The Holy Martyr Lazar, Prince of Serbia

The Holy Nobleborn Prince of Serbia Lazar (Lazarus) lived during the XIV Century – at a time when the Turks, having conquered neighbouring lands, prepared an invasion of Serbia.

Saint Lazar was raised at the court of the holy king Dushan. He was appointed governor of one of the Serbian districts. In the year 1371 he was chosen king of all Serbia and he toiled much at strengthening the condition of the country. He pacified neighbouring princes, which had wronged or plundered Serbian settlements. And he was concerned for the Christian enlightenment of the nation, he built churches, supported the monasteries and charitable establishments. In 1380 the saint established the monastery at Rovanetz. Saint Lazar petitioned the Constantinople Patriarch for an agreement of recognition of the Archbishop of Serbia by the Patriarch. During the course of the 10years of his rule, Serbia was at peace.

Afterwards there began war with the Turks. At the time of the Kossovo Battle the wounded king was taken prisoner and on orders of Sultan Bayazet was beheaded with a sword on 15 June 1389. The body of the holy king Lazar was buried at a nearby church. In 1391 his undecayed relics were transferred to the Rovanetz monastery. The monastery was destroyed by the Turks in 1683, and the relics of king Lazar were transferred to the monastery of New Rovanetz on Mount Thruzh.

He was the founder of the Monastery of St Panteleimon on the Holy Mountain, as well as numerous other monasteries and churches.

From the Divine Liturgy celebrated today 6/28/2018

Troparion – Tone 3

Longing for the beauty of God’s glory, you were found pleasing to Him while yet in the flesh and by good deeds multiplied the talents entrusted to you. Having suffered greatly, even to the shedding of your blood, you received the crown of martyrdom from Christ. By your prayers, O Lazar, entreat Him to save us who sing to you.

Kontakion – Tone 8

Your flock glorifies you as a valiant champion of true piety and a glorious martyr, O most wise Lazar. Since you have boldness before Christ our God, entreat Him to grant peace to those who praise you, that we may cry: “Rejoice, O praise-worthy Lazar!”