The founders of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam Monastery, the venerable Sergius and Herman, according to church tradition, were Greek priests who arrived in the 10th century in the lands of Great Novgorod. Historical information about the founders of the monastery is scarce, and at different times it experienced devastation. In the 16th century, many historical documents were lost, as evidenced by the ancient synodic of the Valaam Monastery.
The essence of their monastic life was to enlighten the pagan Karelian tribes and to establish Orthodoxy in the North of Rus. Ancient Novgorod chronicles report the discovery of the relics of the venerable ones and their transfer to Novgorod during the invasion of the Swedes in 1163-64. Local glorification of the founders of the monastery began then, and they began to be venerated within the Novgorod diocese.
In the early 18th century, icons of the venerable Sergius and Herman were known. In 1611, the monastery was ravaged by the Swedes, and Swedish colonists lived on the island. In 1685, the Swedes sought to desecrate the relics, but the Lord sent them illness, and they were terrified.
July 11 is the feast day of the venerable Sergius and Herman, the Valaam miracle workers. In 1755, a new wooden cathedral was built, which had a chapel dedicated to the venerable ones. By June 28, 1789, a new cathedral was consecrated, where their relics rest. In 1817, a service was composed for the venerable Sergius and Herman, and in 1819, the Holy Synod ordered the nationwide veneration of the Valaam saints.
The relics of the venerable Sergius and Herman now rest beneath the altar in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral of the Valaam Monastery. They continue to testify to their unseen presence, guarding the Valaam monastery with their prayerful intercession.
