Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: September 24

Born into the esteemed Nemanjić dynasty, Saint Stefan (the First-Crowned) was the middle son of Grand Zhupan Stefan Nemanja and Princess Anna. In 1196, his father abdicated the throne, passing the scepter of rule to Stefan in a grand assembly of lords and bishops. While his father and younger brother, Saint Sava, embraced monastic life at the newly established Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, Saint Stefan ruled Serbia with a deep sense of Christian accountability. He became known as a "First-Crowned" king who prioritized the protection of the oppressed, the feeding of the poor, and the defense of the Orthodox faith, fostering one of the most productive and peaceful eras in Serbian history.

Despite his successful reign, Saint Stefan faced a period of internal discord due to a power struggle with his brother, Vukan. This conflict was eventually resolved through the diplomatic intervention of their brother, Saint Sava, who returned from Mount Athos with the holy relics of their father, Saint Simeon. The presence of their father’s remains transformed their bitterness into brotherly love, restoring harmony to the Serbian state. This reconciliation paved the way for a historic partnership between Church and State; in 1220, Saint Sava formally crowned Stefan as the First Crowned King of Serbia at the Žiča Monastery, a landmark event that elevated the glory of Holy Orthodoxy throughout the region.

In his final days, Saint Stefan followed the spiritual path of his father and brother, receiving monastic tonsure from Saint Sava and taking the name Simon. He entered into eternal rest on September 24, 1224, and his incorrupt, miracle-working body was laid to rest at the Studenica Monastery. The enduring legacy of his sanctity reached as far as the United States in 1968, when particles of his relics were enshrined at Saint Stefan’s Cathedral in Alhambra, California. Today, he is venerated as both a sovereign architect of the Serbian nation and a humble monk who sought the Kingdom of Heaven above his earthly crown.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

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