On Monday, October 27, 2025, the sisters of the St. Petka Kolo once again gathered to celebrate their 93rd Slava. The Divine Liturgy was served by Rev. Presbyter George Popovich and Very Rev. Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Dr. Rodney Torbich. This year’s honored Kuma was Stephanie Kovacevic.

Kuma Stephanie was born on December 2, 1968, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, to the late +Dusan and +Biserka Kovacevic. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA.

She attended St. Elijah Church in her youth and became a member in 1992. Over the years, she has been an active participant in church life, serving on the St. Elijah Church School Congregation Executive Board from the mid-1990s through 2019. Stephanie devoted her time to numerous church events and projects. While on the Executive Board, she served on the Cemetery Fence Project and as Chapel Cupola Committee Chairperson. Additionally, she is a former member of the St. Elijah Choir.

Stephanie enjoys being an active member of the Kolo! She has served as Treasurer of the St. Elijah K.S.S. since 2019 and currently resides in Hopewell Township with her sister, Nada.

Following the cutting of the Slavski Kolach and prayers for all deceased sisters, everyone gathered at the American Serbian Club, where a delicious lunch was served.

Kathy Loverich, K.S.S. President, welcomed all attendees and thanked Kuma Stephanie for her dedication and commitment to the organization.

Fr. George expressed his gratitude to the sisters for their continued work and support of the church, noting that he looks forward to collaborating with them on an upcoming project.

Kuma Stephanie spoke about her love for being a member of the K.S.S and fondly recalled that ten years ago, on this very day, she and her mother were honored to serve as kumovi for the 83rd Slava.

The Kolo, Sveta Petka was organized in 1932. The first meeting was held in the Serbian Hall on Hopewell Avenue. The first elected board consisted of:

• Bertha Mamula, President

• Kata Crevar, Vice President

• Julia Lackovich, Secretary

• Marija Gak, Treasurer

• Julia Trkulja, Financial Secretary

Their purpose and goal were to help the church both morally and financially. The past 93 years stand as a testament to the fact that the sisters have faithfully upheld these goals.

In 1949, the sisters chose Sveta Petka as their Patron Saint, and since then, each year on October 27th, they gather to participate in the Divine Liturgy, receive the Holy Sacraments, and hold a parastos for all departed members of this dedicated organization.

In 1952, when funds were being collected to build a new church, the sisters rose to the occasion and raised over $17,000 to support the effort. Once the church building was completed, many items were still needed for the interior, and the sisters generously provided:

• Candle holders

• A stained-glass window of Sveta Petka

• The Serbian flag

• Vestments for the priest

• Matching altar boy robes

• A beautiful crystal chandelier

They also took on the task of furnishing the newly built parish home, meeting all its immediate needs through their teamwork and talents. In addition, the sisters lent financial support to the newly constructed Church Center and the Diocese.

Over the years, the Kolo Sisters have sponsored a variety of projects: dances, rummage sales, banquets, Lenten dinners, daćas (memorial meals), noodle-making, Baba’s Pantry, as well as cooking and serving at the annual food festival. Through these fundraising efforts, they continue to support Shadeland, IOCC, and several local community-sponsored events.

Our Kolo has always been dedicated to the Church, and, God willing, will continue to support it whenever called upon.

May God bless them and keep them under His watchful eye for many years to come!