congratulations on being the Person of the Year for the SSF. There is no greater champion for all things Serbian than you. You are truly deserving of this honor. Best Wishes!!! Started to look at your web site…very impressive. I want to spend more time and take a better look. Love, Mary Ann T., Monroeville, PA
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Mim, what a wonderful thing you are doing with this site. All the important topics are covered. How do we thank you for all you are doing the Serbs. Great work! Also, “Congratulations” on being selected SNF’s Person of the Year! Can’t think of anyone more deserving. George B., Canada.
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WOW, I did not know you are the daughter of Milan Karlo. I met him several times in Detroit and he was my parents favorite as editor of our Observer! Yes, he did write a lot about Chica Draza when many of our people did not. We belong to St. Stevan Decanski in Warren, Michigan. My late father collected every issue of the Observer back then. Wish I had them now.My late Aunt and Uncle Cheda and Charna Manojlovich had a radio show called Serbian Melodies for 15 years and it seems everyone around the country knew them. I bet your parents did too! Savo Subotich, St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
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From my Japanese friend, Fumi, earning her Doctorate degree in Languages from Essex Univeristy in England, while living in Portugal!
I am very happy every time I receive your messages, Mim! Thank you for sending me the greatest website! It was a very good surprise to see your stunningly professional website, and I have so far read about your amazingly successful career stories, which have really encouraged me to pursue mine. I am very proud of you, Mim!! 🙂
Sorry for my late reply, as I have been busy in getting used to my new life and studying to finish off my thesis at the same time. I am now (temporarily, though) living in Portugal near Coimbra University, Portugal. I have recently moved here, but I am flying back to the UK every month to see my PhD supervisor. Anyway, now I really want to finish my thesis as soon as possible. Take care and please give my best regards to your family!
Beijinhos (kisses in Portuguese)
Fumi
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What an amazing website!!! It’s a gift not just to your church but to anyone interested in Serbian history. Your love and enthusiasm for your Serbian heritage makes the reading all the more interesting! How wonderful that your knowledge can now be shared with people all over the world! Good job! Congratulations, too, on your latest honor (SNF Person of the Year 2007-08). I love the fact that while you are technically retired, your amazing resume continues to grow! Forget the athletes, our scientists need to study you to see how to produce more Mims! I’m really enjoying the website. I’ve already got more saints to pray to, and recipes to try! Jean F., Sewickley, PA.
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I sent your website on to a few people and the response has been great! Georgine Stolsolovic, Chicago, IL
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Just looked at your Serbian History 101 with Baba Mim site. It is absolutely grand and I commend you on the outstanding job you did with it. I will certainly pass the link on to everyone I know.
Paul Bielich, Detroit, MI
P.S. – Thanks for including the SSF in with the “Serbian organizations” section.
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Just wanted to compliment and commend you on your superb website! Your research, information, and the amount of time devoted to this site are certainly appreciated! too often, we Serbs neglect to commend our own for their talents and work. Your labor of love is a gift to all of us. I am glad my sister mentioned Cici Adam receiving the award at the first presentation; he would have loved this site, also. As a past SSF Board member, Sloboda singer/officer, I want to thank you too, for mentioning our SSF as we have been in the forefront of preservation of our music on this continent. Zivela, Mim! Know your efforts are NOT in vain! Very sincerely, Ljubi Ostoich Hayden, Lansing, IL.
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Great website. I cannot believe you remembered Dusan’s deklamacija. We are at Shadeland now. What fun. It is hard to believe that my child is a camper. I feel like it was only yesterday I was a camper myself. Tracy K., Monroeville, PA
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Just thought I’d drop a line. My Kum Mimo Papich just emailed me about your delightful website. As for me, I’m living in Salt Lake City now. My novel is more than 80% done and should be finished before the end of summer. I’m at 400 pages and winding down. As you probably guessed, it’s about a Serbian mining family out west. Keep up the good work!! Have a good time at 3-day! I saw you were being honored. God bless you. Puno congratulations. You deserve it. I just wish I could be there. I think you’ll see my Kum Mimo, also a Shadeland camper, there. Rich Kulics, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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My daughter Zora sat on my lap (she’s 4) and watched the video on the Draza Mihailovich website page with me. She asked me why I was crying when it was a nice story. Holly Jovanovich, from the north side of Chicago.
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Congratulations on being selected SNF Woman of the Year! You truly deserve it. Also, your website is awesome!!! Thanks for all you do for the Serbs.
God grant you many, many years! Sincerely,
David, Donna, & Nikola Vranesevic, McKeesport, PA
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Have fun this weekend a well deserved honor for you. Everyone in the South Side is proud. Stephen W., Pgh. PA
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I have not yet taken the opportunity to say “CONGRATULATIONS!!!!” to you. Nobody deserves this award more than you do. Your family must be so proud of you – I know your “choir family” is. Cheryl L., Aliquippa, PA
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Saw your website and it brought tears to my eyes. Your hard work, expertise and knowledge of Orthodoxy and Serbian heritage is outstanding. God bless you a million times for your labor of love. I will pass it on to all of my Serbian relatives and friends. Dad is here rambling on about the Bizic family and all the good times. Keep up all the good work and God Bless! Sara Jane Studen, xoxooxo, Pittsburgh, PA
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Just wanted to tell you I perused your website this morning and you deserve all the highest accolades for taking the time, effort, interest and appreciation in maintaining this wonderful resource center you have put together. I know how much work goes into what you are doing, and so many people do not take the time to even show thanks or appreciation for what some of us endeavor to perpetuate our heritage. There is a wealth of knowledge there and enjoyment. Bless you for your hard work. Martha K.S., Monroeville, PA
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Kuma Mim; Your talents are obviously limitless! I viewed your website this past weekend and am amazed with the wealth of information that the site provides. And, I believe that it’s fair to say that, knowing you, you are far from done.
With this website, you have done more to publicize the positive aspects of the Serbian people and Orthodoxy than those Serbian organizations that should be doing so (e.g. SNF, SUC, SNDC, etc.).
Congratulations again on being named this year’s “Serb National Federation’s Person of the Year”. It is an honor that is well deserved and long overdue.
I have always been, and continue to be, proud to call you Kuma. Kum Bob S., Moon Twp., PA
(Please visit the FAMOUS SERBS page, scroll down and see how Kum Bob has helped make this site better! God bless him! He’s ONE in a million!)
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I have been at work in the Hague for the past few weeks, since my defense team is currently presenting our case and I have fallen behind on personal email.
I have looked at your website and it’s fantastic! It has so much information on it. I have passed it along to my brother, who lives in Boston, and I will also forward it to some other Serbs to get their input on it. But thank you for putting together such a great site that we can now pass along to other Serbs.
I am looking forward to meeting you and thank you for taking the time to come up to Buffalo for the wedding. I hope everyone has a wonderful time and as you said, that it’s like an old-fashioned svadba.
Please email again with any questions or just to chat. I am always happy to share my experiences at the Hague. Aleks B., the HAGUE, Netherlands
(We’re ALL so proud of our Aleks! God bless her!)
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This is a lot of Valuable work that you are doing to keep Serbian people informed and inspired to participate in their heritage. Nobody has the photos and logged memories of past events that you have collected, because of your ” Serbian Obsession”. I say this in a kind way. If you weren’t driven to collect these historical memories, so much would be lost that is of value. Thank you for your efforts. It’s a big job. All of these articles and photos are of good, hard working people who make things continue to happen. Bless all of you! Vangie M., Pgh. PA
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Good site! Nice meeting you and hope you enjoyed your trip to Trebinje. Hope to see you again and to have all of you as our guests.
Vaso and Tanja
Best Regards from TVIKO-real estate & tourism
(Read more about Trebinje and Tanja’s writings on the Kosovo Men’s Choir page…..)
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I checked out babamim.com and I LOVE it!
Sladjana Milicevic, Erie, PA
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What a great website! It was very nice meeting you on the plane yesterday. All the best. Rick
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Hi Mim! Thank you for sharing all of your information on the trip. And bless you for this website. I’m passing it on to all the Coso/Bajich families and my kids! Tijana Zelich, Ohio
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9/5/08 Mim…. it seems that every time I visit your site, I see something different from my previous visit.I know that it is impossible to see everything with one visit, that is what makes it so wonderful.
While reading comments from your many, many admirers I saw that Aleks Bojovic left a message and it mentioned that you would be at her wedding last week. If you were there, I am sorry I missed you. Maybe the next time.
Anyway, give my regards to Rose Ann and all the best to you and your family.
Maybe we ought to put you on the ticket with Sarah when she runs for president.
Stevo Baich, Lackawanna, NY
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Dear Mim:
I’m ashamed that I didn’t write earlier to congratulate you on the great honor bestowed on you by the Serbian Federation. It is so deserving as I know your devotion to the Serbian tradtitions and customs. I envy that feeling although I share a love of my parent’s homeland but no one works as hard or fights as hard to keep and preserve those ttraditions in our great country as you. We both are loyal Americans but certainly are proud of our heritage.
Love, Gino Piroli, Aliquippa, PA
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I checked out the website. Its awesome.
Rightly so, Serb everywhere should be proud of their Mim.
Keep up the good work.
Erv, Pittsburgh, PA
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Hallo Babamim, we met on the plane from Belgrade to Frankfurt, if you remember. I saw your web address, it is great. First time I see some nice things about our country, and not only the bad comments about us. Thank you for that. We’ve been 12 days in USA, we had a great time and it is a very beautiful country. I especially liked Miami. So, i just wanted to say hallo. it was nice talking to you. Warm regards from Natasa (Belgrade).
(Natasha’s Belgrade Choir/Bistrick Orchestra appeared at the Library of Congress and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC)
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Sep 20, 2008
God bless you, Milana Bizic!!!
