[On the inception of this work]
And we, although we received a command that surpasses our capabilities from the most holy lord Nikon, the Patriarch of Serbian and Maritime Lands, [to write this biography], [and] he had then arrived there; and also from the commander and other chosen ones [we received this], but since it was such a time then, we left it to strive [about this]. Four years after his [i.e., Stefan’s] departure to the Lord, he himself appeared and threatened as a punishment that he would be punished [whoever does not fulfill this]. After this, again, when I was in exile with all my own, he came to my house, where I was unworthy to receive him, and commanded me to fulfill the promise. Therefore, even if we were not able, we endeavored to describe (his) life.
If there are some who know more [of Stefan’s deeds] and who were there his summarisers, or are very literate and sharp-witted, it is indeed good. And if until today no one has made an effort and here [finds] any shortcomings or [what is] excessive, what is not necessary or is coarse, since the command has come and a certain method [of work] has been set, let everything later be put in its place.
