Having borne the name of the wonderworker of Sarov, you nurtured a fervent love for him. Through your writings, which proclaimed to the world his wondrous deeds and miracles, you inspired the faithful to his glorification and were vouchsafed the blessed gift of a visitation from the Venerable one himself. Now dwelling with him in the heavenly abodes, O Hieromartyr Seraphim, beseech Christ God that we may partake of the seraphic joy.
(Kontakion, Tone 6)
11 December — Commemoration Day of the Holy Martyr Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov) (ⵜ1937)
Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov) was a man of extraordinary gifts and achievements. An authoritative Church hierarch, a steadfast defender of Orthodox traditions, an eloquent preacher, a profound theologian, a philosopher, a brilliant military officer, a skilled healer, a historian, writer, musician, painter, and tireless public servant — his life encompassed a wide array of vocations, all united by his unwavering dedication to God.
In 1886, few could have foreseen that the accomplished officer Leonid Mikhailovich Chichagov would one day become a Russian bishop and martyr. A descendant of two distinguished admirals — great-grandson of Vasily Yakovlevich Chichagov, one of the first Arctic explorers, and grandson of Pavel Vasilyevich Chichagov* — Leonid was well-educated, fluent in several languages, and steeped in the cultured life of his era. At 30 years of age, his life mirrored that of other young men of his social class: a tastefully appointed home, impeccable manners, a beautiful wife, and evenings spent at theatres and balls. His impeccable military service had earned him ten prestigious Russian and foreign orders, and his future seemed destined for the highest ranks of government.
Leonid Chichagov, graduate of the Page Corps, descendant of Admirals P.V. and V.Y. Chichagov, 1874
By the age of 37, Chichagov had risen to the rank of colonel. Yet, beneath the surface of his distinguished military career, he was already recognised as one of Russia’s foremost experts in military history and the author of significant works, including French Artillery in 1882, Diary of the Sovereign Tsar’s Stay in the Danube Army in 1877, and Notes on P.V. Chichagov.
Chichagov’s experiences during the Balkan War left an indelible mark on his soul. Witnessing the suffering of countless wounded soldiers awakened a deep sense of compassion and spurred him to study medicine. Over the years, he developed a system of treatment based on plant-based medicines, which he detailed in his two-volume work, Medical Conversations. This study explored the spiritual causes of illness and offered a holistic approach to healing.
Modern reprint of Medical Conversations by L. M. Chichagov
Leonid’s deep religiosity had been evident since childhood. Orphaned at a young age, he often sought solace in prayer and faith. As an officer in the elite Preobrazhensky Guards Regiment, he served as the warden of the Transfiguration Cathedral on Liteiny Avenue in St. Petersburg, where he generously supported the church financially. Yet, in 1891, just after being promoted to colonel, Leonid shocked St. Petersburg society by retiring from the military to dedicate his life to serving the Russian Orthodox Church.
This decision profoundly impacted his wife, who struggled to accept the sudden change. However, Saint John of Kronstadt, Leonid’s spiritual father, offered her comforting counsel: “Your husband must become a priest, and you must not hinder the path your husband has chosen, for in this field he will reach great heights.”
Thus began Leonid Mikhailovich Chichagov’s transformation from a decorated officer to a servant of God, embarking on the path that would ultimately lead to his martyrdom.
Leonid Mikhailovich Chichagov with his wife Natalya Nikolaevna Chichagova (née Dokhturova)
After retiring from his military career, Leonid Mikhailovich Chichagov moved his family to Moscow, where he immersed himself in theological studies and began his preparation for ordination. On 28 February 1893, he was ordained a priest in the Kremlin Dormition Cathedral and assigned to serve at the Synodal Church of the Twenty Apostles within the Kremlin. Two years later, Father Leonid was appointed to provide spiritual care for soldiers of the artillery division in the Moscow Military District.
Demonstrating his characteristic energy and commitment, Father Leonid undertook the restoration of the Church of St. Nicholas in Old Vagankov, which had been closed for 30 years. Drawing on both personal funds and public donations, he revitalised the church and resumed regular services there. However, this year also brought a profound personal trial: his wife, Natalia, fell gravely ill. Despite his efforts to care for her, Matushka Natalia passed away in 1895, leaving behind their four daughters, the youngest of whom was just ten years old.