People like you are as hard to find, as a golden penny lost in a stack of hay. This is a rare gem found only through our custom of story-telling and passed on from generation to generation. That is why you were able to locate the place where St. Sava was born, and the church where he was baptized. Yes people write, now a day, but we held on from the twelfth century, through the entire period of Turkish occupation, passing the information relevant to our people from generation to generation,. And it held on until someone finally recorded it in written form.
Our Jennifer , bless her, has forwarded your site to me this evening. I have only had time to skim through all titles and content, but I will religiously go through everything you have here. I have noted, and it is understandable, some minor Serbian language errors. If you want me, I will correct them for you and send them via mail, or email.
I am so proud to know you, Milana. And am sorry we missed you last time we went to Pittsburgh. I am forwarding this to everyone I know.
My very best wishes to you. Be proud of yourself, as much, as I know you are of our heritage.
In exchange I will send you something from my thesis on Milos Obilic and Tzar Lazar.
Respectfully yours,
Marta Trklja, Canada
I am very proud of you Milana, and you sure deserve any reward you get.
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Hi Mim, You have a wonderful website. The trip pictures (Kosovo Men’s Choir in Serbia, etc.) are great. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow night for the concert in Kent State, Canton. Regards, Steve Turcola, Ohio
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It is just beautiful. I can imagine how much time, knowledge, energy and love you need to have to keep it like that and to continuously add more information. I will for sure recommend your website to others. Deacon Dragoslav.
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May the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you!
Dear Milana,
I was just looking through your web work. It is well done.
As a side note and update to the “Tid Bits” under Montana, The Butte web page link now has a “360 deg. Moving View” on the bottom tab on the left of the home page. holytrinitybutte.org A person can “Scrub” (move curser and move the view) around the inside of the Church.
It gives a GREAT Look at our tradition of “Iconography” which is so little known in the West, But so vital for our experience of Faith, and it’s ongoing continuity.
You may want to consider having a tab in your page on “ICONS”. But I will leave that up to you. You do great work without my suggestions….
In CHRIST !
Fr. Russell Radoicich
Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church
Butte Montana
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WOW… you continue to raise the bar in everything that you do!! How blessed our community is to have you, is all I can say.
Milana Milosh, Aliquippa, PA (+Sam and +Veda Milanovich’s daughter.)
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Oct. 29, 2008
I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to make your acquaintance. Your personal page on your website is quite something. You certainly have lived a fulll and meaningful life. I know your (late) father is proud and smiling down from his new home.
My, oh my. The internet is a treasure trove, if one just knows how and where to search.
Your web site is incredible. So full and rich and alive. As a reader, I can feel the love and energy you pour into it. As one who is responsible for the upkeep of an agency website, I understand the time, effort and hard work you must devote to keep your site so current and informative.
Update 11/12/08
Mim, you are amazing– a walking Serbian history encyclopedia. By the way, I took your advice & ordered David Martin’s latest book, published in 1990. His bio bespeaks his credibility, so I’ll feel confident of the veracity of what I read.
Cindy Lou Johnson, granddaughter of Lou Christopher
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What a web site! Since I don’t speak the language your site makes me sorry that I didn’t attend Serbian School.
You’re right about Eli Popovich being forced by our government to be the laison man for our government with Partisans. He had to do it. Cruel fate as some Serbs thought he was a turncoat. No way. He was with the OSS and the CIA for years.
George Musulin, Vic Lumovich and Mike Rajasich would come see me play when I was in Washington, DC. I was mute for hours as they spoke about their duties in Yugo with the Halyard movement.
“Fala!” for a great lesson in Serbianism and of course the Krajina where both of my Dedas were from.
Regards and thanks, Eli Grba
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Dear Mim, I’m happy to see you still active in education.
Our Petnica Center is still very highly ranked and recognized by similar Gifted organizations throughout Europe as one of among very few leading ones.
Please, let stay in touch. I am curious about your work and I do wish to establish better links with more Serbian people in the States who are interested in Education.
I hope that political relations between Serbia and the US will be improved after Bush. Best wishes,
Vigor Majic, Director, Petnica Science Center, Valjevo, Serbia.
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i spent my lunch hour looking at this awesome website…it is great! Stevie, Ambridge, PA
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Thank you so much for soing such a wonderful job of promoting our people and our traditions. Sve naj bolje!
If we have more candidates for the “Famous Serbs” page – how do we get that information to you? What is the criteria for making the list? Please give me a call and we can talk about it some. Fala Ljepo – Lex Machaskee, OH
Reply: The Criteria is only having some Serbian blood. Send any suggestions through our CONTACT page, and I’ll be sure to send them onto my Kum Bob for insertion. Thanks for asking! I’m glad you visited the site and wish to help. This is SRPSTVO, everyone working together to make things better.
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I checked out your WEB site and it is outstanding. Keep up the great work. Kum Nick ( PA)
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You have such a heart warming webpage about your grandmother. I am in the process of researching for my book on The Apron and the research led me to your website. I’m interested in the woolen apron you have saved these many years. Research tell me that the aprons in that part of the world had a front and back to them. Its fasinating the history behind these aprons. I have over 2500 aprons in my collection and only three from Hungary, Russia and Turkey. None of which are wool and colorful. Do you have any historical information about the two sided aprons that you could give me. Thank you in advance for any help you might have. Peg Harris, THEAPRONMILL
Peggy: A collection of APRONS! And a forthcoming book—how wonderful! As Collections Manager (and Deputy Director) here at the Heinz History Center, I’ve been able to add a few aprons to our textile collection over the years and I’ve been thinking about doing a small exhibit—they really do help to tell Women’s History. I can’t help much with basic history but you may try to contact the Costume Society of America (try Google) to see what info they have. One of my favorite additions to our collection is a pair of aprons given at a wedding shower in the 60’s when household duties began to melt the gender gap. They are embroidered “His” and “Hers!” Good luck with your publication.
Kathleen Wendell
Museum Division Deputy Director
Collections Manager
Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh History Center
1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-454-6340 KAWendell@hswp.org
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Predivan site!
Dushica Protic, Esq.
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In working on my notes about my dad’s Cetnik experience I came upon your website…I am Col Paunovich (USAF) the daughter of Mihailo Paunovich…totally amazed at the awesome compilation of Serbian history on your site. HVALA! If I can help, let me know.
Col. E. Paunovich, USAF
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Just a personal hello. I remember your Dad and Teta Helen with much love and appreciation! Teta Helen was my first Sunday school teacher at St. Sava before the split. Cika Milan and Teta Helen planted the seed of love for being Serbian Orthodox. I am 41 now, but remember Cika Milan. He was always good to us children and taught us so much! Wonderful website! Mnogaja Ljeta!
I remember Cika Milan and Teta Helen working so hard at the monastery and always trying to educate not just the children, but everyone. I remember your dad starting the Observer and always researching. As a child I just knew I liked them A LOT! Now as an adult with a husband and child, I just think fondly of how much they sacrificed and worked for all of the Serbs. As an American Serb I appreciated the translations and telling of the history in both languages, but the English I was really greatful for. My Serbian is passable. My grammatics are quite rusty. Deda died 8 years ago and my Baba died 3 years ago. I was looking up some information and came across your wonderful website. Then seeing Cika Milan and Teta Helen’s name…I tell you I’m even misty-eyed thinking of them and really the gratitude I owe them besides my own family in teaching me of my wonderful religion and heritage. I just remember them being so kind to everyone. My Baba loved talking to Teta Helen. I also remember Cika Milan telling people like it is and they deserved it too! ; )
I only hope I can be half the Sunday school teacher Teta Helen was for me. Cika Milan and Teta Helen, well when they taught or educated someone it just was like a light bulb coming on inside.
I was the first one in the family to be born here. My grandfather was a prisoner of war in Germany and met my Baba there. Deda was a soldier in the King’s army. There were no church weddings right after WW II, no Orthodox churches in the area, just a civil ceremony. My Mom was born in Germany, they came to the U.S. in 1951. My Mom was about 5 years old when they came. When they came to Chicago, the other women in the Kolo Sestara and at church taught my Baba how to cook Serbian foods, Kolac, etc. She worked hard in the church along side my Deda over the many years. For some reason no one ever Christened my Baba. Fr. Djuro Krosnjar came to St. Sava in Libertyvllle, IL and then to New Gracanica where we held all the services in that quonset hut till the monastery was built. I also remember the trailers where the Observer was on the property. Fr. Djuro Christened my Baba into the Orthodox faith, his wife, Anne was my Baba’s Kuma. Kuma Anne was my second Sunday school teacher. I had the best teachers, how blessed was I!!!
My family came here in 1951 on the ship “The Sturgess” (SP?) to NY. Then from NY they were on a bus to Chicago with only $25 the Serbian National Defense gave them (that had to be paid back) and one steamer trunk they came over with (which we still have). Baba and Deda found an apartment, payed back the $25, worked hard to raise my Mom and worked hard at every church they ever attended. What a truly “great generation” and what a great legacy they have left all of us of Serbian descent! No diamond, no ruby could ever compare to the treasures they have given!
Volim te, Mira Hausser, mhausser@comcast.net
- Lake Villa, IL, 15 min. from New Gracanica. If you are ever in town, give a shout!
(I relayed Mira’s message to Helen who is now 90 years old and living with her daughter, Connie, in Swarthmore, PA.. Helen said she received a special phone call from her nieces in Chicago on Christmas day which she absolutely loved, with Tashi and the others singing “Rozdestvo” in the background.
