Hieromartyr Seraphim, Archbishop of Uglich (in the world Semyon N. Samoylovich), was born on July 19, 1881, in Myrgorod, Poltava Governorate. After graduating from the Poltava Theological Seminary in 1902, he served as a missionary and teacher in Alaska, where he was tonsured and ordained a hieromonk. Returning to Russia, he worked in various monasteries and seminaries and became known for his scholarship and compassion, establishing a beekeeping school for orphans and an infirmary during wartime. In 1920, he was consecrated Bishop of Uglich and became a key figure in the “Parallel Synod,” an underground ecclesiastical body formed to resist state control of the Church under Patriarch Tikhon’s blessing.

After several arrests, Archbishop Seraphim was elevated to Archbishop by Patriarch Tikhon and briefly served as Deputy Patriarchal Locum Tenens in 1926–1927. He strongly opposed Metropolitan Sergius’ 1927 Declaration, which sought compromise with Soviet authorities, calling instead for steadfastness in the truth of the faith. For his resistance, he was repeatedly imprisoned and exiled, continuing to lead the Catacomb Church in secret and issuing letters condemning collaboration with the state. Arrested once more in 1934, he was executed in the Siblaga camp on October 22, 1937 (November 4, New Style). In 2000, Hieromartyr Seraphim was glorified among the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia for his unwavering witness to Christ under persecution.

Troparion — Tone 4

Today the Church of Russia joyfully forms a chorus, / praising her New Martyrs and Confessors; / hierarchs and priests, royal passion-bearers, right-believing princes and princesses, / venerable men and women, and all Orthodox Christians. / Having laid down their life for faith in Christ during the days of godless persecution, / they preserved the truth by the shedding of blood. / By their protection, O long-suffering Lord, / preserve our land in Orthodoxy until the end of the age.

Kontakion — Tone 3

Today the New Martyrs of Russia stand in white robes before the Lamb of God, / and with the angels they sing to God the hymn of victory: / "Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and praise, and honor, / and power, and strength be to our God / unto the ages of ages. Amen."