Jefimija (, ; 1349âÂÂ1405), secular name Jelena MrnjavÃÂevià(, <small>or</small> ), was a Serbian noblewoman, wife of Jovan Ugljeà ¡a MrnjavÃÂeviÃÂ, considered to be the first female Serbian poet.
Her father was Caesar Vojihna, member of the collateral branch of NemanjiÃÂ dynasty. Jefimija's mother, Caesaraea Jelena, after the death of her husband became an Orthodox nun under the name Jevpraksija (Eupraxia) and in 1358 made a considerable donation to the Koutloumousiou monastery.
Jefimija's Lament for a Dead Son and Encomium of Prince Lazar are famous in the canon of medieval Serbian literature. Her lament for her beloved son was carved on the back of the diptych, (two-panelled icon representing a virgin and Child) which Teodosije, Bishop of Serres, had presented as a gift to the infant Ugljeà ¡a at his baptism. The infant child Ugljeà ¡a MernjavÃÂeviàDespotoviàlived only until the age of 4 and is buried next to his maternal grandfather, Caesar Vojihna of Drama, in the Hilandar monastery. The piece of art has Jefemija's lament engraved on its back. Apart from being considered the first Serbian female poet, Jefimija was also as a skilled needlewoman and an engraver, whose works were saved and preserved until today.
Jefimija and her husband Despot Jovan Ugljeà ¡a, member of the ruling House of MrnjavÃÂeviàhad, at least three children, two boys and one girl, who was the only one to reach adulthood:
She is included in The 100 most prominent Serbs.