St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville was the site of a historic and joyful gathering of our Orthodox youth this week. As part of their summer activities, participants of the summer camp from the Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago organized a special field trip to our holy monastery, where they met and connected with children from the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Milwaukee.
Watching the monastery grounds come alive with the laughter, collective prayers, and pure energy of hundreds of Serbian Orthodox youth truly felt like a profound spiritual milestone.
The Realization of St. Mardarije’s Vision
In these beautiful moments of fellowship, it was impossible not to recall the holy vision of St. Mardarije of Libertyville. Nearly a century ago, before his repose in the Lord in 1935, our holy saint poured his entire life and being into building this spiritual center, praying that future generations would always have a spiritual home here to preserve their faith and St. Sava identity.
Witnessing hundreds of children gathered on this holy ground, alongside the magnificent St. Mardarije Cultural Center which is nearing completion, stands as living proof that the saint’s dream is being fully realized today.
A Successful Summer and the Announcement of a Royal Visit
This field trip is just one highlight of an exceptionally successful five-week summer camp held at the St. Sava Academy in Chicago, which has seen record attendance this year—reflecting the strong growth of our Holy Church’s youth programs.
The excitement continues into next week! The camp administration has the distinct honor and joy to announce that on Tuesday, June 23rd, Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Philip and Princess Danica Karađorђевић will visit the camp at St. Sava Academy.
This royal visit will provide our young campers with a unique opportunity to converse with the Prince and Princess, beautifully crowning an already unforgettable summer filled with faith, friendship, and the preservation of our rich heritage.
We are deeply grateful to the Lord and St. Sava for this blessed day, and we look forward to every new gathering of our youth under the sacred arches of the Libertyville monastery!
