Saint Lazar of Serbia

A life of faith

Lazar was a fourteenth-century Serbian prince. His OCA life remembers church building, support for monasteries and charitable establishments, and the foundation of Ravanica Monastery. It also records his petition to Constantinople concerning the dispute over the Serbian Church. During the Kosovo conflict in 1389 he was captured and killed. His commemoration on June 15 honors him as a martyr. He is distinct from Lazarus of Bethany and from monastic saints named Lazarus.

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

A reflection

Lazar supported communities that served beyond his own household. Reflect on a local charitable or church community whose daily work you could help sustain.

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.