An Extraordinary

An Extraordinary Peace
Peace
St. Seraphim,
St. Seraphim, flame
Flame of
of Sarov
Sarov
An Extraordinary
An Extraordinary Peace
Peace
St. Seraphim,
St. Seraphim, Flame
Flame of
of Sarov
Sarov

A r c h im a n d r it e
ARCHIMANDRITE
L a z a r u s (MOORE)
LAZARUS (M o o re)

......
A N A PH O RA
ANAPHORA
'alWWWj

A n a p h o r a PRESS
ANAPHORA P ress
2009
2009
 *
ANAPHORA
ANAPHORA

'W'···'
Published
Published bybyAnaphora
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© 2009,
© 2009,Father
FatherLazarus
LazarusMoore
MooreFoundation.
Foundation. All
Allrights
rightsreserved.
reserved.
frlazarusmoore.com
frlazarusmoore.corn
Printed
Printed ininthe
theUnited
UnitedStates
Statesofof
America.
America.

For
Forpermission
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quoteplease
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Chief
ChiefEditor:
Editor:Macrina
Macrina Lewis
Lewis
Literary
LiteraryTrustee:
Trustee:Dominica
Dominica Cranor
Cranor
Design:
Design:NinaNinaNoble,
Noble,ninanobledesigns.com
ninanobledesigns.com
Illustrations: Aaron -Herman Breitbach
Illustrations: Aaron-Herman Breitbach
Portrait
Portrait ofofSt.St.Seraphim:
Seraphim: Valerie
ValerieCraig
CraigMurray
Murray
Portrait
Portrait ofofFr.Fr.
Lazarus
LazarusMoore:
Moore:Alexei
AlexeiAntonov,
Antonov, antonavart.com
antonavart.com
Fresco
FrescoofofSt.St.Seraphim
Seraphim (front):
(front):unknown
unknown iconographer
iconographer
Fresco
FrescoofofSt.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim (back):
(back):Monk
MonkPatrick
PatrickDoolan,
Doolan, gsinai.com
gsinai.com

ISBN
ISBN978-0-9801241-0-1
978-0-9801241-0-1 (Softcover
(Softcover edition)
edition)
ISBN
ISBN978-0-9801241-2-5
978-0-9801241-2-5 (Hardcover
(Hardcover edition)
edition)
 C ontents
CONTENTS

Foreword.....................................................................................................................
Foreword 7 7
In tro d u ctio n .............................................................................................................
Introduction 8 8
1 UnderHis
1 Under HisMother's
M othersRoof..
R oo f.................................................................................
11 11

2 2OnOn The
The Way
Way ToToSarov
Sarov........................................................................................19
19
3 TheNovice
3 The NoviceProchorus
Prochorus......................................................................................
2525

4 4InIn The
The AngelicHabit
Angelic H a b it.........................................................................................37
37
5 TheDistant
5 The Distant Hermitage.....................................................................................
Hermitage 5555

6 6Reclusion
Reclusion...............................................................................................................71
71
7 TheHeight
7 The HeightOfOPerfection
f Perfection.................................................................................89
89
8A
8A WonderfulRevelation
Wonderful Revelationto tothethe W orld .......................................................I
World 111 l l
9 Are
9 Are thethe Tormentsof oHell
Torments f Hella Reality?
a Reality?.........................................................139
139

1010Spiritual
SpiritualFather
Father andElder.
and Elder.........................................................................144
144

1111Monasticism
Monasticismand
and
thethe W orld ......................................................................
World 162162

1212Instructions
Instructions
forfor Those
Those Living
Living in in
thethe W orld...........................................170
World 170

1313Piety
Piety
in in
thethe W orld .........................................................................................184
World 184

1414 The
The JoyfulDirector
Joyful Director
of of S o u ls......................................................................205
Souls 205

1515 Amazing
Amazing Wonderworker.............................................................................233
Wonderworker 233

1616 The
The Predictions
Predictions of oSt.
f St.Seraphim
Seraphim ...............................................................256
256

1717 Apparition
Apparition of of
thethe Mother
Mother of of God
God to to
St.St. Seraphim .............................
Seraphim 262262

