Arsenije III Crnojević
Serbian Patriarch (1674–1706)
- Bearer
- Patriarch Arsenije III Crnojević
- Office
- Archbishop of Peć and Serbian Patriarch
- Period
- 1674–1706.
The personal insignia of Patriarch Arsenije III Crnojević, who in 1690 led the Great Migration of the Serbs into the Habsburg Monarchy and there laid the foundations of ecclesiastical and national self-government. The insignia combine the Serbian double-headed eagle, a lion and episcopal insignia, but have no shield, which is a departure from the rules of heraldry.
Blazon
Without a shield: a gold double-headed eagle with wings displayed, with red tongues, on whose breast is a silver oval with a small red shield and a silver cross; beneath the eagle a gold lion passant, with a red tongue, between two green branches crossed at the base.
Above the eagle a gold crown with a red cap, adorned with pearls, with a cross on top.
Behind the eagle a crossed cross (dexter) and a bishop's staff with serpents' heads (sinister).
Symbolism and meaning
The double-headed eagle expresses continuity with the Nemanjić state and church tradition, which the Patriarchate of Peć preserved under Ottoman rule. The crown, cross and staff denote patriarchal dignity, and the lion strength and the protection of the flock.
