Trip to Serbia, Kosovo and Metohija July 20-Aug 5, 2021

August 3

Hello All,

Before I go on any further, I need to give a big thank you and a huge appreciation to Mira for sending to all of you the reports of our trip.

The connections were terrible, so as you are used to daily reports became very difficult. Mira and I sat and went over the notes and she finished the reports for me on her computer. So grateful Miro.

August 4-5

Hi All, I left you all last time by telling you of our trip to Zemlja Zivih.

As you all know we are building a room (a little house) for their meetings, talks and any gatherings that they need to survive the very difficult times that these men have to go through to get back to

somewhat normal life. As before I got the same feeling as I did the first time, I visited them. They shared with us the stories of how they got there and how they want to succeed back. So, touching to me to hear them with tears in my eyes, especially since that is how we lost our son last year to an addiction.

The house should be finished in about a week (so they say)

Ha.

Father Branko Curcin, coordinator Andrej and Father Selievir joined us for the time we spent with these lost men looking to be found…They will

They really need a car, and I would love to get them a nice used car. I will speak with you about how we can accomplish that.

Went to Monastery Kovilj, beautiful. Had watermelon and back to the hotel.

Hello All,

I woke up this morning not knowing where I was, and then with a smile on my face to myself I said "thank you God" I was home safe and sound. 

I wasn't certain that I would make this trip this year but blessed that all went well, and we accomplished what we went for, and discovered much more that needs to be done.

The heat was almost unbearable, but we made it and that was very rewarding to me. Mira and Zoran as always had the schedule all arranged and set for a smooth and carefree travel. Thank you.

I must thank Vicki and Vesna for the work that needed to be done for the upcoming event we are hosting Saturday. It could not have been possible without the two of them!!!!! And they did it without me. True dedication. 

So long for now.

We are back home safe and sound. All has been accomplished for what we went for and much more that we can help our people with.

I was so blessed in my life that “I feel” and all of us must help Kosovo and Metohija and Serbia, as much as we are able.

Until the next trip, lets share our blessings by purchaseing the tractor, water well, used car, and helpling the many families that are in need.

Trip to Serbia, Kosovo and Metohija Summer July 20-Aug 5, 2021

July 28

Another morning started with liturgy. Bishop Teodosije, Father Radivoj and one more priest served the liturgy. 

We had a coffee and breakfast with all nuns. Such an experience ...

Upon breakfast we went to farm in nearby Badovac, that Bishop Teodosije started only two years ago. Farm was created by donations from many groups. Good example of teamwork. Our Serbs are willing to support as well.

To me, this farm was a surprise. Positive, of course. It supports Bogoslovija in Prizren, Monastery Gracanica and the rest of produced meat is for sale.

On the farm are cows, calves, pigs, chickens and in the near future will be goats and sheep. 

Interesting info is that Bishop Teodosije ranked his animals like students; preschoolers, high schoolers... 

Soon, they will have professional cheese making mini factory, bread bakery, butcher .... and Bishop built the little house that he calls his residency.

And most importantly, monastery employed ten people. All food for animals is from the farm and pretty much all organic.

Almost every night, when he is in Gracanica, around 8 pm he goes to the farm, feeds and cleans after animals. This is his health club, he said.

Upon farm visit we went to monastery Sveti Dimitrije in Susica, close by to Gracanica. Mati, Dr. Irina sold us her car which we will donate to elementary school “Sveti Sava” in Paralovo.  As we are leaving monastery, we learned that director of the school Milica Novicevic and school driver are waiting for us in Bostane, Novo Brdo.

This was a good example of working together, monastery, church, school.

Paralovo students come from very far distances and ask Our Serbs to help with vehicle. This vehicle was exactly what they needed. Vehicle will stay registered as property of monastery Gracanica.

 In Bostane, Novo Brdo enclave, Father Stevo Mitric and family were waiting for us. 

