The Russian Orthodox Church has officially added two saints canonized in Serbia to its church calendar, following a decision by the Holy Synod on March 12, 2026. The move strengthens liturgical ties between the Russian and Serbian Orthodox Churches and extends the veneration of the newly recognized saints across Russian Orthodox parishes worldwide.

The names added to the calendar are St. Nikodim Milaš, the Bishop of Dalmatia-Istria and a prominent Orthodox theologian, and Righteous Anna Jovanović, the mother of one of the most revered Balkan saints, St. Basil of Ostrog. According to the decision, the feast day of St. Nikodim will be observed on October 4, while Righteous Anna will be commemorated on May 13, matching the dates already established in the Serbian Orthodox Church.

St. Nikodim Milaš (1845–1915) was born in the city of Šibenik, located in present-day Croatia. He studied theology at the Kyiv Theological Academy and later became one of the most respected Orthodox scholars of canon law. His academic works were translated into multiple languages and widely used in theological schools across different countries.

At the turn of the 20th century, Bishop Nikodim led the Dalmatian diocese and worked to expand church education among Orthodox believers in the region. During World War I, he was arrested by Austro-Hungarian authorities on suspicion of maintaining ties with Russia and Serbia.

Righteous Anna Jovanović lived in the 17th century. After the death of her husband, she devoted her life to prayer and Christian service. She is best known as the mother of St. Basil of Ostrog, one of the most venerated saints in the Balkans. For many years, her burial place was believed to be lost, but it was rediscovered in 1936. In 2023, her relics were uncovered.

Both saints were canonized by the Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in May 2025. By adding them to its liturgical calendar, the Russian Orthodox Church has formally recognized their veneration, ensuring that their memory will now be honored in Russian Orthodox communities around the world.