Mukachevo Eparchy holds forum dedicated to Schema-Archimandrite Seraphim (Brovdi)

The conference dedicated to the spiritual heritage of Elder Schema-Archimandrite Seraphim (Brovdi). Photo: Mukachevo Eparchy

On October 6, 2025, a seminar-conference dedicated to the memory and spiritual legacy of Elder Schema-Archimandrite Seraphim (Brovdi) – an ascetic of Transcarpathia, was held in the Mukachevo Eparchy of the UOC. According to the eparchy's press service, the event brought together clergy, monastics, and laity who gathered to remember the life path and spiritual heritage of the elder.

The conference was attended by the ruling hierarch – Metropolitan Theodore of Mukachevo and Uzhhorod, Bishop Hilary of Svaliava, abbots and abbesses of the eparchy's monasteries, teachers and students of the Mukachevo Theological School, as well as numerous priests and believers.

The forum began with a prayer, after which the rector of the theological school and abbot of the St. John the Theologian Monastery in the village of Selce, Archimandrite Luke (Tomishinets), delivered a welcoming speech. He stated that Father Seraphim was an example of a true servant of Christ and emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the ascetics of piety.

In his address, Metropolitan Theodore reminded that the life of Schema-Archimandrite Seraphim is an example of faithfulness to the Church and love for God. “We must not only remember such people but strive to emulate their humility, their prayer, their sacrificial love,” he said.

Bishop Hilary of Svaliava mentioned the pastoral wisdom and spiritual steadfastness of Schema-Archimandrite Seraphim in his speech.

The conference featured theological and historical-research presentations.

Archpriest John Herbik presented the topic “The Life and Monastic Path of the Ascetic of Transcarpathia – Schema-Archimandrite Seraphim (Brovdi),” detailing his spiritual formation and labors.

Archpriest Michael Buchmey revealed the topic “The Monastic Life and Spiritual Gifts of Father Seraphim”, and Archpriest Vasily Liakh shared memories of parishioners who knew the schema-archimandrite closely.

The forum concluded with a video featuring memories of the ascetic's life, after which participants had the opportunity to ask questions to the clergy and share their reflections.

In his closing remarks, Metropolitan Theodore thanked everyone for their participation and noted that such meetings strengthen faith and help pass on the living memory of the ascetics to future generations.

“Father Seraphim left not only memories but also a spiritual legacy that continues to inspire us to serve God and our neighbors,” said the bishop.

Schema-Archimandrite Seraphim (in the world — Mykhailo Panteleymonovych Brovdi) was born on May 12, 1903, in the village of Chyngava in the Vynohradiv region, into a pious family. In 1933, he arrived to serve in the village of Podhorne, where he built a cell with his own hands and carried out pastoral ministry for over half a century, caring for the spiritual needs not only of his own village but also of the surrounding communities.

Despite persecution and hardship, Father Seraphim remained a true example of monastic life – humble, prayerful, and compassionate. He helped the sick, comforted the sorrowful, never refused anyone a prayer, and never accepted payment for performing sacred rites, often repeating the words of the Gospel: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth.”

He reposed in the Lord on March 12, 1988, and was buried next to the church to which he had devoted 53 years of his life.

As reported by the UOJ, a cleric of the Mukachevo Eparchy was fined for criticizing the OCU.

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