Saints Sergius and Herman of Valaam are revered fathers, miracle workers, and missionaries who ventured to Rus’ in the 10th century, even before its conversion to Christianity. What do we know about them? Which documents recount their lives? Despite the scarcity of detailed accounts, how did their destinies shape the development of Orthodoxy in Rus’? The lives, asceticism, and legacy of these God-pleasing saints are still remembered today. On the distant island of Valaam, every stone bears witness to those ancient times when it all began.
Few documents detail the lives of Saints Sergius and Herman. One such document is the Synodik of the Transfiguration Monastery of Valaam. In this Synodik, the names of Sergius and Herman are inscribed among the first abbots for prayerful commemoration. This significant document was preserved by monks who were expelled by the Swedes in 1611 and carried it with them to the ancient St. Basil’s Monastery in Staraya Ladoga.
Chronicles recount how Saints Sergius and Herman lived, enlightened the Karelian people and established a monastery. Tradition recorded during the abbacy of Ephraim in the latter half of the 18th century tells us that they arrived on the island and performed numerous feats. Simply surviving in such harsh northern conditions was an accomplishment. Yet they also prayed, engaged in missionary work, and founded a monastery. The significance of the island and its praying inhabitants in the Christian world is confirmed by a Swedish atlas, where Vanho Valamo, or Old Valaam, is marked with a cross.
Tradition has it that the Greek monks Sergius and Herman settled on Valaam before Prince Vladimir of Kiev baptised Ancient Rus’. By 960, a flourishing and renowned monastery already existed on the island. It is known that Apostle Andrew reached the Valaam Archipelago and preached the Gospel there, personally erecting a cross on the coastal rocks. From that time, the Orthodox faith was preserved there. Thus, the hieromonks were not the first missionaries; they followed in the Apostle’s footsteps. He came from the cradle of Christianity, while they arrived from its successor, warm and sunny Greece.
View of the Valaam Transfiguration Stauropegial Monastery
It is believed that Saint Sergius arrived on the island first and lived at the site where the Apostle had placed his cross. He lived a strict monastic life, fasting to the point of physical exhaustion, praying through the nights, and labouring vigilantly. He became the founder of Valaam’s monastic community. The missionary preached God’s Word among the locals, translated sacred Greek texts into their language, spoke about Christ, and baptised those whose hearts opened to the Gospel. Towards the end of his life, he secluded himself in a cave away from people. There, he was buried by a nobleman, his spiritual son born on that very land.
Succeeding Sergius was Saint Herman. This ascetic, possibly a disciple or even a companion of Saint Sergius of Valaam, undertook the arduous journey to the remote northern island alongside him. Their shared path was marked by an extraordinary strictness in their spiritual disciplines and truly apostolic labours. Both saints possessed the divine gift of prophecy, foreseeing the future. They were laid to rest at the very site where Apostle Andrew had erected a cross.
Throughout the 12th and 17th centuries, the monastery faced repeated devastation and complete pillaging, suffering from fires and invasions. There were periods when monastic prayers ceased for many years. Invaders demolished churches, desecrated sacred sites, and burned manuscripts along with the monastery’s unique libraries. Among the losses in one such fire was the hagiography of Saints Sergius and Herman of Valaam. Only legends remained.
Hand-drawn map of the Valaam Monastery from 1903
Ancient writings about the monastery’s life and rules state: “Live according to monastic order, piously, peacefully, without disturbance, following the traditions of our fathers and the law established by the venerable founders of Valaam, Sergius and Herman — in communal life. The law and customs, long established in Valaam Monastery, should not be violated but preserved with utmost reverence. Live in harmony with all brethren and servants together, in unity and mutual obedience. Monastic affairs should be conducted by counsel, with the gathering of all brethren; neither elder nor servant should act without the brotherly assembly. Maintain the community as before: provide clothing and footwear from the monastery treasury to both brethren and servants alike. The treasurer should account for all income and expenditure truthfully according to the records.” This charter by Metropolitan Varlaam of Novgorod was drawn up on 27 May 1592.
