Elder Thaddeus (1914–2003), the beloved Orthodox Christian bishop and spiritual father of Serbia, is remembered as one of the greatest contemporary ascetics and spiritual guides of the 20th century.
His humble presence, deep spiritual wisdom, and extraordinary insight into the human soul changed the lives of thousands, drawing countless people to repentance, inner stillness, and the Orthodox Christian way of life.
Although not officially canonized, many consider him a saint — a bearer of divine grace whose words continue to shape Orthodox Christian spirituality.
Early Life and Monastic Calling
Elder Thaddeus was born as Tomislav Strabulović in 1914, in the village of Vitovnica, in central Serbia.
From a young age, he was deeply drawn to the life of prayer, often spending hours alone contemplating the presence of God. His early years were marked by illness and weakness, which led him to reflect on eternity and the vanity of the world.
At the age of 15, he entered the Monastery of Milkovo, where he was profoundly influenced by Russian monks who had fled the Bolshevik Revolution. These monks brought with them the rich spiritual tradition of Optina Monastery and the hesychastic teachings of the Philokalia.
Tomislav, now renamed Thaddeus, was tonsured a monk and later ordained as a hieromonk, dedicating his life to prayer, obedience, and spiritual guidance.
Spiritual Warfare and Inner Peace
Elder Thaddeus became widely known for his spiritual counsel and his deep teachings on inner peace. His most famous maxim, repeated often in his writings and homilies, was:
“Our thoughts determine our lives.”
He believed that peace begins in the heart, and that every external struggle — whether it be in relationships, sickness, or social unrest — begins first with thoughts.
According to the Elder, negative thoughts attract demonic energies, while peaceful, humble, and prayerful thoughts attract divine grace.
He taught that people must be vigilant over their inner world:
“You must learn to guard your thoughts, because once you let in thoughts of judgment, pride, or lust, the soul begins to fall into turmoil.”
His teachings echo the early Desert Fathers and Saints such as St. Isaac the Syrian, St. Silouan the Athonite, and St. Seraphim of Sarov.
Explore Elder Thaddeus’s spiritual guidance in his powerful and beloved books.
Life at the Monastery of Vitovnica
Elder Thaddeus spent much of his later life as abbot of the Monastery of Vitovnica.
Though he lived simply and avoided the spotlight, his reputation as a spiritual elder drew pilgrims from all over Serbia and beyond. People of all backgrounds — from atheists to clergy, from the brokenhearted to politicians — came to him seeking guidance.
He offered each person full attention and love, listening carefully and giving them tailored advice, often through short and simple phrases filled with grace. He had the gift of clairvoyance, and many testified that he would answer their questions before they even spoke.
“The Kingdom of God begins in your heart. If you have peace within, you will bring peace to those around you.”
Suffering, Humility, and Miracles
Despite his spiritual gifts, Elder Thaddeus lived a life filled with illness, weakness, and suffering. He viewed all suffering as a path toward humility and transformation. He never considered himself important or holy, often weeping in confession and reminding others of his unworthiness.
He experienced many miraculous events — physical healings, prophecies, and moments of divine insight — but he downplayed them, focusing always on repentance and love for Christ.
“Acquire inner peace, and a thousand around you will be saved.” (a teaching he often repeated from St. Seraphim of Sarov)
His Most Important Teachings
- Thoughts Shape Reality: According to Elder Thaddeus, the mind is the battlefield. We become what we think.
- Peace is Power: Inner peace is more powerful than argument or force. It disarms even enemies.
- Love Is Everything: Without love, Orthodox Christianity becomes a cold system. With love, it becomes Heaven.
- Forgiveness Is Freedom: We must forgive not only in word but also in heart and thought.
- Simplicity and Prayer: Prayer is not about long words, but about attention and sincerity. He urged people to pray the Jesus Prayer with the heart.
- The Presence of the Saints: He believed in the active, living communion of saints, as is the tradition of our Orthodox Faith, and encouraged people to pray to them as to true family.
Is Elder Thaddeus a Saint?
As of now, Elder Thaddeus has not been canonized by the Serbian Orthodox Church. However, he is widely venerated by the faithful, especially in Serbia and among Orthodox Christians abroad.
His relics rest at the Monastery of Vitovnica, and many have reported miracles through his intercession. His writings and sayings are circulated globally, and his book “Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives” has become a spiritual classic.
Though not officially glorified as a saint, the fragrance of holiness surrounds his life, and his spiritual legacy continues to inspire, correct, and comfort thousands.
Legacy and Transformation
Elder Thaddeus transformed the spiritual consciousness of his people through his emphasis on inner peace and love. In a time of war, economic instability, and spiritual confusion, he preached a message of calm rooted in the unchanging love of Christ.
He taught that changing the world starts by changing ourselves. If we repent, forgive, and pray with love, the grace of God will flow from our lives into society.
His legacy continues through his spiritual children, his books, and the living testimony of those who met him. He is remembered not for eloquence or great theological works, but for his quiet power — the power of one who lived what he preached.
“Do not be afraid of anything. Just live with love and prayer — and God will do the rest.”
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