But nothing surpassed the beautiful tribute from Mira. Helen was so happy to hear all the nice things Mira took time to write. Helen told me all about Mira’s hard-working, kind, and fiercely Serbian grandparents (even though her Baba was born in Germany). Helen said she was more Serbian than anyone else and could cook all Serbian foods like a champion, etc. Best of all, it seems she helped raise a grand granddaughter too, who is working hard to pass her knowledge onto her son.)
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Dear Mim – this is really the greatest. You do not know me, but I knew your Dad. My parents grew up in Johnstown and knew your Dad and Helen (I know, not your Mom). They used to visit us in California. I have pictures Milan took of us and friends. I have been to your site, great job. This is the type of thing our people really need and Serbian newcomers need to see what those of us whose families have been here awhile have been doing. The culture has changed a bit and it is nice to see things about ourselves in print.
Dawnell (Vuko) Lewis, Saratoga, CA
Jan. 8 update: Mim – way too cool. I did no know you have a Mamula in your family background – My Maternal Grandmother was a Mamula!!!! Well, we know that is like the “Smith” name in Lika. We are likely cousins removed…Great site. Really enjoyed it and will send it on to everyone.
Yes, and you know at my church in Saratoga one of our parishoner’s mother was born in Gomerije (like my Mamula grandmother). I showed him a picture of her from the 1920’s and he about freaked – said she looked like some of his Mother’s relatives – now he’s younger than I, but asked his Mom and we have found out we are like 3rd or 4th cousins!
Because my Grandmother’s parents were both Mamula –
My great-grandparents were Mile Mamula & Smilja Mamula. Mile’s siblings were Nikola & Simo. Smilja’s siblings were Avre, Mata, & Marija. Mile & Smilja had Dragica (my Baba), Marija, Nikola, Sophia, & Marija. and Mile & Smilja were both from Gomerije to our knowledge. What a trip! All the information I have is based upon memories and written by my Dad (George Vuko) in our family Bible.
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(Dawn was surprised to learn that the Mamulas on BOTH sides of my Mamula side were from the Gormije area too. My grandmother Andja Mamula married Nikola Mamula, so she became Andja Mamula Mamula, of Vrelo, Jasenak, Ogulin, near Gormije!)
Update: Jan.12, 2009
MILANA – YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING, . Thank you, I have found some info that my Dad did and we are likely remote cousins of some kind as he did note in his findings some Mamula’s in Ogulin. I have sent this to some of my cousins and my brother for their info. I love your pages on your Grandmother’s costume! Because we are from Johnstown our family lost just about everything in the infamous flood.
One of these days we need to meet. There are tons of Mamulas all around the US and in other places!
Dawnell
http://www.babamim.com/andja_mamula__her_folk_costume
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Dear Baba Mim!
Mir Bozji! Hristos se rodi!
Srecna i blagoslovena Nova 2009 godina !
It was, as always, a joy to hear from you. Congratulations and blessings on your new web site. It is obvious that you have put a substantial amount of love, research and effort into the same. It will, indeed, be a useful learning tool for most English-speaking Serbs.
As you do have a section on the Slava, years ago, I translated the Slava Service into English and even transcribed the English text of the music according to traditional Serbian annotation. Fr. John Vesic of our Diocese compiled the text for us. Please feel free to use the same, if you so choose.
Again, my gratitude and appreciation for your devotion to/and enthusiasm for all things Serbian and Orthodox!
Many blessings to you and yours in this New Year of Grace!
Ziveli! +Irinej (Bishop of Australia and New Zealand)
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Dear Milana,
I went to see your web site and only thing I can say is that it is really impressive and overwhelming. The amount of information on it is just amazing.
I’ve read your biography as well and if I could achieve in my life just a third of what you did, I’ll be a very happy man.
I don’t know if Arthur (Jibilian) has told you about the possibility of making the film about “Halyard Mission”. My background is in filmaking and I hope I’ll be able one day to make the film about it. I’ve heard the rumors that Hollywood is interested in making the feature film based on the new book(Forgotten 500). It’s a great story and a big chance for Serbia and it’s people to show the whole world our proud history. I’ve imagine the film to celebrate the friendship between two countries during the two World Wars, it would be wrong to attack and blame America for their recent actions. That approach wouldn’t achieve anything, it will only destroy the film and the whole idea. On another hand, if Hollywood is to make the film, their focus will be at the American Pilots more than anything else.
Thanks again for your email and I wish you and your family Happy Christmas and New 2009.
Kind regards,
Dragan & Family, Australia (Card made for Arthur Jibilian, radio man with the OSS mission for Operation Halyard who, along with General Draza Mihailovich’s Serbian people, helped save 513 American flyers!)
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Izvanredna strana.
Sve najbolje Vama i porodici.
Ljiljana Karadjordjevic
Readers might like this note:
Your Royal Highness, Ljiljana,
Thank you again for your kind words about the www.babamim.com website. The first time I wrote, I thought you were someone I met briefly from New York City who works very hard for the St. Sava Cathedral there. That night, your name was going through my mind, this time not focusing on your FIRST name, but on the last name. Karadjordjevic…. but it couldn’t be, I thought to myself. Imagine my chagrin, that a Royal Princess visited my humble site. I am truly grateful.
Thank you again.
I also visited your website with the historical videos of King Alexander and Queen Marie. I am happy that you have them there for others to see.
I also see there is something about Parkinson’s disease, but my Serbian is not very good….. However, I understand there is a Google site that can translate anything on any web page, so I will try translating. Here it is, check it out and see if it works on your site too. I intend to add it to my site if I can figure out how……
My friend, Dorothy Paunovich, has it on her St. Sava, Merrillville, Indiana site and said it is easy, so we’ll see.
http://translate.google.com/translate_t#
God bless you and yours too in this New Year!
I have a funny story to tell you from my childhood.
Our original family name was Karajlovich. I thought someone just added an extra “a” at the beginning by mistake.
Therefore, our name should really be Kraljovich, which means “son of King.” When I was in the 5th grade (1951), I told all my classmates that my father was the King’s son, and that when we went back to Belgrade, I was going to be a Princess!
I truly convinced not only others, but myself with that tale at the time! I hope I brought a smile to your face with that one!
Milana Bizic
Draga Milana, morate da ucite srpski.
Strana Vam je zaista izuzetno lepa i informativna. Mnogo truda ste ulozili u nju.
Volela bih da mi napisete nesto vise o Vama.
Ja sam postavila Portal sa koga mozete uci u sve moje vaznije stranice.
Adresa je: http://www.princessemedia.org
Puno Vas pozdravljam
Srdacno Vasa
Ljiljana
Google Translation:
Dear Milana, You need to learn Serbian.
Your website is really very beautiful and informative. Much effort you have invested in it.
I’d like me to write more about you. I have set a Portal from which you can enter all of my important pages. E-mail address is:
http://www.princessemedia.org
Warmest greetings
Srdacno Vasa,
Ljiljana
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Aunt Mimi,
I just took a peek at your website and can’t wait to go pick up by boys from their clubs at school so they can come home and look, learn, and enjoy with me! Thanks for including me in your emails. I really appreciate it! The closest Serbian Church to us is about 35 miles away towards Los Angeles. The boys and I were wishing everyone we know a Merry Christmas on the 7th and most of them thought we were crazy until we explained a little bit about why! I love the pictures (especially the one with Aunt Marty in it) of all the festivities you all are being blessed with enjoying! I have to go get the boys but I had to send a quick note with a thank you and an I love you! I can’t wait to read about the hostess part of the website!
Love, Tressa (Zoroya Tillotson) Frutos, California
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What a wonderful website you have and you should be proud of what you have done. I’m amazed that you even have me listed with your prominent Serbians and thank you. I guess I should not make too big a deal out of it or you will remove me!!!!!!
I’ve told everyone about your website…………. it really is great.
Good luck to you, it is wonderful to have made a new friend!
Knez Jakovac
Click here to learn more about Knez and hear his great music: http://www.knezjakovac.com/
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Hello Baba Mim! Thank you for you wonderful site–I’m part Serbian, but wasn’t raised with much Serbian heritage, so your site is a blessing.
Would you be able to please translate the first 2 verses of the hymn to St. Sava, “Uskliknimo”? I’m having a very hard time finding anything in English. Thank you! Yvonne
ricandyvonne@att.net
FROM FR. MATEJA MATEJIC WE HAVE THIS TRANSLATION:
Let us sing devoutly to St. Sava, the holy Founder of Serbian churches and schools. Wherever is our Serbian Shepherd Sava, there are wreaths of glory.
O grateful Serbia, you are filled with love for your Shepherd Saint Sava. Bosnia and Hercegovina, St. Sava’s patrimony, celebrate together with you, our Patron, Saint Sava.
O, beloved Serbia, the sister of the Holy Mount, cast your glances upon the courts of Saint Sava; there is the beginning of Serbian glory. O, Serbs, sing a threefold hymn to Saint Save, the wise Head of the Serbian church.
Welcome Srem, Bant and Backa, and you, Old Serbia! O, Fruska Gora, take good care of the relics of Prince Lazar. Montenegro, our dear sister, you are welcome too! Join us in celebration of our Patron, holy Father Sava.
Milesheva monastery is famous because of the relics of Saint Sava, who is honored by all the Serbs in the areas along both sides of the river Sava. Sinan Pasha set the fire which consumed the relics of Saint Sava, but failed to destroy the glory and memory of St. Sava.
For five centuries the Serbs suffered in slavery, but even then they honored the name of Saint Sava. O, Saint Sava, help us to live in unity! Hear the voice of your nation, your Serbian people.
And we, your Serbs on this side of the ocean, who are of Serbian origin and speak the Serbian language, honor you, O, Saint Sava, luminous glory of Serbian schools. O, what a wonderful celebration, O, Father of Svetosavlje.
