Libertyville, Illinois, July 31, 2025
Saint Sava Monastery
St. Sava Monastery in Illinois marked its centennial anniversary last Saturday, July 19, with a momentous celebration that brought together nearly 400 Orthodox faithful for a day of prayer, pilgrimage, and community fellowship.
The historic monastery, founded by Sts. Nikolaj Velimirović and Mardarije and home to the incorrupt relics of the latter, served as the focal point for the traditional St. Mardarije Day celebration that has become a cornerstone event for Orthodox Christians across North America.
The day began at dawn with a peaceful pilgrimage as nearly 400 faithful departed New Gracanica Monastery at 6:00 AM, walking in prayer to St. Sava Monastery. The pilgrims arrived at 8:30 AM and were welcomed with prayer before the main celebration commenced.
At 9:30 AM, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy began under the leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Longin of New Gračanica, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America, and His Grace Bishop Maxim of Western America, joined by more than a dozen clergy members. The monastery’s pavilion was filled to capacity as the community gathered to worship and honor the monastery’s century of spiritual service.
Following the Divine Liturgy, graduating seminarians were honored before the assembled congregation, marking another milestone in the monastery’s continuing mission of Orthodox education and spiritual formation.
Despite encountering heavy rain and strong winds during the midday festivities, attendees maintained a joyful spirit throughout the celebration. As the weather cleared, visitors were able to tour the renovation site of the planned St. Mardarije Spiritual & Cultural Center, with the general contractor on hand to answer questions and share construction progress.
The St. Mardarije Spiritual & Cultural Center Committee operated an information booth where visitors could view architectural renderings of the planned renovation, ask questions about the project, and support the effort through the purchase of commemorative t-shirts, legacy bricks, and direct donations. All attendees received a special 100th Anniversary commemorative poster as a keepsake from the historic day.
All proceeds from the anniversary celebration will directly benefit the renovation of the historic St. Sava Monastery building, which is being transformed into the St. Mardarije Spiritual & Cultural Center. This initiative aims to preserve the monastery’s spiritual legacy while creating a dynamic hub for Orthodox faith and culture that will serve future generations.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U4RUOT4_UdtCwnfWZnVJJiq_QfP9-8Fu/view?usp=drive_link Saint Sava Monastery
According to event organizers, the generous response from attendees and the donations collected mark an inspiring beginning to the historic renovation project, with more details about the center's development expected to be shared in the coming days.
The 100th anniversary celebration served not only as a commemoration of the monastery’s rich spiritual heritage but also as a launching point for its continued mission of serving Orthodox Christians across North America for the next century and beyond.
Donate to the project via: stsavamonastery.org/donate-now or by mail:
St. Sava Monastery
PO BOX 519,
Libertyville, IL 60048
(Checks payable to St. Sava Monastery | Memo: Camp Renovation)
Also see the Brick Program details and online orders: https://www.fundraisingbrick.com/online-orders/smscc/.
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