THE COMMEMORATION OF STEPHEN THE TALL

July 19

From the Prologue

Stephen was the son of the Serbian Prince Lazarus and Princess Militza. He was a protector of Christianity in the Balkans during most difficult times. He was the founder of the beautiful monumental monasteries of Manasija and Kalenich. After many labors and troubles he died on July 19, 1427 A.D.

HYMN OF PRAISE

THE HOLY AND VENERABLE DIUS

From early youth to extreme old age

The miracles of God's mercy, Dius counted,

God's mercy and God's justice.

Night and day, Dius directed his thoughts

In the divine light, in the divine paths,

Repelling passions and demons bitter.

What is a human being? As a murky water

That the image of the heavenly firmament does not accept.

Can the murky water transparent become,

That in it heaven can be mirrored?

It can, Dius claims, with the walk of the saints,

But, with the help of the Cross of Christ the Savior.

The Cross, in the heart place, in the midst of your being,

Affix to it your thought and God you will see

And the water murky cleared up will be,

And until now, miracles unseen you will see.