1818 The
The Last
Last Year
Year of oSt.
f St. Seraphim 'Life
Seraphim's s L ife ........................................................
267267

1919 Supernatural
Supernatural Help
Help and
and Miraculous
Miraculous H ealings......................................279
Healings 279

2020 The
The C anonization.........................................................................................
Canonization 297297

2121 The
The Mingling
Mingling of oHeaven
f Heaven and
and Earth.........................................................
Earth 314 314

Fr.Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus M oore...............................................................................................
Moore 320 320

The
The M anuscript..................................................................................................
Manuscript 322322
A N I, ' . . . •' '

The
ThePrayer
PrayerRules
Ruleso fofSt.St.Seraph
Seraphim im ................................................................... 327327
The
TheSimple
SimpleRule.............................................................................................327
Rule 327
The
TheSt.St.Pachomius
Pachomius R u le..............................................................................329
Rule 329
Rule of the Diveyev C on
Rule of the Diveyev Conventvent................................................................... 332
332
Rule
Ruletotocombat
combat DDespair
espair..............................................................................337
337
AAPenitent Rule for the Departed.............................................................341
Penitent Rule for the Departed 341
Akathist
Akathist totoSt.St.Seraphim
Seraphim ................................................................................... 342
342
 F oreword
FOREWORD

One
One of of
thethe most
most interesting
interesting developments
developments within
within Christianity
Christianity in in recent
recent times
times
hashas been
been thethe veritable
veritable explosion
explosion of of interest
interest in in Eastern
Eastern O rthodoxy
Orthodoxy, a trend
a trend thatthat
continues
continues to to
thisthis day
day. AsAs mainstream
mainstream denominations
denominations have
have forsaken
forsaken their
their reliance
reliance
on on
thethe biblical
biblical witness
witness in in favor
favor of of dubious
dubious andand ever- changing
ever-changing opinions
opinions spawned
spawned
by " higher criticism " and dictated by the whims of " political
by "higher criticism" and dictated by the whims of "political correctness," correctness, " and
and
have
have abandoned
abandoned doctrinal
doctrinal positions
positions critical
critical to to their
their witness
witness in in
thethe past,
past, many
many
of of their
their adherents,
adherents, adrift
adrift andand bewildered
bewildered on on
thethe turbulent
turbulent waters
waters of of modernity
modernity
andand appalled
appalled by by these
these developments,
developments, have
have entered
entered upon
upon personal
personal quests
quests forfor
thethe
True Christianity
True Christianity. and, seeking, have found it in Holy O rthodoxy
and, seeking, have found it in Holy Orthodoxy.
Many
Many have
have beenbeen inspired
inspired in in their
their search
search by by
thethe examples
examples of of holy
holy menmen
andand
women
women of of
thethe past,
past, heroes
heroes andand heroines
heroines of of
thethe Church,
Church, whose
whose lives
lives areare wondrous
wondrous
andand striking
striking examples
examples of of
thethe heights
heights of of holiness
holiness which
which thethe dedicated
dedicated Christian
Christian
cancan attain
attain by by God's
God's grace.
grace. Among
Among thethe vanguard
vanguard of of such
such warriors
warriors forfor piety
piety whose
whose
lives have so touched our hearts, Saint Seraphim ofSarov has become one of of
lives have so touched our hearts, Saint Seraphim of Sarov has become one thethe
most
most widely
widely known.
known.
That
That thisthis marvelous
marvelous Russian
Russian saint
saint hashas been
been embraced
embraced by by Christians
Christians through ­
through-
outout
thethe world
world is due
is due in in
no no small
small partpart
to to
thethe labours
labours of of those
those whowho
havehave striven
striven to to
translate
translate andand disseminate
disseminate hishis
lifelife
as as widely
widely as as possible.
possible. In In
thethe English -speaking
English-speaking
world,
world, thethe
latelate Archimandrite
Archimandrite Lazarus
Lazarus (Moore)
(Moore) holds
holds a prominent
a prominent place
place in in these
these
efforts.
efforts.
Working
Working in in
thethe 1940s
1940s andand '50s,
'50s, whenwhenthethe translation
translation of of Orthodox
Orthodox spiritual
spiritual lit-lit­
erature
erature andand liturgical
liturgical texts
texts waswas
in in
its its infancy
infancy Father
Father Lazarus
Lazarus firstfirst produced
produced a m od ­
a mod-
estest booklet
booklet on on Saint
Saint Seraphim,
Seraphim, which
which waswas published
published at at Holy
Holy Trinity
Trinity Monastery,
Monastery,
in Jordanville,
in Jordanville, NY. His devotion to the Saint, and his keen perception
NY. His devotion to the Saint, and his keen perception of of
thethe
spiritual
spiritual value
value of of
thethe Saint's
Saint's lifelife
andand witness,
witness, honed
honed by.by decades
decades in in
thethe mission ­
mission-
aryary field,
field, however,
however, ledled
himhimto to devote
devote a great
a great deal
deal of of energy
energy to to
thethe production
production of of
a book - length
a book-length treatment
treatment of of Saint
Saint Seraphim's
Seraphim's life,life, a project
a project which
which sawsaw
thethe light
light of of
print only after Father Lazarus had departed
print only after Father Lazarus had departed this life.this life.
WeWeareare pleased
pleased thatthat
thisthis book,
book, outout
of of print
print forfor several
several years,
years, is now
is now being
being re-re ­
published by Father Lazarus
published by Father Lazarus' dedicated ' dedicated followers, since no other version of thethe
followers, since no other version of
Saint's
Saint's lifelife
of of comparable
comparable length
length exists
exists in in English
English at at
thisthis time.
time.
May
May ourour merciful
merciful Saviour
Saviour bless
bless those
those whowho have
have undertaken
undertaken thisthis God-pleasing
God-pleasing
task, and all those who read this work with humility and a thirst for edification.
task, and all those who read this work with humility and a thirst for edification.

