РАД КОЛА СРПСКИХ СЕСТАРА ЕПАРХИЈЕ БАЧКЕ У НОВОМ САДУ У ПЕРИОДУ 1991–2024.
THE WORK OF THE CIRCLE OF SERBIAN SISTERS OFTHE EPARCHY OF BAČKAIN NOVI SAD 1991–2024

Summary/Abstract: The emergence of the first Serbian humanitarian organizations dates back to the second half of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century. One of them was the Circle of Serbian Sisters, founded in Belgrade in 1903. The work of the Circle of Serbian Sisters in Novi Sad can be divided into two periods. The first relates to its activities during the interwar period from 1929 to 1941, which we discussed in one of the previous issues of the Proceedings of Matica srpska for History (110/2024). The second period began in 1991 and continues to the present day. This paper presents the work of the Circle of Serbian Sisters of the Eparchy of Bačka in Novi Sad following the renewal of its activities in 1991. During 33 years of continuous existence and work, through several thousand actions and initiatives, the members of the Circle have sought to provide comfort to many people affected by war suffering, natural disasters, poverty, or illness. The paper examines their modes of organization, work, and funding, as well as their charitable activities. The atmosphere of war that loomed over the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s prompted a group of people in Novi Sad to unite around a noble goal – helping those in need. Therefore, in March 1991, they renewed the work of the Circle of Serbian Sisters in Novi Sad. The leading figures in this renewal were Milanka Radonjić, the first president of the renewed Circle, and Protopresbyter Mirko Tišma. Owing to the close ties between the Circle and the Serbian Orthodox Church, the organization adopted the full name The Circle of Serbian Sisters of the Eparchy of Bačka in Novi Sad. During the period discussed in this paper, the Circle organized or participated in several thousand humanitarian actions. More than 300 women were engaged through the Circle, while an average of 40 to 50 members actively participated each year. The organization is financed through membership fees, contributions from its members, material and financial gifts, subsidies, donations, endowments, projects, and other legally permitted sources. The Circle’s primary activity is humanitarian work carried out through various actions and sections. Some activities are permanent and continuous, while others are organized occasionally, depending on specific needs. Work through specialized sections, established from 1992 onward, was intended to accelerate and improve the efficiency of the Circle’s activities, in many of which it acted as a pioneer and initiator. Thus, the Circle was the first to establish the Fund for War Orphans (1992–2011), through which it cared for one of the most vulnerable groups – children left without one or both parents. Assistance was also provided to women whose husbands or sons had died in the wars, as well as to war invalids. The members of the Circle were also the first to launch initiatives aimed at increasing the birth rate in Novi Sad through the foundation “The Third Child” (1997–2011), later renamed “The Third and Fourth Child” (2005–2011). This initiative was later continued by the City of Novi Sad, and subsequently by the provincial and republican authorities. The Circle was also the first to organize the gifting of mothers who gave birth to the first child born in the New Year, beginning in 2004. The City of Novi Sad took over this initiative in 2010, while the Sisters continued to present gifts to mothers who gave birth on January 14. They also initiated projects dedicated to national and patriotic themes. For example, the literary and art competition “Saint Sava and Our Age,” active since 1992, became prestigious and acquired an international character. The Circle was the first to organize the “Saint Sava Ball” in Novi Sad in 1992, and the first to establish a healthcare service functioning similarly to a local health center. They were also pioneers in the tradition of placing St. John’s Day wreaths on the entrances of important Novi Sad institutions, including Matica srpska, the Serbian National Theatre, the City Library, City Hall, and the Bishop’s Palace. Great gratitude is owed to all members of the Circle of Serbian Sisters of the Eparchy of Bačka for their successful work spanning several decades, both to those serving in leadership positions and to those whose efforts have remained less visible. The love and dedication with which the Sisters carry out their work reflects their devotion to their people and their deep desire for the Serbian nation to experience justice, peace, and prosperity.

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