Father Serafim did his undergraduate studies at Stockholm University majoring in English, as well as studying French, Portuguese and Creative Writing. At Dalarna University he studied a one-year Master's programme in African Literature and post-colonial studies, and subsequently also completed an MA in Education. His BA dissertation was on the significance of the physical environment in J.D. Salinger's novella “Franny and Zooey”, and the MA dissertation was on paternalism in Alan Paton's short story collection “Debbie Go Home”. His (co-authored) MA dissertation in Education was on the implementation of a student information system at a Swedish free school.
He also studied for the priesthood at Sankt Ignatios Theological Academy in Södertälje, when the vocational programme was part of Botkyrka Folkhögskola (before the accredited Pastoral Pedagogical Programme was launched) and has followed Sankt Ignatios Foundation’s development since its inception. He currently serves as parish priest in Heliga Anna av Novgorods Orthodox Parish, under the Georgian Orthodox Patriarchate.