Founding of the Association of Serbian Sisters in Belgrade
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.
Founding of the Association in Ireland
The Association of Serbian Sisters “Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God” in the Republic of Ireland is likely one of the youngest organizations of its kind. It was founded in 2018 in Dublin as a women’s humanitarian and cultural society. At that time, the Association’s first committee was elected, with Ankica Stančević serving as the first president. In June 2023, a new committee was chosen, and Biljana Torbica Kostin was elected as the current president of the Association.
The First Patron Feast of the Association
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.
Celebrations and Activities
The progress of our church and parish would be unimaginable without the dedication and heartfelt participation of the sisters of the Association “Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God.” The sisters are always ready and willing to support every church or community event, working to preserve and strengthen the religious and cultural life of our small community. As women and mothers, they recognize the importance of working together to safeguard cultural values. With great maternal care, they dedicate themselves to ensuring that not only their own children, but all families in our community—and even occasional guests at our celebrations—experience the warmth of traditional Serbian hospitality.
Mission and Purpose of the Association
The members of the Association have diverse and numerous responsibilities. They participate in preserving Serbian religious traditions, work to maintain and strengthen the church community and Serbian cultural heritage, and organize activities for Christmas, Easter, the patron saint feast, and other religious holidays. In addition, they take care of the church interior and provide support to parishioners in need. The sisters tirelessly engage in initiatives that strengthen Christian family life, organize humanitarian activities, and express their love for God and the Serbian people in various ways.
Work Rooted in Love and Faith
The work of the members of the Association of Serbian Sisters “Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God” is entirely voluntary and brings no personal or material gain, except the spiritual satisfaction of seeing a smile of gratitude from someone they have helped. The sisters are aware that their efforts are valued and rewarded by the One whose rewards are eternal and everlasting. For this reason, they carry out their work quietly and humbly, trusting in God and the Most Holy Mother of God, their protector and intercessor, who guides and strengthens them even when their will and energy 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 via email [email protected]
