Saint Eustathius of Serbia lived during the second half of the thirteenth century, in the reign of the pious Serbian ruler Stefan Uroš II Milutin. He was born in the region of Vonitsa to devout parents. From his early childhood, he longed for God and devoted himself to the study of the Holy Scripture. As he reached adulthood, he decided to leave his family home and embrace the monastic life. He received the monastic tonsure at the Monastery of the Archangel Michael in the region of Zeta. There he began his ascetic struggles, founded upon the strict observance of the principles and rules of faith.
The saint later visited Jerusalem and venerated the Holy Sepulchre. Afterwards, he traveled to Mount Athos, where he settled in the Serbian Hilandar Monastery and became a model of asceticism. In time, he was elected abbot. Later, he also became bishop in the region of Zeta. As archbishop, he cared for the well-being of the Serbian Church, supporting the churches of poor parishes.
After seven years of service, he became gravely ill. He awaited his repose with patience and joy. Surrounded by his spiritual children, he continued to teach and exhort the people not to grieve, but rather to glorify the Lord.
He reposed while offering his prayers to God. He was buried in the Church of the Savior in Žiča. After his burial, many miracles began to occur. His relics were later found to be incorrupt.
