Serapion of Novgorod was an Eastern Orthodox prelate who served as the Archbishop of Novgorod the Great and Pskov between 1506 and 1509. Born in the Muscovite village of Pekhorka, he rose through monastic ranks, serving as hegumen of the Dubensk Dormition, Stromyn Dormition, and Trinity monasteries. His tenure as archbishop was brief, ending after a conflict with Joseph Volotsky and the Grand Prince Vasily III, which resulted in his removal from office.
Life and career
After taking monastic vows, Serapion led several monasteries, including the Trinity monastery starting in 1493. In 1506, he was consecrated archbishop with the approval of Vasily III. However, a dispute regarding ecclesiastical authority led to a confrontation with Joseph Volotsky. Serapion's subsequent complaints were perceived as an insult to the Grand Prince, leading to his deposition and confinement in the Andronikov monastery. He was released in 1511 and lived his remaining years at the Trinity monastery.
Veneration
The Russian Orthodox Church recognizes Serapion as a saint. His feast day is observed on March 16, the date of his death in 1516. Following his removal from his episcopal seat, the position of Novgorod remained unoccupied for seventeen years.