+Hilarion,
+Hilarion, Metropolitan
Metropolitan of of Eastern
Eastern America
America & New
& New York,
York,
First
First Hierarch
Hierarch of of
thethe Russian
Russian O rthodox
Orthodox Church
Church Outside
Outside of of Russia
Russia
Great
Great Lent,
Lent, 200 9
2009

7
A [\[I\\Oil 1\\1\\ Pi
I ntroduction
INTRODUCTION

by C atherine L ucinda P enn

BY CATHERINE LUCINDA PENN

Excerpted
Excerpted fromthethe1994
from 1994edition:
edition:St.St.Seraphim
Seraphim
of of Sarov:
Sarov: A Spiritual Biography by
A Spiritual Biography by
New
New Sarov
Sarov Press.
Press.

Saint
Saint Seraphim
Seraphim of Sarov
ofSarov (1759 - 1833)is is
(1759-1833) among
among thethe best
best known
known and
and most
most be-be ­
loved
loved saints
saints ofof
thetheOrthodox
Orthodox Church.HeHe
Church. is is beloved
beloved ofof
thethe Russian
Russian people,
people, and
and
ofof
allall
whowho know
know him.With
him. Withthethe publication
publication ofof this
this Life by
Lifeby Archimandrite
Archimandrite Lazarus
Lazarus
Moore,
Moore, many
many people
people will
will come
come totoknow
know him
him even
even more
more intimately.
intimately.
St.St.Seraphim
Seraphim lived
lived at at
thethe beginning
beginning ofof a spring
a spring time
time inin
thethelife
life
ofof
thethe Church
Church
inin Russia.InIn
Russia. hishis century
century monasticism
monasticism would
would flower,
flower, and
and with
with it the
it the faith
faith ofof
thethe
people
people wouldflourish.
would flourish.During
Duringhishislifetime
lifetime thousandsofof
thousands pilgrims
pilgrims throngedtoto
thronged
thethe Sarov
Sarov Monastery
Monastery toto see
see him.They
him. They came
came from
from allall over
over that
that vast
vast land.Seventy
land. Seventy
years
years after
after hishis repose,
repose, love
love forfor him
him had
had soso taken
taken root
root inin
thethe Russian
Russian people
people that
that
hundreds
hundreds ofof thousands
thousands attended
attended hishis canonization.
canonization.
This
This great
great Saint
Saint radiated
radiated thethe love
love ofof
GodGod
to to
allall
whowho came
came toto him,
him, peasants
peasants and
and
nobles,
nobles, laylay men
men and
and women,
women, monks
monks and
and nuns.Just
nuns. Just
to to
bebe with
with him
him strengthened,
strengthened,
cheered
cheered and
and healed
healed them.
them. Several
Several ofof
hishis spiritual
spiritual children
children were
were blessed
blessed to toseesee
a a
further
further radiance.
radiance. They
They relate
relate how
how hishis face
face was
was sosoluminous,
luminous, that
that it was
it was even
even im ­
im-
possible
possible to tolook
look upon
upon it.it.
One
One ofof
hishis greatest
greatest gifts
gifts to to mankind,
mankind, hishis teaching
teaching onon
thethe goal
goal ofof
thethe Christian
Christian
life— the
life-the acquisition
acquisition ofof
thethe Holy
Holy Spirit—was
Spirit-was given
given in in such
such a moment
a moment ofof radiance.
radiance.
This
This account
account alone,
alone, included
included unabridged
unabridged in in this
this biography,
biography, is is unforgettable.
unforgettable. TheThe
profundity
profundity ofof this
this teaching,however,
teaching, however,can
canonly
only
bebefully
fully graspedin in
grasped thethecontext
context

