Jevstatije I was a prominent Eastern Orthodox prelate who served as the sixth Serbian archbishop from 1279 until his death in 1286. Originally from the Budimlje region near Berane, he entered monastic life in Zeta and eventually rose to lead the Hilandar monastery as its abbot. Before ascending to the archbishopric, he held the position of the fourth Bishop of Zeta, establishing a significant ecclesiastical career within the Serbian Church.
Ecclesiastical career
After taking monastic vows in Zeta, Jevstatije served as the abbot of the Hilandar monastery. His leadership roles continued as he became the fourth Bishop of Zeta. He was later appointed as the sixth Serbian archbishop in 1279. His tenure concluded with his passing on January 4, 1286, after years of service to the Orthodox faith.
Veneration and memory
The Serbian Orthodox Church commemorates him as a saint, with feast days observed on January 4 according to the Julian calendar and January 17 according to the Gregorian calendar. He is buried in the Peć Monastery, though his relics were previously relocated from the ruined Žiča monastery. His life was recorded in a hagiography composed by Danilo II.