Nikanor Grujić facts for kids
Nikanor Grujić (Serbian Cyrillic: Никанор Грујић; December 12, 1810 – April 20, 1887) was an important Serbian leader, writer, and religious figure. He was a Serbian Orthodox bishop, a poet, and a translator. He also played a role in politics in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, serving as an advisor to the emperor and a member of parliament.
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Life Story of Nikanor Grujić
Early Life and Education
Nikanor Grujić was born Milutin Grujić on December 12, 1810. His birthplace was Lippó (Lipova), which was then part of the Austrian Empire. His father, Prokopije Grujić, was a priest.
Even when he was young, Milutin was known for being a great speaker and poet. He studied at schools in Lippó, Mohács, and Pečuj. Later, he went to a famous Serbian Orthodox Seminary in Sremski Karlovci to study theology. After finishing his studies, he became a monk and changed his name to Nikanor.
His Role in Serbian Vojvodina
In 1848, Nikanor Grujić played a very important part in a big meeting called the May Assembly in Sremski Karlovci. This meeting was about creating a special region for Serbs called Serbian Vojvodina. Nikanor gave a powerful speech, and after it, a leader named Stevan Šupljikac was chosen to be the vojvoda (leader) of Serbian Vojvodina.
Becoming a Bishop
After this, Nikanor Grujić became a high-ranking monk called an archimandrite at two monasteries: Kuveždin and Krušedol. In 1859, he managed the Eparchy of Upper Karlovac, which is a church district.
In 1861, Nikanor was officially made a bishop by Patriarch Josif Rajačić. A few years later, in 1864, he became the Serbian Orthodox Bishop of Pakrac.
Serving the Emperor
In 1872, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria chose Nikanor to be the temporary head of the Serbian Patriarchy. This role is called locum tenens patriarch. In the same year, the emperor also made him a special advisor, known as a Privy Councilor, giving him the title of "Excellency." In 1874, Grujić received a high honor, becoming a knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of Franz Joseph. After this, he finished his duty as the temporary head of the Serbian Patriarchy.
His Written Works
Nikanor Grujić was not just a religious leader; he was also a talented poet, writer, translator, and speaker. Some of his most famous books include:
- The Epic of Saint Sabbas (Sveti Sava) – a long poem.
- Objections of Nikanor Grujić – a book about language, specifically about Vuk Karadžić's translation of the New Testament.
- His own Autobiography, which tells the story of his life.
He was also a member of the Serbian Learned Society, which later became the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts. He was also an honorary member of Matica slovenská, a Slovak cultural organization.
Bishop Nikanor passed away on April 26, 1887, at his home in Pakrac. He was buried near the Serbian Orthodox Church in Gavrinica, at the Pakrac cemetery.
