CHICAGO, IL – November 8, 2025.
In the beautiful setting of the St. Regis Chicago hotel, the 2025 St. Sava Gala Dinner illuminated the Chicago sky with elegance, unity, and a spirit of philanthropy, confirming once again that the strength of a community can achieve extraordinary results. As the leading annual humanitarian event supporting St. Sava Academy—the only Serbian Orthodox school with a dual-language curriculum in the United States—the gala gathered numerous business, social, and cultural leaders in a mission to support education, faith, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
The evening was formally opened with prayer by His Grace, Bishop Serafim, Auxiliary Bishop of Kostajnica, who blessed those gathered and emphasized the importance of unity, love, and service expressed through supporting education and young people. His words of inspiration and blessing set a spiritual tone for the entire event, reminding everyone that every good deed is the fruit of faith and collective effort.
Significant funds were raised during and in the days leading up to the gala, marking a historic achievement and a testament to the generosity of the Serbian community. Contributions will be directed toward paying off the purchase of the new school building, acquired in May 2025, as well as toward further investments in academic programs, professional development of teachers, modernization of classrooms, and improvement of infrastructure. In this way, students are provided with a top-tier education rooted in Orthodox Christian values, the Serbian language, and culture—while meeting the highest American academic standards.
The evening was filled with art, inspiration, and fellowship. Guests enjoyed performances by world-class artists, including Grammy-nominated violinist Philippe Quint, soprano Marija Jelić, Dragana Rakićević, and Mile Vujnović, as well as ensembles of traditional Serbian music and dance. Among the speakers were Dr. Branko Bojović, renowned plastic surgeon; Miss Illinois Nikolina Vujčić; conductor and financial advisor Vladimir Kulenović; and Vlado Zrnić of the Serbian American Student-Athletes Association. The program was warmly and elegantly hosted by Jelena Gavrilović, a well-known Serbian actress and singer, and George Petković, Vice President of Air Serbia for the Americas. The gala also featured an exclusive silent auction with luxury items and unique cultural experiences, while the formal dinner provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the students and the Academy’s vision for growth.
The event was organized by the Executive Organizing Team—Tanja Sokolović, Deacon Teodor Sokolović, Marina Urošević, and Vladimir Kulenović—who, in close collaboration with the Academy’s Board of Directors and the clergy of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, thoughtfully designed every detail of the evening. Their hard work and dedication reflect a spirit of unity and a shared mission: investing in education, faith, and culture within the Serbian community in the diaspora.
More than two hundred guests and performers attended this magnificent event, including business leaders, philanthropists, artists, and community representatives. Distinguished guests included Dragan Šutanovac, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the United States; Marko Nikolić, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Chicago; and Tatjana Telić, Consul General of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Chicago. A special moment of the evening was a video message from H.R.H. Princess Ljubica Karađorđević, who expressed her support for St. Sava Academy and its humanitarian mission, emphasizing the importance of education and preserving the cultural identity of the Serbian community in America.
The success of this year’s St. Sava Gala Dinner not only set a new standard for fundraising, but also strengthened the Academy’s strategic goals for 2025: enhancing academic excellence, deepening collaboration with the diaspora and local institutions, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the school for generations to come.
St. Sava Academy, headquartered in Chicago, remains a beacon of knowledge, faith, and culture. As the only Serbian Orthodox school with a dual-language curriculum in the United States, it combines American academic standards with instruction in the Serbian language, culture, and Orthodox faith, educating students who excel and proudly preserve their identity. The success of the 2025 St. Sava Gala Dinner reaffirms that unity, vision, and dedication can build a lasting future rooted in knowledge, faith, and love for one’s heritage.