Father Stevo and family hosted us for Saint Sava last January when we brought Christmas gifts for all Novo Brdo kids.

Here, our president of Our Serbs, Mrs. Kathy Fanslow provided funds for purchase of a generator for church.

After this visit we were on the way to Monastery Draganac.

Monastery Draganac is from 14th century. Czar Lazar dedicated this monastery to his daughter Dragana.

This is the spiritual center for about 30000 Serbs in this part of Kosovo and Metohija.

In monastery Abbess Ilarion welcomed us and had a little prayer for us travelers.

And of course, had to have refreshments....and nice meaningful conversations. Nothing beats that.

On the way to Vrnjačka Banja for sleepover and visit to Z. C. “Milica” and an artist Zoran Andjelkovic in village Mrzenica.

Trip to Serbia, Kosovo and Metohija July 20-Aug 5, 2021

July 20-25

My Dear Friends, as you know flying to Serbia you always lose a day. We arrived late Wednesday, unpacked and met Mira and Zoran for coffee and a snack. On to the hotel to finish the day and a half, because my girls Mary and Lizzy are scheduled to help out in the soup kitchen in the morning.

To be continued,

Good night

Hello All,

We started the day with a very casual and excellent breakfast. The girls are working the soup kitchen again today, and I’m to have an interview with Hram Television. You must believe me when I tell you that is always stressful for me because I can’t express myself in Serbian, so the young lady interviews in Serbian I answer in English and look to Mira to explain some of the words that I have forgotten in the last 60 years. So now do you understand the stress?

Happily, the young lady was wonderful, and I managed to win her over (I think) so it was a great success.

Tomorrow will be a long day, going to Negotin and that is 3-to-4-hour drive. 

I’m going to bed

Hello All,

Sorry for the delay in my reports, but the connection has been a bit difficult. 

7:00 am, we are on our way to Negotin to see the green houses that VDS built at the Bukavo Monastery for the badly needed vegetables for the Soup Kitchen and other monasteries. 

On the way we stopped to see Mati Glikeria at St. Petka Monastery. I always like seeing Mati, but I think this time she looked a bit weaker and tired, but then again after the last year we all are feeling the same.

We arrived at Monastery Bukavo where Monk Marko greeted us, had a lovely lunch and then on the way to the green houses.  

I can't tell you how amazed I was with what they had done in a very short time with growing the tomatoes 🍅and peppers to supply the soup kitchen and other Monasteries. They plan on building two more green houses. They need our help with a tractor that will help them dig up the dirt after the season for the new planting. We are hoping that we can do just that.

On our way back to a 4-hour drive back to Belgrade.  The weather has been incredibly hot the worst I have experienced in a long time (including FL).

Tomorrow is Sunday and thank God it’s a free day.

See ya

Donate

Trip to Serbia, Kosovo and Metohija July 20-Aug 5, 2021

July 27

After a good night sleep, we attended the liturgy at Pecka Patrijarsija. Nuns start prayers two hours before liturgy (the bells woke us up). Liturgy was at seven. Some of the nuns get up around 3 am.

After the liturgy we had coffee and went to ETC shopping center to purchase all necessary needs for the monastery. We shopped for necessity for monastery Pecka Patrijarsija, Gracanica, and some items for two more families.

Many Serbian items (to my surprise) are back in store displays with Serbian flag under it indicating its origin. I guess some sanctions are lifted.

Store accepted credit card and surprisingly everyone was polite. The cashier even spoke Serbian and I do not think she was Serbian. 

Little side note.... since we were using credit card cashier needed credit card unit. Her unit ran out of paper. She called for another one. It was out of paper. .... she ended up going through five units. All out of paper. Now, I needed printed receipt with itemized list. Printer was out of paper. It took another fifteen minutes before I got receipt. So much of efficiency, theirs and ours.

Now back to the monastery and breakfast. Nuns are running around like crazy.

