Eustathius, Archbishop of Serbia

Life

Eustathius was born in the district of Budimlje of God-fearing parents. As a young man he took monastic vows in Zeta, then passed to a higher ascetic struggle in Hilandar. In time he became the igumen of Hilandar. And as igumen he was elected Bishop of Zeta, and after a certain time also Archbishop of Serbia. He was a man of high virtue and governed the flock of Christ with zeal and love. He reposed peacefully in the year 1279 in old age, crying out before death: "Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." His relics rest beneath the floor in the church of the Patriarchate of Peć.