Saint Dragutin Theoctistus of Serbia

A life of faith

Dragutin was the son of Stephen Urosh I and the brother of Milutin. The OCA account describes his abdication in favor of his brother and his withdrawal to Srem. There he pursued a secluded ascetic life and later received the monastic name Theoctistus. The same brief account remembers his efforts to bring Bogomils to Orthodox Christianity. It does not explain the methods or circumstances of those efforts. The limited source supports a reference entry, rather than a detailed personality assessment.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

A short account leaves much of a life unknown. Read Dragutin's change from royal rule to monastic life with attention to what the source actually records.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.