St Sava's Day · Savindan

Culture of origin: Christian · Cultural

Holiday sources: Eastern Orthodox

Savindan honours Sava, born Rastko Nemanjić, a Serbian prince who became a monk on Mount Athos and in 1219 was consecrated the first archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Church. He is the patron saint of Serbia and of Serbian schools, and the day is a working holiday in Serbia. After Serbs in Banat rose up under his icon, Ottoman forces burnt his relics on the Vračar plateau in Belgrade on the orders of Koca Sinan Pasha, in 1594 or 1595. His day, 14 January Julian, is 27 January until 2100.