On Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, a funeral service was held at the Church of St. Nicholas in Blacktown for Mitar Rebic, one of the oldest members of our community. The late ‘Deda’ (Grandpa) Mitar, as the entire community affectionately called him, was a veteran of the Rogatica Brigade of the Yugoslav Army in the Homeland (JVuO) and a former prisoner of war in German camps. He was the father of four beloved daughters, and a grandfather and great-grandfather to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was one of the most respected and long-standing members of the Serbian community in Sydney and a recipient of the Order of St. Sava. He reposed in the Lord at the age of 102.
The funeral service was led by His Eminence Metropolitan Siluan of Australia and New Zealand, assisted by several priests. Metropolitan Siluan offered his condolences to the family and called on all those gathered to find inspiration in Deda Mitar’s life and deeds — a path that leads toward the Heavenly Kingdom. With the blessing of the Metropolitan, the funeral oration was delivered by the parish priest of Blacktown, Fr. Nemanja Mrdjenovic, who emphasised Deda Mitar’s spiritual maturity and humility as defining virtues of his life.
In addition to his large family, more than a hundred people attended the funeral to pay their respects and express their love for the departed. Following the service, Mitar Rebic’s earthly remains were laid to rest in the Serbian Section No. 2 of Rookwood Cemetery, where many esteemed members of the early Serbian community in the area are also buried.
After the burial, a memorial luncheon (daća) was held in the parish hall of the Church of St. Nicholas, where all attendees had the opportunity to share memories of the departed and offer comfort to the family. Archpriest Nikola Bilic gave a brief address, recalling many personal encounters with Grandpa Mitar and his peers.
May the Lord grant him the Heavenly Kingdom and eternal rest!
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