Saint Sava Monastery
The Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery and Seminary in Libertyville, Illinois, was established in 1923 by Bishop Saint Mardarije as a theological school. It played a role as a refuge for Serbs during World War II and experienced a significant schism within the Serbian Orthodox Church in North America. The monastery also served as the final residence for Peter II of Yugoslavia, the last Yugoslav king, before his remains were repatriated to Serbia.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1923 by Bishop Saint Mardarije.
- ›Serves as a professional school of theology, the Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Seminary.
- ›Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- ›Provided refuge for Serbs during World War II.
- ›Former residence of Peter II of Yugoslavia, the last Yugoslav king.
Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Seminary, Library of 8,000 Titles
Srpski Pravoslavni Manastir Svetog Save
Saint Mardarije, Dionisije Milivojević, Patriarch German, Peter Ii of Yugoslavia
- Served As An American Refuge For Serbs During World War Ii
- Experienced A Schism Within the Serbian Orthodox Church In North America
About Saint Sava Monastery
The Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery and Seminary is an Eastern Orthodox Christian institution located in Libertyville, Illinois. It functions as both a monastery and a professional school of theology, operating under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of New Gračanica and Midwestern America.
History and Significance
The monastery was founded in 1923 by Bishop Saint Mardarije, initially as a Serbian Orthodox school. During the tumultuous period of World War II, it provided a crucial refuge for Serbs in America. The institution became entangled in significant ecclesiastical disputes, notably a schism that divided the Serbian Orthodox Church in North America, leading to prolonged legal battles that even reached the Supreme Court of the United States.
A notable historical figure associated with the monastery is Peter II of Yugoslavia, the last king of Yugoslavia. Exiled by communist authorities, he resided at the monastery and, by his will, was buried there. His funeral in 1970 was attended by over 10,000 people, and his remains remained at the monastery until their repatriation to Serbia in 2013.
Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Seminary
The associated Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Seminary is a vital component of the monastery, housing a library of 8,000 titles. The seminary offers a comprehensive five-year program of study, encompassing biblical studies, church history, liturgy, canon law, philosophy, and various other theological and academic disciplines. Students also engage with Church Slavonic alongside Serbian.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Saint Sava Monastery founded?
Saint Sava Monastery was founded in 1923 by Bishop Saint Mardarije. It was established as a Serbian Orthodox school.
What is the significance of Saint Sava Monastery?
The monastery is significant as a theological seminary and a historical refuge for Serbs during World War II. It was also the place where the last Yugoslav king, Peter II, lived in exile.
What is the Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Seminary?
The Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Seminary is a collocated facility with the monastery that provides theological education. It offers a five-year program covering various religious and historical subjects.
Has the monastery been involved in any significant historical events?
Yes, the monastery became an American refuge for Serbs during World War II. It was also at the center of a significant schism within the Serbian Orthodox Church in North America, leading to legal disputes that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
Who was Peter II of Yugoslavia and why is he associated with the monastery?
Peter II was the last Yugoslav king who lived in exile at the monastery after being forced out by communist authorities. His will stipulated that he wished to be buried there, and he remained until his remains were moved to Serbia in 2013.
Related Monasteries
Monastery of Saint Herman of Alaska
The Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox Christian monastery located in Platina, California, under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America. Founded in 1968 by Seraphim Rose and Herman Podmoshensky, it is known for its monastics' ascetic lives and its significant role in publishing Orthodox Christian literature in English. The monastery also publishes a bimonthly periodical, "The Orthodox Word," and an annual church calendar through its publishing house, Saint Herman Press.
Monastery of Saint Sava
The Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery and Seminary in Libertyville, Illinois, was established in 1923 by Bishop Saint Mardarije as an educational institution for Serbian Orthodox theology. It later served as a refuge for Serbs during World War II and became a focal point for a significant schism within the Serbian Orthodox Church in North America. The monastery is also known as the final resting place, until 2013, of Peter II of Yugoslavia, the last king of Yugoslavia.
New Gračanica Monastery
New Gračanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery, located in Third Lake, Illinois, is a significant center for the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of New Gračanica and Midwestern America. Consecrated in 1984, it is an architectural replica of the original Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo, albeit on a larger scale. The monastery is known for its richly decorated interior, featuring extensive frescoes by artist Fr. Theodore Jurewicz.