Saint Serapion of Pskov was born in the late fourteenth century in the city of Yuryev. He was raised in a strict and devout Christian family. He grew up firmly rooted in the principles of the Orthodox faith and became an unwavering confessor of Christianity.
At the age of thirty-five, he settled near the Tolva River, where he became a disciple of Saint Euphrosynos. Together, they shared the hardships of their ascetic life and labored for the establishment of the monastery.
It is not known where or when he received the monastic tonsure. However, he had already embraced monasticism before joining Saint Euphrosynos. Faithfully and patiently observing his ascetic rule, he devoted himself entirely to prayer. He used to claim that twelve psalms recited in a monk’s cell could not equal the value of a single brief prayer offered in church.
Because of his great spiritual struggles, the Lord granted him the gifts of prophecy and wonderworking.
The saint foretold the German invasion of Pskov, foresaw the year of his own death, and predicted the future trials that would befall the monastery.
He reposed on September 8, 1480, at the age of ninety. After his death, numerous miracles were performed through his holy grace.
