The History of the Circle of Serbian Mothers' Club

The Circle of Serbian Mothers' Club is a vital and longstanding organization within the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church. It was formed by the merging of two women's organizations: the Circle of Serbian Sisters (Kolo Srpskih Sestara) and the Serbian Mothers' Club. Together, these groups have faithfully served the Church, their Orthodox Christian faith, and the Serbian community for many decades.

The Circle of Serbian Sisters was originally organized on November 9, 1934, and was the first such organization in the United States. With 80 charter members, this group was created to support the Church and preserve the traditions of Serbian Orthodoxy. The Kolo celebrates its Slava, or patronal feast day, on September 21, which is the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Virgin Mary. This feast underscores the group’s deep devotion to the Most Holy Theotokos, who intercedes for their efforts in supporting the Church and the faith.

From the beginning, the Circle of Serbian Sisters dedicated itself to the needs of the Church. Countless hours of volunteer work went into fundraising, which enabled the community to strengthen its spiritual home. Notably, in the early 1960s, the Kolo became the first organization to donate $10,000 toward the construction of the new church building. Their fundraising efforts included annual pastry sales, Keno night events, Serbian New Year's parties, and church banquets. These gatherings not only raised funds but also fostered fellowship and unity within the parish. The Serbian Mothers' Club, founded in February 1953, was established to ensure the proper religious education of the Church's youth. Recognizing the importance of passing on the Orthodox faith to the next generation, the club organized and supported the Sunday school program, providing supplies and resources for the spiritual education of children. Additionally, the group supported youth activities, ensuring that the Church's young members were connected to both their faith and their Serbian heritage.

The Serbian Mothers' Club also played an essential role in the life of the parish through its various fundraising efforts. Some of its most successful events included rummage sales, bazaars, bake sales, and the well-known "Night in Yugoslavia," later renamed "Night of Old World Cuisine." These events helped build a strong sense of community and provided significant financial support for church activities, particularly the St. Sava Day program, which commemorates the patron saint of children, St. Sava.

On March 26, 1996, the two organizations—the Circle of Serbian Sisters and the Serbian Mothers' Club—merged to form the Circle of Serbian Mothers' Club. This unified group has carried on the legacy of both organizations, continuing their mission of supporting the Church, nurturing the Orthodox faith, and preserving Serbian traditions. Through its efforts, the Circle of Serbian Mothers' Club remains a steadfast pillar of the parish community, working tirelessly to raise funds and promote the spiritual life of the Church.

The club's dedication to serving the Church is not merely a set of activities but a deeply rooted spiritual vocation. The women of the Circle of Serbian Mothers' Club see their work as a way to serve the Lord, offering their time, talents, and resources to the greater glory of God and the spiritual well-being of the parish. Whether through organizing banquets, supporting youth programs, or hosting traditional Serbian events, their efforts are always directed toward fostering the Orthodox faith and strengthening the bond of the community in Christ.

In this way, the Circle of Serbian Mothers' Club has become an enduring example of faith in action, continually serving the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church and the broader Orthodox Christian community with love, dedication, and humility.