Father Leonid Chichagov, c. 1886.
During this painful period, Father Leonid sought solace in music, a passion instilled in him by his mother, Maria Nikolaevna, a talented pianist who nurtured his love for music from a young age. His musical education continued at the Page Corps, where music was a required subject, and later during his service in the Preobrazhensky Guards Regiment in St. Petersburg. His niece, Alexandra Nikolaevna Enden, later recalled:
“Uncle often sat down at the piano and played something thoughtful and lyrical. He loved music; throughout his life, he composed romances and later, religious pieces. When he became a monk, the piano was replaced by a harmonium, which remained with him until the end of his life.”
Father Leonid’s devotion to music deepened into a profound spiritual expression. He composed works that reflected his faith, seeing music as a form of prayer and a medium to glorify God. His compositions were often described as sermons in musical language, seeking to translate the meaning of liturgical texts into sound and elevating serious music to the realm of sacred poetry.
Entrusting the care and education of his daughters to trusted guardians, Father Leonid entered the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in 1895. Three years later, on 14 August 1898, he was tonsured into the lesser schema, taking the monastic name Seraphim in honour of St. Seraphim of Sarov.
As Father Seraphim, he dedicated himself entirely to the service of God and the Church. His ascension through the Church hierarchy was remarkable, moving from hieromonk to archimandrite, bishop, archbishop, metropolitan, and ultimately becoming a holy martyr. This profound journey marked the transformation of a brilliant officer and family man into a devout monk and Church leader, whose legacy continues to inspire to this day.
Four daughters of St. Seraphim (Chichagov): Vera, Natalia, Leonida, and Ekaterina, early 1900s
The life and ministry of Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov) are inseparably linked to the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, whose name he took at his monastic tonsure. While still a priest, Father Leonid undertook his most significant work, the Chronicle of the St. Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery. This monumental effort played a pivotal role in the eventual glorification of the Venerable Seraphim.
Father Leonid later recounted the circumstances that led to this undertaking:
“After retiring from public service and becoming a priest in a small church near the Rumyantsev Museum, I felt a strong desire to visit the Sarov Desert, the site of the Venerable Seraphim’s ascetic labours. At that time, the Venerable had not yet been glorified. The sacred atmosphere of the Sarov Desert left a profound impression on me. From there, I travelled to the Diveyevo Monastery, which I found deeply moving. The Abbess received me warmly, and during our conversations, she mentioned that three nuns in the monastery had personally known the Venerable: two monastic elders and Nun Pelageya, known in the world as Paraskeva or Pasha. Pasha, in particular, had vivid memories of him.
Expressing my desire to hear about the Venerable from someone who had known him, I was led to Pasha’s small cottage. She was elderly and bedridden. As soon as I entered, she exclaimed:
‘It is good that you have come. I have been waiting for you for a long time. The Venerable Seraphim instructed me to tell you that the time has come for his relics to be uncovered and his name glorified.’
Archimandrite Seraphim with Blessed Praskovia Ivanovna, Diveyevo
I was taken aback and replied that I had no means to approach the Emperor directly, nor would anyone believe me if I tried to convey such a message. Pasha, however, insisted:
‘I know nothing about that; I am only passing on what the Venerable commanded me.’
I left her cell bewildered. On my journey back to Moscow, her words weighed heavily on my mind. In the days that followed, I was struck by the thought of documenting the testimonies of the nuns who had known the Venerable, seeking out other contemporaries to hear their recollections, and delving into the archives of the Sarov Desert and Diveyevo Monastery. My goal was to compile this material into a comprehensive, chronologically organised narrative that would present a vivid account of the Venerable Seraphim’s life, labours, and enduring influence on the faith of the people. This ‘Chronicle,’ I hoped, could be presented to the Emperor, fulfilling the Venerable’s wish as conveyed through Pasha.
