Serapion of St Panteleimon

Serapion of St Panteleimon was a Russian hieromonk, a brother of the monastery of Saint Panteleimon. For years, desiring a higher spiritual life, he went to the hesychast Elder Kallinikos (d. 1930) at Katounakia to learn the secrets of the sober work. The Elder informed him as was fitting. In 1913 Serapion visited him again and insistently asked him for his blessing to depart permanently into the wilderness. The discerning Elder Kallinikos was at first opposed, fearing the delusions and snares of the cunning evil one, but seeing his steady insistence, holy enthusiasm, love and humility, he allowed him to leave his monastery. They served the Divine Liturgy, communed, and Serapion departed for the desert, accompanied by the prayers of Kallinikos.

After twelve years he again reached Elder Kallinikos's cell and was glad to see him. Father Serapion related: "On leaving I went for three days and nights toward the summit of Athos. Unable to bear the frost of the night, I came down to the Kathisma of the Mother of God, where I stayed a little. Then I found a cave nearby, crept into it and hid there for twelve whole years. I lived eating chestnuts, greens, shoots, acorns, roots, bulbs and drinking water from the spring of the Mother of God." But what chiefly sustained and gladdened him was prayer. It gave him unspeakable joy and did not let him think of anything foreign; his mind thought only of God. He told how when the divine light enters the heart, the person is entirely illumined and warmed, a sweetness seizes him and he feels great joy. Then no other desire has room. Listening with wonder, Elder Kallinikos told him that God had deemed him worthy to see and know signs that many had desired and not seen. The only thing the blessed Father Serapion lacked for so many years was Holy Communion. Foreseeing his end, he came to receive provision for eternal life. He reposed in 1926. He is venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization.