Libertyville, Illinois, June 16, 2025
Photo: stsavamonastery.org
St. Sava Monastery, founded by two great Serbian-American saints, has launched an ambitious $6 million fundraising campaign to restore its historic camp building and establish the St. Mardarije Spiritual & Cultural Center.
The renovation project was discussed on June 10 at the Executive Board meeting of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, where His Grace Bishop Serafim and Mr. Alex Lazich presented the plans on behalf of the Steering Committee, with the blessing and approval of His Eminence Metropolitan Longin of New Gracanica and Midwestern America, the monastery reports.
The monastery, which honors the legacy of Sts. Nikolaj Velimirović and Mardarije, and is home to the incorrupt relics of the latter, who envisioned it as a spiritual and cultural home for Serbian Orthodox faithful in America, has seen its camp building closed since 2015 due to safety concerns. The building originally served thousands of children from its establishment in the 1940s.
The restored facility will serve multiple purposes as the St. Mardarije Spiritual & Cultural Center:
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official visitors center with diocesan bookstore and library
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home for the return of St. Sava Camp for youth ages 6-18
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venue for diocesan events, retreats, and liturgical workshops
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meeting space for parishes to connect and collaborate
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permanent center for spiritual formation and heritage preservation
Photo: stsavamonastery.org
The $6 million campaign breaks down as follows: $5.5 million for construction, infrastructure, and ADA upgrades; $400,000 for furnishings and equipment; and $100,000 annually for long-term care and operations.
Early fundraising efforts have generated just over $7,000 online toward the $5.5 million construction goal. The monastery is offering various ways for supporters to contribute, including legacy brick sponsorships with commemorative bricks permanently installed at the center, naming opportunities for rooms and facilities, and open donations of any size.
“This is not just a construction project—it is a spiritual investment in the future of our people,” organizers stated. “By restoring this holy site, we ensure that Serbian Orthodox youth and faithful across North America will always have a home for gathering, worship, and identity.”
The diocese plans to implement formal maintenance and usage guidelines with dedicated staff for long-term operations once the center is complete.
Donations can be made online or by mail to:
St. Sava Monastery
PO Box 519
Libertyville, IL 60048
Make checks made payable to St. Sava Monastery, with “Camp Renovation” in the memo line.
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