ORTHODOXY WELCOMES A NEW SAINT AS HERZEGOVINA REJOICES

In a moment of great joy for Orthodox Christians in Herzegovina and beyond, the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church officially canonized Saint Ana, the mother of Saint Basil of Ostrog and Tvrdoš. The canonization was announced by Metropolitan Dimitrije following a Divine Liturgy held in the Monastery in Mrkonjići — the birthplace of Saint Basil — on his feast day, May 12.

Starting next year, May 13 will be commemorated in the Church calendar as the feast day of Saint Ana.

Metropolitan Dimitrije emphasized the deep spiritual significance of Saint Basil’s mother during his sermon in Mrkonjići, where thousands of faithful gathered — not only from Herzegovina but from across the Republic of Srpska and the surrounding region — to honor the beloved saint.

His Grace Bishop Maksim of Western America, who served the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy together with Metropolitan Dimitrije at the Monastery of Saint Basil, reflected on the roots of Saint Basil’s unwavering faith, noting that it was in this very place that he received the faith from his parents — a faith he later spread and nurtured among the people.

“People of all backgrounds and beliefs are drawn to the sacred relics and holy grave of Saint Basil,” said Bishop Maksim. “His spiritual power transcends ethnic and religious boundaries, inspiring multitudes even to this day.”

Two years ago, near Trebinje in Mrkonjići, the holy relics of Saint Ana — also known as Anastasia — were discovered, just days before the celebration of her son’s feast day.

This blessed discovery was received with deep reverence by the faithful.

Although little is historically known about the life of Ana Jovanović, her sanctity and role as a devout Christian mother are now formally recognized by the Church. She raised her only son, Stojan (the birth name of Saint Basil), in a humble home filled with faith, prayer, and love. Despite hardship and poverty, Ana nurtured a household grounded in virtue, turning it into a “small church” — a place where Christian values were lived out every day.

Born on December 28, 1610, Ana embodied the ideals of Christian motherhood: silent strength, deep prayer, tireless work, and unwavering faith. She taught her son the foundations of prayer and virtue, shaping him into a child admired not only in their home but throughout the entire Popovo Polje region.

Her maternal devotion and spiritual strength were such that young Stojan was known for his piety from an early age. Her life was a living testament to the words of the Apostle Paul: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Ana lived by these words daily, facing every hardship with grace and unshakable faith in the Lord.

With her canonization, Saint Ana now takes her place not only in the eternal book of life but also in the hearts of all who venerate her son, Saint Basil of Ostrog, praying for his intercession and now offering prayers to her as well.

Herzegovina stands proud, as the Orthodox world celebrates the recognition of a mother whose holiness helped shape one of its greatest saints.