Welcome to St. Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church in Brookfield, IL. The Holy Liturgy is held every Sunday at 10:00 AM, with a fellowship lunch immediately following. St. Nikola also has an active church board, folk dance group, Circle of Serbian Sisters, Church School, Church Choir and youth and adult religious classes. Father Nemanja Tesic is fluent in both Serbian and English and welcomes the opportunity to personally meet with every individual interested in the Serbian Orthodox faith. The smaller size of our parish encourages our parishioners to have a close bond with one another as well as with our local neighbors, schools and village members. All are welcome and encouraged to join us, for Sunday services as well as our Annual Serbfest and events!
The St. Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church Circle of Serbian Sisters in Brookfield, Illinois works together diligently with the Church-School congregation. Their goal is to spread religious and educational consciousness among our parishioners. We promote and support our Serbian Orthodox Church, Church School, and those in need emotionally and/or financially.
The Circle of Serbian Sisters (Serbian: Kolo Srpskih Sestara) is a women’s charitable society established in Belgrade in 1903. As with all Circles, our Kolo is based on the original idea of the Kolo Srpskih Sestara organized in 1903 in Serbia* – to help those in need with food, clothing, and comfort. The St. Nikola KSS has remained steadfast in their role as a supporting organization of the church and the Serbian Orthodox people.
*”Following the prayer, the priest explained to the women present why he had invited them. He spoke concerning the building of the church, school and hall; and that now it is necessary that every woman and every mother help with her work and contribute so that the church, school and hall be made and beautified as nicely as possible, by which they would leave for themselves a lasting memorial … and they would be called: Circle of Serbian Sisters.”
Since our move from Chicago and the renovation of our new house of God in Brookfield, our Church Kolo continued in its commitment to support and beautify this glorious gift; our Church and focusing on giving back to God that with which we have been graced.
Over the years, our activities have included such God-pleasing endeavors as fashion shows, lunch, coffee and refreshments after church service, summer camp donations, providing flowers for the church interior during both Christmas and Easter, decorating Christs’ tomb and coloring the eggs on Great Friday, purchases of new items for the hall kitchen such as a new stove in 2018, active participation in the Federation of Circles of Serbian Sisters, and the making of many other charitable and humanitarian contributions.
All of our efforts have culminated in enabling the St. Nikola Kolo Sisters to make large financial and material contributions to our Church. In addition, these efforts provided spiritual growth to this very dedicated and committed group of women in service to their Church.
Current 2019 KSS Board: President: Lydia Dukic 1st Vice-President: Olivera Miletic 2nd Vice-President: Stana Ryan Treasurer: Javorka Spalevic Secretary: Jasmina Radunovic
For more information about the Moravac dance group please contact [email protected].
Moravac Folklore Group on Facebook
The goal of the St. Nikola Church School program is to teach our children the spiritual values of the Orthodox Christian faith. Church School is under the direction of Father Nemanja Tesic, along with the talents of our committed Church School Team. Classes are held in age appropriate groups and include subjects such as Christian Orthodoxy, Bible, Divine Liturgy, Feast Days of the Church, & importance of Holy Communion, fasting, praying and learning hymns, Serbian History & Language.
We pray that our children and their families live a Christ-centered and Eucharistic life. We hope that our children grow in God’s service and that our Orthodox faith sustains them as they grow into adults. We want our children to recognize the beauty of our faith. We want them to learn to respect themselves and others. We want them to know that they are not only an integral part of our Church community but also the secular community in which they live. We want them to be proud of their Serbian Orthodox heritage and encourage them to participate in the Church’s Moravac folklore dance group.
We have showcased our Church and our customs in events that include decorating a Christmas Tree in the Serbian Orthodox tradition at the Brookfield Zoo & Bowling with our friends from St. John the Baptist Church in Bellwood, IL.
Church school is held immediately following Holy Eucharist on Sundays during the school year and runs for approx. 45 minutes. Classes are held above the Church hall. We encourage all children ages three through High School to participate. While registration is preferred, all children, including visitors are welcome to join us! We are grateful that we have beautiful class rooms, loving and helpful parents and a great group of kids! We hope to see you and your family at both Divine Liturgy and Church School as well.
Sunday School on Facebook
Spiritual growth for church members is essential; therefore we offer a variety of religious educational opportunities for adults.
When adults grow spiritually they can more fully educate their children and lead others in their faith. Our church’s teaching mission aims to help the faithful grow in Christian maturity and enriching the whole of life with the Gospel.
In our baptism, we are called to be Christian disciples in the world and be active members of the Church. Our Religious Education helps adults to be as salt of the earth and light for the world (Mt 5:13-16), by engaging in the study of Scripture and the teaching of the Church’s tradition.
To begin your own process of growing stronger in the Orthodox Faith, please check the church bulletin or St. Nikola Facebook page for upcoming classes. If you have questions of your faith and are looking for answers, please contact our church via email and we can have a personal consultation.
St. Nikola Church identifies with various needs of others and our practice of giving is based on Jesus’ saying in Matthew 25:35-36, 40:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me …. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Each year our parishioners volunteer to purchase Christmas gifts for DCFS children; we have helped several local Serbian individuals get situated in the neighborhood by providing furniture and miscellaneous necessities.
How can you help? You can donate to St. Nikola’s benevolent fund. 100% of all donations go to support various church ministries and no amount is too small. For more information, contact our church via email.