Seraphim of Sarov
| Saint Seraphim of Sarov | |
|---|---|
Saint Seraphim of Sarov
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| Wonderworker | |
| Born |
1 August 1754 Kursk, Russian Empire |
| Died | 14 January 1833 (aged 73) Sarov, Russian Empire |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodoxy, Eastern Catholicism |
| Canonized | 19 July 1903, Sarov Monastery by Holy Governing Synod, Russian Orthodox Church |
| Major shrine | Diveevo convent, Russia |
| Feast | 2/15 January (Repose) 19 July/1 August (Opening of relics) |
| Attributes | Wearing peasant clothing, often kneeling with his hands upraised in prayer; crucifix worn about his neck; hands crossed over chest |
Saint Seraphim of Sarov (Russian: Серафим Саровский) (1 August [O.S. 19 July] 1754 (or 1759) – 14 January [O.S. 2 January] 1833), born Prokhor Moshnin (Прохор Мошнин), is one of the most renowned Russian saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He is generally considered the greatest of the 19th-century startsy (elders). Seraphim extended the monastic teachings of contemplation, theoria and self-denial to the layperson. He taught that the purpose of the Christian life was to acquire the Holy Spirit. Perhaps his most popular quotation amongst Orthodox believers is "Acquire a peaceful spirit, and thousands around you will be saved."
Seraphim was glorified (canonized) by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1903. Pope John Paul II referred to him as a saint.
Born 19 July (new style 1 Aug) 1754, the future saint was baptized with the name of Prochor, after Saint Prochorus, one of the first Seven Deacons of the Early Church and the disciple of John the Evangelist. His parents, Isidore and Agathia Moshnin, lived in Kursk, Russia. His father was a merchant, but business did not interest the devout boy. According to Orthodox Church tradition, a wonderworking icon of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary), Our Lady of Kursk healed the young boy. Seraphim later experienced a number of visions.
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