Archbishop
Blessed Eustathius was born in the Budimlian region of Serbia, the son of God-fearing parents. From a young age, he was captivated by reading Divine books and visiting temples. Fleeing from his parental home, he became a monk in the Monastery of Archangel Michael, where he was tonsured by the Most Reverend Neophytus. Wishing to venerate the Holy Sepulchre, he set out for Jerusalem with two monks, and then to the Holy Mountain, where he settled in the Hilandar Lavra. His virtues attracted attention and respect, and he was elected as the abbot of this lavra in 1263.
After the death of Archbishop Joannicius, the Serbian king Dragutin chose Eustathius for the Zeta see, despite his humility. In the rank of Archbishop of all Serbia, he attended the council where King Milutin confirmed the lands for the Hilandar Monastery. After seven years of governance, he was struck by a severe illness and peacefully passed away in 1279 in the Zhidcha Monastery, having partaken of the Holy Mysteries.
He was buried in a marble coffin, and soon miracles began to occur at his relics. King Uros Milutin, after consulting with Archbishop Jacob, opened the coffin, and the incorrupt body of the saint was displayed with great honor. The day of his repose is celebrated on January 4. Later, due to turmoil, his relics were transferred to the Patriarchal Monastery of Pec, where they still rest, emitting gracious healings.
The Serbian Church praises him as a saint who, from a young age, relied on God and became a model of virtue and assistance to those in need.
