Saint Justin of Serbia (Popović)

Saint Justin of Serbia (1894–1979), known as Father Justin Popović, was a Serbian Orthodox monk, theologian, and spiritual father who is widely regarded as one of the greatest Orthodox theologians of the 20th century. Born in Serbia, he studied in Oxford, Athens, and St. Petersburg before returning to his homeland to teach theology and live the monastic life.

Saint Justin was a passionate defender of Orthodox theology against the errors of modernism, ecumenism, and secular humanism. His monumental three-volume Dogmatics of the Orthodox Church and his multi-volume Lives of the Saints remain foundational works of Serbian Orthodox theology and hagiography. He also wrote deeply moving commentaries on the Gospels and Epistles, marked by a burning love for Christ and the Church.

Despite his great learning, Saint Justin lived as a humble monk at the Ćelije Monastery near Valjevo, where he was effectively kept under house arrest by the Communist Yugoslav government for much of his life. He reposed on April 7, 1979, and was glorified as a saint by the Serbian Orthodox Church in 2010. His feast day is April 7. Browse our handcrafted Orthodox icons and devotional items honoring Saint Justin of Serbia, made in our Ohio workshop using traditional Byzantine embroidery techniques.