Saint Seraphim of Sarov

Biography

Saint Seraphim of Sarov, also known as Prokhor Moshnin, was born in 1759 in Kursk, Russia. He came from a middle-class family, his father being a builder. Even as a young boy, Seraphim displayed a studious nature and an inclination towards spirituality. This led him to join the Sarov monastery in 1777, where he took the name Seraphim upon becoming a monk. The monks of Sarov maintained a strong focus on studying Scripture and the early Church writings, which suited Seraphim's scholarly disposition. However, his journey towards holiness was not without challenges. From 1780 to 1783, Seraphim fell severely ill and was bedridden. Despite his physical ailments, he continued to devote himself to his studies and experienced repeated apparitions of the Virgin Mary during this period. In 1793, Seraphim was ordained as a priest and began celebrating Mass daily, which was considered unusual at the time. His dedication to prayer and the sacraments deepened his spiritual connection with God. However, seeking a more intense inward journey, Seraphim decided to become a hermit in 1794, living in the forest near the Sarov monastery. Seraphim's life as a hermit was marked by solitude, prayer, and asceticism. He sought to detach himself from worldly distractions in order to fully devote himself to God. However, in 1804, he was brutally attacked by thieves and left for dead. Despite his injuries, Seraphim managed to drag himself back to the monastery. It took him five months to recover, but his physical health never fully improved, and he spent the rest of his life stooped and relying on a cane to walk. Seeking even greater spiritual heights, Seraphim lived for a period of time atop a pillar and later in a walled-up cell. His extreme asceticism led many to admire and seek his guidance. In 1807, Seraphim was offered the position of abbot, or head, of the Sarov monastery, but he declined, choosing instead a life of silence for the next three years. However, in 1810, Seraphim's health deteriorated to the point where he could no longer live in the woods. He returned to the Sarov abbey and resumed living as a hermit within its walls. It was during this time that he received a vision from the Virgin Mary, instructing him to share his wisdom and spirituality with others. Following this directive, Seraphim attracted followers and students who sought his guidance. He became known as a respected spiritual teacher, earning the honorific title "starets" in the Russian language. Many people came to him seeking healing, both physically and spiritually. Seraphim's teachings, marked by a deep love for Christ, simplicity, humility, and the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, were highly regarded and inspired countless individuals. Seraphim's wisdom and teachings spread beyond his immediate community and influenced people throughout Russia and beyond. His writings have been reprinted in the West, and even Pope John Paul II referenced him in his book "Threshold of Hope." Saint Seraphim of Sarov died on January 2, 1833, at the Sarov monastery, in his hermitage. His death was attributed to natural causes. Canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1903, Saint Seraphim remains a source of inspiration and a beloved figure in the Orthodox Christian tradition.