Saint
King Stephen of Serbia
Holy King Stephen of Serbia
New Calendar September 24 Old Calendar October 7
Why they are a saint
Holy King Stephen of Serbia was the first ruler of Serbia to be crowned as king. His father was Saint Stephen Nemanya (February 13). King Stephen died in 1224, accepting monastic tonsure with the name Simeon before his death. Venerated as a right-believing ruler, honored for a holy life lived in a position of power.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take King Stephen of Serbia as a patron when they bear the name King at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on September 24. As a ruler, he is also remembered by those who bear responsibility for others.
Prayer
O holy King Stephen of Serbia, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.