Joanikije II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintJoanikije II Јоаникије II |
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Joanikije II, fresco from the Church of St. Demetrius
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| Archbishop of All Serbian and Maritime Lands | |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church |
Joanikije II (Serbian Cyrillic: Јоаникије II) was a very important leader in the Serbian Orthodox Church. He lived from about 1337 until 1354. First, he was the Serbian Archbishop from 1338 to 1346. Then, he became the very first Serbian Patriarch from 1346 until his death in 1354.
Before becoming a church leader, Joanikije worked as a logotet. This was like being a royal secretary or chief minister for the Serbian King. He was chosen as Archbishop on January 3, 1338. Later, on April 6, 1346, he was made Patriarch. This was a big step for the Serbian Church. It allowed him to crown King Stefan Uroš IV Dušan as Emperor. Joanikije also helped build new churches, even in the Holy Land. He passed away on September 3, 1354, which is now his special feast day. He was buried at the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć.
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Life of Joanikije II
Joanikije was born near Prizren, a key town in the old Serbian Kingdom. His family followed the Christian faith.
Working for the King
Before leading the church, Joanikije served King Stefan Uroš IV Dušan. He was the king's logotet, which meant he was a high-ranking official. He helped the king with important royal duties and paperwork.
Becoming Archbishop
The previous Archbishop, Danilo II, passed away in December 1337. Joanikije was then chosen to be the new Serbian Archbishop on January 3, 1338. He continued the important work of the church leaders before him. He also helped improve the Monastery of Peć. This monastery was the main center for the Archbishop. Joanikije added beautiful icons and frescoes to it.
The First Serbian Patriarch
King Dušan greatly expanded his kingdom into Greek lands during the 1340s. In 1346, the king brought together many church leaders. They decided that the Serbian Church should become independent. They also agreed to raise its status to a Patriarchate.
Joanikije was named the first Patriarch on April 6, 1346. This was a very important event. It meant Joanikije could officially crown King Stefan Uroš IV Dušan as Emperor. Other church leaders, like the Patriarch of Trnovo and the Archbishop of Ohrid, agreed to this change.
Building Churches
Joanikije II followed a tradition of building new churches. He helped construct several, including two special ones in the Holy Land. One was the Church of St. Elias on Mount Carmel. The other was the Church of St. Nicholas on Mount Tabor.
His Final Years
Joanikije II passed away on September 3, 1354. This date is now celebrated as his feast day by the church. He was buried in the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć, where he had done so much important work.