In 1611, disaster struck the monastery once again. At that time, Swedish colonists inhabited the island. They ravaged the monastery and burned it to the ground. However, the burial site of Saints Sergius and Herman continued to be venerated by Orthodox believers. In 1685, an event occurred that reaffirmed the sanctity of these ascetics. The Swedes, noticing the persistent veneration, decided to exhume and desecrate their relics. Suddenly, they were struck by an inexplicable illness. Terrified, they began praying to Saints Sergius and Herman themselves and even constructed a chapel to safeguard their relics.
In that same year of 1685, Archimandrite Macarius of Tikhvin Monastery wrote to Grand Dukes Ivan Alekseyevich and Peter Alekseyevich: “Merciful Sovereigns and Great Princes Ivan Alekseyevich, Peter Alekseyevich, Autocrats of All Great, Little, and White Russia, grant us, your humble supplicants; do not allow, great sovereigns, those holy relics of Herman and Sergius of Valaam, our ancient and illustrious miracle workers of Russia, to be subjected to desecration by the cursed Lutherans: command that these holy relics be transferred from that island of Valaam to your royal monastery for veneration, so that those cursed Lutherans may not exalt themselves or dishonour our saints, and so that we may not suffer reproach and scorn from neighbouring states that now uphold piety and adhere to the Greek law… For this act of your sovereign and virtuous zeal, and for the fervent prayers of Saints Herman and Sergius, wonderworkers, on your behalf, may the Lord God bestow His mercy upon you and subdue all enemies who rise against our Orthodox Christian faith under your feet. For this, we implore you, merciful and most gracious great sovereigns. We, your humble supplicants, and beseech you, great Sovereign Tsars.”
Reliquary with the relics of Saints Sergius and Herman of Valaam, photograph from 1914
Decades passed. The tomb of the saints remained undisturbed. The non-believers paid it no heed. The chapel fell into ruin, and the wooden cross decayed. One Swede decided to dismantle the dilapidated cross. But as soon as he touched it, his entire body was covered in sores, and he was struck by such weakness that he could not move.
His suffering was so intense that it left no one indifferent. The man’s relatives remembered that saints were buried there and decided to take the afflicted man back to the church, which they did. Healing came when the man asked for forgiveness at the saints’ grave. Despite being of a different faith, he became a devout venerator of the venerable ones, restoring both the cross and the chapel. He even settled nearby to visit more often. The chapel he built stood until 1717 when, by decree of Peter the Great and with the blessing of Bishop Aaron of Karelia and Oreshek, Archimandrite Irinarch of Kirillo-Belozersk Monastery began the restoration of the Valaam Monastery.
Thanks to the notes of Captain Yakov Yakovlevich Mordvinov, who visited the monastery in 1764, we can envision the holy island at that time. Here is what he writes: "We landed on the western side of the holy island, as it is impossible to land elsewhere due to all being rocky cliffs. Where we landed, there was a wooden cross on the shore and a very steep ascent to the mountain. Halfway up the mountain, there is a wooden chapel with icons inside. The chapel was erected and the icons were painted during the tenure of Abbot Ephraim. Behind that chapel is a cave in a rocky mountain where the Venerable Ones found refuge. The passage to it is narrow, so one must crawl on their knees. Inside the cave, two people can stand. There stands a small wooden cross and two small stones lie there. Above the entrance to this cave hang rocks that have broken off from the mountain, some lying at the entrance, showing they fell from above and shattered. After exiting the cave, we climbed to the very top of the mountain with a very steep ascent, and above the path hang rocks and trees. Upon reaching the summit, which is entirely forested, we strolled around before descending back to our vessel. The holy island is separated from Valaam by a strait about one verst wide.”
Yakov Yakovlevich Mordvinov
A new wooden church with a side chapel dedicated to Saints Sergius and Herman was constructed in 1755 by Abbot Ephraim. Here is what Captain Mordvinov writes about this and other churches: “The monastery is built on a rocky mountain; the churches, bell tower, and enclosure are all wooden. A plan was drawn up for the entire monastery, indicating: The Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, with side chapels: to the south — Saints Peter and Paul, to the north — Saint John the Theologian; above on the south side — Saint Andrew the First-Called; to the north — Saints Zacharias and Elizabeth; below on the south side — Venerable Fathers Sergius and Herman of Valaam, where their relics rest beneath a covering, with reliquaries above holding their painted icons.”
