A portrait of St. Sava of Serbia
St. Sava of Serbia
c. 1175 – January 14, 1235
Feast
January 14 · XIII c.
Patron of
Serbia · Serbian schools · Serbian education and culture
Order
Bishop / Founder
Prince and youngest son of Stefan Nemanja who renounced his royal inheritance to become a monk on Mount Athos. He returned to Serbia to lead its religious and educational life, securing the autocephaly of the Serbian Church in 1219 and serving as its first archbishop. Founder of Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos and the patriarchal see of Žiča, he is venerated as the spiritual father of the Serbian people.
Life & Times
Also known as: Rastko Nemanjić; Sabbas of Serbia; Saint Sava the Enlightener · Born: c. 1175 · Died: January 14, 1235 · From: Serbia; Mount Athos; Constantinople; Bulgaria.
Patronage
St. Sava of Serbia is invoked as the patron of serbia, serbian schools, serbian education and culture. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
Shop St. Sava of Serbia Products
Devotional items honoring St. Sava of Serbia, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Sava of Serbia, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.