This idea gained momentum when I remembered that the royal family often read spiritual books together during evening tea. I hoped that my work might find its way into their hands. Thus, the Chronicle was conceived.”
Chronicle of the Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery, published for the glorification of St. Seraphim of Sarov, 1903
Determined to bring this vision to fruition, Father Leonid took a leave of absence and returned to Diveyevo. He gained access to the monastery’s archives as well as those of the Sarov Desert. Armed with this wealth of material, he returned to Moscow and began writing.
Soon after, personal tragedy struck as his beloved wife passed away. In his grief, Father Leonid found solace in embracing monastic life, taking the name Seraphim in honour of the saint he so deeply revered. By 1896, the Chronicle was published and presented to Emperor Nicholas II, who was profoundly moved by it. This played a decisive role in the Venerable Seraphim’s official glorification by the Church.
Through his meticulous work and spiritual devotion, Metropolitan Seraphim not only fulfilled a divine calling but also ensured that the memory and legacy of St. Seraphim of Sarov would be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
Hagiographic icon of the Holy Martyr Seraphim (Chichagov)
In 1902, while still an Archimandrite, Father Seraphim was blessed with a remarkable vision, which he later recounted to his spiritual son, Archpriest Stephen Lyashevsky:
“After completing the Chronicle, I was sitting in my room in one of the Diveyevo buildings, rejoicing that I had finally finished the most challenging period of gathering material and writing about the Venerable Seraphim. At that moment, the Venerable Seraphim himself entered the cell, and I saw him as if he were alive. I didn’t for a moment think it was a vision — it was so simple and real. But what was my surprise when Father Seraphim bowed deeply before me and said:
‘Thank you for the Chronicle. Ask me anything you want for it.’
With these words, he came close to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. I leaned against him and said:
‘Dear Father, I am so happy now that I want nothing else but to always be near you.’
Father Seraphim smiled in agreement and then became invisible. Only then did I realise it was a vision. My joy was endless.”
This extraordinary encounter profoundly strengthened Archimandrite Seraphim’s resolve to ensure the glorification of the Sarov ascetic. With unrelenting effort, he met with Emperor Nicholas II and convinced him to approve the examination of the relics of the Venerable Seraphim. The Emperor’s support and personal involvement led to the Synod’s decision to canonise the saint.
In addition to his role in the canonisation process, Archimandrite Seraphim authored a brief hagiography of the Venerable Seraphim and a concise chronicle of the St. Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery, further preserving the memory and spiritual legacy of the great elder.
Members of the Imperial family with Archimandrite Seraphim (Chichagov) at the Sarov Monastery, 30 July 1903
On 14 February 1904, Archimandrite Seraphim was appointed rector of the Resurrection New Jerusalem Monastery. Despite his brief tenure of just one year, he managed to oversee the renovation of the majestic cathedral of this renowned monastery.
On 28 April 1905, in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, Metropolitan Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky), Bishop Trifon (Turkestanov), and Bishop Seraphim (Golubyatnikov) consecrated Archimandrite Seraphim as Bishop of Sukhumi. Reflecting on the profound transformations in his life during his consecration, he remarked:
“The call of God is fulfilled in many ways! The ways of God’s Providence, which predetermine the paths of man, are untraceable. For the third time in the last twelve years, I have undergone transformations that have completely altered the course of my life.
The life of those taken from the world and set on a spiritual path is particularly difficult and sorrowful. A similar thing happened to me. Others girded me and led me where I did not expect or dream to go. These people were, of course, of high spiritual life. Through their holy prayers, a realisation dawned within me: the Lord Himself required of me such a change for His divine purposes, necessary for my future life, for the trials yet to come, and for my co-crucifixion with Christ.
Despite the obstacles the world set before me, I fulfilled my holy obedience. I first accepted the priesthood, and after widowhood, embraced monasticism. For a long time, I bore the condemnation of these important steps, keeping in the depths of my sorrowful heart the true reason for them. At last, the Lord Himself justified my monasticism through my close participation in the glorification of the great wonderworker, the Venerable Seraphim. Now, by the Almighty will of the Lord, I am called to the high service of His Church in the dignity of bishop.”