Cathedral of the Transfiguration at Valaam Monastery, contemporary view
In the place where the relics of Venerable Sergius and Herman of Valaam rested, a new cathedral dedicated to these holy founders was established in the 18th century through the efforts of Treasurer Innocent and his monastic brethren. This church was consecrated on 28 June 1789. A service to Venerable Sergius and Herman was composed in 1817 by Archimandrite Hilarion of Konev Monastery. This service to the wonderworkers of Valaam was printed at the Synodal Printing House with an instructive word from its author.
During the Swedish invasion of 1163-1164, the relics of Venerable Sergius and Herman were hastily transferred from Valaam to Novgorod to save them from desecration. An ancient Novgorod chronicle recounts: “In the year 1163. Of Archbishop John. They appointed John as Archbishop of Great Novgorod; previously there were bishops. In that same year were discovered and transferred the relics of our venerable fathers Sergius and Herman of Valaam, wonderworkers of Novgorod under Archbishop John…”
Transfer of the relics of Venerable Sergius and Herman of Valaam
It was then that both venerable fathers’ names appeared in the Cathedral of Novgorod Saints and were mentioned in the service “To All Russian Saints”, composed in the 18th century. At that time, iconographic sketches were also created: “Sergius seated, beard akin to Alexander of Svir; monastic vestments; schema upon shoulders. Herman seated, beard akin to Cyril of Belozersk; monastic vestments; schema upon shoulders.”
Thus were glorified Venerable Sergius and Herman, missionaries and founders of Valaam Monastery, as local saints. Their ecclesiastical veneration began initially in the Novgorod Diocese.
Icon of Venerable Sergius and Herman, wonderworkers of Valaam
It is known that by the early 18th century, people were already coming to venerate icons of Venerable Sergius and Herman. In a 16th-17th century ecclesiastical publication “Valaam Conversation”, it is repeatedly mentioned that their lives were lost. In one section titled “Conversation”, a fragment from September Menaion recounts how in 1182 their relics were transferred from Novgorod back to Valaam Island to the Monastery of All-Merciful Saviour. This event is also chronicled by Novgorod historians.
The veneration of the Valaam saints soon extended far beyond the bounds of the Novgorod diocese and, naturally, the island of Valaam itself. On 20 October 1819, the Holy Synod officially recognised the veneration of the Valaam saints throughout Russia. The dates designated for their commemoration were set as 28 June (11 July New Style) and 11 September (24 September New Style).
According to the tradition of the Valaam Monastery, during the construction of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, tombs believed to belong to Saints Sergius and Herman were uncovered while digging the foundation pit. These tombs were situated in a crypt, covered by a stone slab. The pious and wise Abbot Nazarius (1782-1804) immediately ordered the opening to be sealed with stone and forbade any further discussion of the discovery. He felt it his duty to inform His Eminence Gabriel, Metropolitan of Novgorod and Saint Petersburg, who deemed the decision appropriate.
Gabriel, Metropolitan of Novgorod and Saint Petersburg
Time passed. Abbot Jonathan governed the Valaam Monastery from 1823 to 1830. Aware of what had transpired during the construction, he wished to retrieve the relics of the Valaam wonderworkers from their concealment but received a divine admonition. At midnight, Abbot Ionathan, along with his brethren, dismantled the stone crypt and prepared to lift the tombstone. Suddenly, flames erupted and enveloped the grave, signifying divine displeasure.
Terrified beyond measure, all present fell prostrate and fervently prayed for mercy from the Lord and forgiveness from Saints Sergius and Herman. The monks, together with their abbot, painstakingly restored the dismantled vault and left the crypt, profoundly shaken by the extraordinary event they had witnessed. For a long time, they could not speak of what had occurred, overwhelmed by reverence and fear before the unfathomable mystery they had encountered.
