Sergey Naryshkin Russian nobleman from the Naryshkin dynasty Date of Birth: 19.04.1819 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life
2. Military Career
3. Resignation and Landholdings
4. Financial Difficulties and Religious Devotion
5. Later Years and Death

Early Life

Sergei Kirillovich Naryshkin was born on April 7, 1819, into a distinguished Russian noble family. His father, Kirill Alexandrovich Naryshkin, served as the Ober-Hofmarschal of the Imperial Court, while his mother, Maria Yakovlevna Lobanova-Rostovskaya, was a princess. Sergei had an older brother, Lev, and a sister, Alexandra.

When Sergei was three years old, his father acquired the estate of Sergiyevka. Sergei received a comprehensive education at home.

Military Career

In 1837, Sergei enlisted as a Junker in the Cuirassier Regiment. He was promoted to Cornet in 1839. In 1843, he became an Adjutant under the Ministry of War. According to K. K. Rotikov, Sergei gained renown among the Ministry's adjutants. While serving in Yelisavetgrad with General Saken's corps, Sergei caused a sensation by appearing in an elaborate gown worth 10,000 rubles, adorned with diamonds.

Resignation and Landholdings

In 1845, Sergei resigned from military service with the rank of Staff Captain. He inherited vast estates in the Shatsky and Morshansky districts, including the villages of Borki, Kermes, and Svistunovka; the hamlets of L'vovka, Parsat, and Sergiyevka; and approximately 2500 male serfs. He resided in Borki during the winters and Svistunovka during the summers.

Financial Difficulties and Religious Devotion

Sergei Naryshkin accumulated significant debts, leading his estate to be placed under guardianship in 1850. He was unable to manage his income as a result. Despite his financial troubles, Sergei donated 150,000 gold coins to the Vyshensky Monastery. The monastery's brotherhood commemorated the Naryshkin family in their Synodicon for daily remembrance during Divine Liturgy.

Later Years and Death

In his later years, Sergei lived under supervision at the Optina Hermitage. Sent there from Tambov, he was assigned to three years of penance in a strict monastery. Sergei remained unmarried throughout his life and was likely a novice, as evidenced by the nine cassocks found in his belongings. He embarked on pilgrimages to monasteries across Russia before his death.

Sergei Kirillovich Naryshkin passed away on July 15, 1855, at the Tikhonov Hermitage, where he was also laid to rest.