Who Was Saint Sava?

Saint Sava (1174–1236) is one of the most important figures in Serbian history. He was the founder of the autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church, its first Archbishop, and the spiritual father of the Serbian people. Because of his work in organizing the Church, promoting education, and strengthening faith among the people, he is known as the Enlightener of Serbia.
Saint Sava was born Rastko Nemanjić, the youngest son of Stefan Nemanja, the ruler who founded the medieval Serbian state and later became the monk Saint Simeon the Myrrh‑Gusher.
From a young age Rastko felt called to the spiritual life. As a teenager, he secretly left the royal court and traveled to Mount Athos, where he gave up his earthly treasures to become a monk and he received the name Sava.

Founder of the Serbian Church
On Mount Athos, Saint Sava and his father Saint Simeon established the Serbian monastery Hilandar Monastery, which became the spiritual center for Serbian monastic life.
In 1219, Saint Sava achieved one of his greatest accomplishments: he secured autocephaly (independence) for the Serbian Church from the Patriarch of Constantinople. He was then consecrated as the first Archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
As Archbishop, Saint Sava:
    •    Organized dioceses throughout Serbia
    •    Built and restored churches and monasteries
    •    Established church laws and order
    •    Promoted Christian education and literacy
    •    Strengthened the spiritual life of the Serbian people

Teacher and Enlightener
Saint Sava believed strongly that faith and education should go together. He worked tirelessly to teach the Gospel and to guide both clergy and laity in Christian life. 
Because of his dedication to learning and teaching, Saint Sava is honored as the patron saint of schools and education among Serbs. Even today, schools in Serbia and Serbian communities around the world celebrate Saint Sava Day with special programs.

Saint Sava’s Legacy
Saint Sava reposed in 1236 in Veliko Tarnovo while returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
His preserved relics were later brought to the monastery Mileševa Monastery, where they became a place of great pilgrimage. In 1594, during Ottoman rule, the OttomanTurks burned his relics were burned in Belgrade, but devotion to Saint Sava only grew stronger.
Today, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, the Church of Saint Sava, stands in Belgrade in his honor.

Feast Day
The Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Sava on January 27. On this day, churches hold special liturgies, and Serbian schools and communities celebrate the life and legacy of the great saint who shaped Serbian faith, culture, and identity.

Why Saint Sava Matters Today
More than eight centuries later, Saint Sava remains a guiding example of the Serbian peoples' unity through faith and devotion to Christ.