The hastily reconstructed upper part of the tomb remained untouched until Abbot Damascene (1839 – 1863) undertook repairs on the outer reliquary. Observing that the stones were haphazardly arranged, he ordered them to be removed and the area where the relics lay to be sprinkled with white sand. One of those executing the abbot’s instructions recounted that beneath the very location of the silver reliquary in the cathedral lay a stone slab, approximately four arshins in length and three in width, covering the graves of both saints.
This occurred during the tenure of Abbot Paphnutius (1905–1907). A monk whose duty was to remain by the reliquary of Saints Sergius and Herman was frequently beset by doubts about whether their relics truly lay beneath it. In his thoughts, he addressed the wonderworkers with these words: “Christ’s faithful servants! Even if only in a dream, allow me, a sinner, to see you. Here I am, constantly by your holy reliquary, yet doubt does not leave my faithless heart!”
Abbot Paphnutius (Andreyev)
And through the guileless prayers of the monk, a miracle unfolded. Here is how he recounted the event: “One day, as was my custom, I arrived at the church early to prepare everything for Vespers. Opening the church doors, I approached the reliquary and, without any particular thoughts in mind, began tidying up. Suddenly, I felt a strong urge to venerate the Venerable Fathers. Standing on the left side of the reliquary, I decided to venerate Saint Herman first. As soon as I stepped onto the platform, I clearly saw a monk in full schema standing at the foot of the reliquary on the right side. An inexplicable and unprecedented feeling overcame me; it was as if I had become weightless, almost bodiless.
After venerating Saint Herman, I moved to the right side of the reliquary to venerate Saint Sergius. There, I saw another monk in schema standing at the foot of the reliquary on the left side. Having venerated Saint Sergius, I then stood before the reliquary and clearly beheld two radiant elder monks in the schema, silently standing on either side. Saint Sergius seemed to be adjusting his schema and mantle. The dim light from the lamp did not allow me to see them in great detail, but their beards, facial features, and monastic attire were discernible.
Reliquary with the relics of Saints Sergius and Herman of Valaam, late 19th - early 20th century
In that moment of indescribable reverence and spiritual awe, I thought: ‘Can it truly be that I am seeing you, our venerable fathers, Sergius and Herman?! Lord, have mercy! Holy elders! Earthly angels and God’s men!’ Overwhelmed by spiritual joy and this visible revelation, I fell to my knees and offered a profound bow with deep reverence. When I rose again, the holy men had vanished from my sight.
It took me a long time to recover from the profound impact and astonishment of this experience. I wept for several days, trying to hide my tears from the brethren, and spoke not a word about my vision at that time. Yet from that moment on, I wholeheartedly believed that these holy men were indeed present there, and my love for them grew even stronger.”
Here is another account. Monk X often heard young novices discussing that the relics of Saints Sergius and Herman were not actually where the reliquary stood but were somewhere unknown. They speculated that the reliquary was merely a symbolic reminder for prayer.
One evening during an all-night vigil, Monk X stood in the church listening to the psalms when these conversations came to mind. He began to ponder deeply about the true location of the relics and concluded: ‘Could it really be that the venerable ones are not here? Valaam is vast! Perhaps they are laid to rest elsewhere?’ “But as soon as this thought crossed my mind,” recalls the monk, “something changed within me. My heart softened suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes, and my soul was filled with a wondrous spiritual feeling.”
Gazing at the iconostasis, my eyes were drawn to the right side, near the column, where I beheld Saints Sergius and Herman standing on either side of the Valaam Icon of the Mother of God. They were adorned in mantles and full monastic attire. On their monastic garments, crosses were visible, inscribed with the words: “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.” They held scrolls in their hands, their faces bore the marks of asceticism, and their eyes were a wondrous blue. Their appearance was so marvellous and divine that it seemed impossible to look away. They watched over the brethren attentively, as if observing and guiding them. As I gazed upon them, tears flowed from my eyes, yet my soul felt an indescribable joy and consolation, burning with love for the Lord and His saints”.
