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Decani Monastery Scholarship Fund
            On behalf of the Decani Monastery Relief Fund Inc. USA

1 September 2009

Beloved in Christ our Lord,

May our Gracious God always bless you!

In August 2009 after a my trip to Kosovo/Metohija as president of the Decani Monastery Relief Fund, I have discovered that many graduates from local high schools could not afford the expense of attending the Serbian University of Kosovska-Mitrovica located in Northern Kosovo.

Historically Pristina University has had both Serbian and Albanian students. However, due to the present situation in the region, there is currently no Serbian presence at the University of Pristina. Obliviously, there is a pressing need for fianciancial support that would allow Serbian youth in Kosovo an opportunity for higher education once they graduate from high school. In no way could Serbian youth in Kosovo afford a university education. Can this tragic situation find a remedy? I say: yes!

A year ago I as well sought out an individual as a candidate from the region to attend Boise State University, and it was determined that Lazar Popovic from the village of Kos was selected, and he is now attending the University with the support of the Decani Monastery Relief Fund.

Due to the high cost of bringing students from the region to America I then learned of the existing University in the Northern region that local Serbian students could attend. As of August 2009 we have established the Decani Monastery Scholarship Program. I met many youth in the region and wondered how on earth would the youth be able afford tuition cost. Many students could therefore never afford this expense, which means that would not have the opportunity for further education. I then met with both Bishop Artemije and Bishop Teodosije at Gracanica Monastery and it was determined that we would set up a scholarship fund on behalf of the Decani Monastery Relief Fund.

I am now most pleased to tell you that as of today on behalf of the Decani Monastery Scholarship Fund we able to send twelve candidates to the University this October 1,  2009 which starts the academic year for the students. We would like to send three more candidates and we need your loving support please. The cost of sending the students for one year is 600 euros ($900.00 USA), which pays for tuition, books, dormitory expenses and food.

The following students from Kosovo/Metohija will now attend the University of Northern Kosovo this October thanks to the kind donors on behalf of the Decani Monastery Relief Fund:

Milan Lacmanovic from Kos village. Vesna Dabetic from Osojane village.  Sladjana Djuric from Osojane village. Dragana Vucetic from Gorazdevac village.  Olivera Simovovic from Gorazdevac village.  Novica Lucic from Velika Hoca village.  Dijana Srbjak from Gorazdevac village.  Duscia Portic from Gorazdevac village.  Ivana Srbljak from Gorzadevac village.  Tomica Jovovic from Gorazdevac village.  Jovana Paqvlovic from Belo Polje village. Nenad Tomasvic from Suvo Grio village.

What a blessing beyond words for these students and who had never thought they would be able to attend University. Let us together dear loving brothers and sisters in Christ our Lord support the Decani Monastery Scholarship Program on behalf of the Decani Monastery Relief Fund.

After Bishop Teodosije addressed the families who have received scholarships, one family sent me the following kind words:

Dear Father Nektarios Serfes:

We are thankful to God and to you Father Nektarios for understanding our difficult situation that we live in and we are thankful for money that you sent for Milan’s study! This means a lot to us! That night when you called Milan your words were very inspiring. Thank you and thank God.
                                                Greetings from the Lacmanovic family from Kosovo!

We are asking you please at this critical hour for your loving support for this fund and the young students who are seeking a university education so that they can live a more productive life, and seek fulfillment for their personal ambitions.

Please send your donations to the following address:

Decani Monastery Relief Fund Inc. USA
Very Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios Serfes
2618 West Bannock Street
Boise, Idaho 83702

Thank you and God bless your good heart and soul!

Peace to your soul!

Humbly in Christ our Lord,
Signed
+Very Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios Serfes,
President of the Decani Monastery Relief Fund
Who prays for you!