ROCOR sets commission for canonization of Seraphim (Rose)

Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose). Photo: robinmarkphillips.com

The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) announced the creation of a commission to study the life, legacy, and veneration of Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose) as a step towards possible canonization. This was reported by the website synod.com.

The decision was made at the meeting of the Synod of Bishops, held at the synodal residence in New York from December 9 to 11, 2025. The commission is headed by Bishop Iakov of Sonora, Vicar of the Western American Diocese.

As clarified in church media, the study of materials by the commission is an early stage of the procedure: the collected testimonies and documents will be presented for further consideration in due course.

In the years since the passing of Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose) on September 2, 1982, his veneration has spread throughout the Orthodox world, especially in countries that suffered under the communist yoke. He is also known and revered on Mount Athos. Father Seraphim was canonized in the Akhalkalaki Diocese of the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2023. 

The final message also states that the December session was timed to coincide with the feast of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. In addition to personnel and disciplinary issues, the Synod focused on preparations for the Bishops' Council in Munich, which is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the German Diocese; a church conference is planned following its acts.

The work of the Synod concluded with a joint service on the feast of the Kursk Root Icon at the Cathedral of the Sign in New York, with the participation of ROCOR hierarchs and representatives of local Churches.

As reported by the UOJ, the First Hierarch of ROCOR commented on meetings in Washington on the protection of UOC believers.

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