Venerable Fathers Sergius and Herman of Valaam

The Venerable Fathers Sergius and Herman of Valaam are the founders of monastic life on the island of Valaam. As early as the first century Andrew the First-called preached Christianity on this island: he cast down the pagan idols, set up stone crosses, and appointed teachers for the newly converted. In the thirteenth century Magnus, king of the Swedes, a fanatical adherent of Roman Catholicism, tried to spread his faith among the local inhabitants by fire and sword, which gave them a false idea of Christianity and chilled their hearts towards the true God. At the beginning of the fourteenth century, when the Venerable Sergius and Herman settled on the island, they found the Apostle Andrew’s cross still standing: Christianity existed, but paganism lived alongside it and held sway.

The labours of the brethren of Sergius and Herman’s monastery showed the people of Valaam the image of Orthodoxy and the true way of salvation. Their faith was quickened too by the miracles worked by Saints Sergius and Herman.

The blessed fathers reposed around 1353. Their incorrupt relics rest in the cathedral church of the Transfiguration of the Lord.