ABOUT ST. SAVA
ABOUT ST. SAVA
ABOUT ST. SAVA
The vision for Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church began in December 1986, when a group of Serbian Orthodox faithful met with Bishop Sava and Father Nicholas Soraich to discuss forming a parish in Seattle. Encouraged by the meeting, the Saint Sava parish was officially established and began holding services in borrowed spaces, such as in the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Over the next few years, the community, driven by unwavering faith and determination, rented halls, hosted monthly services, and fundraised tirelessly. Key milestones included the appointment of visiting priests, the formation of an executive board, and the creation of a formal building fund. By 1990, Saint Sava had its first full-time priest, Father Lavrentije Janjic, allowing the community to receive weekly liturgies, sacraments, and pastoral care.
The vision for Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church began in December 1986, when a group of Serbian Orthodox faithful met with Bishop Sava and Father Nicholas Soraich to discuss forming a parish in Seattle. Encouraged by the meeting, the Saint Sava parish was officially established and began holding services in borrowed spaces, such as in the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Over the next few years, the community, driven by unwavering faith and determination, rented halls, hosted monthly services, and fundraised tirelessly. Key milestones included the appointment of visiting priests, the formation of an executive board, and the creation of a formal building fund. By 1990, Saint Sava had its first full-time priest, Father Lavrentije Janjic, allowing the community to receive weekly liturgies, sacraments, and pastoral care.
In late 1992 and early 1993, Saint Sava remodeled the downstairs hall. The project involved removing a large supporting wall (requiring a $5,000 steel beam) and covering the concrete floor with linoleum (also over $5,000). “Uncle” Lu and Demitre Petrovich funded the renovation.
The hall was completed in 1993 with painting, trim, restroom updates, electrical work, and a new bar area built by Steve Jaksich. Members painted the church exterior (with donated paint), installed new gutters, and mounted two large donated crosses on the roof. The church home was also renovated with new doors, paint, heater, shower, and carpet. Eleni Schumacher and family led landscaping efforts and a tree planting program.
On October 14, 1993, Saint Sava refinanced its property loan with Issaquah Bank as required by the original purchase agreement.
In early 1993, Dr. Mary Kamberoe (aunt of Eleni Schumacher) pledged $10,000 for a new epitaphios, plascenica, and altar items. Parishioners added $4,000, allowing purchases used during Pascha 1994 and additional items like a communion Chalice set and lawnmower. Remaining funds went to the general fund.
That year, the K.S.S. donated a refrigerator.
In February 1994, Metropolitan Christopher appointed Father Dane Popovic (Houston, TX) as priest. He began duties March 15, 1994. Under his leadership, Sunday worship and the Sunday School program flourished.
A barbecue area was built in 1994 with a $5,500 donation from the American Serbian Heritage Association of Seattle.
On November 12, 1994, newly enthroned Bishop Jovan visited. After a Hierarchical Liturgy and lunch, the Saint Sava youth performed traditional songs and dances. At the February 26, 1995 Annual Meeting, members began fundraising to remodel the Church Hall kitchen. A committee including Debbie Jaksich and George Petrovich completed the project with parishioner donations and volunteer labor.
Saint Sava’s most significant event, the Church Consecration, took place July 21–23, 1995. Organized by a dedicated committee (including Mike Jankovich and Georgiana Gavrilovich), Kumovi were Ljubomir Petrovich and George Yankovich. Bishop Jovan presided with Bishop Giorgije of Canada assisting.
Friday featured Vespers and a dinner-dance. Saturday included Vespers and a banquet at Kennedy High School with dinner by Mike Karlica (Vancouver, BC), speeches, and performances by the choir and youth. Sunday’s consecration service honored Father Dane with elevation to Protojerea, and readers Nikolai Jankovich and Steve Pribic were blessed.
From 1996 to 2001, Saint Sava continued strengthening its community and advocacy. Members protested the war in Bosnia and Kosovo bombings. In August 1999, the church exterior was painted and Bronko Cekarmis added a new welcome sign. Stewardship tripled.
In the late 1990s, a Building Committee led by Vojislav Kokeza began searching for new land. In 2002, Anne Preston revived the committee, reaffirming the vision for a new church and hall.
In August 2002, Father Ilija Balach was appointed by Bishop Jovan. He served his first liturgy on September 8, 2002.
On July 20, 2003, Saint Sava celebrated paying off its mortgage a year early. During the Serbian Days luncheon/dance, the mortgage was burned by Father Ilija, president Mary Jane Vujovic, former presidents Mike Jankovich, Vjera Melton, Sreten Nesic, and Executive Board members Cathy Jankovich, Pete Lalic, Cedo Marusic, William Nickinovich, Judy Petrovich, Radoje Spasojevic, and Dinka Vujovic.
