Saint Sergius of Shukhtom (in the world Stephen) was born at Kazan. For three years he traveled to the holy places of Palestine and Greece, studying the monastic life. He returned to Novgorod, then he went to the Solovki monastery. In 1603 he received the monastic schema from Archimandrite Isaiah, who later painted the icon of Saint Sergius of Shukhtom.
After taking the schema, the monk imposed strict ascetic struggles upon himself, going day and night without sleep, kneeling in prayer. For his holy life the Lord gave the saint gifts of wonderworking and prophecy. Saint Sergius of Shukhtom reposed on May 19, 1609.