Saint Mardarije of Libertyville Icon - S409

Saint Mardarije of Libertyville was the first bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the New World. He was born Ivan Uskokovich on November 2, 1889, in Kornet, Montenegro, to pious parents. Baptized in the local church of Saint George, young Ivan showed an early desire to serve God and pursued a theological education.

While in Belgrade, he entered the Studenica Monastery, where he was tonsured a monk and given the name Mardarije. Recognizing his dedication, the Serbian Orthodox Church sent him to Russia for additional theological studies, where he spent 12 years deepening his faith and knowledge. Afterward, the Russian Orthodox Church sent him to the United States to organize the Serbian Orthodox Church.

In 1923, Archimandrite Mardarije became administrator of the Chicago-based Serbian American-Canadian Diocese. That same year, he purchased land in Libertyville, Illinois, where the Saint Sava Monastery would later be established. He was elected as the first bishop of the diocese in 1925.

Bishop Mardarije worked tirelessly to build churches, establish the Saint Sava Monastery, and spread the Gospel throughout his diocese. Despite worldly challenges, he lived a life of grace and unwavering devotion to Christ. After over nine years of episcopal service, he reposed peacefully on December 12, 1935, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, while writing his final Nativity Encyclical. He was buried at Saint Sava Monastery in Libertyville.

In 2015, Saint Mardarije was glorified by the Serbian Orthodox Church. His feast is celebrated on December 12.