Special recognition was given to Father Dane Popovic. In November 2003, renovations began in the church nave. Led by Dan Cekarmis, volunteers built new altar steps and a choir alcove. The nave was also painted by Dan and Bronko Cekarmis, and Cedo Marusic. Popadija Carole Balach, Pete Lalic, and Rada Marusic provided meals, and the Drina Folklore group helped with cleanup.
In February 2004, volunteers again led by Dan Cekarmis renovated the church rental home—repairing walls, decks, and interiors. Helpers included Bronko Cekarmis, Dragoljub Grujic, Radomir Jasika, Vojislav Kokeza, Cedo Marusic, Gary Melton, Sreten Nesic, Drasko Raco, Jovo Raco, Milan Radic, Vladimir Radojevic, Mile Stevanovic, Milan Vincic, and Nenad Vujic. Meals and cleaning were handled by Cedo Marusic, Gordana Cekarmis, and Vjera Melton.
Since then, Saint Sava has flourished. Father Ilija and Popadija Carole Balach revitalized Sunday School and Bible Study.
The church choir grew more active, and a soccer team brought parish pride with several wins.
The Drina Folklore Group, led by Aleksandra and Vesna Radojevic, became a cultural highlight—performing at the 100th Anniversary of Holy Trinity in Butte, Montana, Slavic Fest at the University of Washington, and many regional events.
Today, Saint Sava stands as a testament to faith, unity, and perseverance, serving generations of Serbian Orthodox Christians and all those who seek Christ through the beauty of the Orthodox faith.
Father Mateja served until December 7, 1990, when Father Janjic became the official parish priest. For the first time, Saint Sava had its own priest for Sundays, Slavas, funerals, weddings, baptisms, and home blessings. Father Janjic emphasized that the Serbian community in Seattle could sustain its own church. A building committee was formed, but high property costs in Seattle made finding a site difficult. Despite extensive efforts by the Executive Board, no suitable property was found for months. On March 18, 1991, Father Dusan Koprovica of Holy Trinity Church in Butte, Montana, offered to loan Saint Sava its Plascenica and donated altar robes and candle holders. In August 1991, a two-acre property was found in Issaquah, Washington, 20 miles east of Seattle. It included a four-bedroom house and a 5,600 sq ft church building, though it required significant renovation. A parish picnic was held there on September 22, 1991, with lunch prepared by Ljobomir Mladenovic.
Father Mateja served until December 7, 1990, when Father Janjic became the official parish priest. For the first time, Saint Sava had its own priest for Sundays, Slavas, funerals, weddings, baptisms, and home blessings. Father Janjic emphasized that the Serbian community in Seattle could sustain its own church. A building committee was formed, but high property costs in Seattle made finding a site difficult. Despite extensive efforts by the Executive Board, no suitable property was found for months. On March 18, 1991, Father Dusan Koprovica of Holy Trinity Church in Butte, Montana, offered to loan Saint Sava its Plascenica and donated altar robes and candle holders. In August 1991, a two-acre property was found in Issaquah, Washington, 20 miles east of Seattle. It included a four-bedroom house and a 5,600 sq ft church building, though it required significant renovation. A parish picnic was held there on September 22, 1991, with lunch prepared by Ljobomir Mladenovic.
On October 6, 1991, the parish voted to purchase the property, if $75,000 could be raised. By October 13, $60,000 had been collected from across the U.S. and Seattle families. That day, an anonymous donor pledged the remaining $15,000. Closing documents were signed on November 19, 1991. Volunteers began preparing the sanctuary, painting, removing walls, and installing an iconostasis donated by Assumption Serbian Orthodox Church in Sacramento. Saint Sava held its first divine liturgy at the new location on December 1, 1991. A bookstore offering religious and cultural items was later established. On March 27, 1992, Bishop Chrysostom approved Saint Sava’s Bylaws. That year, parishioners funded and completed numerous improvements, including a new altar platform, carpeting, and remodeled rooms. Steve and Debbie Jaksich refinished and reframed the iconostasis. Additional donated items included an altar table, vigil lamps, wedding crowns, and a chandelier from the Circle of Serbian Sisters (K.S.S.).
On October 6, 1991, the parish voted to purchase the property, if $75,000 could be raised. By October 13, $60,000 had been collected from across the U.S. and Seattle families. That day, an anonymous donor pledged the remaining $15,000. Closing documents were signed on November 19, 1991. Volunteers began preparing the sanctuary, painting, removing walls, and installing an iconostasis donated by Assumption Serbian Orthodox Church in Sacramento. Saint Sava held its first divine liturgy at the new location on December 1, 1991. A bookstore offering religious and cultural items was later established. On March 27, 1992, Bishop Chrysostom approved Saint Sava’s Bylaws. That year, parishioners funded and completed numerous improvements, including a new altar platform, carpeting, and remodeled rooms. Steve and Debbie Jaksich refinished and reframed the iconostasis. Additional donated items included an altar table, vigil lamps, wedding crowns, and a chandelier from the Circle of Serbian Sisters (K.S.S.).
