Could a church building tell tales of two faiths? Here at Saint Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church, it certainly does. Saint Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. It’s a story woven into the fabric of Brookfield/Lyons. The Saint Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church congregation, originally numbering around 500 members, found its home here after outgrowing its previous location on Prairie Avenue. That smaller church could only hold about 80 to 100 people. This new space, originally St. Hugh Roman Catholic Church, offers a larger sanctuary. It also provides much-needed classroom space in the adjacent buildings.
Saint Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church is part of the Midwestern-American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church. It’s led by His Grace Bishop Longin (Krčo). The parish priest is Archpriest Nemanja Tešić. He leads the Divine Liturgy every Sunday and on feast days, starting at 9 a.m. A well-attended lunch follows the service, creating a warm sense of community. The church also hosts many activities for both children and adults.
The purchase of the former St. Hugh property in March 2022 marked a significant milestone for Saint Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church. One of the primary motivations for the move was the need for a school. The church has a large number of families with children. Father Tešić, himself a father of six, recognized this need. He envisions the school serving not only the Serbian community but also the wider community as a whole. The former St. Hugh site offered the perfect solution, with ample classroom space and a gymnasium. This made it an ideal location for a thriving school and community center. The stained-glass windows, a cherished feature of the old St. Hugh’s, remain, adding a touch of beauty and history to Saint Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church. The church has plans to renovate, including installing new flooring and adapting the altar area to suit the traditions of the Serbian Orthodox faith.
Saint Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church stands as a symbol of resilience and growth. It echoes the hopes and dreams of its congregation. It’s a place where faith is nurtured. It’s where community thrives, continuing the legacy of worship on this site. It carries the torch of faith forward into a new era.