Helen Iukov

1920-1979

There are certain individuals in all areas of human endeavor who give of themselves until there is nothing more to give. For the truly dedicated the end of service to an ideal or goal comes only with the end of life on earth. Such a dedicated person was Helen Iukov. Her goal as an Eastern Orthodox Christian and life-long participant in Detroit's Serbian community was to preserve cultural and religious traditions as well as to promote growth and revitalization.

The various positions Helen lukov held in Ravanica's parish organizations enabled her to work directly for the faith and people she loved. As a Sunday School teacher and supervisor she taught countless children about Eastern Orthodoxy and the special heritage of the Serbian people. She numbered among the mothers who were volunteer workers and counselors at the Libertyville, Shade land and Doylestown summer camps. The years of preparation and fund-raising for the St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral were marked by Helen's energetic, hard-working presence and the administrative skills she continued to use successfully during her terms of office on the church board.

In addition to these activities, there was yet another role Helen filled. She served as president of the Serbian Sisters of Ravanica for almost half the years of its existence. She was particularly proud of her long association with the Sisters and the club's status as St. Lazarus' only officially chartered organization. Its history of service to the church and established record of generous donations meant a to Helen. Whatever success the Sisters achieved in their work for the parish motivated her to do more, ask more of the club, and ultimately, give more to the church. Helen Iukov was a generous donor in her own right. She donated her time, energy and talents for years; and like other tireless supporters of the church, continued to give despite occasional criticism and lack of response. She was determined in her efforts and ready to defend her opinions in the fa4 opposition. What was most important in Helen's view not unanimous agreement on every issue, but participation and fundamental interest in the parish.

There is no tribute more fitting than the memorial notice, which appeared in the St. Lazarus weekly church bulletin September 30, 1979:

Hers was not a self-contained one, but rather one that reached out and touched many. Helen was president of Kolo Srpskih Sestara; past vice- president of our parish; superintendent of Church School, and a teacher for many years. Our parish was blessed to have Helen Iukov in our midst for so many years; she led our congregation and inspired our youth.

-Thanks to the Ravanica Sisters