Several major figures are represented in the history of Serbian Orthodoxy. One of them, known as Saint Sava, is well-known as a humanitarian and one of the most inspiring people whose work we still appreciate, respect and look up to. He was born in 1175 with the title of prince, but decided to follow his beliefs later in life, so he went to the Holy mountain in Greece where he became a monk. There, he changed the name from Rastko Nemanjic to Sava. During his time in the Mount Athos he was dedicated to prayer and learning. Afterwards, he decided to go back to Serbia, where he made major contributions to church, education and medical field. Those acts of kindness are remembered through the country's history.

Saint Sava has an enormous impact on the religion and culture of the nation. His views and stories have been shaping people for centuries. Another aspect that connects him strongly with his country is the contribution to medicine and scientific field. Since he was a believer of books and knowledge, he encouraged other people to follow that path. Therefore, he transformed the way that was originally used for treating patients to scientific methods that were used worldwide. To be able to leave behind the healing methods such as sparrows and magic rituals he translated the books and educated the monks so that they could help sick and poor in the difficult times. Because of him monasteries started being used as hospitals, where sick people could get proper care and support. Moreover, he encouraged prayer, and there are stories that mention how Saint Sava healed individuals by introducing them to prayer and praying with them.

Lastly, Saint Sava was not only a well-educated man, but he was someone who enjoyed traveling and had the privilege of knowing influential people. He used that to bring medications and books from different parts of the world and make the significant improvement in the medical field. The power that he had was using all the available resources for the benefit of many people. His goal was to create an awareness amongst others about important things and lessons in life, to encourage people to grow and develop, and to help them heal when they get sick. Not only that he achieved his goal, but he created a long-lasted impact with the tremendous efforts to encourage humanity and bring the best out of people. The lessons that come from stories and myths about him are the foundational lessons about life and humanity that we should always think about, and especially in times of brokenness. Those lessons give us hope for better tomorrow, and they help us heal in the times of disease.

- prepared by Ana Pajic