Saint Stephen, the younger son of King Stephen Uroš I, ruled Serbia from 1275 to 1320. He received the throne from his brother Dragutin, who, having left worldly life, went into hermitage. Saint Stephen courageously defended the Orthodox Serbs and other like-minded nations from enemies, built more than 40 churches and numerous monasteries, caring for Orthodoxy. He passed away on October 29, 1320, and was buried in the Banjska Monastery, where his incorrupt relics were discovered two years later.
Saint Helena, the mother of the holy sons, after the death of her husband dedicated her life to pious deeds: she built houses for the poor and organized monasteries for those wishing to live in purity. She erected the Rečen Monastery and endowed it with lands. Before her death, she took monastic vows and departed to the Lord on February 8, 1306.
