On the Feast of the Assumption in 1903, a group of women met in Belgrade to establish a female, humanitarian, and cultural society. At that time, the rules for this society were drafted, with the mission of providing as much assistance as possible to the suffering Serbian population in Old Serbia and Macedonia, and later, as the society grew stronger, to extend help to other regions where the Serbian people were oppressed. Branislav Nušić, a well-known Serbian writer, proposed that this organization be named the Association of Serbian Sisters. The main founders of the Association were Nadežda Petrović, Delfa Ivanić, and Savka Subotić. Savka Subotić also became the first president of the Association.
The Association of Serbian Sisters 'Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God' of the Republic of Ireland is probably one of the youngest organizations of this kind. It was founded in 2018 in Dublin as a humanitarian and cultural society for women. At that time, the management of the Association was also elected, and Ankica Stančević was chosen as the first president. In June 2023, the current management of the Association was elected, with Biljana Torbica Kostin chosen as president.
The first patron saint celebration was held on October 14, 2018, when Father Mladen broke the festive bread with the president and other members of the newly formed association. Today, the Association has around 50 members from various parts of Ireland.
*"The progress of the church and our parish would be unimaginable without the participation of the dedicated and warm-hearted sisters of the Association of Serbian Sisters 'Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God.' The sisters are always ready and willing to assist with any church or community event, aiming to preserve and advance the religious and national life of our small community. As women and mothers, they recognize the importance of working together to preserve cultural values. With great maternal care, they strive to enrich not only their own children but also all the families of our community, as well as occasional guests at our celebrations, with the well-known Serbian hospitality.The responsibilities of the Association members are diverse and numerous. They participate in nurturing Serbian religious customs, work on preserving and advancing the church community and Serbian traditions, and organize activities related to Christmas and Easter holidays, as well as the church's Slava and other religious celebrations. In addition, they take care of the upkeep of the Holy Temple and provide assistance to parishioners in need. The sisters tirelessly take part in initiatives to strengthen the Christian family, organize humanitarian actions, and engage in various other expressions of love for God and the Serbian people.
The work of the members of the Association of Serbian Sisters 'Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God' is voluntary and brings no personal or material gain, except for the spiritual satisfaction of receiving a smile as a token of gratitude from someone in need for the effort and help provided. The sisters are aware that their efforts are valued and rewarded by the One whose rewards are eternal and everlasting. Therefore, they perform all their work quietly and humbly, placing their trust in God and the Most Holy Mother of God, their protector and intercessor, who guards and strengthens them even when their will and strength falter.
All women of noble heart who wish to join the Association of Serbian Sisters 'Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God' can do so by contacting the Association at the email address [email protected]
