
| Saint Seraphim of Sarov | |
|---|---|
| Russian Icon of Saint Seraphim of Sarov | |
| Confessor and Wonderworker | |
| Born | 30 July 1754 Kursk, Russian Empire |
| Died | 2 January 1833 (aged 78) Sarov, Russian Empire |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church Anglican Communion Eastern Catholic Church |
| Canonized | 19 July 1903 (O.S.), Sarov Monastery by Holy Governing Synod |
| Major shrine | Diveevo Convent, Russia |
| Feast | 2 January, 19 July (opening of relics) |
| Attributes | Wearing peasant clothing, often kneeling with his hands upraised in prayer; crucifix worn about his neck; hands crossed over chest |
Seraphim of Sarov (Russian: Серафим Саровский; 30 July [O.S. 19 July] 1754 (or 1759) – 14 January [O.S. 2 January] 1833), born Prókhor Isídorovich Moshnín (Mashnín) [Про́хор Иси́дорович Мошни́н (Машни́н)], is one of the most renowned Russian saints and is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church,[1] the Eastern Catholic Churches,[2] and the Anglican Communion.[3] He is generally considered the greatest of the 18th-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 receive the Holy Spirit. Perhaps his most popular quotation amongst his devotees is “acquire a peaceful spirit, and thousands around you will be saved.”
Seraphim was glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1903.