Bishop Seraphim served in a succession of Russian dioceses, including Sukhumi, Orel, Kishinev, Tver, and Petrograd. Wherever he was sent, he demonstrated extraordinary organisational abilities, restoring order to ecclesiastical affairs and gathering the faithful under his leadership.
In the midst of his episcopal labours, he also found time to create beautiful icons of the Saviour and St. Seraphim of Sarov, channeling his artistic talent into his spiritual mission. Whatever he undertook became a means of serving God and His people.
Icon of St. Seraphim painted by Archimandrite Seraphim (Chichagov)
During these years, Bishop Seraphim joined the Union of the Russian People, an organisation opposing the revolutionary forces spreading across the country. He was also a member of the monarchist political group Russian Assembly.
After the revolutionary events of 1917, when he served as Archbishop of Tver and Kashin, Bishop Seraphim faced a pivotal choice: to remain faithful to the Orthodox Church, his pastoral calling, and his obedience to Patriarch Tikhon — elected at the Local Council of 1917 — or to compromise with the schismatic Renewalists. Vladyka resolutely chose the way of the cross, standing firm in the truth.
This unwavering commitment came at great personal cost. The authorities made numerous attempts to manipulate him, seeking to leverage his moral authority for their cause through bribes, flattery, and other enticements. Yet, he stood steadfast, faithful to his high calling during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Russian Church, preparing himself for the ultimate sacrifice — the crown of martyrdom.
In December 1917, the Department for Church Affairs of the Tver Provincial Executive Committee of the Council of Workers’, Peasants’, and Soldiers’ Deputies issued an order for the expulsion of Archbishop Seraphim from Tver Province. In 1918, he was appointed to the Warsaw and Vistula See and elevated to the rank of metropolitan. However, he was unable to take up his new post due to the chaos of the times. Instead, Metropolitan Seraphim settled in the Chernigov Skete near the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, where he lived in seclusion until the end of 1920.
Metropolitan Seraphim in his study in Leningrad, with his painting The Saviour in White Chiton in the background
For his unwavering confession of faith, Metropolitan Seraphim faced relentless persecution. At the age of 72, he was exiled to Arkhangelsk, a punishment that, given his fragile health, amounted to prolonged torture. The charges brought against him by the GPU (secret police) reflect how his unwavering dedication to the Church was used as evidence against him. Twenty years after the canonisation of the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, he was accused of having directed and organised the uncovering of the relics of the saint in 1903 — a supposed crime used as justification for his arrest.
Even in exile, Vladyka Seraphim remained a spiritual father to many. To one of his spiritual children, Alexei Belyaev, he wrote a deeply moving letter, offering guidance and hope amidst the darkness:
“We are all human beings, and we cannot prevent the worldly sea from foaming, with its scum and mud rising to the surface, cleansing the depths below. But be with Christ alone, abide with the one Truth, Justice, and Love, and with Him, everything is beautiful, clear, pure, and comforting. Guard your mind, heart, and thoughts from the evil dominating the ungodly, and focus on one thing: to preserve within yourself, by faith, the divine grace through which Christ and His peace dwell within us.
It is impossible not to see this evil, but it is entirely possible not to let it distract us from God’s truth. Yes, evil is present, and it is terrible in its manifestations, but how pitiable are those who succumb to it! Just as the presence of lunatics in hospitals or society does not deter us from seeking wisdom or studying truth, neither should the occasional eruption of evil in the world dissuade us from the pursuit of truth and goodness.
God cannot be mocked. What a man sows, he will also reap.
Learn the inner prayer so that it is unnoticed by your appearance and does not embarrass anyone. The more we practice inner prayer, the fuller, more reasonable, and more joyful our life becomes. He who prays inwardly views external matters without anxiety, for this prayer takes place in the heart, lifting us above earthly concerns and bringing us closer to the invisible Heaven. Learn to forgive all for their shortcomings and mistakes caused by submission to evil powers or spiritual infirmity. Say within yourself, ‘Help him, O Lord, for he is spiritually ill.’ Such awareness will prevent judgement, for only one who is perfect and without error can judge. Only one who knows everything, and, most importantly, is assured that a person acts out of their free will rather than mere circumstance, can truly pass judgement.”