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Odlican sajt , postavio sam vas link na mom sajtu. Pozdrav iz Cikaga,
Sve najbolje ,
Nebojsa Zivkovic
www.cikaskisrbi.com
www.chicagoserbs.info
*INTERNET PORTAL OF CHICAGO SERBS*
* *
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I loved your famous Serbs section. It was good to see some of my friends listed there. Thanks.
John Medan, San Jose, CA
(John is the Senior Project Manager at deCarta, of the Computer Software industry specializing in mapping and GPS solutions.)
He has 3 relatives who play in the popular Becari Orchestra out there! :-))
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Mim, WOW your site is truly fantastic! If only there were more of us Serbs as loving and determined as you!…..Your a Gem! Take Care!
Savo and Sue
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I was told of your web site which I checked today. Fine work.
If you are interested I can give you my information. I am the current president of the Serbian Unity Congress. I also formed a group American Serbian Women’s Caucus that was responsible for the first conviction by the Hague Tribunal of Moslems and a Croat for war crimes against Serbs tied to the camp at Celebici. My professional background is International Project Finance. I live in Tiburon, California.
By the way are you familiar with what our US Embassy has done to honor Draza Mihailovic in Pranjani? Go to their web site and check it out. Its pretty wonderful.
(Mirjana is a tireless worker for the Serbs, and I well remember how we worked to present a program where news reporter Peter Brock spoke at the downtown Pittsburgh event to a full house!)
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Mim,
YOU ARE AMAZING. I HAVE BEEN READING YOUR
ENCYCLOPEDIA SERBIANICA FOR TWO DAYS.
Do you do all the work on the site yourself?
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Mim, I so wanted to go to the event on December 7th and I was planning on it, but I was in a wedding for a friend of mine the night before and I wasn’t feeling well. I am sad that I missed it though but so happy that Jibby was honored.
It was such an honor to meet you and interview our four war heroes!! Something I will never forget. Also the Serbian people have been wonderful too!! I hope I can help in any way I can to put a movie together as well!! Please pass that along to our friends with EAA, and again I am so sorry I missed it.
Hugs,
Jen (Jennifer Boresz, formerly of WTOL)
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Dear “Baba Mim”,
How are you? I am preparing New year celebration in our hotel. I wish you all the best! Say “Hi!” to “Kosovo Men’s Choir” for me!
Danijela
(Danijela can be seen hanging out the train window with me on the Kosovo Men’s Choir page while we were in this magnificent wooden village, high, high up in the mountains. She is the operator of the desk there and runs the computer at Mecavnik! Danijela and I were able to see the www.babamim.com page from there in the highest mountains of Serbia! The village was desgined by the famous film maker, Emir Kosturica. The train we took had a lot of WWII history!
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The website is very interesting and I will check it often.
It is always a good idea to be in contact with others, something that diaspora Serbs also see as beneficial. I live in Edmonton, Canada, at the northwest of our shared continent.
I’m hopeful that 2009 will be a very good year for all of us. As our Orthodox Christmas is a few days away I also wish to greet you with ‘Hristos se Rodi’!
I hope we’ll remain in contact from time to time.
best wishes,
Liz Milanovich
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Dear Baba Mim,
Thanks for your prompt reply as well as your update on the Congressional Award to Mr. Art Jibilian for his role in WWII Operation Halyard. Whereas his role was impressive, I think we as the Serbian-American Community need to engage Congress to also recognize another remarkable U.S. Veteran – our own Mr. George Vujnovich (93) who was the actual architect of the entire operation, as you know, and Mr. Jibilian’s supervisor at the time.
I did learn that Mr. George Vujnovich had received an invite last week from a Veteran’s group in Michigan to attend a ceremony in June 2009 honoring among others the roles of Operation Halyard veterans.
I had personally written to several Congress members suggesting that appropriate Congressional recognition be also bestowed upon Mr. Vujnovich. I believe Mr. Vujinovich and Mr. Jibilian are the last two surviving members of Operation Halyard. This story is quite inspirational for all of us and deserves to be told and profiled to even broader audiences. Mr. Vujnovich also deserves recognition for service to our country and our servicemen.
Thank you very much for your assistance.
Best Regards,
Nenad Milinkovic, New York
(I agree 100% we should acknowledge the great works of George Vuynovich, George Musulin and Bobby Marjanovich and I am working on this end to help make it happen. Any readers should too! George Vujnovich is our last surviving member of Operation Halyard! Time is running out.)
WOW! Fast action! From Milan Papich on Jan.22, 2009
Dear Fr. Nicholas:
I’m trying to communicate with the American Legion’s Post 827, Division 18, “General Draza Michailovich” members.
Recently, a proposal is being initiated to have Congressional Recognition of brother George Vujnovich for his work in organizing the rescue of over 500 American aviators from behind enemy lines in WWII. Mr. Vujnovich is 93 and before time takes it’s toll, many Serbians and their friends would like Mr. Vujnovich honored.
I can supply more information upon request and who to contact in Congressman Dan Burton’s office. Can you alert your church’s members and those in the American Legion post that we need their help.
Regards,
Micahael G. Papich, Escondido, CA
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Hi – just a quick note to say “Fantastic website” which I’ll need to spend some time exploring. Takes me back down memory lane… Just found your site as a result of looking for some live Serbian music on the south side of Chicago this weekend after our own stroll down memory lane, boxing up my 50 years of “I’ll get to it” – including a box full of 33’s with Popo’s, Sloboda, Stevan Hrstic, Marty Kapugi, etc. Have to run for now – take mom (85 on Sunday) to get her driver’s licence renewed so she can take the ladies to church on Sunday. Will be in touch.
Warm regards & Ziveli!
Marianne (Marianne Maslikosa Templeton)
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Wonderful site, well done, informative, and from the Heart!
Bravo, Mim.
Pozdrav,
Branko
(We’re all so proud of Branko Terzic’s many, many achievements in the U.S.A. Energy sector!<—–)
More about Branko Terzic <——–)
No wonder why we’re all so proud of him!
Want more?
He’s also the Royal Adjutant since 1976 to Prince Aleksandar and Member of the Privy Council, and Delegate of HRH Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia in the USA! The Honorable Branko Terzic holds the distinguished medal GRAND CROSS ORDER of the CROWN OF JUGOSLAVIA!
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Mim, I devore everything I can from your site!
My father was an Air Force pilot in the 50’s 60’s and it is possible that he did not teach us our heritage (Serbian – Yugoslavian) because Yugoslavia was a communist country. I’m not certain of this but I think it factored in.
Also we never lived near a large population of Serbians so we were not exposed to religion or culture.
Most of what I’ve learned have been as an adult through reading and visiting my grandmothers home city before the war broke out.
Your site has been a Godsend to me in this research.
I wonder how many of us there are in the U.S. – cut off from our heritage under these circumstances and the diaspora of the Serbians in the U.S.
I also would love to see a study of how successful Serbian Americans have been – you know – I cannot think of a single instance of an unsuccessful Serbian in the U.S.
Your work is tremendously important in my opinion.
Thank you! John Haydukovich
(Mim’s note: Every Serb I ever knew was smart too!)
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From Milena Aleksandrovic, pharmacy student in Belgrade who includes the www.babamim.com website on her Facebook account: “I am glad that I am honored to help in a small promotion of You website, and I can tell you only -> skidam kapu za sve sto radite ( we like to say that when we someone admire).”
++++++++++++Thank you, Milena! :-)—-CCCC
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7/29/11
It’s been a long time since I’ve added any testimonials, but so many nice comments have come in that I feel its important for others to know about. Let’s start with Monique Farone, my new Facebook friend! (Monique’s mom is the former Kristin Lukic!)
Greetings Baba Mim!
I have not had the privilege of meeting you in person, but I came across your website “Serbian History 101” and I just wanted to say how thankful I am for all of your efforts in putting the website together and for all of your work in the Serbian Orthodox community.
Thank you for all of your wonderful comments in my photo album from my recent travels to Serbia. It truly was a life changing experience – I am now, more than ever, extremely motivated to learn the language and learn more about my Serbian heritage. I am already eagerly planning my next visit. 🙂
God bless,
Monique
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Arthur (“Jibby”) Jibilian with 512 flags behind him, each one representing an American airman saved by Draza Mihailovich & his Chetniks. Metcalf Field, Toledo, OH 6/15/2008
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Mim, what a beautiful website! I shared it with Fr. Serge, Mimo, and my niece Jennifer in North Carolina.
What a woman! I’m proud to be your friend. Keep up your labors of love because we all benefit from them. Elaine M. (Galveston, TX)
I extend sincere congrats for a most informative and well-documented website. I would be delighted to provide additional items of interest for your archives, should you so desire. David V., (Wash., DC)
(You bet! This is how all of our young children will learn more about their wonderful Serbian/American heritage!)
POMAZE BOG!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, the apple does not fall far from the tree. Whenever I hear from you or see your picture and read your articles, I always think of your father and the times I was lucky enough to spend with him. I am forwarding your site to my sons Milan, Mateja & Mihailo (twins), as well as others, so they can recall the many stories that their +Deda told them about. They always listened in rapture. Especially about (1st Lt. Artillery) +Deda’s time with + Lt.Col. Draza, before the war. Respectfully, Milenko, Chicago, IL
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This a beautiful web site, did you do all this yourself, if so I may hire you to do a website for my new business. I also wanted my dear friend Tom (Greek Orthodox) to visit your site, of particular interest, your Father publishing American Serbian Life magazine in the forties. Tom has a friend that is the publisher for Greek Life magazine. You’re the best! Love, Denn (Pgh PA)
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About going to Ypsilanti (see Draza page). I once lived there and went to school there! Also, congratulation on being named SNF Person of the year. We in Aliquippa are all proud of you. Nikola, Aliquippa, PA
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I am so glad that we have people…. ever vigilant, ever proud but most importantly ever faithful. Father Serge, Galveston, TX
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Thanks for sharing! You certainly lead a most exciting life these days. I passed this along. Joe, Sewickley, PA
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Your new links are outstanding. Truly professional. What truly great sources of information. I just can’t get over how good they are. So glad you are bringing attention to our brothers and sisters via the Internet.
