Memorial Service for Mihajlo Pupin at Woodlawn Cemetery in New York

The memorial service and prayers were officiated by Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Živojin Jakovljević, rector of the Cathedral Church of Saint Sava in New York; Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Đokan Majstorović, rector of the Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint John the Baptist in Paterson; as well as Father Milan Dragović from the Cathedral Church of Saint Sava in New York, in the presence of representatives of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York and members of the Serbian community.

Following the prayer service, those gathered were addressed by the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Vladimir Božović, PhD, who recalled Mihajlo Pupin’s immeasurable contribution to world science, his distinguished academic career at Columbia University, as well as the historic role he played in protecting and promoting the interests of the Serbian people.

In his remarks, Dr. Božović emphasized that Mihajlo Pupin represents one of the most exalted examples of Serbian patriotism, noting that his personal dedication, diplomatic efforts, and standing in American society left a deep and lasting mark on the history of Serbia. He particularly recalled Pupin’s selfless support for Serbia during World War I, when he pledged his entire fortune to assist his homeland, uttering the words that have since become a symbol of Serbian patriotism: “If Serbia should perish, let me perish as well.”

He also pointed out that Pupin’s reputation in the United States and his close friendship with then U.S. President Woodrow Wilson played a significant role in securing international support for the Serbian people during the crucial historical moments following the end of the First World War.

Those gathered once again paid tribute to the great Serbian scientist and benefactor, whose work and spiritual legacy continue to inspire generations of Serbs around the world.

May his memory be eternal and his legacy honored.