Sergius and Herman, Valaam Wonderworkers

It is difficult to find an Orthodox believer who would not have heard of Valaam monastery. Little is known about its founders. Even the time in which they lived is unknown.

From the life of Abraham of Rostov, however, it follows that the brotherhood on the island existed already in the 10th century, so Sergius and Herman arrived there at the very beginning of the spread of the Orthodox faith. They were probably of Greek origin. Life mentions that they came «from Eastern countries.»

In a special service about miracle workers it is said that they had brotherly love, prayed ceaselessly, distinguished by a meek disposition. In the monastery founded by them, the charter adopted a sociable, very strict.

Unfortunately, during the trials, the lives of the saints were lost. The only written mention is in the Novgorod chronicle. It says that in the summer of 1163, under Bishop John of Novgorod, the relics of “our father” of Valaam, Herman and Sergius were found.

The names of the founders of Valaam are included in the Cathedral of Novgorod Saints, are mentioned in the service “To All Russian Saints”. The description of the 18th century is very concise.
The beard of both elders is “seda”, dressed in the robes of the monks, on the shoulders of both schemas (a cape with embroidered crosses).

After numerous trials, many monuments of literature from the huge library were lost. The lives of the Reverends were not preserved. But the monks have always felt their presence. There are descriptions of the miraculous phenomena of the elders to the monks. Although they appeared silently, each of the brothers describes the sense of unearthly joy and peace that engulfed them during the vision.

In the 18th century, the Transfiguration Church was built on the island. There the relics found comfort “under the bush”. In 1817, a service dedicated to the elders was drawn up, and 2 years later the Holy Synod ordered their universal veneration.

Remembrance days