Saint Angelina was the daughter of the famous Albanian hero George Skenderbeg (1414-1467). She married St. Steven, the Serbian ruler who inherited the title of Despot from his father Prince George Brankovich. At that time Serbia had already been conquered by the Turks, so St. Angelina and St. Stephen had to bear many adversities and even humiliating exile to Italy. Among all tribulations the holy couple brought up their two sons, Maxim and John, in a truly Christian and ascetic spirit: St. Maxim became a bishop and St. John was the last ruler of Serbia (from 1493) prior to a long period of enslavement of the country.
Becoming a nun on her husband’s death, she devoted herself to prayer and works of charity. She was especially well known for her taking care of Serbian and Russian churches and monasteries. When she saw she could no longer support all the monasteries, she sent a message to the Great Prince Basil III of Moscow with a touching request: "Our country is declining these days, and yours is rising. Do take upon your shoulders the responsibility and care for our holy churches and monasteries built by your and our faithful ancestors." Prince Basil’s donation was used to build the Krusedol monastery. She reposed at the beginning of the 16th century and it was in that monastery that her imperishable relics were buried together with those of her spouse, St. Stephan, and of her two sons, the archbishop St. Maxim and Prince St. John. Their names are associated with protection of Serbia from heathen invaders. In the years of Serbia’s subjugation to Turkey, Serbian people prayed to them for liberation of the country from the conquerors. Even non-Christians received healing from their relics and marveled at the greatness of the Christian faith.
Saint Angelina along with St. Militza is the most loved and revered saint in Serbia. People call her "maika" (mother) Angelina.
Source: http://www.fatheralexander.org
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