Macarius (Sokolović) of Peć

Our father amoung the saints Makarije (Sokolović) (also Macarius; Свети Макарије Патријарх Српски) was Serbian Patriarch from 1557 to 1570/71. His feast is August 30,/September 12,together with patriarchs St. Kirilo and St. Nikon.

Early life

He was born in selo Sokolovići near Višegrad. Grand Vezir of Otomane Empire Mehmed-Paša Sokolović was his brother or first cоusin. Two of them, as a boys were sent to Mileševa Monastery, to learn for pristhood. Bajo, later Mehmed-Pasha was piced up in devshirma (tribute-in-blood).

Makarije stayed in Monastery. He later left Mileševa and gone for Mont Athos. He was later igumen of Hilandar Monastery. He was raised Archimandrite. He was consecrated few years before reestablishing of Serbian Patriarchate.

Patriarch

It is great question was he first Patriarch after reestablishing. In Pećko Skazanije is written that befor him was Patriarch Nikanor (1550-1557). In other sorces is written that Sultan Suleiyman the Magnificent aproved reestablishing of Peć Patriarchate.

Makarije's oficiall title was: Archbishop of Peć and Patriarch of Serbs and Bulgarians. This Bulgarians was from the fact that some dioceses in Bulgharia became parts of Peć Patriarchate.

This was done, ceartenly, with help of Mehmed. Patriarch Makarije reorganised Serbian Church, established new Dioceses, rebuilt a lot of Monasteries. Turkish Governmant, wich lead his brother, recognised him as etnarch, mylet-pasha, leader of Serbian Nation.

Church courts had almost full judical power on Christians , symilar as theese in Ecumenicl Patrirchate. During his tenure ten new dioceses were created, and several importnant monasteries were rebuilt. Most importnant of them was Banja Monastery. Makarije opened numerous schools in Monasteries. When he came in ages he selected his nephew Metropolitan Antonije of Herzegovina as his successor 1570/1. Synod on its session in Banja Monastery aproved this decision.

Saint Makarije died in Septemer 1574. Soon after death he was glorified. Very right reverend professor Radoslav Grujić sad that St. Makarije was most importnant among primates of Church of Serbia after Saint Sava.

Succession box: Macarius (Sokolović) of Peć
Preceded by: Nikanor(disputed)	Patriarch of Serbia 1557-1570/71	Succeeded by: Antonije

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