St Stephen of Serbia

St Stephen, First-crowned King of Serbia (Simon the Monk) (1224)

From the Prologue of Ochrid

Crowned as king in his endowment at Zhicha by his brother and spiritual father Saint Sava. A devout Christian, a wise and peace-loving ruler, Stephen together with Saint Sava raised Orthodoxy to a great triumph among his people. At his desire Saint Sava tonsured him as a monk before his death and gave him the name Simon. He reposed in the Lord on September 24, 1224. His wonderworking relics rest in Studenica. Saint David (formerly Prince Demetrius), son of Vukan, the brother of Stephen, built a monastery on the Lim, where he himself was tonsured as a monk. Saint King Vladislav, son of King Stephen, built the Monastery of Mileseva, where he transferred the relics of Saint Sava from Tarnovo. He distinguished himself by extraordinary mercy toward the destitute. On the coins of his time he signed himself: "servant of Christ, Vladislav."

“It seems to me that I see this blessed virgin offering to the Lord with one hand virginity and with the other hand martyrdom.”

Also commemorated on September 24

Learn about similar saints

Questions

When is the feast day of St Stephen of Serbia?
The Orthodox Church commemorates St Stephen of Serbia on September 24 on the New Calendar and October 7 on the Old Calendar.
Who else is commemorated on that day?
The Church also remembers St Silouan of Mount Athos; and Thecla, Equal to the Apostles.
When is the feast of St Stephen of Serbia in 2027?
In 2027, on the New Calendar, it falls on Friday, September 24.

In Orthros

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