Despite his suffering, Metropolitan Seraphim’s letters reveal his unwavering faith, wisdom, and capacity for forgiveness. His words continue to inspire, serving as a testament to his profound spiritual resilience and trust in God’s providence.
Metropolitan Seraphim resided in Arkhangelsk until April 1923, after which he was permitted to return to Moscow. In the capital, he lived a quiet, secluded life, refraining from active participation in church affairs. His days were spent in prayer, visiting the Danilov Monastery, and maintaining a spiritual connection with his confessor, Archimandrite George (Lavrov), and Archbishop Theodore (Pozdeevsky).
In mid-1924, at the personal request of Patriarch Tikhon, Metropolitan Seraphim was officially released from arrest. He relocated to the Resurrection Theodorovsky Nunnery near Shuya in the Vladimir region. There, he devoted himself to the spiritual care of the monastic sisters and parishioners, frequently serving the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days.
Metropolitan Seraphim at the Resurrection Theodorovsky Monastery near Shuya, 1928
In 1929, as Metropolitan Seraphim prepared for his appointment to the Leningrad See — one of the most challenging posts of the time — he received word of the death of the Holy Martyr Hilarion (Troitsky). Hilarion, with whom Metropolitan Seraphim shared a deep spiritual bond, had perished during transportation from Solovki to Kazakhstan. Despite the risk of attracting further persecution from the authorities, Metropolitan Seraphim sought and obtained permission to provide a Christian burial for his friend.
He received the body of Bishop Hilarion, dressed it in white episcopal vestments, and personally officiated at the burial in the cemetery of the Novodevichy Monastery in St. Petersburg. This selfless act epitomised Vladyka’s unwavering commitment to honouring the dignity of his fellow clergy, even in the face of danger.
Icon of Sts. Seraphim and Hilarion, with their shared palitza (epigonation) before it
Metropolitan Seraphim tirelessly upheld the purity of Orthodoxy. Shortly before his repose, the Holy Righteous John of Kronstadt gave him a parting blessing, saying:
“I can die peacefully, knowing that you and Reverend Hermogenes (the Holy Martyr Hermogenes †1918) will continue my work and fight for Orthodoxy, for which I bless you.”
This blessing became a guiding force for Vladyka Seraphim throughout his life.
Even during his military career, Metropolitan Seraphim was deeply moved by the plight of those in need. He established a charitable society to support military personnel who, having lost their health during service, were discharged without the means to sustain themselves. He extended his compassion to children orphaned by war, ensuring they received care and support.
Vladyka also offered free medical assistance to alleviate the suffering of the afflicted. During the Russo-Japanese War, he oversaw the formation of sanitary trains and personally collected donations to aid the wounded and sick.
Believing in the transformative power of strong parish communities, Metropolitan Seraphim emphasised the importance of establishing parish schools, libraries, and canteens. He saw these efforts as essential to strengthening the faithful and revitalising spiritual life within the Church.
Through his steadfast faith, boundless charity, and dedication to Orthodoxy, Metropolitan Seraphim exemplified the life of a true shepherd, guiding his flock with compassion and courage even during the most turbulent times.
Metropolitan Seraphim served in St. Petersburg for five years before retiring on 14 October 1933 by decree of the Synod. He settled first in Malakhovka near Moscow and later moved to Udelnaya station, where he rented half of a modest summer house. His living quarters consisted of two small rooms and a kitchen. One room served as a bedroom and study, filled with books, icons, and a desk, while the other functioned as a dining and living room, with a table, a sofa, and a prominent painting of the Saviour in a white chiton, which Vladyka himself had created.
Metropolitan Seraphim with relatives and cell attendant at the summer house in Udelnaya, 1936
Music brought great solace to the ailing metropolitan. Despite his illness, he dedicated part of each day to playing his harmonium, often improvising or arranging beloved church hymns. He also composed his own music, including a significant piano cycle titled Musical Diary, alongside other preserved compositions.