ofof
hishis whole
whole life.
life.
So,
So, while
while joyjoy and
and brightness
brightness areare our
our most
most powerful
powerful impressions
impressions ofof
thethe Saint,
Saint,
Fr.Fr.Lazarus
Lazarus sets
sets forthin in
forth vivid
vivid detail
detail thethesource
source
ofof
hishiseffulgence.
effulgence.HeHe shows
shows thethe
grace
grace ofof God
God in in
thethe Saint's
Saint's life
life and
and thethemystery
mysteryofof that
that grace.
grace. HeHe also
also chronicles
chronicles
thethe refinement
refinement ofof this
this gift
gift ofof God
God in in monastic
monastic obedience
obedience and
and in in a furnace
a furnace ofof awe­
awe-
inspiring
inspiring asceticism.
asceticism.
The
The story
story ofof
hishis thousand
thousand days
days and
and nights
nights in in prayer
prayer onona rock
a rock hidden
hidden in in
thethe
Sarov
Sarov forest
forest is is familiar
familiar totothose
those who
who know
know ofof him.Fr.Fr.
him. Lazarus
Lazarus helps
helps usus
to totake
take

in inthis
thisfeat,
feat,and
andhishis battleswith
battles withdemons,
demons,and
andhehealso
alsomakes
makestangible
tangible
thetheless
less
dramatic
dramatic myriad
myriad other
other acts
acts ofof self-sacrifice
self-sacrifice forfor
thethelove
love
ofof Christ.
Christ. WeWe follow
follow thethe