Mati Haritina fell in Vrnjačka Banja and was in Kraljevo hospital. Sister Melanija was with her in case she needed anything. Another sister fell, broke her hip (sister Tekla?) at the monastery compound and was at the Pec hospital. Sister Irina was by her. The monastery was short four sisters.

Usually sisters go to Kosovska Mitrovica, or Gracanica or Beograd or any city in central Serbia for doctors’ appointments or hospital.

But breaking a hip is an emergency; the sister had to stay at the hospital in Pec.

The story is that monastery wanted to take the nun out of Pec hospital and move her somewhere else for surgery.  Doctor/surgeon told her that for him it does not matter who is which nationality. He operated on her and the surgery was successful.

Time to leave Pecka Patrijarsija. It is hard and sad, but we must. Sister Mardarija (relative of Saint Mardarije from Libertyville) is hugging us and asking us to come soon and to stay longer. Temperature outside is close to 100 F.

 The Patriarchate of Pec is in the Rugovo gorge and is one of the most important monuments of the Serbian past from the 13th century.

 Church was targeted by vandals many times. At this monastery many years ago, I learned the meaning of word Freedom. Until then I took everything for granted.

In city of Pec lives only a handful of Serbs.

 Not far from Pecka Patrijarsija is monastery Visoki Decani. 

Just three weeks ago before monastery of Visoki Decani there were barricades on the road that looked like a war zone. Now, those cement barricades are wrapped/transformed into something that looks like wine barrels and on the top, they planted flowers. So “flowers” are enabling free approach to the monastery.

The street by the monastery is being transformed and widened into a nice boulevard. I understand that Albanians want to make a highway out of this road to which Visoki Decani do not agree. 

Before the entrance of the monastery is the guardhouse with international solders. Macedonian solders are guarding it now (for Italians).

Before we enter the monastery’s compound, we must leave our ID/ passports by guard/solder. I was given a visitor badge indicating that basically one person from the group is responsible.

Monk Petar was welcoming us and took us to the monastery where we venerated the relics and then father Petar in fluent English explained the history of Decani.

Visoki Decani monastery was built by Serbian king Sveti Stefan Decanski in 1335. Today, monastery has over 1000 preserved original frescoes and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Father Peter then pulled out books and picture albums - over hundred years old - and was explaining the development of the monastery and reading Experience review from monastery guest book from many important people worldwide including presidents. Thank you, Father Peter; it was an honor!!!!!

Again, with sadness we leave Visoki Decani!!!! Until next time....

Now we are off to Serbian enclave in Orahovac.

We are welcomed by new priest Father Milan Stanojevic and his wife.

On almost 100F outside, we are strolling Orahovac with Father Milan. He is explaining the needs for kids’ playgrounds; big and small.

Kathy got blessing from bishop Teodosije to build a playground next to church property, provided that we can buy that house/property.

Kids in this enclave have no place to play. At the playground that exists, our children are harassed and many of them physically abused by Albanian children.

Back on the road to Kosovo Polje. Traffic is like the one in Chicago. Buildings are coming up like mushrooms. Most of the apartment buildings are empty but they are building more and more. Garbage everywhere....

In Kosovo Polje we are visiting Delibasic family, Slavisa and Dragana. 

They have two kids: Jovana and Svetozar. From birth, Jovana is in a wheelchair. They live on fourth floor (they call it third) without the elevator.

Wheelchair that they had before was about 30 kg heavy. In order to get 19-year-old girl out, mother carries the wheelchair and father carries daughter (about 150 lbs.). It makes you think how much some people sacrifice.

Our Serbs purchased wheelchair which they have asked for. The old wheelchair they gave to a hospital.

Our visit to this family was accompanied by their parish priest father Nikola Dragicevic.

On the way to monastery Gracanica....supposedly we are taking a shortcut. But still, traffic is insane. Pointless to say that we are so tired from heat, traveling, emotionally drained.

