Venerable Serapion the Wonderworker of St. John the Baptist Monastery (†1774)
Memory 6th of September
Saint Serapion, blessed as the abbot of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist nestled within the Davit-Gareji Wilderness, was graced by God with miraculous abilities. On one occasion, as St. Serapion embarked on a journey to the city, he trailed a short distance behind some of his fellow monks from the monastery. Along the way, a nefarious group of bandits ambushed the monks leading the procession and made off with numerous sacred vessels they carried. Filled with dread, the frightened monks hastened back to Serapion and recounted the unfortunate incident. “Great is God!” Serapion declared. “I shall not allow the unbelievers to desecrate His sacred possessions!” With staff in hand, the venerable elder sprinted forth alone, in pursuit of the robbers. Witnessing the fearsome sight of a blazing flame emanating from Serapion’s staff, the robbers were overcome with terror. Abandoning the donkey that bore their ill-gotten spoils, they hastily fled. Another time, Serapion abruptly burst out of his cell and cried out to his brethren, “Woe is me! Woe is me! Robbers have attacked our servants on their way to the monastery!” Having delivered this alarming news, he retreated to his cell and engaged in fervent prayer. After a few hours, the distressed servants arrived at the monastery, recounting their encounter with the bandits along the path. The servants revealed that, while fleeing from their assailants, they had left behind the mules carrying the monastery’s possessions. Remarkably, the mules subsequently arrived at the monastery unaccompanied, still bearing their burdens as before. In due course, St. Serapion relinquished his leadership role at the monastery. He embraced the solemn tonsure of the great schema and withdrew into seclusion. Soon thereafter, God revealed to him that his earthly journey was nearing its end. Serapion beseeched his fellow brothers to inter him beneath the church gates, in a grave he had prepared himself, so that all who entered would walk over his resting place. In the year 1774, St. Serapion peacefully departed from this world. O Holy Father Serapion, adorned with divine sanctity and humility, a true herald of the Christian Faith, intercede for us before God!
