Saint Athanasius of Serpukhov (in the world Andrew) was born into a pious priestly family in Obonezh Pyatina and from an early age was drawn to prayer and monastic life. Inspired by the example of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, he journeyed to the Trinity Monastery at Makovets, where he embraced monasticism under the name Athanasius, in honor of Saint Athanasius the Great. Deeply committed to asceticism and spiritual discipline, he became known for his dedication to copying sacred texts—an obedience he saw as equal in importance to icon painting. When Prince Vladimir of Serpukhov asked Saint Sergius to found a monastery on his lands, Athanasius was appointed to lead the new Vysotsk Monastery, where he formed a stronghold of Russian monasticism. Known for his strict spiritual standards, he trained many disciples, including Saint Nikon, who would later mentor the great iconographer Saint Andrew Rublev.

Later in life, Saint Athanasius accompanied Metropolitan Cyprian to Constantinople, where he spent nearly twenty years copying and translating Greek theological works for the enrichment of the Russian Church. Residing at the Studion Monastery, he established a legacy of scholarship and spiritual artistry, sending illuminated manuscripts and icons back to his homeland. This effort helped shape the liturgical, theological, and artistic culture of medieval Russia. Before his death around 1401, he translated and copied The Eye of the Church, a key ecclesiastical text. Remembered as a virtuous elder and learned scribe, Saint Athanasius left behind a vibrant monastic and cultural legacy, continued by his disciple Saint Athanasius the Younger, who reposed in 1395 as a revered spiritual leader and wonderworker.

Troparion — Tone 8

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile, / and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance. / By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe! / O our holy father Athanasius, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!