We arrive at Gracanica at sundown. Sister Sara welcomed us and took us to the monastery where custodian Trojan Parlic gave very extended and detailed overview of monastery and its history and frescos. 

Frescos of four women saints on the left side of monastery got most of our attention. They move their eyes as you are moving. Incredible. Bishop Teodosije waited for us outside of the monastery.

After settling our luggage in rooms, we met with Bishop, Mati Teodora, sister Sara and father Radivoj for refreshments and chat. We truly enjoyed conversations, stories....

Mati Teodora hardly gets out but this time she did and told me: “To sto ste kupili manastiru vodu i zemlju je isto kao da ste podigli manastir” (You buying the well and land for the monastery is the same as if you built a monastery yourself).

Bishop and all of us smiled at her comment. Bishop said that she talks about that purchase all the time. She broke our conversations during evening with that statement.

Following nice evening with even better company we went to sleep.

I’m sharing room with Kathy again. This time we have bathroom for ourselves.

It is hot again. Kathy said that I snored previous night. Will see what this night brings. Maybe more music to her ears.

Trip to Serbia, Kosovo and Metohija July 20-August 5, 2021

July 26

We left Beograd on a HOT morning by picking up Kathy, Mary and Lizzy from hotel Moskva. Our driver Srdjan, from “Vuk Travel” was very helpful packing our things on the bus and making sure that we are cool enough. On the way we picked up Father Radivoj in front of the Hram Sveti Sava. He is our guide, spiritual father, historian, friend.... everything on this trip.

Off to Kosovo and Metohija, Serbian Holy Land, with lot of expectations and excitement.

We had couple of choices which route to take on the way to KIM; we took highway Milos Veliki, recently renovated and renamed. It used to be called Ibarska Magistrala.

Within couple of hours, we were at Monastery Zicha near Kraljevo.

We were welcomed by sister Patrikija, Doctor of Medicine by occupation.

In the beautiful welcoming hall, we had refreshments and chatted with her.

Other nuns (most of them) were picking plums. She said that there are over 40 nuns at the monastery. Many of them had COVID 19 but thank God all of them are fine. Only one nun ended up at the hospital in Kraljevo. Rest of them were treated at the monastery. It is of interest to know that the monastery has a mini version of the hospital for their needs.

Monastery Zicha is very important for Serbian people. It is an early Serbian Orthodox Monastery which was built by the Nemanja Dynasty.

By  tradition, Serbian kings were coronated at Zicha and because of it is often called Sedmovratna (Seven doors) due to the coronation of seven kings. In 1979 Zicha was declared a Cultural Monument of Exceptional Importance.

From 1219-1253, monastery was the seat of the Archbishop.

Next stop was close by, kafana “Kod Mira” for a lunch before the next visit. This is the restaurant where we always stop for meal on the way to KIM. It never disappoints Lenten meal or anything else. Always good and prices are very reasonable. Kafana “Restaurant” is about 200 years old.

On the way to monastery Crna Reka (Black River) Ribarice, near Novi Pazar and Tutin. Monastery is from the 13th century. Most likely Sveti Joanikije Devicki built it. The story goes that Sveti Joanikije prayed in the cave and river was so loud that at one point he said “umukni crna reko” which in translation is like shut up black river. And it really happened. Two hundred meters before the monastery, river went underground and appeared two hundred meters after the monastery. Now one can only see the dry canyon by the monastery.

First impression was unexplainable. I have no words. For me this monastery is even more mystic than monastery Ostrog. By the way, it is 200 years older than Ostrog. It is like a medieval fortress. I cannot explain the feeling...or what an eye can see. 

Monk Petar took us on to each room of the “cave” monastery and then Abbess Andrej, in perfect English, explained the rest. In the monastery are relics of Sveti Petar Koriski.

We had best watermelon here among other refreshments. What a serenity we are leaving...must come again...

Back on the road. Now excitement, sadness, come to the surface. 

