Seraphim of Sarov

Seraphim of Sarov (born Prókhor Isídorovich Moshnín, also spelled Mashnín) is one of the most venerated saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church, also recognized in the Anglican Communion and some Eastern Catholic churches. He is widely regarded as the greatest of the 18th-century startsy, or spiritual elders. Seraphim's teachings emphasized the monastic concepts of contemplation, theoria, and self-denial, making them accessible to laypeople. He taught that the ultimate goal of the Christian life was to attain the grace of the Holy Spirit, famously advising, "Acquire a peaceful spirit, and around you thousands will be saved."

Life and Historical Context

Born in Kursk, Russia, on July 30, 1754 (or 1759), Seraphim was baptized Prochor. His parents were Isidore and Agathia Moshnin. According to tradition, a wonderworking icon of the Theotokos, Our Lady of Kursk, protected him when he fell from a bell tower as a child. At age 17, he visited Dorothea of Kiev, and by 19, he joined the Sarov monastery as a novice. He took his monastic vows in 1786, receiving the name Seraphim, and was ordained a hierodeacon and later a hieromonk. In 1793, he became the spiritual leader of the Diveyevo Convent. Soon after, he retreated to a solitary life as a hermit in the woods for 25 years, practicing extreme asceticism, including prolonged fasting and nights spent in continuous prayer.

During his hermitage, Seraphim was attacked by thieves and severely beaten, resulting in a hunched back. Despite this, he pleaded for mercy for his attackers. Following this incident, he spent 1,000 nights in continuous prayer on a rock. In 1815, he began admitting pilgrims, becoming renowned for his healing powers, gift of prophecy, and ability to answer questions before they were asked. Despite his personal austerity, he was known for his kindness, greeting visitors with a prostration, kiss, and the exclamation "Christ is risen!", often calling them "My joy."

Relics, Canonization, and Veneration

Seraphim died on January 14, 1833, while kneeling before an icon of the Theotokos. His canonization was spearheaded by archimandrite Seraphim Chichagov and gained approval from Emperor Nicholas II. The Russian Orthodox Church officially glorified him in 1903, with his relics transferred and enshrined during solemn ceremonies attended by the imperial family. The festivities also included the consecration of churches dedicated to him. Following the Bolshevik Revolution, his relics, like many others, were confiscated and hidden. They were rediscovered in 1991, causing significant sensation, and were returned to the Diveyevo Convent via a religious procession from Moscow. In 2016, a portion of his relics was sent into space aboard the Soyuz MS-02. Seraphim is commemorated in the Anglican Communion on January 2, and Pope John Paul II referred to him as a saint in his book "Crossing the Threshold of Hope." In 2016, a relic of Seraphim was presented to Pope Francis, who kept it by his bedside.

Seraphim and Old Believers

Information regarding Seraphim's relationship with Russian Old Believers is complex. While generally portrayed as a supporter of church reforms and the official hierarchy, he is often depicted in icons with Old Believer accoutrements, such as a lestovka. Some suggest his beatification faced challenges due to his perceived sympathy towards the Old Believers, with his rejection of old rites possibly being exaggerated by followers to gain favor with official church figures. It has also been suggested that he may have descended from a family of Old Ritualists or secret Old Believers.