Ana-Neda was a Bulgarian empress consort and the daughter of the Serbian King Stefan Milutin. Born in the Kingdom of Serbia around 1290, she married Michael Asen III, the Despot of Vidin, who later became the Emperor of Bulgaria. Following her husband's death in 1330, she likely exercised significant political influence while her son, Ivan Stephen, held the Bulgarian throne. After being deposed, she sought refuge in various locations, including Dubrovnik, before eventually returning to the Serbian lands where she lived her final years.
Life and family
As a member of the Nemanjić dynasty, Ana-Neda was closely linked to several European royal houses. Her marriage to Michael Asen III produced at least four sons, including Ivan Stephen and Lodovico. After her husband's death at the Battle of Velbazhd, she and her children faced political instability, eventually fleeing to Serbia and later seeking support from relatives in Naples. Some historical accounts suggest she may have converted to Catholicism during her time in exile.
Veneration
In her later years, she may have entered a monastery under the name Jelena. She is recognized as a saint in the Serbian Orthodox Church, where she is honored as Saint Jelena of Dečani. Her feast day is observed on June 3. She is interred at the Visoki Dečani monastery, the site where she passed away around 1400.