SERAFIM of SAROV. — Born Procoro Mošnin, along with St. Theodosius of the Caves and St. Sergius of Radonezh, one of the three most important figures in Russian spirituality. Born in Kursk on 19 July 1759, died in Sarov on 2 January 1833.
Having entered the monastery of Sarov at the age of 18, and having passed through all the stages of monastic life, he was ordained priest in 1793 and obtained permission to become a hermit. For 25 years he lived in solitude, silence, and seclusion. In 1815, by order of the Mother of God, he reopened the monastery gates and devoted himself to consoling and uplifting his brethren.
A tower of strength, a prophet, and a reader of hearts, St. Seraphim became the confessor and spiritual director of thousands of the faithful. Notable was his devotion to the Mother of God, whom he called “the joy of our joy.” St. Seraphim taught that the purpose of life consists in obtaining the Holy Spirit, and that all things must help to make the divine presence within us more conscious and alive.” He was found dead kneeling and with his eyes fixed on an image of the Mother of God. In 1903 his name was inscribed by the Church in the Catalogue of its saints.