History

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History of the House of Todorović

The House of Todorović is a Serbian noble House that originates from the ancient House of Mladenović, founded in the 13th century by Duke Mladen († 1326), a prominent medieval nobleman.

From this lineage emerged several historically significant noble branches, among which the Branković Dynasty, one of the most renowned ruling families of medieval Serbia.

The Branković themselves descend from the Mladenović line, making them cousins of the House of Todorović through their shared ancestral root.

Today, the House is headed by His Grace Duke Zvonko Todorović, Duke and Head of the House, who embodies the continuity of this ancient lineage.

The House of Mladenović – Noble Foundations (13th century)

The origins of the House go back to Duke Mladen, who lived during the 13th and early 14th centuries and died in 1326.

He established a noble family whose descendants would play a crucial role in Serbian history.

From him developed:

• the main Mladenović line,
• the Branković ruling dynasty,
• and later cadet branches, including what would eventually become the House of Todorović.

Duke Mladen’s descendants governed lands, formed alliances, held courtly titles, and shaped political life in medieval Serbia.

The Branković branch rose to princely and despot status in the late Middle Ages, while the other lines continued through regional nobles, military leaders, and landed families.

Within this noble constellation, the Todorović lineage represents one of the cadet branches born out of the Mladenović ancestral house.

Todor – Progenitor of the Todorović Name

At a later stage of the family’s medieval history, one distinguished ancestor, Todor, gave his name to an entirely new branch of the House.

As in Serbian noble tradition:

• the father’s name becomes the family surname,
• marking the beginning of an autonomous lineage.

Thus emerged the Todorović branch — literally “the sons/descendants of Todor” — while still belonging to the noble root of the Mladenović House and kin to the Branković line.

From this moment on, the House of Todorović developed its own identity, coat of arms, and descent line.

Migration of the Todorović Line and Settlement in Voljevci

Over the centuries, numerous Serbian noble families were displaced due to war, Ottoman expansion, and shifting borders.

During these turbulent historical periods, members of the Todorović line left their earlier lands and migrated toward the Drina region, eventually settling in Voljevci.

The settlement in Voljevci became a decisive milestone in the formation of the modern House:

• it anchored the family on stable territory,
• it allowed the preservation of the surname and noble memory,
• it ensured the continuous transmission of tradition and Orthodox faith.

From Voljevci, the family expanded into other parts of Serbia but always retained the consciousness of descending from the old noble line of the Mladenović and their cousin-branch Branković.

Faith, Identity, and Continuity

The House of Todorović belongs to the long tradition of Serbian Orthodox noble families.

Its slava, St. George’s Day (Đurđevdan), adopted in the 19th century, expresses the spiritual continuity of the lineage even when older medieval records did not survive.

The House motto, “Bog i Vera” – “God and Faith”, captures the core virtues of:

• loyalty to God,
• fidelity to honour,
• preservation of the family name and legacy.

Modern Recognition and Restoration of the House

In the contemporary era, a significant effort was made to reconstruct, document, and restore the noble identity of the House.

Through the study of:

• the origins of the House of Mladenović,
• the role of Duke Mladen († 1326),
• the kinship with the Branković Dynasty,
• the place of Todor, the eponymous ancestor,
• the migration and establishment in Voljevci,
• genealogical and cultural continuity across generations,

the House of Todorović was reaffirmed as a legitimate noble lineage descending from one of medieval Serbia’s oldest aristocratic roots.

Under the authority of Duke Zvonko Todorović, the House now safeguards:

• the coat of arms and noble symbols,
• the continuity of titles and family customs,
• the cultural and historical memory of the line,
• and the unity of its descendants.

Conclusion

The House of Todorović stands today as the heir to:

• the House of Mladenović, founded by Duke Mladen in the 13th century,
• the medieval Serbian noble tradition,
• the kinship line connecting it to the Branković Dynasty,
• the legacy of Todor, the ancestor who gave name to the branch,
• the migration and establishment in Voljevci, where the modern lineage formed.

Under the leadership of its Duke and Head, the House upholds its history not as a relic of the past, but as a living tradition carried forward with dignity, responsibility, and honour.