Holy King Stefan Milutin of Serbia, His Brother Dragutin, and Their Mother Helen (14th Century) — October 30 / November 12 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 30 according to the Julian Calendar (November 12 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy King Stefan Milutin, Saint Dragutin, and Saint Helen.

Saint Stefan ascended the royal throne of Serbia in 1275 and wisely governed the country until 1320. The royal throne was handed over to Saint Stefan voluntarily by his elder brother Dragutin, who preferred the monastic life to royal service and labored in secret asceticism in a pit he had dug himself. Their holy mother Helen supported her holy sons — who stood at the summit of earthly glory and of spiritual ascent — with her prayers and motherly counsel.

Mother and sons, as their position allowed, labored much to bring the heretical Bogomils to the true faith. Saint Dragutin reposed on March 2, 1316.

The holy King Stefan Milutin courageously defended the Orthodox Serbs, by word and deed, against their many enemies. In thanksgiving to the all-merciful Lord he built more than forty churches, many monasteries, and shelters for the infirm. The blessed king cared especially for the monasteries of Mount Athos. Saint Stefan reposed on October 29, 1320, and two years later his incorrupt relics were uncovered.

Saint Helen, the pious mother of sons well-pleasing to the Lord, devoted herself to godly works after the death of her husband; before her death she was tonsured a nun, and on February 8, 1306, she peacefully committed her soul to the Lord.