Saint Stephen was the younger son of King Stephen Uroš I and the grandson of Saint Stephen the First-Crowned (commemorated on September 24). He ruled Serbia from 1275 to 1320. Stephen Milutin ascended the throne after his elder brother, Saint Dragutin, abdicated and transferred power to him following a brief reign.

As king, Saint Stephen Milutin courageously defended the Orthodox Serbs and other Orthodox peoples, both through his actions and his steadfast faith. Grateful for God’s blessings, he dedicated himself to building and restoring more than forty churches, along with numerous monasteries and hospices for travelers. He showed particular devotion to the monasteries on Mount Athos.

Even after the fall of the Serbian kingdom, these monasteries remained strongholds of national culture and Orthodox faith for the Serbian people. Saint Stephen Milutin reposed on October 29, 1320, and was buried in the Banjska Monastery. Two years later, his incorrupt relics were discovered.