Orthodox Heritage
Holy Prince Lazar of Serbia
Prince-Martyr of Kosovo (c. 1329-1389)
Life & Legacy
Holy Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović was born around 1329 into a noble Serbian family. He rose to become Prince of Serbia during one of the most critical periods in the nation's history, when the powerful Ottoman Empire was advancing into the Balkans, threatening the very existence of Christian Europe.
Lazar was known for his piety, justice, and devotion to the Church. He built numerous monasteries and churches, including the magnificent Ravanica Monastery, where his relics now rest. He ruled with wisdom and compassion, always seeking peace but never compromising his faith or the freedom of his people.
In 1389, on the feast of Vidovdan (St. Vitus Day), June 28, the Serbian army under Prince Lazar faced the invading Ottoman forces on the Kosovo Field (Kosovo Polje). According to sacred tradition, on the eve of battle, an angel appeared to Prince Lazar in the form of the Prophet Elijah, offering him a choice: victory in battle and an earthly kingdom, or defeat and martyrdom leading to the heavenly kingdom.
Prince Lazar chose the heavenly kingdom, declaring: "It is better to die in battle than to live in shame. It is better to accept death from the sword than to extend our necks to the enemy." This profound spiritual decision transformed a military battle into a cosmic struggle between temporal power and eternal truth.
The Battle of Kosovo on June 28, 1389, became the defining moment of Serbian history. Though the battle ended ambiguously militarily—both Prince Lazar and the Ottoman Sultan Murad were killed—spiritually it was a complete victory. Prince Lazar died with a prayer on his lips, surrounded by his faithful knights, having chosen Christ over compromise.
His body was recovered and buried at his monastery of Ravanica. His relics have been a source of spiritual strength to the Serbian people through centuries of trial and into the present day.
During times of conflict, the relics were moved for safekeeping. Today they rest at Ravanica Monastery, where pilgrims venerate them annually, especially on Vidovdan.
Troparion
By choosing the Kingdom of Heaven over an earthly kingdom, O righteous Lazar, you followed Christ the Savior, and with your warriors, you drank from His cup. Therefore, with the choirs of angels and the company of martyrs, you rejoice forever in the presence of God. Pray for our souls. (Tone 6)
Kontakion
Having armed yourself with faith as with a breastplate, and having taken up the Cross as an invincible weapon, O glorious Lazar, you destroyed the enemy's pride. Together with the holy martyrs, you have received from Christ God a crown of immortality.
Theological & Pastoral Significance
The sacrifice of Prince Lazar and the Battle of Kosovo are central to Serbian Orthodox identity and spirituality. Vidovdan (June 28) is not merely a historical commemoration but a spiritual reality lived by every generation of Serbian Orthodox faithful. The choice between the earthly and heavenly kingdom presents itself in every age, and Prince Lazar's example teaches that loyalty to Christ is worth any earthly sacrifice. His relics remain a living witness of his holy life. Serbian churches worldwide celebrate Vidovdan with special services, commemorating the "Kosovo martyrs" and praying for strength to make the same choice in their own lives.
Authoritative Sources
- ✦ Saint Nikolai Velimirovich, The Prologue from Ochrid, Vol. 3
- ✦ The Serbian Patericon (compiled from medieval sources)
- ✦ Thomas Emmert, Serbian Golgotha: Kosovo 1389 (East European Monographs, 1990)
- ✦ Bishop Nikolaj Velimirović, Prayers by the Lake, Reflection on Kosovo
- ✦ Orthodox Church in America, Lives of the Saints
- ✦ Mateja Nenadovic, The Kosovo Chronicles (18th century account)
"Pray for us, Holy Prince Lazar of Serbia, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ."
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