Saint Serapion of Thmuis

Life story

Serapion was born in Egypt around the turn of the fourth century. The sources describe him as a man of learning in Alexandria who became a monk in the desert of Sketis. Orthodox biographies call him a disciple of Anthony the Great and say he wrote a letter on Anthony's death. He is remembered as Serapion the Scholastic for his scholarship.

He became bishop of Thmuis by about 339 at the latest and supported Athanasius of Alexandria against the Arians. Athanasius sent him a series of letters on the Holy Spirit, usually regarded as among the first Christian texts devoted entirely to that subject. According to Jerome he also wrote against the Manichaeans, a work on the titles of the Psalms, and several letters. The sources disagree on when Arian opponents, backed by imperial power, forced him out of his see, so it can be placed only broadly in the 350s.

A collection of liturgical prayers under his name, often called the Euchologion or Sacramentary, came to light at the end of the nineteenth century; scholars think it reflects the liturgical tradition of Thmuis rather than being certainly his own composition. The sources also differ on the year of his death: Orthodox tradition gives 370, while some modern works give about 358 to 360. The Catholic and Orthodox churches keep his feast on 21 March, the Coptic Church on 7 March.

Works and witness

• Monk at Sketis, a disciple of Anthony the Great according to tradition
• Bishop of Thmuis and ally of Athanasius against the Arians
• Recipient of Athanasius's letters on the Holy Spirit
• According to Jerome, wrote against the Manichaeans and composed letters
• A prayer book bearing his name is an important early liturgical source

Saints from the same country

Saint Anthony of Egypt, Saint Athanasius, Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Saint Catherine of Alexandria

References

• Orthodox Church in America, Lives of the Saints: Saint Serapion, Bishop of Thmuis (21 March)
• Britannica, 'Saint Sarapion' and 'Euchologion' (search summaries; page body blocked)
• Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent), Jerome, De Viris Illustribus (referenced via search)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.