Djuro “George” Dragisich was born on June 21, 1920, into a Serbian Orthodox family in the village of Torbicki Vagan, in the region of Lika — an area that, more often than not, reared virtuous and steadfast men and women, and faithful Serbian Orthodox Christians. This was a part of the Srpska Krajina known as Tromedja, the tri-border region where Bosna, Lika, and Dalmacija meet. It was a predominantly Serbian Orthodox land, deeply rooted in faith, tradition, and sacrifice. Djuro served as a Chetnik under General Draza Mihailovic and Vojvoda Momcilo Djujic during the Second World War.
Anka Dragisich, nee Kovacevic, was born on Badnji Dan, January 6, 1923, in Zagrovic, Dalmacija. Raised in a devout Serbian Orthodox family, she embodied the virtues of faith, humility, compassion, and quiet strength that defined her entire life. Through hardship, displacement, and sacrifice, she remained unwavering in her devotion to God, family, and her people.
The establishment of the + Djuroand Anka Dragisich Memorial Fund at Holy Resurrection Cathedral is due to the many generous memorials offered by their friends, kumovi, and relatives, given in grateful remembrance of their lives. Together, Djuro and Anka lived as true Serbian Orthodox Christians, dedicating themselves to family, church, and community. Their lives were marked by integrity, kindness, self-sacrifice, and a deep sense of rodoljubstvo, which was recognized and cherished by all who knew them.
It is the hope that this fund will serve as a lasting memorial and reminder of how lives shaped by adversity, perseverance, and faith may bear fruit far beyond their own time. Through honest work, steadfast belief, and genuine concern for others, Djuro and Anka devoted themselves not only to their family but also to the building, strengthening, and preservation of Serbian Orthodox churches in the Homeland and throughout the Diaspora. In doing so, they humbly contributed to the enduring life of the Serbian Orthodox faith and people.
May their memory be eternal in God’s heavenly Kingdom.