The summer house in Udelnaya became a place of spiritual fellowship. Priests and hierarchs frequently visited Vladyka, including Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky), who sought his counsel on critical church matters, and Metropolitans Alexis (Simansky) and Arseny (Stadnitsky). His daughters came from Leningrad to visit, and his granddaughter Varvara, the future Abbess Seraphima (Chernaya), lived with him from 1936 to 1937. Abbess Seraphima later recalled:
“Every evening I returned home to Udelnaya from the Institute knowing that my grandfather was waiting for me. On the wall hung a large image of the Saviour in a white chiton, painted by my grandfather. Under it stood a sofa on which I slept.”
In his final years, Metropolitan Seraphim suffered from severe health issues, including hypertension, shortness of breath, and dropsy, which confined him to his home. Despite his physical ailments, he remained spiritually steadfast, desiring above all to draw nearer to the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, whom he had venerated throughout his life. In the end, his faith led him to the ultimate act of devotion…
Final photo of Hieromartyr Seraphim (Chichagov) in Taganskaya Prison, Moscow, December 1937
In late autumn 1937, Metropolitan Seraphim was arrested at the age of eighty-one. Gravely ill, he could barely be transported, forcing NKVD officers to call an ambulance to take him to Taganka Prison. The proceedings against him were marked by grave irregularities: no formal criminal case was opened, the arrest lacked prosecutorial approval, and he was denied access to case materials. His personal archives and manuscripts vanished without record.
The investigation was perfunctory, and on 7 December 1937, the NKVD Troika sentenced Metropolitan Seraphim to death for alleged involvement in a counter-revolutionary monarchist organisation. On 11 December 1937, at the Butovo Polygon near Moscow, the saintly hierarch received the crown of martyrdom.
Mural depicting the martyrdom of Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov) in the Church of the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, Butovo Polygon
Shortly before his arrest, Metropolitan Seraphim left a prophetic message:
“The Orthodox Church is now experiencing a time of trial. Whoever remains faithful to the Holy Apostolic Church now will be saved. Many are leaving the Church because of persecution, others are betraying it. But it is well known from history that persecutions have occurred before, and they all ended in the triumph of Christianity. So it will be with this persecution. It will end, and Orthodoxy will triumph again. Many suffer for the faith at this time, but this is gold — purified in the spiritual crucible of trials. This time will give rise to more martyrs who suffered for the faith in Christ than the whole history of Christianity can remember.”
In November 1988, Metropolitan Seraphim was rehabilitated by the authorities. The Russian Orthodox Church glorified him as a holy martyr on 23 February 1997, affirming his place among the ranks of those who bore witness to Christ through suffering and sacrifice.
Having loved the Heavenly King more than the earthly one, you became a fervent servant of the Holy Trinity. Keeping the teachings of the pastor of Kronstadt within your heart, you multiplied the manifold gifts bestowed upon you by God for the benefit of His people. A teacher of piety and a defender of the Church’s unity, you suffered even unto the shedding of blood. O holy martyr Seraphim, pray to Christ God that He may save our souls.
(Troparion, Tone 5)
Prepared by: Editorial board of obitel-minsk.ru
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* Pavel Vasilyevich Chichagov (1765–1849): Admiral, naval minister, and State Council member. Commander-in-chief of the Black Sea Fleet and Danube Army (1811). Oversaw Bessarabia, Moldavia, and Wallachia, concluding the Peace of Bucharest. Later served as Viceroy of Bessarabia and Governor-General.
Sources Used:
1. Holy Martyr Seraphim (Chichagov), Metropolitan of Petrograd — Mission Today by Priest Anthony Rusakevich (missioner-tver.ru).
2. Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov): “From the lineage of Seraphim” — Pravmir (pravmir.ru).
3. Hegumen Damaskin (Orlovsky), Martyrs, Confessors, and Ascetics of the Russian Orthodox Church in the 20th Century: Life Descriptions and Related Materials, Book 2, Tver, 2001, pp. 423–450.
4. Thy Will Be Done: The Life and Works of the Holy Martyr Seraphim (Chichagov), Sretensky Monastery, Moscow, 2003.
