Little is known about the life of Saint Sergius. According to tradition, he lived during the 12th–13th centuries. His relics rest in the Caves of Saint Anthony.
He was given the name "the Obedient" because of his remarkable spiritual struggles, his complete renunciation of self-will and his unwavering obedience to his abbot.
Obedience is one of the greatest virtues of the Christian life. It is a spiritual gift that is highly pleasing to the Lord. Pride, on the other hand, destroys both the human soul and one's relationship with others. Obedience is the foundation of love, humility, mutual respect, and true inner peace. The less a person insists on satisfying their own will with stubbornness, the more they overcome the evil that seeks to dominate the depths of the human heart. Through obedience, love for God is nurtured and strengthened.
Having conquered pride and devoted himself to a life of unceasing prayer, Saint Sergius departed this life as a holy servant of the Lord.
His memory is commemorated together with the Saints of the Near Caves on October 7/20. He is also known by the epithet Saint Sergius the Faster, reflecting his ascetic life of unceasing prayer.