8
whole flow
whole flow of
of his
his life-of
life— of aa devout
devout youth
youth in
in the
the world,
world, to
to life
life in
in the
the Monastery,
Monastery,
to ever
to ever greater
greater reclusion,
reclusion, and
and finally,
finally, "when
"when the
the fruit
fruit was
was fully
fully ripe,"
ripe," to
to his
his cell
cell
door opening
door opening to
to all
all mankind.
mankind.
The Mother
The Mother of
of God
God was
was markedly
markedly present
present in
in St.
St. Seraphim's
Seraphim's life
life from
from early
early
childhood to
childhood to his
his death.
death. She
She showed
showed him
him inestimable
inestimable love,
love, healing
healing him
him from
from
grave illness
grave illness more
more than
than once
once and
and appearing
appearing to
to him
him twelve
twelve times.
times. In
In one
one of
of these
these
appearances she
appearances she gave
gave him
him the
the miraculous
miraculous spring
spring whose
whose waters
waters healed
healed thousands
thousands
of pilgrims
of pilgrims from
from all
all manner
manner of
of illness
illness during
during and
and after
after his
his earthly
earthly life.
life. He
He con-
con ­
stantly instructed
stantly instructed people
people to
to turn
turn to
to her
her for
for help
help and
and consolation.
consolation. He was
He was re-
re ­
nowned himself
nowned himself for
for the
the maternal
maternal tenderness
tenderness he
he showed
showed all
all who
who came
came to
to him
him in
in
sincerity Instructing
sincerity Instructing aa future
future abbot,
abbot, he
he once
once said,
said, "Be
"Be aa mother
m other and
and not
not aa father
father
to the
to the brethren."
brethren."
With unwavering
With unwavering devotion
devotion to
to the
the Saint,
Saint, the
the author
author lets
lets us
us see
see his
his difficul-
difficul­
ties and
ties and temptations.
temptations. With
With full
full devotion
devotion to
to the
the Church
Church and
and to
to monastic
monastic life,
life,
Fr. Lazarus
Fr. Lazarus relays
relays how
how troubles
troubles and
and temptations
temptations arose
arose within
within this
this setting.
setting. He
He
describes the
describes the frailty
frailty of
of most
most people
people when
when set
set in
in proximity
proximity to
to great
great sanctity,
sanctity, and
and
how this
how this led
led to
to misunderstanding
misunderstanding and
and even
even hostility
hostility toward
toward the
the Saint.
Saint. The
The au-
au ­
thor in
thor in no
no way
way judges
judges those
those who
who were
were offended
offended by
by St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim and
and caused
caused him
him
difficulty. In
difficulty. In this
this humility
humility he
he follows
follows the
the Saint's
Saint's own
own example.
example.
Clearly, this
Clearly, this is
is not
not aa biography
biography in
in the
the ordinary
ordinary sense.
sense. Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus Moore
Moore does
does
so much
so much more
more than
than recount
recount the
the life
life and
and teaching
teaching of
of the
the Saint.
Saint. His
His interaction
interaction
with the
with the Saint
Saint is
is felt
felt on
on every
every page.
page. It
It is
is as
as though
though he
he were
were at
at St.
St. Seraphim's
Seraphim's side,
side,
learning from
learning from his
his Elder's
Elder's acts
acts and
and words.
words. When
When the
the Saint
Saint withdraws
withdraws from
from human
human
view to
view to immerse
immerse himself
himself in
in the
the mystery
mystery of
of God,
God, his
his disciple
disciple waits
waits and
and reflects
reflects with
with
us on
us on that
that which
which exceeds
exceeds our
our comprehension.
comprehension. The
The ineffability
ineffability of
of seclusion
seclusion was
was
familiar to
familiar to Fr.
Fr. Lazarus,
Lazarus, for
for he
he himself
himself had
had spent
spent many
many years
years in
in solitude
solitude in
in India.
India.
Remarkably, Fr.
Remarkably, Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus brings
brings St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim not
not just
just before
before our
our eyes,
eyes, but
but into
into
our very
our very hearts.
hearts. It
It is
is with
with deep
deep gratitude
gratitude to
to him
him that
that we
we reprint
reprint this
this exceptional
exceptional
book and
book and offer
offer it
it to
to aa new
new generation
generation of
of readers.
readers. May
May God
God bless
bless it,
it, and
and may
may our
our
holy St.
holy St. Seraphim
Seraphim touch
touch the
the hearts
hearts of
of all
all those
those who
who read
read it.
it.

9
10
 Chapter
Chapter]1

UUNDER
n d e r HHIS
is M o t h e r ' s RROOF
MOTHER'S oof

nativeplace
h eHEnative placeononearth
earth ofofthis
thistruly
trulyheavenly
heavenly man,
man,o fofwhom
whomthe
the
TT Mother
MotherofofGod
mmercifully
Godherself
ercifully protected
herselfsaid:
protected bybyher
said:"He
"Heisisone
herwonderworking
oneo fofus,
wonderworking Ikon
" was
us,"
Ikono fofthe
wasthe
thecity
theSign,1
cityo of
Sign, 1called
f Kursk,
called
Kursk,

