Last night, the second annual Svetosavski Ball was held in the banquet hall of Saint Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana, organized by the Women USA Association.
Following a tradition that is gradually being established, the event highlighted the finest aspects of Serbian culture and heritage, and special plaques were awarded to those who have made a lasting impact and contributed to the Serbian community in this region.
The evening began with the sounds of marches—Radetzky and Drina—followed by a performance of the Svetosavska Hymn by the Children’s Choir from Cleveland. The Serbian national anthem, “Bože pravde,” was then sung by artist Anđela Subotić, accompanied by the “Branko Radičević” choir.
Father Marko Matić, parish priest of Saint Sava Church, welcomed the guests, joined by Bishop Seraphim, Vicar of the Chicago Diocese, who emphasized the significance of Saint Sava as an enlightener and saint among Serbs.
The program continued with outstanding performances by the folklore ensembles Oko Sokolovo and Srbadija, while a pleasant surprise was a performance by girls from the Indiana Ballet Theatre—something rarely seen at Serbian diaspora events.
In the spirit of true Serbian hospitality, a toast was given to the attendees by 12-year-old Marko Marković.
At the conclusion of the cultural and artistic program, a waltz was performed by members of the “Oko Sokolovo” ensemble, dressed in magnificent gowns.
The event was graced by the presence of Bishop Seraphim, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia Andrija Zečević, along with Vice Consuls Aleksandar Đorđević and Aleksandar Milić, as well as the Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tatjana Telić. Two Serbian diplomats addressed the guests with appropriate remarks.
On behalf of the organizers, the Women USA Association, Gordana Vasilić expressed her gratitude to those in attendance and emphasized the importance of such gatherings in a statement to Serbian Times.
“We want the Svetosavski Ball to become a tradition, just like in Belgrade and Vienna, and for this event to showcase the very best that our diaspora has to offer—all in honor of the greatest Serbian saint, whose name it bears,” Vasilić stated.
After dinner and the official program, the celebration continued, with music provided by Miloš and Biljana Đorđević.
Text/Foto/Video: Antonije Kovačević
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