Please, please keep up the good work. George
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I love your website. That’s one heck of a good job! The airplane ride was the icing on the cake! Marti, MD & FL
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I love your website! Just saw it today for the first time after Sam Subotich and Arthur sent an e-mail. Great job, and thank you for putting quaility information on the internet!
Aleksandra, Barrington, IL
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Have forwarded this to fellow Serbs far and near! Don O., Pittsburgh, PA
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THIS is beautifully done! You certainly are so talented and creative in all that you do!
Thank you for sharing this. I was so impressed with your
composition, content, the layout, the color, and the photos, especially of
the 4 children from Kansas City! You certainly wrote an extensive and thorough article on Draza. Your enthusiasm and literary contributions on Serbian History is a superb
addition to Mankind!
I just finished reviewing your slides taken at Shadeland … I loved all of them especially ending with the Powell Family …
what a remembrance for all of us who were in attendance … thank you again! I know that your parents from up above have to be extremely proud of you and how you have carried the TORCH for Serbianism — its history, its language, its orthodoxy, its literature, its culture including art, music,etc.
As a companion traveler, your “eye” to capture exciting photos with meaningful, substantive scripts are awesome for me to experience … simply said: you continue to teach me on every trip enriching my mind, soul, and heart …. puna hvala my friend Mim ..With love and blessings, Dr. Natalie Pavlovic, Pittsburgh, PA
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History of the Aliquippa church is absolutely excellent. I only go back, in memory, to Fr. Tomich and the church in Logstown. What a wonderful trip down memory lane. One that will be frequently repeated. Thank you for bringing the historical past to our present day for many to enjoy. You are uniting Serbs. As the website expands, so will the unity of fellow Serbs. You were guided to do this Mim. Keep at it. It is just wonderful what one person can do. Especially one that is SUPERB! Your work will lead to a greater understanding of our people’s courage, strength, and valuable contributions. I get shivers up my spine when I think about our people! May their faith propel them into the future filled with blessings from our Father in Heaven! I continue to promote this deserving website! George Vrgich, Monroeville, PA
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This is Savo Subotich from St. Clair Shores, Michigan. It was really nice to meet you at
Metcalf Field. See how we Serbs always will find
another Serb at an event. Your web site is
beautiful!!! We are ALL better off because of people
like you!
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Congratulations on a super, super website. You have labored many hours in compiling it, but we feel you considered it a labor of love. We can’t think of anyone who would have done what you have. Zivela Mim na mnogaja Ljeta. George and Mickey M., Weirton, WV
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We can’t begin to tell you how much we loved your website. It is a tremendous job well done and very interesting. How proud we are of you and your hard work. Thank you for keeping that wonderful Serb spirit alive and sharing our Serbian pride with the world.
Milan and Rosalyn Opacich
Schererville, IN 46375
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Love your new website…. How far we have come from our early Internet days. Bob F., Sewickley, PA
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From Dorothy Paunvovich, Schererville, IN
(Please be sure to visit this site not to read about me, but to see the wonderful things that are being done in Indiana with the Folk Dancers, Serb Fest coming up, Recipes and ways to make Strudel, etc! Grateful, MKB)
Wow! I love you website and have posted it on my blog. I wish we lived closer so we could share ideas for the museum and other projects. My son loves APPLE computers too and has converted so many friends. Here’s the link: http://www.localbizblogs.com/stsav
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“BabaMim” has done an outstanding job on those pages about Jake Allex. And yes, we are very lucky to be Serbian! Sending info about George Fisher and Texas. Mimo M., Galveston.
(See Famous Serbs page)
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Great site! It’s really a very informative website. I bookmarked it. I am originally from St. Sava’s of Gary/Hobart/Merrillville, but have lived 9 years in Phoenix with my husband, Jovan and 2 children. I was checking Dorothy Paunovich’s local bizblogs at my old St. Sava Merrillville site and came upon your website. I love that Draza stuff. My faher-in-law was a Chetnik, +Nikola , and I used to dance in the only Chetnik folkore group in the USA, Dinara. Denise Kangrga, Phoenix, Arizona
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I remembered the web address and the site is fantastic! You did an outstanding job! Rudlley Mrvos, Pittsburgh, PA
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Just to add to your info on the National Heritage awards given in Washington, DC annually, my uncle Adam N. Popovich was in the first group of “National Ethnic Treasures in the early 70’s. He was also honored by the State of Illinois that same year for his contributions to the ethnic heritage of our state. Thought you would like to know. Excellent site. Your website is absolutely beautiful. The pictures and history are a fitting tribute to the wonderful colony of Aliquippa. It is always such a pleasure to visit. The SSF Festival this past Memorial Day was excellent and it was so heartwarming to see the entire community come together to help the choir..The food….well, let’s just say that the girls from Detroit and Lansing loved it! Continued success with the site! Aliquippa is fortunate to have an in-house historian that also possesses great techo-skills!!
Martha Ostoich Tesich, IL
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You are wonderful! Thank you for all you have done and what you continue to do for our people. You have definitely inherited your father’s flair for writing. I have always said when I leave this Earth, I want you to write the article for the SRBOBRAN. Morbid? I think not, just telling the truth! Anyway, thanks again for everything you do. My grandfather was a priest in Aliquippa once, but died in 1937 there. He was also in Lackawanna, Farrell, and Kansas City that I know of. Again, thank you for all those years of great articles and for your website. Stevo and Lana Baich
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This is a great website. You put a lot of work into it. I’ll pass it along. See you at the wedding. JT, London, England.
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Holly, thanks for sharing this…and Milana and Jennifer (Boresz of WTOL), you don’t know me, but I want to say thanks for getting this story (see Draza Mihailovich page!) out there. It made my day. I actually cried (joyful tears) listening to the video and seeing the global TV photos on the web site. Honor is the key word here. We Serbs have our honor, our fighting men have been honored, and we honor the Halyard men who never gave up the fight.
Patty Martinovich
Vancouver, BC, Canada (formerly of Chicago!)
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Our congratulations! You have contributed to the Serbian movement in so many ways. All Serbs are deeply indebted to you for your unwavering passion and commitment to all that is Serbian. May God send special Blessings to you on this historic occasion! All the best,
Roy C.
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I’ll see you at Kennywood and give you a great congratu – latory HUG!!Love, Cissy R., NJ
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I would like to tell you that your web site is very good, no, it is excellent and that we are proud of you, especially Teta Nena! I stopped writing for a moment and went to your web site to see it again. I was fascinated that you found that old SRBOBRAN issue with St. Sava’s Hymn in Serbian Cyrillic! Stojanka, Belgrade.
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Your special day gave me the perfect reason to commend you on the outstanding website. If each Serbian American would learn 50% of the information contained on it, one would be so aware of our heritage. I loved the version of “Kol Slaven.” You were savvy with computers long before it was commonplace. Ziveli i mogaja ljeta! George & Deb S. P., Pittsburgh, PA
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I visited your D. Mihailovich & Operation Halyard page and saw the two cover pages of your father’s magazine, Am. Serb Life. Our church has a copy of that magazine with Bishop Nikolai on the cover that we used for our 100th Anniversary ad booklet. Bishop Nikolai consecrated our new church on that day (1948). Our copy of the magazine is in bad shape, but we we used the article your father wrote about our church for our book. Our church in Steubenville is really named Visoki Decani and looks like the one in Kosovo (one part of it), however, we go by the name of Holy Resurrection. It’s sad to read about what’s happening to our churches and monasteries in Kosovo. Also enjoyed those diary entries written by Nick Lalich. I had to make copies and send to my sister, Ann. She took history in college and is so completely involved in Serbia’s part, especially in the war that started in 1991. Everytime I talk to her, I get a history lesson, even going back to the Congress of Berlin. She connects past history to the present. We also want to congratulate you for being Person of the Year. We feel you deserve this honor and hope that “God grants you many, many more years!” Your articles in the SRBOBRAN are really informative and well-written.
Mary & Nick Drazich, Steubenville, OH
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Mim,
I just wanted to tell you that your website is wonderful and loaded with very interesting information. Thank you for taking the time to create such a site. Hope to see you next weekend in Aliquippa!
Valerie Backo
Owner & Marketing Solutions Consultant. Hermitage, PA
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9/9/08 Thanks, Mim! It (MORE @ DRAZA) looks wonderful! I’ve been soliciting our membership for Chetnik photos, and as I receive any that might be worth sharing, I will forward them to you. I will do another blog directing people to your great website either tonight or tomorrow, as well as feature your site in the “Featured Blog Posts” section on the right. Your site is remarkable, and I learn something every time I visit. We have a meeting for our cultural committee tonight, so I’ll have to get busy preparing……….Thanks again…….My son thinks you’re so cool because he is an absolute die-hard Mac fan-there are no other computers allowed in our house, his apartment (Oakland), or with any of his circle of friends. He has probably helped sell 30 Macs in the last 8 years. Localbizblogs.com is being developed on Macs in San Francisco/Oakland by my son and his 2 friends. Once you get a Mac, you never go back! Fondly,……………Dorothy
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Hi Baba Mim! Thank you for sharing your website address with me at the Aliquippa Choir banquet last weekend.(9/13/08) I started reading it and have to say that it’s great to have all of this information in one place. I’ve learned a lot already, and I look forward to reading more. I also would like to thank you for a wonderful weekend. I had a great time – you were all such wonderful hosts.