"Korenaya."
"Korenaya. Underher
" Under herspecial
specialcare
careSt.St.Seraphim
Seraphim grew
grewupuptotogreat
greatand
and
high
highsanctity
sanctityand
andwas
wasgranted
grantedtotohear
hearfrom
fromher
herthe
themost
mostsweet
sweetand
andglori ­
glori-
ous
ousappellation:
appellation: "My
"MyBeloved!
Beloved!"
"
His
Hisfather
fatherwas
wasa apious
pious mmerchant
erchant and
andindustrious
industrious builder,
builder, Isidore
Isidore
Ivanovitch
Ivanovitch Moshnin.
Moshnin. He
Hehad
hadhis
hisown
ownbrick -works and
brick-works andhehewas
wasengaged
engaged
ininbuilding
buildingstone
stonechurches
churchesand
andhouses.
houses.For
Forthis
thisbusiness
businessa astrong
strongand
andpru ­
pru-
dent
dentsoul
soulisisrequired;
required;but
butIsidore
IsidoreIvanovitch
Ivanovitchwas
wasfurther
furtherdistinguished
distinguished for
for
firm
firmfaith
faithand
andsolid
solidpiety.
piety.Still
Stillmore
moreadorned
adornedwith
withvirtues
virtueswas
wasthe
themother
mother
o fofthe
thefuture
futureSaint,
Saint,Agathia
AgathiaPhotievna,
Photievna,who
whowas
wasa atrue
trueservant
servantofofGod.
God.She
She
was
wasnoted
notedfor
forher
hercharity.
charity.All
Allorphans
orphans and
andpoor
poorchildren
children o fofboth
bothsexes
sexes
enjoyed
enjoyedher
herspecial
specialcare;
care;totothem
themshe
shewas
wasininthe
thefullest
fullestsense
sensea amother.
mother.
She
Sheattended
attended tototheir
theircare,
care,upbringing
upbringing and
andChristian
Christian education.
education. When
When
the
thegirls
girlsgrew
grewup,
up,if ifthey
theydesired
desiredtotomarry
marryand
andshe
shecould
couldfind
finda asuitable
suitable
bridegroom,
bridegroom, she
shearranged
arrangedtheir
theirweddings
weddingsand
andgave
gavethem
themdowries
dowrieswithout
without
demanding
demanding repayment.
repayment.And
Andher
heronly
onlyreaction
reactiontowards
towardsallallingratitude
ingratitudewas
was
love.
love.Besides
Besidesthis,
this,she
shewas
wasgifted
giftedwith
withdeep
deepunderstanding
understanding and
anda acoura
coura-
­
geous
geoussoul,
soul,asaswe
weshall
shallsoon
soonsee.
see.
Threebranches
Three branches sprang
sprangfrom
fromthese
theseparents:
parents: the
thefirst
firstchild
childParaskeva,
Paraskeva,
theeldest
the eldestson
sonAlexis
Alexisand
andhis
hisyounger
younger brother,
brother, the
thefuture
future light
lighto fofthe
the
world,Prochorus.
world, Prochorus.

1 1 "The
"TheSign " refers
Sign" referstoto
Isaiah
Isaiah 7:10 -14. It It
7:10-14. is iscalled
called the
the"Korenaya"
"Korenaya" oror"Root
"RootIkon"
Ikon"because
because
it it
waswasfound
found at atthe
theroots
rootsofofa tree.
a tree.

