Saint Serf facts for kids

Saint Serf (also known as Serbán) was an important saint in Scotland. He lived a long time ago, from around 500 AD to 583 AD. People especially honored him in western Fife. Some stories also call him the 'apostle of Orkney', but this might not be historically accurate. He is also linked to Saint Mungo's Church in Northumberland, England. His special day, called a feast day, is July 1st.

Amazing Stories About Saint Serf

Saint Serf is said to have founded the Scottish town of Culross.

Many old stories tell us about Saint Serf. One writer, David Hugh Farmer, said these tales are "wild impossibilities." For example, some legends say Serf was the son of Eliud, a king from Canaan, and his wife Alphia, a princess from Arabia. After many years, they had two sons, and Serf was the second.

The stories say Serf traveled to Rome. He was so well-known for being holy that he was chosen to be the Pope. He served as Pope for seven years.

After leaving Rome, he traveled to Gaul (which is now France) and then to Britain. He eventually returned to Scotland. There, he met Adomnán, who was a leader at the famous Iona monastery. Adomnán showed Serf an island in Loch Leven. This island later became known as St Serf's Inch.

At that time, the island was part of the Pictish kingdom of Fib (which is now Fife). Serf started a religious community there called St Serf's Inch Priory. He stayed on the island for seven years. Today, only a few parts of the old priory remain.

The town of Culross was very important to Saint Serf. Many believe he founded the town himself. Another story says that in Dunning, he fought and defeated a dragon using his special staff.

The legends say that after many amazing events and helping to start many churches, Saint Serf passed away peacefully in Dunning. His followers then carried his body to Culross, where he was buried with honor.

Serf and Mungo: Friends in Legend

Saint Serf is often mentioned with Saint Mungo, who is also known as Saint Kentigern. However, it's unlikely they both lived at the same time as Adomnán.

One famous legend tells us about Princess Theneva. She became pregnant before marriage, which was a big problem for her family. They threw her off a cliff. But she survived without harm! Soon after, an empty boat appeared. Knowing she had nowhere else to go, she got into the boat. It sailed her across the Firth of Forth to Culross.

There, Saint Serf took care of her. He became like a father to her son, Saint Kentigern (Saint Mungo).

Another sweet story says that Mungo brought Serf's pet robin back to life. Some of Mungo's classmates had killed the bird and planned to blame Mungo for it. But Mungo's miracle saved the day!

Churches Named After Saint Serf

You can find many churches named after Saint Serf in places like Fife, Edinburgh, and other parts of Central Scotland. His name is also used for schools in these areas.