Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery and Seminary
The Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery and Seminary, established in 1923 by Bishop Saint Mardarije, serves as an Eastern Orthodox Christian theological school in Libertyville, Illinois. It has a complex history involving church schisms and political disputes, and it once provided refuge for Serbs during World War II. The monastery is also notable as the final resting place of Peter II of Yugoslavia before his remains were repatriated.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1923 by Bishop Saint Mardarije as a Serbian Orthodox school.
- ›Under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of New Gračanica and Midwestern America.
- ›Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- ›Served as an American refuge for Serbs during World War II.
- ›Was the burial site of Peter II of Yugoslavia from 1970 until 2013.
- ›Houses a seminary with a library of 8,000 titles.
Library of 8,000 Titles, Seminary Facilities
Srpski Pravoslavni Manastir Svetog Save
Bishop Saint Mardarije, Dionisije Milivojević, Patriarch German, Peter Ii of Yugoslavia
- Founding of the Monastery and Seminary
- Refuge For Serbs During World War Ii
- Church Schism Leading To Two Separate North American Churches
- Supreme Court Ruling In Serbian Orthodox Diocese V. Milivojevich
- Burial of Peter Ii of Yugoslavia
About Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery and Seminary
The Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery and Seminary is an Eastern Orthodox Christian institution located in Libertyville, Illinois. Founded in 1923 by Bishop Saint Mardarije, it was established as a professional school of theology, functioning under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of New Gračanica and Midwestern America.
History and Significance
The monastery holds historical significance beyond its religious and educational functions. During World War II, it served as an American refuge for Serbs. The institution was also at the center of a complex church schism in the mid-20th century, which led to the division of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North America and subsequent legal battles, including a notable ruling by the United States Supreme Court in Serbian Orthodox Diocese v. Milivojevich. Furthermore, the monastery was the final resting place for Peter II of Yugoslavia, the last king of Yugoslavia, who lived in exile there and was buried on its grounds from 1970 until his remains were repatriated to Serbia in 2013.
Educational Role
The Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Seminary, collocated with the monastery, provides a comprehensive theological education. The five-year program includes studies in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, canon law, philosophy, and other theological disciplines. The seminary's library is extensive, containing approximately 8,000 titles, and students also study Church Slavonic alongside Serbian.
The monastery is recognized for its historical importance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery and Seminary founded?
The monastery was founded in 1923 by Bishop Saint Mardarije. It was established as a Serbian Orthodox school with the aim of providing theological education.
What is the religious affiliation of the monastery?
The Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery and Seminary is an Eastern Orthodox Christian institution. It is under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of New Gračanica and Midwestern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Is the monastery historically significant?
Yes, the monastery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It played a role as a refuge for Serbs during World War II and was the burial site for the last Yugoslav king, Peter II.
What kind of education is offered at the seminary?
The Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Seminary offers a five-year program in theology. Students study a wide range of subjects including the Bible, church history, liturgy, canon law, and philosophy, with Church Slavonic also being a studied language.
What is the significance of Peter II of Yugoslavia's connection to the monastery?
Peter II of Yugoslavia, the last king of Yugoslavia, lived at the monastery after being exiled by communist authorities. His will stipulated that he wished to be buried there, and his remains were interred at the monastery from 1970 until their repatriation 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.