Saint Serapion of Zarzma, the son of a noble family from Klarjeti, was devoted to God from childhood. After the early deaths of his parents, he and his younger brother John sought spiritual guidance from Saint Michael of Parekhi, who recognized Serapion’s divine calling and ordained him a priest. Following a vision, Saint Michael sent Serapion and John to Samtskhe to found a monastery. With a wonderworking icon of the Transfiguration, they journeyed through the mountains, eventually receiving land from the pious nobleman George Chorchaneli. Despite resistance from local villagers, divine miracles—including an earthquake that created the site later called Zarzma—affirmed their mission.

Guided by prayer, the monks chose a location for their church where an oil lamp miraculously burned longest. With the help of George Chorchaneli, they built the monastery using stone from a ruined church, placing the icon of the Transfiguration in its altar. Saint Serapion established the monastery’s Rule, and after its completion, Saint Michael blessed their work and gave George a withered branch that later miraculously blossomed. Near the end of his life, Serapion appointed Hieromonk George as his successor and was buried with honor beside the church, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy in the monastery of Zarzma.

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 Serapion, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!