Serbian Orthodox Church, Belgrade

The Serbian Orthodox Church in Belgrade boasts a deeply rooted history that is pivotal to the spiritual and cultural identity of the Serbian people. This church's foundations trace back to the 13th century when it was established by Archbishop Saint Sava and subsequently recognized as an autocephalous church by Constantinople in 1219. This marked the beginning of its independent ecclesiastical authority.

The evolution of the Serbian Orthodox Church paralleled the expansion and enhanced status of the medieval Kingdom of Serbia. A significant milestone occurred when King Stefan Dušan was crowned tsar in the mid-14th century, elevating Serbia to an empire. In sync with this political rise, the Archbishopric of Peć, the church's headquarters, was elevated to a Patriarchate in 1346, reflecting the increased prestige and influence of the church.

During the 14th century, the Serbian Church reached its zenith in power and prestige, a period during which the Serbian Orthodox clergy held influential positions such as the title of Protos at Mount Athos, a prominent monastic community. However, the latter part of the century witnessed the onset of challenges, particularly with the rise of the Ottoman Empire.

The Ottoman conquest of Serbia in 1459 marked a significant shift. Although the empire incorporated Serbia as a province and promoted the conversion to Islam, a majority of Serbs remained steadfast in their Orthodox Christian faith. Despite the challenges and disruptions faced during the Ottoman period, the Serbian Orthodox Church persevered as a crucial institution for the Serbian people.

However, after the death of Patriarch Arsenios II in 1463, the church encountered a period of uncertainty due to the absence of a successor, reflecting the broader struggles of the Serbian Orthodox community during this era. Nevertheless, its enduring presence throughout these turbulent times underscores its resilience and lasting significance in Serbian history and identity.