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SerafimSpiritual writer, monarchist.
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Religious Vocation
- Founder of Royal Monasteries
- Activism and Support for the Monarchy
- Pilgrimages and Imperial Patronage
- World War I and the Russian Revolution
- Transportation of the Alapaevsk Martyrs
- Exiled in China and Jerusalem
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Religious Vocation
Born in Cherdyń, Russia, into a devout merchant family, Sergei Krasilnikov, known as Archimandrite Seraphim, displayed a deep religious fervor from a young age. After completing his military service, he became a novice at the Belogorsk Monastery in 1897. He later received the monastic name Seraphim (1903) and was ordained as a hierodeacon (1904).
Founder of Royal Monasteries
Archimandrite Seraphim played a significant role in establishing a network of royal monasteries dedicated to commemorating the Russian imperial family. He founded the Seraphim-Alexei Hermitage at the Belogorsk Monastery (1904), which became a pilgrimage site. He also established the Seraphim-Alexei Kazan Mother Superior Monastery (1908) and the Elizaveta-Maria Monastery (1916).
Activism and Support for the Monarchy
Archimandrite Seraphim was a fervent monarchist and a member of the Union of the Russian People. His writings and public addresses in support of the Tsar and the Orthodox faith were widely circulated. He participated in the Russian People's Congresses and was a vocal advocate for the preservation of the monarchy.
Pilgrimages and Imperial Patronage
In 1908, Archimandrite Seraphim embarked on a pilgrimage to the Orthodox East, visiting Constantinople, the Holy Land, and Mount Athos. During his pilgrimage, he received blessings from Patriarchs Damian of Jerusalem and Joachim III of Constantinople. He was also granted an audience with Emperor Nicholas II and Grand Duchess Alexandra Feodorovna in 1910.
World War I and the Russian Revolution
During World War I, Archimandrite Seraphim served as a military chaplain. After the Bolshevik Revolution, he remained in Russia supporting monarchist and anti-communist groups. In 1917, he was entrusted by Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna to bury her should she be killed.
Transportation of the Alapaevsk Martyrs
In 1919, Archimandrite Seraphim was tasked with transporting the remains of the Alapaevsk martyrs, including Grand Duchess Elizabeth, from Alapaevsk to Siberia. He accompanied the coffins to China and eventually to Beijing, where he published works commemorating the martyrs.
Exiled in China and Jerusalem
After the Bolshevik victory, Archimandrite Seraphim was exiled to China, where he continued his monastic service at the Russian Orthodox Mission in Beijing. In 1920, he accompanied the remains of Grand Duchess Elizabeth and her nun, Barbara, to Jerusalem. He established a small cell within the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and remained there for many years.
Death and Legacy
Archimandrite Seraphim spent the later part of his life in a Greek monastery in Jerusalem. He died in the monastery and was buried near his cell in the New Galilee. His legacy as a spiritual writer, monarchist, and founder of royal monasteries continues to inspire Orthodox Christians today.
