SERAFINO of SAROV. - In the world Procoro Mošnin, together with s. Teodosio de Pečersk and s. Sergio di Radonesc, one of the three most important figures of Russian spirituality. Born at Kursk on 19 July 1759 and died at Sarov on 2 Jan. 1833.
Entering 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 was successively a stylite, a silent monk, and a recluse. In 1815 he reopened his door by order of the Madonna and devoted himself to consoling and assisting his brethren.
A wonder-worker, prophet, and reader of hearts, S. became the confessor and spiritual director of thousands of faithful. Notable was his devotion to the Madonna, whom he called “joy of our joy.” S. taught that the purpose of life consists in obtaining the Holy Spirit, and that everything must help to make “the divine presence within us” more conscious and living. S. was found dead on his knees, his eyes fixed upon an image of the Madonna. In 1903 his name was entered by the Russian Church in the Catalogue of its saints.