Nikolay Motovilov

Nikolay Aleksandrovich Motovilov (; 3 May 1809 – 14 January 1879) was a Russian landowner, and Fool for Christ. He is primarily known as the first biographer of Saint Seraphim of Sarov. In Russian Orthodox tradition he is often referred as the Servant to Seraphim and the Theotokos. but lost all chances for employment with the government thereafter. Here he worked ceaselessly to glorify the name of Seraphim, who had died in 1833. Motovilov wrote numerous letters to important personages, including the Emperor himself, endeavoring to demonstrate the depths of Seraphim's prophetic gift and philosophy. He also organized large business ventures such as the Svyato-Preobrazhensky Bank, assisting in the migration of "millions of peasants" from Central Russia to Siberia. Motovilov's writings also strongly influenced the works of Nilus.

In one of Nilus’ books "On the banks of God’s river" we find a prediction of Seraphim Sarovsky, made by Nikolay Motovilov. It is known as “The Great Mystery of Diveevo”. It says that rev. Seraphim would be taken to heaven before his due time to be later resurrected by God in the times of a neglect of Christian belief. After his resurrection, he will start the world-wide Sermon of repentance