Angelina of Serbia
Angelina Branković was a Serbian princess of Albanian origin, born into the Arianiti family. She married Stefan Branković, the exiled Serbian ruler, and later became a venerated saint in the Serbian Orthodox Church. She is remembered for her pious life and for writing a hagiography.
Key Facts
- ›Angelina was born around 1440 to Prince Gjergj Arianiti and Princess Maria Muzaka.
- ›She married exiled Serbian ruler Stefan Branković in 1460.
- ›The couple lived in Albania and later moved to Northern Italy and Carinthia.
- ›After her husband's death in 1476, she and her sons were invited to the Kingdom of Hungary.
- ›She retired to Krušedol Monastery in Syrmia, where she died in the early 16th century.
- ›Angelina is venerated as a saint by the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Venerable Mother Angelina, Prepodobna mati Angelina
About Angelina of Serbia
Angelina Branković
Angelina Branković (c. 1440–1520), born Angelina Arianiti, was a Serbian princess of Albanian descent and a significant figure within the Serbian Orthodox Church, where she is venerated as Venerable Mother Angelina.
Life and Historical Context
Born into the prominent Albanian Arianiti family, Angelina was the daughter of Prince Gjergj Arianiti, a notable military leader against the Ottoman Empire. Her mother was Princess Maria Muzaka. In 1460, she married Stefan Branković, an exiled Serbian ruler and son of the former Despot Đurađ Branković. Their marriage took place in Northern Albania, and they initially resided in Shkodër. The couple later relocated to Northern Italy, acquiring the castle of Belgrado in Friuli. Following Stefan's death in 1476, Angelina and her children moved to Carinthia in 1479. In 1485, at the invitation of the Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus, they moved to the Kingdom of Hungary, where her elder son, George, became the titular despot of the Serbian Despotate.
Sainthood and Legacy
Angelina belonged to the tradition of the Branković dynasty, known for their devotion to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. She is venerated as a saint by the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Her feast days are observed on July 1st and July 30th, and she is also commemorated on December 10th with her husband and son. Angelina is credited with writing a hagiography known as "The Hagiography of Mother Angelina." She retired to the Krušedol Monastery in the Fruška Gora mountain of Syrmia, which she founded. This monastery became a vital spiritual and cultural hub, and her relics are venerated there. Her pious life and devotional writings contribute to her enduring veneration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Angelina Branković?
Angelina Branković was a Serbian princess of Albanian origin who lived from approximately 1440 to 1520. She was the daughter of Prince Gjergj Arianiti and married Stefan Branković, the exiled Serbian ruler. She is venerated as a saint in the Serbian Orthodox Church.
What is Angelina Branković remembered for?
She is remembered for her pious life, her role as Despotess Consort of Serbia, and for founding the Krušedol Monastery. She is also recognized for writing a hagiography known as "The Hagiography of Mother Angelina."
When is Saint Angelina's feast day?
Saint Angelina is commemorated by the Serbian Orthodox Church on July 1st. She is also remembered on December 10th along with her husband and son.
Where did Angelina Branković live?
Angelina Branković lived in various locations throughout her life. She was born in Albania, lived in Shkodër, and later moved to Northern Italy and Carinthia. She spent her final years and died at the Krušedol Monastery in Syrmia.
What is the significance of Krušedol Monastery?
Angelina Branković retired to and founded the Krušedol Monastery in Syrmia. This monastery became an important spiritual and cultural center, and it is where her relics are venerated.
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