Serafim Kovalishchenkov

Serafim Kovalishchenkov was a Russian schemamonk of St Panteleimon Monastery, born in 1821 into a rich merchant family at Biryuch, Voronezh province. He reposed on 20 November 1899. He is venerated by the faithful, without a synodal canonization.

Named Simeon Petrovich in the world, he completed gymnasium and was his father's right hand. At twenty he married; they had three sons and a daughter. After his father's death he ran the trade skilfully and had great authority in the town. After his wife's death he sold his property, left part to his daughter, gave much to the poor and went to Athos with his three sons, to stay there. He corresponded with his confessors, Hieronymus and Macarius. He returned to Athos in 1884, after six years' absence, when his daughter, now of age, entered a convent too; the bond with her father remained through letters, kept in the monastery archive. From 1884 until his death he worked in the monastery chancery. He was humble and trusted entirely in God's will, fulfilled his monastic duties exactly and was especially zealous at the services. He reposed on 20 November 1899.