Original St. Petka Church in Vratnica
The Living History of Our Faith: Origins of St. Petka "Vratnica"
in the United States
For decades, we have served as a vital cultural and spiritual anchor for families in the Detroit Metropolitan area. Our journey from the village of Vratnica, nestled in the scenic Shar Mountains, began with a collective vision to transplant our sacred traditions into our new American home. We established St. Petka in Detroit, and then in Troy, not merely as a place of worship, but as a living bridge between our ancestral heritage and the future of our youth.
Through the years, our community has grown and flourished, yet our commitment to our roots remains unchanged. We celebrate the legacy of those who first established our parish, honoring their dedication to preserving our Orthodox faith, language, music, cuisine, and more. As we look forward, we continue to serve as a sanctuary where the values of our community are reaffirmed and passed down, ensuring that our heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.
Major Milestones
The story of St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church in Troy, Michigan, began with the faithful immigrants from Vratnica who settled in the Detroit area, seeking to preserve their spiritual identity and cultural heritage. What started as humble gatherings of families has evolved into a vibrant spiritual home that remains a cornerstone for the Orthodox community in the metropolitan Detroit region.
1920s
Initial founding and formation of the Vratnica community in Detroit. The first "pechalbari" (migratory workers) venture out across the Atlantic Ocean.
1960s
The community greatly expands. Members of almost every family of more than 200 in the village arrive. Early impetus for a St. Petka "Vratnica" church begins.
1990s
From a temporary church base in Detroit, a dedicated effort to build our current church hits full stride. Donation drives begin and architectural plans are drawn up.
2000s
The new church is proudly built by master architects. Further enhancing soon follow. Today, we are preserving and expanding St. Petka for future generations.
We invite you to learn more about our deep-rooted traditions or join us for any of our services to experience our community first-hand.
Building the Church
Building the Church
Following our establishment, the St. Petka community entered a period of profound expansion. We focused on nurturing our youth and modernizing our facilities to meet the needs of a growing congregation while keeping our ancient traditions at the heart of everything we do.
Ideal location acquired for new church building to serve community in Metro Detroit area
The site was consecrated
as part of the Midwestern America Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church
The 2003 cornerstone of our church. It can be said that Father Stevan was himself a kind of cornerstone of St. Petka.
The groundbreaking ceremony (known as "The Golden Shovel") was memorable for all
Founding and Consecration
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Location: 1755 E Wattles Rd, Troy, MI 48085 USA, strategically situated to serve the whole of the metro Detroit area
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Purpose: Established by immigrants who moved to the U.S. with few resources, the church was built to foster a strong community, support families, and maintain the heritage of the Vratnica region.
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Affiliation: It is part of the Diocese of New Gracanica-Midwestern America under the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Key Dates
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1979: The church-school congregation of St. Petka "Vratnica" was officially founded.
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1991: Services began in a chapel located in Detroit.
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2003: The cornerstone was laid for the new church building in Troy, Michigan.
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2007: Iconography work began with the painting of the church dome by the Serbian artist Miloje Milenković.
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2016–2025: Iconography work continued under artist Milorad Cvetković, with efforts ongoing to complete the project to enhance the church's spiritual beauty.
The renowned firm of Constantine George Pappas, CGP-Architecture,
designed the church
Our history is still being written by every member who walks through our doors. We invite you to be part of the next chapter in our faith journey.
Spiritual, Clerical & Executive Leadership
Very Rev.
Fr. Savo Krco
Parish Priest
Tom Mihajlovski
Parish Board President
Circle of Serbian Sisters
Carica Milica
The Circle of Serbian Sisters ("Kolo Srpskih Sestara") is the heart of our parish women's organization. Dedicated to the spiritual and social flourishing of our church, our sisters support the community through traditional cooking, organizing celebratory social and holiday events, and conducting vital charitable work both locally and abroad.
Hospitality & Fellowship
We cultivate a warm environment through our weekly coffee hours and community luncheons, ensuring every visitor feels like family.
Feasts & Holy Days
Our sisters lead the preparation for major feast days and Slavas, preserving our rich culinary heritage and liturgical traditions.
Charity & Service
Through targeted fundraising and direct aid, we support humanitarian efforts and provide help to those in need within our community.
We invite women of all ages to share in this mission. Please visit us during coffee hour or contact the parish office to learn how you can get involved.
Orthodox Youth Club
The Orthodox Youth Club ("OYC") is the parish's dedicated youth organization, bringing together our children, teens, and young adults. Rooted in the Orthodox faith and our rich Serbian heritage, we foster community through sports, dance, and vibrant social events.
Sports & Teams
We organize various sports activities and parish teams. These programs encourage teamwork, physical fitness, and healthy competition among our youth.
Dance & Culture
Our club preserves our heritage through traditional folk dance and cultural workshops. It is a wonderful way for the younger generation to stay connected to their roots.
Parties & Social Events
From youth parties to holiday social gatherings, we provide a safe and fun space. These events build lasting friendships within our church family.
We invite youth and parents to ask about the club after church or contact the parish office for schedules and sign-ups.