Saint Stephen Stiljanovic of Serbia

Stephen Stiljanovic was a Serbian ruler and military commander of the early sixteenth century, remembered as a defender of his people during the repeated Ottoman invasions that devastated Serbian lands. Born into a Christian family and raised in the region of Zhupa, south of Zahumlje, he served in the army of the Serbian ruler and is recorded as a righteous and patriotic protector of those under his charge. The accounts of his life emphasize a combination of public responsibility and ascetic discipline, attributing to him charity, purity, prayer, and a steadfast adherence to the Orthodox faith.

Later Serbian tradition styles him Despot Stefan Stiljanovic, though sources note that he never formally held the despotic office; the designation reflects his standing as one of the last prominent Serbian nobles of the period of Ottoman subjugation. He is venerated by the Serbian Orthodox Church and commemorated on October 4 (October 17 on the civil calendar).