The state order was awarded to nationals and foreigners for meritorious achievements in the field of religion, education, science and the arts as well as for social and relief work.

The Order of Saint Sava was established by Milan I of Serbia, four years after the country gained independence and its transformation from a principality into a kingdom in March 1882.

It was first awarded in January 1883 to recognised civilians for meritorious achievements benefitting the Church, the arts and sciences, the royal house, and the state.

In 1914, a change to the Order was made to allow soldiers of the Serbian Army who served with distinction to receive the honour, as well as to women for war merit and humanity[1] The Order of St. Sava was thereafter awarded by the kings of Serbia and its successor Yugoslavia until the abolition of the monarchy in 1945.

This order is dedicated to ecclesiastic and secular persons, who have special merits for the Serbian Orthodox Church.