Saint Sava Day (Savindan)
2029Saturday, January 27
Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, January 27, 2029
- Observed in
- Serbia
- Type
- Religious Holiday
What is Saint Sava Day (Savindan)?
Saint Sava Day (Savindan / Свети Сава) is celebrated on January 27th in Serbia and honors Saint Sava (1175-1236), the most beloved Serbian saint. He was the founder of the autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church, the first Serbian Archbishop, and is revered as the father of Serbian education and literacy. The day is especially important for schools, where it serves as the school patron saint day (školska slava).
When is Saint Sava Day (Savindan) 2029?
Saint Sava Day (Savindan) is on Saturday, January 27 in 2029. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.
History & Origin
Saint Sava was born Rastko Nemanjić, the youngest son of Serbian Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja. Despite being heir to the throne, young Rastko secretly fled to Mount Athos to become a monk, taking the monastic name Sava. His father eventually joined him there, and together they founded the Hilandar Monastery, which remains the spiritual center of Serbian Orthodoxy.
Sava returned to Serbia in 1208 and worked tirelessly to establish an independent Serbian church and promote education. In 1219, he was consecrated as the first Archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church. He founded schools, translated religious texts, wrote laws, and established the foundation of Serbian medieval culture.
He died in 1236 in Trnovo, Bulgaria. His relics were brought to Serbia but were burned by the Ottomans in 1594 on Vračar hill in Belgrade – the site of today's Temple of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
How It's Celebrated
Saint Sava Day is the school patron saint day (školska slava) in Serbia. All educational institutions, from kindergartens to universities, celebrate with special programs, performances, and ceremonies.
Students prepare cultural programs featuring poetry, songs, and theatrical performances honoring Saint Sava. Teachers award certificates and prizes to outstanding students. The day typically begins with the ceremonial cutting of the slavski kolač (celebration bread) and the blessing of wheat.
Many families named Sava or Savić celebrate their family slava on this day. Churches hold special liturgies, and wreaths are laid at Saint Sava monuments. In Belgrade, ceremonies are held at the Temple of Saint Sava.
Where It's Observed
Fun Facts
- The Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade, built on the site where his relics were burned, is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world
- Saint Sava founded Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, which has been a center of Serbian spirituality for over 800 years
- He is credited with writing the first Serbian constitution (Zakonopravilo or Nomocanon)
- Sava's father, Stefan Nemanja, also became a saint after following his son to monastic life as Saint Simeon
- The burning of Saint Sava's relics in 1594 by the Ottomans was intended to crush Serbian spirit but had the opposite effect
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Sava Day a public holiday?
Saint Sava Day is a commemorative day with work – it is celebrated, particularly in schools, but is not a non-working public holiday in Serbia.
Why is Saint Sava important for education?
Saint Sava founded schools, promoted literacy, translated religious and educational texts, and is considered the father of Serbian education. All Serbian schools celebrate him as their patron saint.
When is Saint Sava Day?
Saint Sava Day is celebrated on January 27th according to the Gregorian calendar (January 14th in the Julian calendar).
What happened to Saint Sava's relics?
His relics were burned by the Ottoman Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha in 1594 on Vračar hill in Belgrade. The Temple of Saint Sava now stands on this site.
Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip around Saint Sava Day (Savindan)? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.
