His Grace Seraphim Sigrist, Former Bishop of Sendai, Reposes
Bp. Seraphim, a longtime missionary bishop in Japan and educator in the United States, reposed on February 7 at age 84.
TARRYTOWN, NY — His Grace Bp. Seraphim (Sigrist), former Bishop of Sendai, fell asleep in the Lord on the morning of February 7, 2026, according to the Orthodox Church in America.
Born Joseph Sigrist on December 13, 1941, in New York, Bp. Seraphim was raised in Pleasantville, New York, and was initially baptized in a Presbyterian church. While studying at Nyack College, he began attending Orthodox services and was later received into the Orthodox Church at Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in New York. He continued his formation at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, graduating in 1967.
Following graduation, he traveled to Japan to serve the Orthodox Church, where he was tonsured a monk with the name Seraphim and later consecrated bishop in Tokyo in 1971. After 19 years of service in Japan, he returned to the United States in 1987, teaching, writing, and supporting missionary efforts, particularly among youth in Russia.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa fell asleep in the Lord.