Only few kilometers before Rozaje border to Montenegro. Four checkpoints before we enter territory of Kosovo and Metohija.

Serbia (one checkpoint, exit) Montenegro (2 checkpoints, enter and exit), KIM one checkpoint, enter...

It could happen that for each one you must get off the bus. We were lucky that we did get off only once. 

That day, and previous days, many buses were returned from administrative border. For no reason...it makes me sad to even write about this.

I was scared that they may ask for PCR test. We checked before we left that test was not needed but they change rules as they see fit. Luckily, they did not but they do ask you where exactly you are going. Talking about liberty, freedom of travel in 21-st century. Not to mention how much time this crossing administrative border may take. During the summer it may take up to ten hours.

Within couple of hours, we were at monastery Pecka Patrijarsija. Again, before you enter there are policemen outside of the monastery property. 

Driver has to show the list of passengers, then they call the monastery and finally he lifts the ramp for us to enter. Outside the monastery walls, but on monastery property are policemen again, guarding the main entrance. Both policemen are Albanian. 

Inside of the monastery walls are two Serbian men guarding the monastery. Same at night. They are guarded 24 hours.

All sisters from the monastery got out of the monastery walls to greet us. It was such touching, happy, sad scene......

We first went to the monastery to venerate Miraculous Icon of Mother of God and off for refreshments before dinner. It is already dark outside but still very hot. Around 90F.

Little dinner (they never eat meat) and off to sleep. Rooms are very hot. I share the room with Kathy while Mary and Lizzy are in another room. 

Bathroom is at the end of hallway.

Good night everybody and thank God for this blessed day. 

Donate

Aid Fulfilled for Faithful Parishioner

Radisa Jeremic is a dedicated parishioner who makes a living by serving his community. He regularly comes to worship and is a very pious man, dedicated to his faith. Upon the death of his parents, he was destitute and left without any family of financial means. He contacted his parish priest, Father Mitar Jovic, with an idea that he could open a small business with laying hens which would help increase his meager household budget and provide a comfortable life.

With Father Jovic’s help and confirmation of his plight, Our Serbs was more than delighted to provide a helping hand and enhance this lovely man’s goals and brighten his future. We provided him with chickens which are ow bringing daily earnings and security to Mr. Jeremic.

Wood Burning Stove for a Deserving Family

Predrag Cakarevic, who lives in the village of Mirosaljci close to Arilje, is the father of 11 children that he takes care of. The family is loving and gets along well but was in dire need of a new stove to meet their daily needs. Their local priest, who knew Cakarevic family situation, confirmed the necessity and Our Serbs stepped in and a new modern stove of large capacity was purchased and delivered to family’s home to the delight of both father and the children. Not only will it be a cooking but also a heating stove, serving dual purposes.

With the help of VDS, Our Serbs was honored to be able to help this family with the purchase of the stove and see happiness on the faces of the entire family.

A GIRL AND HER DOG – Story of Milica Rackov

In a small village of Barbatovac close to Kursumlija, with neighbors too far and between, young Milica Rackov lives with her family of five and a dog named Lara. Milica’s plight was first brought to our attention by Milijana Barisa who lives in Norway but felt that the story deserved merit and our attention. She was right. Here is the story of girl Milica and her dog Lara.    

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=500725650955742&id=117377498325884

Upon watching the story which touched our hearts and after we established contact with the family, Our Serbs purchased a laptop and software for Milica, a sofa sleeper that the family needed, and a supply of food and hygiene products. All of those were delivered by our board members Mira and Zoran Gusic just in time for Easter.  Milica and Lara were not there since the school was in session but sent their thanks afterward.

(In an update: seeing the story of Milica many humanitarians provided other items that the family needed including a doghouse for faithful Lara.)

September for Our Serbs

From Jagodina a couple in their 80s contacted us for basic necessities. They needed all kinds of help: from clothing, food and other items. Through contact with their priest, we provided them with ample clothing, hygiene items and other necessities that will last them for quite a while.

