St. Lazar of Serbia
Prince Lazar Hrebeljanovic (c. 1329-1389) rose to rule the strongest of the Serbian principalities after the collapse of Tsar Dushan's empire, healed the schism between the Serbian Church and Constantinople, and endowed many churches and monasteries, including Ravanica and the Lazarica, while restoring Hilandar and Gornjak.
On June 15, 1389, he led the Christian army against Sultan Murad I at Kosovo Polje, the Field of Blackbirds, where he was captured and beheaded. Glorified as a great-martyr soon after his death, his incorrupt relics were translated to his monastery of Ravanica, where they remain a center of Serbian devotion.
It is better to die in battle than to live in shame. Better it is for us to accept death from the sword in battle than to offer our shoulders to the enemy.
We have lived a long time for the world; in the end we seek to accept the martyr's struggle and to live forever in heaven.
We call ourselves Christian soldiers, martyrs for godliness to be recorded in the Book of Life.
Troparion · Tone 3
Longing for the beauty of God's glory, you were found pleasing to Him while yet in the flesh, and by good deeds multiplied the talents entrusted to you. Having suffered greatly, even to the shedding of your blood, you received the crown of martyrdom from Christ. By your prayers, O Lazar, entreat Him to save us who sing to you.
Kontakion · Tone 8
Your flock glorifies you as a valiant champion of true piety and a glorious martyr, O most wise Lazar. Since you have boldness before Christ our God, entreat Him to grant peace to those who praise you, that we may cry: Rejoice, O praise-worthy Lazar!
Saints around June 15
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