Mirjana (Mira) Milinkovic, Branko Radicevich Choir, Chicago, IL
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Mimi,
The website is incredible. I enjoy looking at it. I am sending it on to my
mother-in-law…..I’m sorry for not having done this before.
Take care.
Jennifer Pittsburgh, PA
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Dear Baba Mim,
Good to see you another day in Aliquippa! Here is where you can find a book on Rudjer Boskovic.
Rade, President Helios Publishing
http://helios-scholar.com/page4.html
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I will never forget our (Kosovo Men’s Choir to Serbia) trip and YOU! If every Serb had 1/8 of Serbian Heritage and Orthodoxy in them as YOU have, what a place it would be! I visit your site when I can, with working three days a week, taking care of Dad and our precious Grandson Anthony, my time is divided. Have a wonderful day!
Much love,
Mary Ann Rusnov, Ohio
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Very impressive website! See you at the Midland Choir Concert. Starts 4:00 PM at the Club on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008. Dinner and Dance follow.
Paula Esapovich, Midland, PA
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Hello, I have checked out your web site on several occasions as it truly gives historic perspective and has the warmth not contained in the books. Congratulations on your accomplishment. Take care. Your web site is wonderful. It’s fantastic. The Butte part on the “Interesting Tidbits” page is especially good.
Sam, CA
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Your website is very interesting and inspirative. You can also find a lot of material on my website and you have my permission to use material you find interesting. www.antikvame-knige.com
Pozdrav! Filip Tomasevic, Belgrade.
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Dear Mim,
I enjoyed my tour around your website – you are quite the accomplished woman! I am looking forward to meeting you and planning how we can work together. Alexis S. Macklin, Director of the Library and Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh, PA
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I just stumbled upon your site researching info for our annual Phoenix SerbFest commemorative book. What a wonderful site! Could I use some of your info? Thanks, Mary Ivanovic Goulian, Arizona. ++++++++++++++++++
First let me say what a fabulous job you have done in conveying what it means to be an American Serb! Bravo! I have added a link to
your website on SerbBlog!
Here’s another name for your list, another Serb-American who just came to mind — Donald Bellisario Sr., who produced Magnum PI, JAG and now NCIS. His mother was Serbian and his father was Italian. I read about Bellasario in an article on Sasha Alexander when she was on NCIS, saying that they were “both half-Serb and half-Italian”. And one more:
Denise Hale, born in Belgrade and has been a paragon of San Francisco and international society for over 40 years. Denise Hale has played a prominent role as a great supporter of cultural and charitable organizations, both in San Francisco and around the world. (She donated an Ambulance to Princess Katerina’s Lifeline Fund that has her grandparents’ names on the sides as it travels to help those in need throughout Belgrade.)
(see SF Examiner article above.)
Formerly married to film director Vincent Minnelli, she later married Department Store scion Prentis Cobb Hale. Twenty years later, in the early 1990’s, bothered by the fact that she and Mr. Hale had only had time for a civil ceremony, she and Prentis Cobb Hale reaffirmed their vows in a lavish wedding in St. John’s Serbian Orthodox Church in San Francisco, complete with a tamburitza band and attended by international high society. They remained married until Mr. Cobb’s death a decade ago, and Denise Hale has continued her role as a prominent member of San Francisco’s genteel social set. All the best!
Melana Pejakovich, CA
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Unbelievable website. My father was a Chetnik who died in 1995. He spent a lot of time trying to get the truth out about the heorism of Draza Mihailovich.
Evica Brnilovich, Margate
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Great website, Mim, and great story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Thought you’d like to know our event on Dec. 5 at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orhtodox Church (Chicago) keeps getting bigger and bigger and is turning into a WWII Memorial!
Besides Greg Freeman, author of THE FORGOTTEN 500, we will also have a few of the airmen at the affair, including Clare Musgrave, although his health is a challenge. Clare wants to address the assembly. He is 89.5 years old and told Doug that the only reason he is alive is because of the courage and heroism of the Serbian people and Chetnik forces. His enthusiasm and memory of the rescue are unabated. He said that he would train from St. Joe to Chicago and that he would like for one of us to give him a ride to the church!
Eli Kosanovich and Doug Palandech, Chicago, IL
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Greg, Deenie & Mila, 2009
Draga Mim,
I wasn’t sure if you would even remember me (Harry Suzich’s son from just across Beaver Grade Road, now living in Phoenix). I guess it’s been well over twenty years since I last saw you at Kennywood. I’ve been meaning to email you for a long time, to express my appreciation for EVERYTHING you have done and continue to do in the promotion, preservation and defense of Srpstvo. Let me first congratulate you on your SNF award this past year – if anyone was truly deserving of this, it’s you! If it were up to me, you’d have the Order of St. Sava as well. Your father is smiling down on you with tremendous pride, I’m sure.
I have the opportunity to peruse the internet quite a bit and I have naturally checked out Serb-related items of interest. It seems that everywhere I’ve been, I find that Mim Bizic has already been there! Web sites related to Mitchell Paige, Nick Lalich and the Halyard Mission stick out the most in my mind. I feel very honored to have had the opportunity to meet Nick Lalich in Tucson a year before he passed away. It turns out we were both born in the same hospital in Lorain, Ohio (a few years apart). What a gentleman he was. I sat there in total awe of him while we talked of Cica Draza and the military in general, but he was more interested in hearing about me.
Of course your web site is an incredible source of information and inspiration. And I look forward to receiving the Srbobran every month especially to read your contributions. I don’t know where or how you find the energy.
I know it may sound like I’m “piling it on” with the accolades, but they are sincerely heartfelt. My wife Loydeen (Lenka according to her baptismal record) is a Phoenix native, and her late mother’s side are Juncevici originally from near Boka Kotorska who settled in Bisbee, Arizona. Of course I had to name my daughter Mila after my baba. We are all members of the St. Stefan Nemanja Church in Bisbee, as well as the Serbian-American Club of Tucson. My work schedule has prevented me from attending services at St. Sava’s here in Phoenix, but that should hopefully change soon.
I suppose my feelings stem from the fact that throughout the conflict in the Balkans, as a member of the USAF stationed in Europe and a “witness” to many terrible things, as well as a Serbian-American who takes great pride in the contributions of our people to America throughout the years, for obvious reasons I was very saddened at the injustices. Talk about a nightmare situation. I got out of the AF in ’96, two years before Kosovo erupted, and was further disheartened by our foreign policy and actions there. Your efforts throughout this time in the defense of Serbs everywhere were really a beacon of hope for me personally. I guess having visited Sjenicak as a young man in 1980 and soaking up the feelings of heritage and roots while in the selo only magnifies it – you of course can relate to what I’m trying to convey.
OK, I’ll stop. Keep up the wonderful work. Srecan Bozic i Srecna Nova Godina, i puno hvala!
All the best to you and your family – I miss Moon Township!
Gliso Suzich, Arizona
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I am searching my Tata’s family. I don’t know where else to look. Can you help me? Thank you.
Donica Nikolic
(I will try to help with YOUR help too. If anyone has any information for Donica, this is one way we can all help each other. I asked Donica where her father was from and any other info she could supply.)
Hristos Se Rodi! My Tata left in spirit in 1993, He was born in Obilicevo, Novi Knezevac June 1912. Deda was Svetozar and Baba was Darinka (Manic’).
I know he had a son and daughter before meeting my mother and coming to America in 1951. Their names are Natalitu and Danche (?) and their mother was Rastra.
My father was an only child, but never said anything about aunts or uncles. He hardly talked about family with us children. My mother joined my father in spirit in 2007.
I live in Sunbury, Ohio.Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
I want you to know how appreciative that I am for you responding and helping me to try and locate my tata’s family. I don’t know who I am (the Serbian part of me) on my tata’s side. I want to know more about my Serbian side for so long, I feel like a part of me is missing. Your site is helping to find out more on the Serbian’s people and traditions.
Thank you again
Donica Nikolic abrum2223@aol.com
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GREAT WORK !!! bravo!!
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best regards
ivanka tasic, managing director
PANACOMP TRAVEL
/doctors for Serbian tourism/
SERBIA WONDERLAND – THAT’S THE LIFE – EXPERIENCE EMOTIONS
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Drago Sestro Milana:
Great Website! Don’t know how I hadn’t seen it before ! You’re a Historian Extra-ordinaire! I felt I’ve known you, also, a true Srbianka from reading the SRBOBRAN these many years.
I’ve been collecting Halyard Mission data for many years but can’t come close to your collections. In around 1942-43 I read a comic book with the exploits of Draza and the Chetniks but have never been able to find that book.
I moved to Escondido in 1965 and took an active role in founding the St. Petka Church in San Marcos.
Have been trying to uncover more on the ancient Serbs. Conventional thinking is that Serbs migrated to the Balkans in the 5th Century. There has been reports that the Serbs are part of an ancient people who had two kingdoms in what is now India and migrated West and North for some unknown reason. I have a copy of a manuscript that the late writer wrote for his book before he passed away.
Croats believed they came from ancient Persia(Iran). This is the route that the ancient Serbs took. This period was over 3000 years ago. Some supposedly settled in the Balkans and the younger 5th century
Serbs met the older ones. There is some interesting discoveries in this area that I’d like to share at a later date. India had a highly developed
civilization many thousands of years ago comparable to those in ancient Iraq.
Michael Papich, Escondido, CA
Mike is a retired aerospace electrical engineer, and is the author of those great stories in SERB WORLD magazine about the Serbian Chicken Ranchers in North San Diego County. Mike was born in Windsor, Ontario, and remembers being a musical student of the late Pio Popov. “Reflecting back, I think that extra sugar from all the kolaci that my late mother , the extra-ordinary cook-baker, made me hyper and restless.”
