Eustatius I of Pec

Our father among the saints Jevstatije (also Eustace or Eustatius) I of Pec (Serbian: Свети Јевстатије архиепископ српски) was the archbishop of Serbia from 1279 to 1286. His feast day is January 4 in the Julian Calendar.

Life

He was born into a noble family in Budimlje county. As a youth he joined the Holy Archangel Michael Monastery, which was the residence of the bishop of Zeta. In this monastery Eustace studied theology and canon law. He was tonsured and ordained by Bishop Neofit of Zeta. Seeking a more ascetic life, Eustace left the Holy Archangel Michael Monastery for Mount Athos. There he spent many years in Hilandar Monastery and was elected igumen in 1262. In 1265, Igumen Eustace was elected bishop of Zeta.

Eustace was elected archbishop of Serbia in June 1279 and ruled the Church of Serbia for seven years. He died on June 4, 1286. He was later glorified, leaving behind his incorrupt relics.

Succession box: Eustatius I of Pec
Preceded by: Neofit	Bishop of Zeta 1265-1279	Succeeded by: ?
Preceded by: St. Joanikije I	Archhbishop of Serbia 1279-1286	Succeeded by: St. Jakov

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