Church celebrates the memory of Saint Seraphim of Sarov

St. Seraphim of Sarov. Photo: open sources

On August 1 (July 19 according to the Julian calendar), the Orthodox Church celebrates the finding of the relics of Seraphim of Sarov – one of the most revered Orthodox saints.

Venerable Seraphim (in the world Prokhor Moshnin, 1754–1833) was a great ascetic, elder, and miracle worker.

Seraphim of Sarov went from being a novice to a great elder. He gained particular fame for his 15-year seclusion and the feat of pillar-dwelling – a thousand-day prayer on a stone. The elder was renowned for his gift of foresight, healings, and spiritual guidance.

Seraphim's famous greeting "My Joy!" became a symbol of Christian love and joy in the Risen Christ. His teachings on acquiring the Holy Spirit remain spiritual guidance for Orthodox Christians today.

A special place in the spiritual biography of St. Seraphim is his pilgrimage to the Kyiv Caves Lavra. The future Sarov elder made this journey in his youth, before taking monastic vows. Venerating the relics of the ancient monastery and praying at the relics of the Kyiv Caves saints had a profound influence on the formation of his spiritual path.

In the Lavra, young Prokhor Moshnin received a special blessing for monastic service. According to tradition, it was after this pilgrimage that his decision to dedicate his life to God and retreat to the Sarov Hermitage was finally affirmed.

In 1903, 70 years after the Venerable's repose, he was glorified among the saints. On August 1 (July 19 old style) – on the saint's birthday – his honorable relics were solemnly uncovered and placed in a prepared shrine for public veneration. This long-awaited event was accompanied by many miraculous healings of the sick, who arrived in large numbers in Sarov.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote about what St. Seraphim teaches us.

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