Mike has a desire to start an essay contest for youngsters under the age of 17 to write about OPERATION HALYARD for the SRBOBRAN. Welcome! We need great people like this who care about our future!
More from Mike:
Spent a few more hours on your web site last night. You’re GREAT! Few comments:
a) Didn’t see Einstein’s wife, Mileva Maric +, listed as the notable. I believe there was an article in the Srbobran some years back. I have a clipping(my snips at work) and also have a VCR on her. Einstein was more than a cad on how he treated her and the kids. The Russians claim that Maric’s name was originally on the Nobel Prize for the Theory of Relativity! Also have some letters between Maric and others when she studied Physics. Also saw your refr. to the “other Mileva” when you attended a wedding.
(Big website on Mileva Maric Einstein on the TESLA site. Check it out here.)
http://www.teslasociety.com/mileva_einstein.htm
b) Didn’t see any reference to Nicholas Chuprija(SP?) as head of the General Dynamics Corp. Believe there was a write-up some years back in the Srbobran and refr. to the lodge his father belonged to. May have the article in my files(Snip).
c) On the web site, saw a spelling mistake regarding Vojvoda Momcilo R. Djujic’s + name. There is no “r” in his surname.
d) Your SRBOBRAN article on the coverage/events in Ohio regarding the Halyard Mission was super.
Thank you, Mike. This is what it takes. All of us working to make it the best it can be!
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Milana,
You have a great website and an amazing credentials. I am so impressed with your work and effort to keep your Serbian heritage alive and spread the word about Serbs and their history.
My opinion is that you don’t need to have a Cyrillic page. You can always link to some other pages if they want to go to some related pages with a Cyrillic script.
I don’t trust the machine translators – they do very bad job, especially with Serbian and other Slavic languages. Serbian is too complicated for computers to tackle it right. I’ll link your site to mine, so we can get more traffic and I’d appreciate it if you can do the same. I have two sites: one for translation services for all Slavic languages: www.lztranslation.com and one dedicated just for teaching Serbian online: www.studyserbian.com/proba
(that one is still in the development stage, but it is running and already has lots of language material).
Best regards,
Larisa
Larisa Zlatic, Ph.D. in Linguistics
LARISA ZLATIC LANGUAGE SERVICES
larisaz@lztranslation.com
http://www.lztranslation.com
tel: (512) 626-3854 fax: (512) 338-9384
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Milana,
Thank you so much for the kind words. Thank you for all the hard work you did. It is all worth it!
Best of luck and hava a Happy Holiday!
Senator Teresa Fedor
(Ohio State Senator, 11th District, who presented Arthur Jibilian the flag of the state of Ohio on December 7, 2008, recognizing also the contributions of the Serbian people during Operation Halyard.)
+++++++++++++++++++(About Operation Halyard and the December 7, 2008 event:)
Your video is great. Could you write something for Srbobran about the event, which is so important. Your lecture was outstanding, you are such important person for Serbia.
God bless You. Best Regards from
Dr. Ljubo Vujovic, Secretary General Tesla Memorial Society of New York
Take a look on Numbers 2,3,and 4 of our website.
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Looks great. Nice work!
Gregory A. Freeman, author
THE FORGOTTEN 500
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I had a chance to look at your website and I am truly impressed with
how well the information is organized, as well as with the depth of
your knowledge on the subject of Serbian history.
Currently, I am getting ready to go to Belgrade. I am leaving on the
4th of January. This will be the first time that I will visit “moj
grad” in 17 years. I am very excitited and a little overwhelmed…
I will spend Serbian Christmas and New Year in Belgrade with friends
and relatives. Later I will visit my family in Zagreb and on the
island of Brac. On the way back to Belgrade I will go through Bosnia
and make a stop in Zenica where I was bourn and lived till I was four
years old.
This will conclude my much awaited tour of the Motherland which in my
case spans all over the ex-Yugoslav territory…
I hope that upon my return I will get a chance to meet you in person.
Mir Boziji, Voistinu se Rodi!
SRETNA NOVA GODINA!
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Srpski (Serbian) PENTAGON:
Mim,
How the heck are you? It’s been a long time at least 40 some years! Your website is great. Send me more contact info and I will give you a call.
Bob Conway.
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Hello Milana! Great website! Thought your readers would be interested in knowing I’ll be guest starring on the USA network series PSYCH airing tomorrow night, Friday 1/23 at 10:00pm EST/9:00pm CST. The episode is called “Earth, Wind, and …Wait for it” and it will be re-airing throughout the week in case you miss it on Friday.
Additionally, starting on Saturday, you can watch the episode online at
http://www.usanetwork.com/series/psych/video/fullep/
Wow. Talk about shameless promotion. In any case, I hope you are all having a wonderful new year and that our paths cross again soon!
Much Love,
Milena Govich
P.S. Be on the lookout for another one of these little reminders later this
spring when the infamous “Candy” returns to RESCUE ME!
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From Srdjan Ridanovič in Novi Sad, Serbia:
Himna Buže pravde sa ploče Baba Anđe je predivna. To je pravi dragulj. Hvala Vam puno što ste je prveli u digitalni oblik i na taj način je ovekovečili.
Veliki pozdrav iz Novog Sada.
After I found our national anthem „Bože Pravde“ from old album of your Anđa Mamula, and after I wrote a letter, I continued to search your web site and I stumbled on some beautiful songs like „Niko nema što Srbin Imade“, „Oj Đurđev danak“, „Što se bore misli moje“, …
All those songs are jewels („dragulji“) of our culture, because they represent true emotions of people living long way from their home land. I also enjoyed listening to that old same songs that our ancestors listen long time ago.
It would be very nice if you could place all the songs from your website on one page and invite people with old records to place them too and share it with the world.
I was born in Zrenjanin, in Banat, but now I live and work in Novi Sad. My grad grad grandfather Živa left to America from the village of Srpska Crnja with his three daughters and their husbands after WW I. They went to city of Detroit. I lost all contacts with them over the time. I am very sorry about it, and that is a why your site thrilled me so.
Yesterday was a big day in Serbia. (5/21/09) America’s vice president was in Belgrade. All traffic in all main streets was stopped. All parked cars were removed along the way with the all containers. Yesterday Belgrade was paralyzed. But the new page of Serbia Americas relations was opened!
Thanks, Srdjan!
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…just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your web site! Interesting and lots of fun to read.
Mira
Marilyn Popovich
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We appreciate help from our readers!
This is traditional costume of Vrlika [Dalmatia] and surrounding area. The men would wear this when they were guarding Christ’s tomb and they are called “Grobari.”
Thank you,
Petar Katic /Christina Katic
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Look at this! A REAL Jugovic!
6/1/09
Thank you for providing such a wonderful site. Kindest regards. Respectfully,
Matthew Jugovic
Lubbock Texas
6/2/09
Milana, Greetings.
Thank you again for hosting such a great site for our history. Yes, Milana, my email says matthewy@, that’s because when the grand folks came to America back in the late 1800s they wanted to make sure the name was pronounced right by non Balkans, hence the Y in Matthew Yugovich, my ancestral name is Mate Jugovich..
I was just over in the Adriatic and had a great time touring all the beautiful places along the coast as well as the cathedrals at Kosovo…. Some of the Priests there helped my brother and me trace our family back to around 1340s.
I was born in Texas and raised a Texan complete with west Texas culture, but my Dad always told me we had some very important ancestors..I never really thought about it or researched it until I got older. The hospitality and warmth that I felt as a guest of the church was something I didn’t expect…I have never been treated with that much respect in my life…old men hugged me and kissed me, some of the older women would cry as they clutched my hand…. even the Priests acted honored, and quite frankly, I was humbled for knowing little of our history and culture.
The visit home was the most wonderful experience of my life.
June 3, 2009
I have photos of our visits there, on the last visit, the priests unbelievably let us take a few digital pictures of the frescos and art in the church. They also let us photograph the very old family registry archives held at the church.
(When I learned about Matt being so successful, he humbly wrote back:)
Ma’am, I work very hard to fill my father’s expectations and honor my name and country, but sweet Baba Mim, I’m not famous, my ancient ancestors may have been, but I’m just a hard workin’ Texan following in some mighty big footsteps…
I’m very pleased with you and your work and dedication.
As I said, a REAL Jugovic!
WOW!!!!
<—-Jugovic Village Sign
2 Brothers Jugovich
Hoping to buy & refurbish this ski resort just outside of Sarajevo in Chinitsa, Bosna. They recently purchased a 5-star resort on the sovereign island of San Lucia!
Read about Matt’s sons, John and Tommy Yugovich here<—
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Our Website Contributors--Наш сајт Сарадници
I will attempt to list here, the people who have contributed to this site in any way to help make it a better resource for all those seeking information about the Serbian people, their religion, customs and heritage.
If you know of anyone else who has helped that I missed, please contact me immediately through the Contact site found on the far left side of this page.I do want to know and not forget anyone.
Thank you again to all those to whom I am so gratefully indebted. You have helped bring inspiration, joy and beauty, interest, hope, pride, amusement, awe and love to people all over the world!
By alphabetical order:
Allegheny West Magazine- Pat Jennette
Astorino, Dennis L.
Astorino, Louis D.
Backo, Valerie
Baich Brothers Orchestra, Kansas City
Bentley, Capt. Gary R./Ohio Air National Guard
Bentley, Helen Delich (former U.S. Congresswoman)
Bibic, Vladimir
Bishop Irinej of Australia
Borecz, Jennifer
Briscoe, Julie (Global Pittsburgh World Affairs Council)
Cappello, Lt. Col. John T.
