In the 5th century, the ascetic Serapion lived in Egypt. He had no personal belongings except the Gospel and the Sindon. He was nicknamed Serapion the Sindonite. It was he who was sent to Saint Taisia of Egypt when she lost her way. Thanks to his speeches, Taisia realized her mistakes, repented and her soul was carried to heaven by angels, which Serapion witnessed.
It is said that he sold himself into slavery to a circus troupe and served them faithfully, revealing the word of God until they all accepted Christ.
At the end of his life, Serapion decided to make a pilgrimage to Rome. It’s been a long journey. Coming to Athens, the monk starved, but no one gave him alms. Then he went to the Agora (central square) and gave a speech. Its essence boiled down to the fact that all the life of the monk was pursued by 3 usurers. 2 left him alone, but the third refused to give up. The Athenians loved to listen to speeches, and a crowd gathered around Serapion. People wondered what kind of lenders they were. The saint replied that from his youth he was stingy, voluptuous and loved to eat. He has overcome the first 2 sins, but cannot cope with the third. The Athenians gave him money, and Serapion continued on his way.
In Sparta the saint sold himself into slavery to the headman of the village. For 2 years he preached the Gospel, and when the elder and family received Christ, he went on. When he boarded the ship in Rome, the sailors thought he was with someone because he had no luggage. But then they noticed that Serapion did not eat anything and began to feed him their rations. Having reached Rome, the monk visited believers, visited hermits, seeking wisdom and revelation.
Serapion died in Egypt, returning shortly before his death. He was 70 years old.
Memorial Day
April 20
27 May
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