The vision for Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church began in December 1986, when a group of Serbian Orthodox faithful met with Bishop Sava and Father Nicholas Soraich to discuss forming a parish in Seattle. Encouraged by the meeting, the Saint Sava parish was officially established and began holding services in borrowed spaces, such as in the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.
Over the next few years, the community, driven by unwavering faith and determination, rented halls, hosted monthly services, and fundraised tirelessly. Key milestones included the appointment of visiting priests, the formation of an executive board, and the creation of a formal building fund. By 1990, Saint Sava had its first full-time priest, Father Lavrentije Janjic, allowing the community to receive weekly liturgies, sacraments, and pastoral care.
In late 1992 and early 1993, Saint Sava remodeled the downstairs hall. The project involved removing a large supporting wall (requiring a $5,000 steel beam) and covering the concrete floor with linoleum (also over $5,000). “Uncle” Lu and Demitre Petrovich funded the renovation. The hall was completed in 1993 with painting, trim, restroom updates, electrical work, and a new bar area built by Steve Jaksich. Members painted the church exterior (with donated paint), installed new gutters, and mounted two large donated crosses on the roof. The church home was also renovated with new doors, paint, heater, shower, and carpet. Eleni Schumacher and family led landscaping efforts and a tree planting program.
In late 1992 and early 1993, Saint Sava remodeled the downstairs hall. The project involved removing a large supporting wall (requiring a $5,000 steel beam) and covering the concrete floor with linoleum (also over $5,000). “Uncle” Lu and Demitre Petrovich funded the renovation. The hall was completed in 1993 with painting, trim, restroom updates, electrical work, and a new bar area built by Steve Jaksich. Members painted the church exterior (with donated paint), installed new gutters, and mounted two large donated crosses on the roof. The church home was also renovated with new doors, paint, heater, shower, and carpet. Eleni Schumacher and family led landscaping efforts and a tree planting program.
Father Mateja served until December 7, 1990, when Father Janjic became the official parish priest. For the first time, Saint Sava had its own priest for Sundays, Slavas, funerals, weddings, baptisms, and home blessings. Father Janjic emphasized that the Serbian community in Seattle could sustain its own church.
A building committee was formed, but high property costs in Seattle made finding a site difficult. Despite extensive efforts by the Executive Board, no suitable property was found for months.
On March 18, 1991, Father Dusan Koprovica of Holy Trinity Church in Butte, Montana, offered to loan Saint Sava its Plascenica and donated altar robes and candle holders.
In August 1991, a two-acre property was found in Issaquah, Washington, 20 miles east of Seattle. It included a four-bedroom house and a 5,600 sq ft church building, though it required significant renovation. A parish picnic was held there on September 22, 1991, with lunch prepared by Ljobomir Mladenovic.
On October 14, 1993, Saint Sava refinanced its property loan with Issaquah Bank as required by the original purchase agreement. In early 1993, Dr. Mary Kamberoe (aunt of Eleni Schumacher) pledged $10,000 for a new epitaphios, plascenica, and altar items. Parishioners added $4,000, allowing purchases used during Pascha 1994 and additional items like a communion Chalice set and lawnmower. Remaining funds went to the general fund. That year, the K.S.S. donated a refrigerator. In February 1994, Metropolitan Christopher appointed Father Dane Popovic (Houston, TX) as priest. He began duties March 15, 1994. Under his leadership, Sunday worship and the Sunday School program flourished.
On October 14, 1993, Saint Sava refinanced its property loan with Issaquah Bank as required by the original purchase agreement. In early 1993, Dr. Mary Kamberoe (aunt of Eleni Schumacher) pledged $10,000 for a new epitaphios, plascenica, and altar items. Parishioners added $4,000, allowing purchases used during Pascha 1994 and additional items like a communion Chalice set and lawnmower. Remaining funds went to the general fund. That year, the K.S.S. donated a refrigerator. In February 1994, Metropolitan Christopher appointed Father Dane Popovic (Houston, TX) as priest. He began duties March 15, 1994. Under his leadership, Sunday worship and the Sunday School program flourished.
A barbecue area was built in 1994 with a $5,500 donation from the American Serbian Heritage Association of Seattle. On November 12, 1994, newly enthroned Bishop Jovan visited. After a Hierarchical Liturgy and lunch, the Saint Sava youth performed traditional songs and dances. At the February 26, 1995 Annual Meeting, members began fundraising to remodel the Church Hall kitchen. A committee including Debbie Jaksich and George Petrovich completed the project with parishioner donations and volunteer labor. Saint Sava’s most significant event, the Church Consecration, took place July 21–23, 1995. Organized by a dedicated committee (including Mike Jankovich and Georgiana Gavrilovich), Kumovi were Ljubomir Petrovich and George Yankovich. Bishop Jovan presided with Bishop Giorgije of Canada assisting.
