Changes

Fr Serge made two visits and pilgrimages to Russia in 1947 and in 1977, but otherwise did not travel during his life as a monk, anxious to ensure his parish perfect continuity of liturgical services and to be constantly present and available to all who needed him. He had the qualities of a true elder, which earned him recognition as such, far beyond France's borders, by the greatest spiritual figures of our time, whether the Father [[Sophrony (Sakharov)]] with which he was always linked to friendship, Father (now Saint) [[Justin Popovich]] or the Athonite elders Ephrem of [[Katounakia Fathers (Athos)|Katounakia]], Charalampos (DionusiatesDionysiates), and (now Saint) [[Paisios (Eznepidis)]].

He was chosen as the spiritual guide and father by figures such as [[Nikolai Berdyaev]], [[Vladimir Lossky]], and [[Jean-Claude Larchet]]. Bishops, abbots, priests, monks and faithful throughout the world, many famous and often even representatives of the Russian intelligentsia, sought his advice and make made their confessions to him. Yet he had only very few disciples. This is was primarily due to its his great humility. He willingly repeated that the spiritual life is essentially what we are, not in what is said. Father Serge never preached, choosing instead to occasionally read a patristic text.

At the beginning of Lent 1985, Father Serge fell seriously ill. In early October 1986, the disease struck again, more seriously than the last time. Fr Serge was able to return to Vanves, but June 3, 1987 he was struck by paralysis and had to be hospitalized again. An x-ray allowed then to see revealed that the cancer had spread to several organs of the body. On July 25, Fr Serge received communion and, very gently and in great peace, surrendered his soul to God.