Capuzzi Family
Cheran Family
Connolly, Ted
Crepajac,+Aleksandar & +Wilma
Crum, Steve D.
Czubak, Chee Chee
David, Bill (#258 EAA)
Davis, Lyle E. (the PAPER, Escondido, CA)
Diles, Curtis (Bud)
Dimitrov, Slobodan
Dreeland, Dona
EAA#582, Toledo, Ohio
Eastern Orthodox Diocese of America
Gantner, Dr. Rose
Google Translate: http://translate.google.com/translate
“I love you, Google!” Волим те, Гоогле-у!
Gajevic, Marija & Mladenovac School
Grba, Eli
Grimes, Marti
Hayden, Ljubi Popovich Ostoich
Hirzel, Bev and Bill (#582 EAA)
Holland, Steve (The Askew writers of WWI)
Holy Resurrection S.O.C., in Steubenville, Ohio
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Butte, MO
Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, Pittsburgh
Ivancevic, Jovan
Jakovac, Knez
Jibilian, Arthur
Jibilian, Debi
Jurich, Dan
Kadilak, Karen (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
Kontich, Mirko
Kosovo Men’s Choir & Dr. Rick Zivic
Kozobarich, Stephen
Lawrence, Dennis (#258 EAA)
Leech, Doreen (Holy Trinity Cathedral, Pgh)
Limrick, Melanie and Tim
Maravich, +Larry
Machaskee, Alex
Macklin, Dr. Alexis-WPA Heinz History Center
Maksimovich, Dana
Masich, Andy, WPA Heinz History Center Director
Matejic, V.Rev. Fr. Mateja
Medich, +Stevo
Merick, V. Rev. St. Proto Rade
Mihailovic, Vasa
Montag, Evangeline Prisuta
Musgrove, Clare
Nikolich, Donica
Nolan, Alexandra
Opacic, Milan and Roz
Orfanopoulous, Mike
Orlich, Von Trbovich
Paich, Mary
Papich, Michael
Paunovich, Dorothy
Pavlovic, Dr. Natalie
Peters, Judy Klaich Zetz
Petrovich, Nick
Puaca, Milos
Puhar, Pete and family
Rocknage, V. Rev. Fr. Stevo Rocknage
Radoja, Sandi
Rebic, Aleksandra
Rebich, CIssy
Rogish, Mark
Savich, Carl
Scott, Randy-Michigan State University
St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, Aliquippa, PA
St. Elijah Church Choir, Aliquippa, PA
St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Carmichaels
St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Midland, PA
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, NY, NY
St. Tikhon’s Seminary NY
Serb National Federation
Serbian Bar Association of America (SBAA)
Serbian Singing Society
Serbian Unity Congress
Shatlan Family
Shields, Betty G.Y.
Siljegovic, Matuska Kathy
Stipanovich, J.T. and Aleks
Subotich, Sam
Susnjer, Robert (Kum)
Terzic, Dr. Branko
Tesla Society, Ljubo Vujovic, M.D.
Tomich, Maryann and Dr. Nick
Topich, Bob
Torbic, V.Rev. Fr. Rodney
Trklja, Marta
Tuskeegee Airmen
Verona, Sam
Vignovich, Dolores
Vitorovich, Ann and Voya
Vuich, Dave
Vuynovich, George and Mirjana
Vukicevic, Nenad
Vurgich, George
Wendell, Kathleen A.
W.PA Heinz History Center
WTOL TV Station
Yahoo! Small Business Engineers/IT Departments
Zatezalo, Martha
Zelich, Slobodan
Zivkovic, Nebojsa
Zlatic, Larisa, Ph.D
THANKS!
Хвала!
THANKS!
One of my favorite all-time photos!
THANKS!
Хвала!
The Greatest! Adam Popovich
THANKS!
Хвала!
Young King Peter II
THANKS
Хвала!
Serbian Day at Kennywood, with identifiable Serbs riding the Racer @ 1940. Mom Laura Mamula (Karlo) is in the next to the last seat from the top, our left, with a white hat. Sitting next to her is our Aunt Millicent Mamula Bobik. This huge photo display was at the Heinz History Center before they took it down. Sad, because it was always very special to us. Also riding on the cars on the opposite side were Pero and Mayme (Vukelich) Kovachevich. While her husband Pero can’t be seen on this particular photo, Teta Mayme is to our right hand side, 3rd back from the front. MAYBE, just MAYBE, one of the riders could have been Nikola Tesla! Rose & I weren’t 100% sure!
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THANKS
Хвала!
Social Marketing Tools for Us ALL!
SOCIAL NETWORKING 
( Good old-fashioned networking, Serbian style!)
In today’s age, it is important that we stay connected and try to aid each other in as many ways as possible. This website page is my humble attempt to help other novices also get into the New Age of Marketing.
Social Media is an open communications network, social networking with news, bookmarks, blogs, microblogs, videos and photo sharing, message boards, wikis, virtual reality, social gaming, podcasts, Real Simple Synd. (RSS) feeds, social media press releases, etc.
“Telling and Selling” is dead. The new key is Demonstrating, Empowering, and Creating Business by Building Relationships.
FACEBOOK <—click here
www.facebook.com
“Facebook is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. People use Facebook to keep up with friends..”
There are 350 million users on Facebook, most of them for Friendship. This program seems to be my favorite so far. My young cousins, Michelle and Jennifer, were the ones who urged me to join. So far, I love it. I’ve made so many new friends from all over the USA, all over the world. I’ve connected with a lot of “lost” relatives from the Krajina/Serbia.
Everyone has to be very careful about what they say on Social Networks, though, as employers are more likely to check out a candidate’s Face Book page now. Just common sense. No swearing. No photos with a lot of drinking scenes. Put your best foot forward at all times. Be a good friend.
LINKED-IN <—click here
www.linkedin.com
“LinkedIn strengthens and extends your existing network of trusted contacts. LinkedIn is a networking tool that helps you discover inside connections to …”
Linked-In is probably the best portal for business networking, as a more business-like atmosphere prevails. I have truly enjoyed belonging to this site also as it has put me in touch with some of the greatest brains in education and technology. The membership is not limited only to America, but embraces comments from contributors from around the world. These are the links I’ve found most interesting on Linked-In: Technology in Education; International Society for Technology, Innovative Learning and Education, e-Marketing and the Serbian American Professional Netowrk.
TWITTER <—click here
www.twitter.com
“Twitter is without a doubt the best way to share and discover what is happening right now.“
Twitter is the leading social media web portal currently, the top of the 3 Social Media sites, with 86% of people being on there.
Networking-
A compilation of thoughts from the web/webinar.
When you meet someone for the first time, engage in conversations, but be real. Connect to others and invite your new contacts to also connect, with you playing host/hostess. Treat everyone with kindness and respect.
FOLLOW UP. Try to send that person you met an email later in the day while you have fresh remembrances of your meeting. That person will admire you for thinking they’re important to you and it shows you’re a person of action, not all talk, a real rarity these days.
Nuture a positive project culture. Establish an environment built on trust, creativity and open collaboration.
5 Steps to Success
1. STRATEGIZE.
2. Establish a Presence.
3. Expand your Reach.
4. Nurture Relationships.
5. Properly Maintain Presence.
Your PROFILE should be as inviting as possible.
Keep your eye on the Prize.
You’re in for the long term, every day for the rest of your life. Out of sight, out of mind. Stay in touch!
You must TARGET your audience as numbers alone are meaningless.
Build PERSONAL relationships for your business. Start with conversation before ever mentioning your business.
Be Transparent, BE TRUSTWORTHY!
It’s a ZERO-SUM game. You have to do it right or there are no benefits.
Be an Industry Leader, and not a follower.
Be Strategic and Map people down the path to buy your goal.
Excellent business examples are BBGeeks (Blackberry platform), Bridge2Growth; Masi Bicycles; The Coffee Groundz in Houston.
Drill down, use the Advance features on Social Media sites. Don’t talk to everyone, but TARGET your audience.
Join groups that have your targeted audience for prospects.
Create your own groups and prequalify your connections. “Join now if _______”
Add VALUE to the conversation, help solve problems.
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Hope this helps!
We welcome your questions and queries. But it might be a case of the blind leading the blind. I’m just learning too!
Mim Bizic
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Disclaimer
These links and the ones on the previous pages are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the webmaster of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. The owner bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links.
Contact Us
There has been so much unfair negative press about our wonderful Serbian people that I’m grateful to Yahoo for offering this opportunity to make a difference to our American Serbian youngsters who would like to learn more about their unique and wonderful heritage.
At this time I’d like to offer my thanks and prayers to my beloved parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, many friends and Kumovi who have passed on, but not before leaving something of themselves here on earth, not the least being their pride in knowing who they were. “Ja sam Ko sam, i Volim sto sam!” – I am who I am, and I like who I am.
They taught us to never be afraid to speak up for what’s right, no matter what the consequences; they taught us Respect for our fellow man; they imbued us with Confidence in ourselves. They always told us we were the BEST and we believed them.
Age made no difference just like today. Like then, you can see young children linking arms dancing kolos with Babas and Djedos well into their 80’s and beyond. We adored our Babas, Tetas, and Kumovi who lived all around us. It was the best environment any child could have been raised in. We were secure in their Love. “Niko nema.”
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Hello! Zdravo, Kume!
Seoba Srba
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Here’s how to contact me. Just leave your name and email, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
(You don’t have to fill in the “company” or “phone number” sections at all!)
BUT, I’d really appreciate any helpful comments you might want to make! And don’t be afraid to ask me any questions you might have that I might be able help you with on the COMMENTS section.
Thank you!
Thanks again for visiting with Baba Mim and family