Stephen of Serbia

Saint Stephen of Serbia, called the Blind, of the Branković family, was a Serbian ruler of the fifteenth century, blinded by the sultan, who died in exile in Italy in the year 1468 and whose relics were found incorrupt.

He was the son of Despot George and Irene. He lived with his sister Mara at the court of Sultan Murad II, and he and his brother Gregory were blinded at Adrianople by the sultan, for an alleged offence. Being innocent, Stephen bore his affliction with courage. He became ruler of Serbia in 1458 but soon had to flee to Albania. He was a guest of Prince George Skanderbeg and was treated as a member of his family. There he met Saint Angelina (1 and 30 July, 10 December); the two fell in love and, with her parents' blessing, were married in church. After a few years they had two sons, George and John.

When the boys had grown, the Turks invaded Albania and began to slaughter men, women and children, so the family fled to Italy. Stephen died there in exile, in 1468. He was buried in Serbia, at Krushedol Monastery on Fruška Gora, founded by his son the monk Maxim. After eight years his relics were uncovered and found incorrupt and fragrant, and many miracles took place at his tomb. Saint Stephen is commemorated on 9 October and, together with Saints Angelina and John, on 10 December.

John, who was married but had no sons, died young, in 1503, and many miracles took place at his holy relics. Angelina outlived her husband and both her sons, entered a women's monastery and departed to the Lord in peace. Her body was buried in the same tomb as her sons, at Krushedol.