Orthodox Saint

Orthodox Saint
Question from Howard on 5/2/2008:

Dear Fr. Levis,

I have an icon of Prince Lazar of Kosovo, who has been venerated as a saint in the Orthodox Church since his death in 1389.

The legend regarding Prince Lazar can be found at orthodoxwiki.org: "Lazar, having been visited by an angel of God on the night before the battle, was offered a choice between an earthly or a Heavenly kingdom. This choice would result in a victory or defeat, respectively, at the coming Battle of Kosovo. Lazar, naturally, opted for the Heavenly kingdom, which will last 'forever and ever' ('Perishable is earthly kingdom, but forever and ever is Kingdom of Heaven!' - Serbian: 'Земаљско је за малена царство, а Небеско увијек и довијека!'). As a result, he perished on the battlefield. 'We die with Christ, to live forever,' he told his soldiers. Soon after death Lazar was canonized."

I suspect that the "angel" was an emissary from the Turkish sultan offering Lazar the opportunity to retain his kingdom and rule as a vassal if he converted to Islam. The the meaning of the choice would be the same.

My question is, Would it be wrong for me to venerate this man and the icon?

Thanks!
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 5/3/2008:

Howard, Obviously we Romans are ignorant of this Prince and his life of virtue. I am sure a private and personal devotion is legitimate but probably not public devotion. Fr.Bob Levis