From Mladenovac we received a letter from a young widow with 2 children. She did not know where their next meal was coming from. She managed to get the kids items for school but there was nothing left after that. All she wished for was a job. Since we could not provide that we helped them in another way: food to last them for more than a month, items of hygiene and shoes. The family was more than grateful with this first step toward stability.

Letter from Mira Gusic, member of Our Serbs

Dear all,

Here is little more in-depth info regarding donation of protinica Jelena Milunovic’s church, Holy Resurrection Cathedral. I have to tell you that at each school in Kosovo and Metohija I spoke about our kids’ activity here and that they gave up their presents for them. Protinica Jelena Milunovic simply did an amazing job!!!!! And all of this dedicated to KIM.

Here is how it all went....On January 25, 2021 we arrived late at the village of Bostane in Novo Brdo. PR and editor for children’s magazine ‘Svetosavsko Zvonce’ travelled with us from the Patriarchy.

Early in the morning on January 26th we visited school O.S. “ Miladin Popovic” in Bostane, to deliver eight laptop computers, mouses and WiFi printer/scanner/copier. It was snowing and cold, and beautiful to sit inside the warm house. Traveling was very challenging. Father Stevo has an old jeep that is very appropriate for this type of weather and terrain. We could travel only that way. Ubavka Tasic, director of school in Bostane, was waiting for us. The need for computers was really great. As in any Serbian house, they offered us welcoming drinks. Due to the weather conditions and the long day ahead of us, we had to decline. At the school they had a little kitchen and were preparing donuts for children’s breakfast. Before we knew it, a huge plate with warm donuts was packed for us. We continued to school O.S. “St. Sava” in Paralovo. There we delivered gifts for each child and had coffee with the staff. We listened to their needs, issues and problems.

Outside it was snowing without stopping for a minute. And it was COLD.

Next school was O.S. “ Dositej Obradovic'' in Prekovci. Due to weather conditions kids had to go home early, we just visited the school, had a little talk with Mica Ivanovic, school director and decided to give kids gifts tomorrow, when we come for cutting of the kolac for Saint Sava. Then we proceeded to school O.S. “ Petar Petrovic Njegos” in Makres.

Following Makres we visited O.S. “St. Sava'' in Jasenovik. Here was the awakening for us: Under the same roof were both Serbian and Albanian schools. At the entry-hall on the right wall are posters in Albanian and on the left wall in Serbian. On the floor there are silver footsteps that give directions to Albanian children and classrooms. Inside are all Albanian symbols and flags. (At one point they had a poster in which Albanian soldier holds a gun to Serbian man’s forehead. School called the international organization that oversees these issues and they were asked to remove such posters.) All Serbian classrooms are on the second floor. It was so difficult to comprehend the lifestyle here. With Jasenovik, we concluded this day with a glass of very needed Metohija wine.BTW, during the day electricity went out so many times, but evening was very romantic with candles.January 27th, St. Sava day, we started with liturgy at the local church in Bostane. ‘Svetosavsko Zvonce’ brought the kolac because it is their slava.

Kids from Bostane school came to church carrying a huge icon of St. Sava. They do that every year; it is the tradition. It was about 25F outside; they came through the snow with teachers. Scene was very emotional for us. Outside of the church priest gave the little speech, and the school gave awards to their children. It truly brought us back in time. Following all these events, we gave the gifts to children of Bostane school in the font of the church.All cold and sad and happy ( I think only in KIM I’m sad and happy at the same time) we proceeded to Prekovce school to cut the kolac, give the gifts and chat with the teachers. Father cut the kolac at two more schools. We did not go with him; by this time I did not feel my fingers or toes. He brought us home to a wood-burning ‘Smederevac’ (stove) and a glass of wine. Life is not easy here...At about midnight on St. Sava, we arrived in Beograd.

Regards, Mira