Saint Eustathius lived in the second half of the thirteenth century, during the days of the pious Serbian King Stefan Uroš II Milutin. He was born in the Budimlja region to pious parents. From early childhood, he aspired to God, studied the holy scriptures, and upon reaching maturity, decided to leave his parental home and become a monk. He took monastic vows in the monastery of Archangel Michael in the Zeta region and began a life of asceticism, distinguished by strict adherence to monastic vows.
Eustathius visited the holy city of Jerusalem, where he venerated the Holy Sepulchre and the relics. He then went to the Holy Mountain Athos, settled in the Serbian Hilandar Monastery, and became a renowned ascetic. Later, he was elected as the abbot of the monastery and then ordained as the bishop of the Zeta Diocese. As archbishop, he cared for the welfare of the Serbian Church, generously providing resources for the needs of poor churches.
After seven years of service, Saint Eustathius fell ill and awaited his death with joy. Surrounded by his spiritual children, he urged them not to grieve but to glorify the Lord. He died, offering prayers to God, and was buried in the Church of the Savior in Žiča. After his burial, miracles began to occur at his tomb, including healings. His relics were soon found to be incorrupt and were transferred to Peć, where they remain to this day.
