Saint Seraphim (Amelin) was born in 1874 into a devout peasant family in the village of Solomino, in the Kursk Governorate. In 1893, he entered the Glinsk Hermitage, where he became a monk in 1899 and received the name Seraphim in 1904. From 1899 onwards, he served in the icon-painting workshop, soon becoming its head. He was ordained a hierodeacon in 1913 and a hieromonk in 1917. During the Revolution, he received the Great Schema and, from 1919, served as the monastery’s treasurer.
After the monastery was closed, he lived in the village of Kovenki, working as a carpenter and blacksmith. In 1941, he served at the parish church, which was at that time reopened, while in 1942 he returned to his monastery. From 1943 to 1958, he served as its abbot, restoring the tradition of strict ascetic life under the difficult conditions of the war and post-war period.
Saint Seraphim was a deeply respected and beloved figure. His virtuous character embodied peace and serenity, while he guided and counselled his flock with wisdom and discernment.