Valaam Icon of the Mother of God
After this vision, Monk X was freed from his troubling thoughts and doubts. He became firmly convinced that it was here, at this very spot where the reliquary stands, and not elsewhere, that the relics of the venerable Saints Sergius and Herman rest, continually praying for the monastery and its brethren with paternal love. He began to notice how, after praying to them, his sorrows and needs dissipated, his infirmities were healed, and even incurable illnesses were cured.
Monk Callistus recounts the testimony of Schema-monk Porphyrius: “I had the fortune to hear how the Lord granted him the vision of the venerable miracle-workers Sergius and Herman of Valaam. On the eve of the commemoration of the translation of their holy relics, Elder Porphyrius was standing during the all-night vigil in the passage behind the altar near a window, directly opposite the Holy Table. Suddenly, during the magnification, he saw two elders in monastic garb on either side of the altar. Radiant light emanated from them, illuminating the clergy and worshippers. With each exclamation by the clergy: ‘We magnify you, Venerable Fathers Sergius and Herman!’, the elders blessed everyone present. After the reading of the Holy Gospel, they exited through the royal doors from the altar and, having blessed those standing once more, became invisible.”
Schema-monk John was led to the monastery by a miraculous event. Living in the world with no thoughts of monastic life, he was suddenly beset by a spiritual affliction: blasphemous and sinful thoughts tormented him, plunging the young man into terrible despair... “Not knowing how to fight this invisible battle against the enemy and repel him, I suffered greatly. I prayed fervently to God, begging Him to deliver me from this suffering and sinful struggle. The Lord heard my prayer and by His Divine grace miraculously freed me from this battle through His saints, the venerable Sergius and Herman, in whose monastery I later received holy monastic vows.
One day, following my usual routine of attending early liturgy and returning home afterwards for tea, I intended to go to the later service as well. As it was still early, I lay down for a short rest without undressing and dozed off. In my dream, two elders in monastic attire approached me: one holding a Chalice and a spoon, and the other a velvet cover. The first elder silently gave me Holy Communion three times with the spoon from the Chalice, while the second covered my head with the velvet cover. Upon awakening, I felt immense joy and deep peace in my soul. The sinful struggle had vanished without a trace, and I thanked the All-Merciful Lord for His great mercy shown to me.”
“And who are these venerable elders?” — I found myself asking this question time and again. And then, after several years, by the providence of God, I arrived at Valaam. As I approached the reliquary of the holy relics of the Venerable Fathers Sergius and Herman of Valaam, I instantly recognised that it was indeed them who had appeared to me”.
Years passed. Valaam endured both hardships and periods of flourishing, withstanding the full force of historical upheavals. Yet, the relics of the Venerable Fathers Sergius and Herman of Valaam were preserved and revered throughout.
The shifting attitudes towards religion in the country can be traced through the changing state of the reliquary that houses the sacred relics of these God-pleasing saints.
In 1823, a silver reliquary adorned with full-length wrought figures of the venerable fathers was placed above their relics. The sides depicted the translation of the relics, views of the monastery, and inscriptions. The cornices of the reliquary were embellished with cast cherubim.
By 1892, a wooden canopy gilded with gold leaf was erected over the reliquary.
In 1896, a silver lid was crafted by jewellers from Ovchinnikov’s store in St. Petersburg. This precious cover was donated by Elizaveta Semyonovna Lyamina. At her behest, images of the Venerable Fathers Sergius and Herman robed as schemamonks, were created. Beneath the lid lay an icon of the saints, painted in the monastery.
This reliquary remained in the monastery until March 1940 when it was transported, along with the monastery’s treasury, to Finland. Today, it can be viewed at the Finnish Orthodox Church Museum in Kuopio. Unfortunately, the gilded wooden canopy was completely lost during this time.
Silver reliquary over the holy relics of Venerable Herman and Sergius at the Finnish Orthodox Church Museum in Kuopio
In 1989, the monastery reopened. The nation celebrated the millennium of the Baptism of Rus’. Many glorious deeds were accomplished in those years to restore ruined monasteries and churches. The first monks to arrive at Valaam after a long hiatus immediately installed a wooden reliquary over the relics of Venerable Sergius and Herman, covering it with green cloth. Seven years later, in 1996, a new bronze reliquary replaced it.
