A Winter Morning in Chicago: The Feast of Saint Sava
The morning in Chicago was crisp, with the sharp bite of winter lingering in the air. Though the city lay beneath a sky unburdened by snow, the cold wrapped around its streets like a silent hymn to the season. The first golden rays of the sun stretched across the skyline, casting a soft glow upon bundled-up parents leading their children toward the grand cathedral. Their breath formed ephemeral clouds in the frosty air, yet warmth radiated from their hearts—love for Saint Sava and his sacred legacy.
The children, adorned in festive and ceremonial attire, clung to their parents’ hands, their eyes wide with anticipation as they approached the sanctified light of the church. The moment they stepped inside, they were embraced by the presence of flickering candles, the scent of incense curling through the air like a prayer ascending to heaven, and the silent wisdom of icons gazing down upon them.
The faithful had already filled the Church of the Holy Resurrection, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Bishop Seraphim. The Divine Liturgy, woven with spiritual warmth, began to unfold. And when the Bishop entered, the choir rose in solemn harmony, singing “Dostojno” in praise of the Most Holy Theotokos. Soon followed the dogmatic song “Heavenly King”, its sacred melody soaring beneath the dome of the church. As the liturgy progressed, the fragrant incense floated above the children’s small hands, blending with the pure prayers of their innocent souls—all in honor and remembrance of Saint Sava. Their sincerity and devotion filled the temple, transforming it into an angelic image of the Heavenly church.
With reverent stillness, the children approached the Holy Chalice, receiving communion with quiet awe, while their parents, eyes lowered in prayer, gave thanks for the divine blessing. At the service’s conclusion, in a solemn rite of blessing the cross, the festive bread, and the sacred wheat, the school community renewed its oath to Saint Sava, the father of Serbian spirituality and enlightenment. Tiny hands eagerly reached for the blessed bread, while bright eyes followed the Bishop with admiration. With a gentle smile, he broke the slava bread with Andrijana and Lukas, offering it as a sacred gift to all, invoking Christ’s presence among them. “It is and shall be,” echoed through the church—a living testament to God’s omnipresence.
The celebration continued in the church hall, where the Parent Network, supported by countless devoted mothers and fathers, had prepared a feast of abundance. The tables, adorned with traditional decorations, bore the rich aroma of home-cooked dishes. Everywhere, laughter and heartfelt conversations wove a tapestry of warmth and hospitality, binding the souls of those gathered in a shared moment of joy.
The Saint Sava Academy commenced with a solemn introduction by teacher Jelena, who welcomed guests, accompanied by the hymn of Saint Sava. The stage gleamed in its full splendor as the youngest students recited verses dedicated to Saint Sava, his life, and his enduring legacy. Their tender voices, carried by the gentle murmur of admiration from the audience, were accompanied by the silken harmony of skilled musicians—Mladen, a devoted father, strumming the guitar, teacher Nevena at the piano, and the gifted Milijana on the violin.
The preschoolers, barely three years old children, sang of a snow joys, even though no snow had graced the city. Youthful, prekindergarten voices carrying a note of wisdom, sang of light piercing through darkness—an allusion to the life and work of Saint Sava and the times in which we live. With remarkable seriousness, the five-year-olds urged everyone to embrace kindness, their song “Be Kind” echoing as a reminder of a fundamental Serbian virtue. Then, in their second song, they sang of Serbia as a mother, a homeland ever-present in their hearts despite the miles that separated them.
The first-grade students recited and sang in honor of Saint Sava, while the second to eighth graders delivered a breathtaking performance of “The Crowning of Stefan the First-Crowned”, the crowning jewel of the entire academy. The second-grade girls, their elegant steps in perfect rhythm with their young partners, enchanted the audience with a ballroom dance, while the resounding applause filled the hall like a jubilant hymn.
The third graders reminded everyone of the values of Saint Sava’s legacy, emphasizing the idea that, though they lived in a foreign land, they could still love and respect those with whom they shared their lives. This moment provided a heartfelt opportunity for Pastor Todd of the Lutheran community of Saint Paul to address the audience, speaking of the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the acquisition of their property for the needs of the Saint Sava Academy.
Bishop Seraphim, the spiritual shepherd of the gathered faithful, had begun the day with a solemn prayer, and now, as the event neared its end, it was fitting that it should conclude with prayer as well. His gospel sermon within the church—deep, inspired, and filled with meaning—became a bridge between past and present, a beacon reminding the faithful of Saint Sava’s oath, which continues to shine in the hearts of believers.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Bishop Seraphim bestowed his blessing upon all present, invoking peace, love, and the strength of faith to guide them through their daily lives. The hall resonated with joy, filled with laughter, glowing smiles, and the rosy-cheeked faces of children. Like fragrant incense, the spirit of unity and devotion drifted through the room, carried by the tireless efforts of dedicated teachers and their devoted students, who had once again inscribed a new page in the sacred tradition of the Saint Sava Academy.
Grateful to God and Saint Sava, brimming with pride and spiritual strength, the faithful departed from the Church of the Holy Resurrection. As they stepped out the cathedral’s grounds, their gazes turned lovingly toward the Saint Sava Academy, carrying with them the light of the day’s blessings—a radiance that would linger long after the last echoes of celebration had faded into the night.
