Saint Sava, Serbian archbishop and saint (b. 1175)

Saint Sava, known profoundly as the Enlightener, was a towering figure in Serbian history, a Serbian prince who became an Orthodox monk, the inaugural Archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church, a foundational legal scholar, and an astute diplomat. Born Rastko Nemanjić in either 1169 or 1174, he was the youngest son of Stefan Nemanja, the revered Grand Prince who founded the illustrious Nemanjić dynasty, which shaped medieval Serbia for centuries. Sava's life journey, which concluded on January 14, 1236, profoundly influenced the spiritual, legal, and cultural landscape of the Serbian people.

Early Life and the Path to Monasticism

As Rastko Nemanjić, the youngest scion of the ruling Nemanjić dynasty, he was initially destined for a life of political power and governance. He briefly ruled the appanage of Zachlumia (modern-day Herzegovina) between 1190 and 1192. However, at a young age, Rastko made the extraordinary decision to renounce his princely title and worldly possessions. This pivotal choice led him to the spiritual heartland of Orthodox monasticism: Mount Athos in Greece. It was there, amidst the sacred monasteries and rigorous asceticism, that he embraced monastic vows and adopted the name Sava (or Sabbas).

Founding Hilandar Monastery: A Beacon of Serbian Culture

While on Mount Athos, Saint Sava, alongside his father (who had also embraced monastic life as Saint Simeon), established the revered Hilandar Monastery. Founded in 1198, Hilandar swiftly evolved from a mere monastic dwelling into one of the most significant spiritual, cultural, and educational centers for the Serbian people. It served as a vital repository of Serbian manuscripts, frescoes, and a hub for theological and literary development, preserving and fostering Serbian identity through centuries, even during periods of foreign rule. Its importance continues to this day as a cornerstone of Serbian Orthodoxy and cultural heritage.

Securing Autocephaly and the Birth of Serbian Law

The year 1219 marked a monumental turning point in Serbian history, largely due to Saint Sava's diplomatic acumen and spiritual authority. At this time, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, exiled in Nicaea following the Fourth Crusade's sack of Constantinople, formally recognized Sava as the first Archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Church. Autocephaly signifies a church's right to appoint its own primate and bishops, operating independently from external ecclesiastical authority. This recognition was not merely a religious achievement; it was a profound political act, elevating the status of the Serbian state and its ruler on the international stage.

In the very same year, Saint Sava authored the Zakonopravilo (also known as the Nomocanon of Saint Sava). This monumental legal code, blending ecclesiastical canons (nomos) with Byzantine civil law (kanon), became the oldest known constitution of Serbia. The Zakonopravilo was revolutionary for its time, providing a comprehensive legal framework for the newly independent Serbian state and church. It integrated principles of Orthodox morality with civil legislation, laying the foundation for Serbian jurisprudence and securing both religious and political independence for the medieval Serbian realm. It guided judicial decisions, regulated social life, and established administrative principles, solidifying Serbia's sovereignty and legal tradition.

Enduring Legacy and Veneration

Saint Sava is widely celebrated as the founder of Serbian medieval literature. His literary endeavors, which include the Zakonopravilo, hagiographies, liturgical works, and monastic typika, not only contributed significantly to the development of the Serbian literary language but also provided foundational texts that inspired generations of Serbian writers and scholars. He is, without doubt, one of the most important figures in all of Serbian history.

The profound impact of Saint Sava on Serbian identity can be likened to the influence of intellectual giants in other traditions. For instance, just as Averroes is revered for his philosophical contributions to Islamic thought, and Maimonides for his legal and philosophical legacy within Judaism, Saint Sava stands as the paramount spiritual, legal, and cultural architect for the Serbs. He is revered by the Eastern Orthodox Church, with his feast day celebrated on January 27 (which corresponds to January 14 in the Old Style calendar).

Through the centuries, countless artistic works, from medieval frescoes and icons to modern literature and music, have depicted and interpreted his inspiring life and significant contributions. Saint Sava is venerated as the patron saint of Serbia, the Serbian people, and notably, Serbian education. His enduring spirit continues to inspire and guide national aspirations and cultural development.

The Church of Saint Sava: A National Symbol

Perhaps the most prominent symbol of his enduring legacy is the majestic Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade. This colossal basilica stands on Vračar plateau, precisely where the Ottoman authorities, in a retaliatory act of desecration during a Serbian uprising in 1594, burned his holy relics. During this uprising, Serbs defiantly carried icons of Saint Sava as their war flags, symbolizing their unwavering faith and resistance. The construction of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest church buildings in the world, began in the early 20th century and stands as a powerful testament to Serbian faith, resilience, and a perpetual monument to their most revered saint.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Sava

Who was Saint Sava?
Saint Sava, born Rastko Nemanjić, was a Serbian prince, an Orthodox monk, the first Archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Church, the founder of Serbian law through the Zakonopravilo, and a key diplomat in the 12th and 13th centuries.
When and where was Saint Sava born?
Saint Sava was born either in 1169 or 1174 in Serbia. He was the youngest son of Stefan Nemanja, the founder of the Nemanjić dynasty.
What is the significance of the Hilandar Monastery?
The Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, established by Saint Sava and his father, became a crucial cultural and religious center for the Serbian people, preserving Serbian literature, art, and identity through centuries.
What is the Zakonopravilo?
The Zakonopravilo, authored by Saint Sava in 1219, is the oldest known constitution of Serbia. It was a comprehensive legal code that blended ecclesiastical canons with Byzantine civil law, providing a foundational legal framework for the independent Serbian state and church.
When did the Serbian Orthodox Church become autocephalous?
The Serbian Orthodox Church gained autocephaly in 1219, largely through the diplomatic efforts of Saint Sava, who was then recognized as its first Archbishop by the Patriarchate in Nicaea.
Why is Saint Sava considered the patron saint of Serbian education?
Saint Sava's profound commitment to learning, his establishment of schools within monasteries, and his authorship of foundational texts like the Zakonopravilo (which included educational principles) led him to be revered as the patron saint of Serbian education.
Why was the Church of Saint Sava built on its current site in Belgrade?
The magnificent Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade stands on the precise spot where the Ottoman authorities burned his holy relics in 1594, during a Serbian uprising. This act of desecration backfired, making the site a powerful symbol of Serbian faith, martyrdom, and national defiance.