Commemoration of Dragoljub Draza Mihailovic in Schererville
This year marks the 60th anniversary since the martyrdom of the immortal and legendary leader of the Third Serbian Uprising - General Dragoljub “Draza” Mihailovic. Together with him, at the hands of atheist Communists and Serbian degenerates, other well-known Serbian champions and heroes suffered a tragic death, including General Kosta Mušicki. To commemorate this solemn historic event, a memorial service for the blessed repose of their souls was served at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Schererville, Indiana.
A Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and memorial service (“Parastos”) was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Longin of the New Gracanica-Midwestern American Diocese, and concelebrated by the Protopresbyter-Stavrophors Lazar Kostur, Rade Radan and Dragan Veleušić, Protopresbyter Dobrivoje Milunović and Deacon Nikolaj Kostur. Bishop Longin delivered a very instructive sermon speaking about the importance of the Divine Liturgy, prescribed Gospel reading and unselfish sacrifices of General Draza and all Serbian Chetniks who sacrificed their lives for the honorable cross and golden freedom. He especially emphasized their loyalty and devotion to the Serbian Orthodox Church and its people. These virtues have been instilled in and continue to flow from the President of the Movement of Serbian Chetniks Ravna Gora, brother Stevan Bato Radjenovic. Upon the recommendation of His Grace Bishop Longin, Bato was awarded the Order of St. Sava in the Second Degree by the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Bishop Longin presented this high recognition to brother Stevan in appreciation of his decades-long work and active contribution to the church and national life of Serbs on this continent and beyond. A joyous “Many Years” was chanted by the choir and all present.
The celebration continued at the Chetnik Memorial Hall with a delicious agape meal. The program was conducted by brother Marko Vucenovic, vice president of the Chetnik Movement. The participants were greeted by Prota Dobrivoje Milunović, the local pastor, who, like other speakers, congratulated brother Stevan Radjenovic’s high honors. Additionally, Father Dobrivoje briefly described his recent two-day visit to the Serbian monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija. Prota Dragan Veleušić, Bato’s parish priest, expressed pride and satisfaction that the Order of St. Sava decorates the chest of a man who, by his honorable life and hard labors, truly deserves it. In His greeting, Bishop Longin once again reiterated the great merits of brother Stevan toward the Serbian Orthodox Church and his hard work on the national level. He called upon all to remain faithful to our Holy Church and its long-suffering Serbian people.
In conclusion, the attendants were addressed by the President of the Movement of Serbian Chetniks Ravna Gora brother Stevan Bato Radjenovic. He first thanked Bishop Longin and the Holy Synod on the high recognition which was bestowed upon him. Considering himself unworthy, he emphasized that this award belongs to all members of the Movement of Serbian Chetniks Ravna Gora. He reaffirmed that the Movement will continue to work for the good of our Holy Church and the Serbian people. The event concluded with a greeting and poem read by one of the senior members of the Movement, ninety-year- old brother David Damjanovic. As a token of gratitude, on behalf of the Chetnik Movement, His Grace Bishop Longin was presented with a picture of the Crossing of the Korana River.
Source: www.serborth.org
