
It pleased the Lord to summon the saint from his solitude, so that in his wisdom and spiritual experience he should serve for the salvation of others. From various places forty men gathered around him, thirsting for the spiritual life. By their common efforts, the brethren built a large church in honor of the Procession of the Venerable Wood of the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord (August 1). The monastic cells were built around the church.
Saint Paul of Obnora (January 10) led an ascetical life about three miles from the Nurma monastery, and Saint Sergius often visited him for soul-profiting conversation. When it was time for Saint Sergius to go back to his monastery, Saint Paul would accompany him for two-thirds of the way. Later, a chapel was built to mark the place where they parted. Saint Sergius died on October 7, 1412. Since 1546, the Church has venerated him for his saintly life.