A barbecue area was built in 1994 with a $5,500 donation from the American Serbian Heritage Association of Seattle. On November 12, 1994, newly enthroned Bishop Jovan visited. After a Hierarchical Liturgy and lunch, the Saint Sava youth performed traditional songs and dances. At the February 26, 1995 Annual Meeting, members began fundraising to remodel the Church Hall kitchen. A committee including Debbie Jaksich and George Petrovich completed the project with parishioner donations and volunteer labor. Saint Sava’s most significant event, the Church Consecration, took place July 21–23, 1995. Organized by a dedicated committee (including Mike Jankovich and Georgiana Gavrilovich), Kumovi were Ljubomir Petrovich and George Yankovich. Bishop Jovan presided with Bishop Giorgije of Canada assisting.
Friday featured Vespers and a dinner-dance. Saturday included Vespers and a banquet at Kennedy High School with dinner by Mike Karlica (Vancouver, BC), speeches, and performances by the choir and youth. Sunday’s consecration service honored Father Dane with elevation to Protojerea, and readers Nikolai Jankovich and Steve Pribic were blessed. From 1996 to 2001, Saint Sava continued strengthening its community and advocacy. Members protested the war in Bosnia and Kosovo bombings. In August 1999, the church exterior was painted and Bronko Cekarmis added a new welcome sign. Stewardship tripled. In the late 1990s, a Building Committee led by Vojislav Kokeza began searching for new land. In 2002, Anne Preston revived the committee, reaffirming the vision for a new church and hall. In August 2002, Father Ilija Balach was appointed by Bishop Jovan. He served his first liturgy on September 8, 2002.
On October 6, 1991, the parish voted to purchase the property, if $75,000 could be raised. By October 13, $60,000 had been collected from across the U.S. and Seattle families. That day, an anonymous donor pledged the remaining $15,000.
Closing documents were signed on November 19, 1991. Volunteers began preparing the sanctuary, painting, removing walls, and installing an iconostasis donated by Assumption Serbian Orthodox Church in Sacramento.
Saint Sava held its first divine liturgy at the new location on December 1, 1991. A bookstore offering religious and cultural items was later established.
On March 27, 1992, Bishop Chrysostom approved Saint Sava’s Bylaws. That year, parishioners funded and completed numerous improvements, including a new altar platform, carpeting, and remodeled rooms. Steve and Debbie Jaksich refinished and reframed the iconostasis. Additional donated items included an altar table, vigil lamps, wedding crowns, and a chandelier from the Circle of Serbian Sisters (K.S.S.).
On July 20, 2003, Saint Sava celebrated paying off its mortgage a year early. During the Serbian Days luncheon/dance, the mortgage was burned by Father Ilija, president Mary Jane Vujovic, former presidents Mike Jankovich, Vjera Melton, Sreten Nesic, and Executive Board members Cathy Jankovich, Pete Lalic, Cedo Marusic, William Nickinovich, Judy Petrovich, Radoje Spasojevic, and Dinka Vujovic. Special recognition was given to Father Dane Popovic. In November 2003, renovations began in the church nave. Led by Dan Cekarmis, volunteers built new altar steps and a choir alcove. The nave was also painted by Dan and Bronko Cekarmis, and Cedo Marusic. Popadija Carole Balach, Pete Lalic, and Rada Marusic provided meals, and the Drina Folklore group helped with cleanup. In February 2004, volunteers again led by Dan Cekarmis renovated the church rental home—repairing walls, decks, and interiors. Helpers included Bronko Cekarmis, Dragoljub Grujic, Radomir Jasika, Vojislav Kokeza, Cedo Marusic, Gary Melton, Sreten Nesic, Drasko Raco, Jovo Raco, Milan Radic, Vladimir Radojevic, Mile Stevanovic, Milan Vincic, and Nenad Vujic. Meals and cleaning were handled by Cedo Marusic, Gordana Cekarmis, and Vjera Melton.
Since then, Saint Sava has flourished. Father Ilija and Popadija Carole Balach revitalized Sunday School and Bible Study. The church choir grew more active, and a soccer team brought parish pride with several wins. The Drina Folklore Group, led by Aleksandra and Vesna Radojevic, became a cultural highlight—performing at the 100th Anniversary of Holy Trinity in Butte, Montana, Slavic Fest at the University of Washington, and many regional events. Today, Saint Sava stands as a testament to faith, unity, and perseverance, serving generations of Serbian Orthodox Christians and all those who seek Christ through the beauty of the Orthodox faith.
