A woman of “firsts,” the woman known as Jelena Anjou or Helen of Anjou (her real name was most probably Heleni Angelina Nemanjić) was born during the early 13th century. Little is known about her life before her marriage to King Uros of Serbia, although it is guessed that she was born of royal ancestry herself. After King Uros abdicated the throne, St. Jelena, along with her two sons, proved to be a strong and capable leader for many years.
As queen, St. Jelena left a large mark on Serbia's history as the first in many ways: the first female ruler over the Serbian territory, the first diplomat, and the first founder of libraries and schools. She restored many churches and monasteries during her reign as queen.
An avid collector of books and transcriptions, St. Jelena is considered the creator of the first library. She was also known for taking in poor girls and widows, whom she cared for and taught how to read and write, which is considered the first model for a western-style school in Serbia.
At the end of her life, St. Jelena devoted herself completely to her faith, joining the monastic ranks under the new name Jelisaveta. Her body was buried in the monastery Gradac, in February 1314. She was canonized only three years after her death, and her feast day is celebrated on October 30/November 12, along with her sons.
Holy Mother Jelena Anjou, pray to God for us!
Thank you to @beautyfirst calendars for first alerting us to St. Jelena!