Saint Sava of Serbia

By Priest Aleksandar Radunovic

Saint Sava, born as Rastko Nemanjić, saw the light of this world in the year 1174, in the cold month of January, in the capital of the Serbian state, Ras. His father, Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja, and his mother Ana were blessed with this child as a gift of God’s grace at a time when the Serbian people and state were at a crossroads of historical destiny.
Saint Sava fell asleep in the Lord on January 27, 1236 (according to the Julian calendar), in the Bulgarian city of Tarnovo. His repose was marked by the peace and gentleness of a saint who had wholly devoted his life to God and his people, leaving behind an indelible legacy of holiness, love, and wisdom.
In him was gathered every treasure of heavenly wisdom, for he was a man of peace, of prudent mind, and of a heart that burned for God. Saint Sava did not merely bear the divine light within himself but reflected it onto others, like a living mirror that radiates the glory of God. His ascetic struggle was not only for personal sanctification but also for uplifting his entire nation toward the Kingdom of Heaven.
Through his theology, Saint Sava revealed the truth that man is called to be deified, to unite with God through the grace that flows from the heart of the Church. In his life, we see the mystery of conciliarity, as he always united what was scattered, restored what was broken, and directed toward unity what was divided. His words were not ordinary but the words of one who bore the Holy Spirit, penetrating the depths of human souls, illuminating the darkness of sin, and raising fallen man.
When Saint Sava spoke of Christ, it seemed as though he did not speak the language of the earth but the language of angels. His theology was the fruit of vision, not human wisdom. He was a witness to the light, a witness to what the prophets saw through shadows and images, which was revealed in fullness in Christ. His teachings were not merely wise but carried a transformative power—the power of divine love, which makes all things new.
In founding monasteries such as Hilandar and restoring holy places throughout the Serbian land, Saint Sava saw not merely the building of stones but the building of spiritual homes in the hearts of people. He understood that the Church is a living organism, the mystical Body of Christ, in which all are united in love and truth. His pastoral care knew no boundaries, for he was not only a father to his people but also to the entire Orthodox world.
Saint Sava knew the secret of true peace, for his peace came from God. He was a peacemaker in the deepest sense of the word—one who brings peace where discord reigns, who connects heaven and earth in the harmony of love. His example shows us that peace is the fruit of true faith, a faith that transcends words and becomes reality through acts of love and mercy.
His relationship with others was imbued with divine love. Saint Sava understood that every person bears within them the image of God and is called to salvation. In him, there was no condemnation, only a desire to reclaim the lost brother, to lift up the fallen, to comfort the weeping. His prayers were like incense rising to heaven, a fragrant offering to the Lord, for they were pure, filled with love and devotion.
Even today, centuries after his repose, Saint Sava remains alive among us, for the light of his deeds cannot be extinguished. He calls us to follow his path, the path of love, humility, and dedication to Christ. Just as he found true life in Christ, so too can we, by following his example, find our way to eternity.
In every prayer offered to Saint Sava, in every act of love and mercy done in his name, he is present, encouraging us and interceding for us. He remains the eternal shepherd, spiritual father, and teacher whose voice still resonates beyond time and space, calling us to be the light of the world, the salt of the earth, and to find our true joy and fulfillment in Christ.

May we, through his prayers and example, all attain the ineffable light of God and become heirs of the Kingdom that shall never fade. For Saint Sava, our father and shepherd, stands before the Throne of God, praying for us and calling us to follow him on the path of holiness.
O Saint Sava, first shepherd and teacher of our people, you who found perfect peace in the divine light and became a pillar of truth and an example of holiness, hear our prayers in this hour.
Draw us closer to your zeal for God, your love for the Church, and your sacrificial service to others. Just as you led our people from the darkness of ignorance to the light of Christ, lead us now, in this time of trials, to return to the true way of Saint Sava that you planted in the hearts of our forefathers.
Enlighten our minds to clearly see the path of righteousness and truth. Strengthen our hearts to walk the way of salvation with humility and love, turning neither to the left nor the right. Unite us once again as your spiritual children, in the unity of faith, love, and hope.
Intercede for us before the Throne of God, that the Lord may deliver us from all sin and error, from every falsehood and division, and lead us on the path of repentance, peace, and gentleness. As you always loved and protected your people, do not cease to intercede for them even today, that through your prayers, we may return to the true faith, true love, and true worship.
Help us, Saint Sava, to renew the spirituality of Saint Sava in our families, homes, and communities. Teach us to be faithful children of the Church of Christ, to preserve the purity of faith and tradition, and to live as true Christians, relying on the Lord in all things.
O holy and most blessed teacher and shepherd, do not cease to guide us, do not abandon us in our weaknesses, but strengthen us through your prayers, that we may all together, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, attain eternal life and become heirs of the Heavenly Kingdom.
Amen.