Serbian Patriarch Porfirije had a meeting with Hieromonks Justin and Niphon from the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra on Mount Athos. The monks presented the Patriarch with books on the life and legacy of the renowned Serbian medieval ruler, Despot Jovan Uglješa Mrnjavčević.
The meeting took place at the parish house of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade and was attended by Dr. Srđan Pirivatrić, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Byzantine Studies of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and Deacon Dr. Dragan Radić, a professor at the Orthodox Theological Faculty. The monks expressed their deep respect for Despot Uglješa, the ruler of the Serres region, who was the greatest benefactor of the Simonopetra Monastery after its founder, Saint Simon.
Patriarch Porfirije thanked the monks for their gifts and their dedication to preserving the memory of Despot Uglješa as a significant benefactor of Orthodox sacred sites. The monks assured the Patriarch that they would continue to remember the despot in their prayers and expressed hope for the construction of a church at the site of his martyrdom near the modern Greek-Bulgarian border. They also mentioned the possibility of discussions on his potential canonization in the future.
The meeting also highlighted Despot Uglješa’s contributions to Orthodoxy, such as building hospitals and restoring churches near Mount Athos. Uglješa notably reconstructed the Church of the Holy Unmercenaries near Vatopedi Monastery, adorned with exceptional frescoes, including a rare depiction of himself as the donor. He also played a key role in the establishment of Simonopetra Monastery, where he is honored as its second founder, with an annual memorial service held on September 26.
The discussion also touched on the recent liturgical commemoration of the Battle of Maritsa. Metropolitan Damaskinos of Didymoteicho, Orestiada, and Soufli led a Divine Liturgy and memorial service in Ormenio, Greece, on September 29, 2024, honoring Despot Uglješa, King Vukašin, and other Serbian warriors who perished defending Christian Europe against invaders. Plans are in progress, with support from Serbia’s Ministry of Culture, to construct a chapel and monument at the battle site.
Patriarch Porfirije has contributed a replica of the revered icon Our Lady of Refuge (Kataphygi) for the planned chapel. The original icon, commissioned by Uglješa’s widow, Jelena (later Nun Jefimija), is currently housed in Sofia’s National Museum of Icons.
Source and photo: Patriarchate of Serbia