Serbian Patriarch Porfirije met with Hieromonks Justin and Niphon from the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra on Mount Athos. During their visit, the monks presented the Patriarch with books on the life and legacy of the renowned Serbian medieval ruler, Despot Jovan Uglješa Mrnjavčević.
The meeting, held at the parish house of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade, was also 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 expressed gratitude to the monks for their gifts and their efforts to preserve the memory of Despot Uglješa as a significant benefactor of Orthodox sacred sites. The monks assured the Patriarch that they would continue to commemorate the despot in their prayers, expressing hope that a church would be built at the site of his martyrdom near the modern Greek-Bulgarian border. They also suggested that discussions might eventually begin on his potential canonization.
The meeting also highlighted Despot Uglješa’s enduring contributions to Orthodoxy, including the construction of hospitals and the restoration of churches near Mount Athos. Notably, Uglješa rebuilt the Church of the Holy Unmercenaries near Vatopedi Monastery, decorating it with exceptional frescoes, including a rare depiction of himself as the donor. Additionally, he was instrumental in the complete construction of Simonopetra Monastery, where he is honored as its second founder, and where a memorial service is held annually on September 26.
The discussion also reflected on the recent liturgical commemoration of the Battle of Maritsa. On September 29, 2024, Metropolitan Damaskinos of Didymoteicho, Orestiada, and Soufli officiated a Divine Liturgy and memorial service in Ormenio, Greece, honoring Despot Uglješa, King Vukašin, and other Serbian warriors who died defending Christian Europe against invading forces. Plans are underway, with support from Serbia’s Ministry of Culture, to erect a chapel and monument at the battle site.
Patriarch Porfirije has already 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 housed today in Sofia’s National Museum of Icons.
Source and photo: Patriarchate of Serbia