Then in 2007, as part of the Patriarchal Care Programme for the restoration of the monastery, efforts began to recreate the carved canopy lost in 1940. In just a short time, by March 2013, on the Feast of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, a new canopy appeared over the reliquary. It was recreated to its original design based on archival photographs from New Valaam Monastery.
Reliquary over the relics of Sergius and Herman of Valaam, contemporary view
The distant Russian North stands as a bastion of Orthodoxy. Here, holy saints remain vigilant guardians. On Valaam, Venerable Sergius and Herman began their journey as Greek monks and ended as great Russian saints.
Holy God-pleasing wonderworkers of Valaam, Sergius and Herman, pray to God for us!
In 2012, our monastery's monastic choir, accompanied by a professional mixed choir, recorded the audio CD 'You simply have to love...' Among its treasures is the song 'Oh, Marvellous Island of Valaam!'—often hailed as the anthem of Valaam Monastery. Today, in honour of Sts Sergius and Herman of Valaam, we are delighted to share this inspiring hymn with you.
Troparion to the Venerable Sergius and Herman of Valaam, Tone 4
You became true disciples of the Gospel of Christ, O venerable ones, disregarding the world and all that is in it for the love of Christ. You settled on a sea island and laboured diligently against the wiles of unseen enemies. By fasting, vigil, and standing through the night, you wisely subjected your bodies to the spirit. Therefore, you received worthy crowns from the Almighty's right hand. Now standing before the Most Holy Trinity, pray, O all-blessed fathers Sergius and Herman, for our homeland to be preserved in peace and for our souls to be saved.
Another Troparion, Tone 1
Fleeing from worldly clamour, you became lovers of silence and piety. You came from the East to the tranquil haven of Valaam and there followed Christ evangelically with virtues, ascending to the summit of perfection. Now delighting in the supreme triumph of divine vision, O all-blessed fathers Sergius and Herman, pray to the Lover of Mankind to save us who devoutly honour you.
Kontakion to the Venerable Sergius and Herman of Valaam, Tone 4
Having departed from worldly life, you followed Christ by renouncing the world. You reached the great Lake Neva and settled on the island of Valaam, living an angelic life. From there, rejoicing, you passed to the heavenly mansions. Now standing with the angels before the Master’s throne, remember us, your children, whom you gathered with divine wisdom, that we may joyfully cry out from our souls: Rejoice, Sergius and Herman, all-blessed fathers.
Magnification
We magnify you, O venerable fathers Sergius and Herman, and we honour your holy memory, instructors of monks and companions of angels.
First prayer to the Venerable Sergius and Herman of Valaam
O great fathers of ours, Christ’s holy ones and fervent intercessors before the Saviour for our souls, Sergius and Herman! You appeared as healers in illnesses, pilots for those sailing on the sea, a sure deliverance for those drowning, and protectors against every deadly assault. Above all, you are liberators from unclean spirits and from every evil attack against us, offering cleansing and help. O all-blessed fathers and most glorious wonderworkers, Sergius and Herman, pray to Christ our Master for us sinners that by your prayers we may be deemed worthy to stand at His right hand on Judgement Day and enjoy the Kingdom of God forever. Amen.
Second prayer
O venerable and God-bearing fathers of ours, Sergius and Herman! With faith and love we fall down before your holy icon and humbly pray to you: do not forget us, unworthy and sinful (names), but by your intercession protect us from the evil wiles of enemies. Quell the uprising of passions; strengthen our weakness in spiritual struggles and labours that lie ahead. Drive away all despondency and sinful sorrow from our hearts and grant us heavenly consolation in our labours and sorrows. At the fearful hour of death, stand by us as good intercessors and banishers of dark demonic visions so that having ended our earthly course in peace and repentance, we may attain eternal blessings and together with you sing and glorify the all-holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