11
 An l:\ i 9 \()iUns,\H) Pi. u i
A i\ E \
i !l.\ i( I) I .1. il v P L \. (.

Nothing happens by chance in God 's world. Even apparently small

Nothing happens by chance in God's world. Even apparently small
events have their significance. The future God - bearer, the flaming
events have their significance. The future God-bearer, the flaming
Seraphim who was glorified while still on earth with the light o f the
Seraphim who was glorified while still on earth with the light of the
glory of the Transfiguration o f Tabor, was born on the night o f July 19
glory of the Transfiguration of Tabor, was born on the night of July 19
to 20. Fittingly, this is the day o f glorious Prophet Elias, the great Old
to 20. Fittingly, this is the day of glorious Prophet Elias, the great Old
Testament ascetic and contemplator o f God on Horeb, who conversed
Testament ascetic and contemplator of God on Horeb, who conversed
with Christ the Lord on Tabor. At his baptism the child was given the
with Christ the Lord on Tabor. At his baptism the child was given the
name o f Prochorus, one of the seventy apostles and first deacons of the
name of Prochorus, one of the seventy apostles and first deacons of the
Church (Acts 6 :3 ), whose memory is celebrated on July 28, the ninth day
Church (Acts 6:3L whose memory is celebrated on July 28, the ninth day
after the birth o f the chosen child. According to the law o f the Church
after the birth of the chosen child. According to the law of the Church
the holy name must be given on the eighth day (Luke 2:21); here it was
the holy name must be given on the eighth day (Luke 2:21); here it was
given a day later.
given a day later.
Let us meditate about this heavenly protector of the child, St. Prochorus,
Let us meditate about this heavenly protector of the child, St. Prochorus,
a deacon or " minister " of the Church and guardian o f the poor and wid ­
a deacon or "minister" of the Church and guardian of the poor and wid-
ows (Acts 6:1). In doing so, we naturally think also o f the holy Father who
ows (Acts 6: 1). In doing so, we naturally think also of the holy Father who
called him self the servant o f the Mother o f God, and by her special order
called himself the servant of the Mother of God, and by her special order
created the convent for the Diveyev " orphans "—virgins and widows. As a
created the convent for the Diveyev "orphans" - virgins and widows. As a
true "guide o f monks " and nuns and a teacher o f grace to the whole world,
true "guide of monks" and nuns and a teacher of grace to the whole world,
St. Seraphim fittingly received his first name, which means " Choir Leader."
St. Seraphim fittingly received his first name, which means "Choir Leader."
Under the patronage o f the Mother o f God, the Prophet Elias and St.
Under the patronage of the Mother of God, the Prophet Elias and St.
Prochorus, the good qualities which the child inherited from his strong-
Prochorus, the good qualities which the child inherited from his strong-
spirited father and his kind - hearted m other began to grow and blossom.
spirited father and his kind-hearted mother began to grow and blossom.
But most o f all he was guarded and brought up by the Holy Church, to
But most of all he was guarded and brought up by the Holy Church, to
which he was devoted from his earliest childhood. His father, while still
which he was devoted from his earliest childhood. His father, while still
in the prime of life, died at the age o f forty -three, and the child was left
in the prime of life, died at the age of forty-three, and the child was left
to the sole care of his devout mother.
to the sole care of his devout mother.
Incomprehensible to us are the ways of God. It is undoubtedly true
Incomprehensible to us are the ways of God. It is undoubtedly true
that the Lord W ho "with wisdom profound orders all things with love,
that the Lord Who "with wisdom profound orders all things with love,
and gives to all that which is useful," as is sung in the Troparion for the
and gives to all that which is useful," as is sung in the Troparion for the
Departed, called His servant to H im self at the right time. Was it pleas ­
Departed, called His servant to Himself at the right time. Was it pleas-
ing to Him that the future Saint should be brought up by his more pious
ing to Him that the future Saint should be brought up by his more pious
and meek mother? Or would the Saint have been tempted to follow the
and meek mother? Or would the Saint have been tempted to follow the
practical way o f the world pursued by his father, the builder? Or was it
practical way of the world pursued by his father, the builder? Or was it
12
 Under H is M o t h e r 's Roof

that his father would not have consented to his so n s leading the m onas ­
that his father would not have consented to his son's leading the monas-
tic life, although he had been chosen by God for that purpose? This is
tic life, although he had been chosen by God for that purpose? This is
known only to God.
known only to God.
W ithout inquiring into the judgments o f God, the young widow
Without inquiring into the judgments of God, the young widow
Agathia hum bly accepted the hard cross. W ithout yielding to faint ­
Agathia humbly accepted the hard cross. Without yielding to faint-
heartedness, she took into her courageous hands the three young orphans,
heartedness, she took into her courageous hands the three young orphans,
all the complicated housekeeping, and the particular responsibility and
all the complicated housekeeping, and the particular responsibility and
business of building a church in honour o f St. Sergius and Our Lady of
business of building a church in honour of St. Sergius and Our Lady of
Kazan, which was started by her husband in 1752 and was finished under
Kazan, which was started by her husband in 1752 and was finished under
her direct supervision. All that time, Prochorus was never away from his
her direct supervision. All that time, Prochorus was never away from his
loving and beloved mother, whom he respectfully honoured till his death.
loving and beloved mother, whom he respectfully honoured till his death.
The whole o f his childhood and youth was spent under her influence and
The whole of his childhood and youth was spent under her influence and
under the auspices o f the prayerful church - building which unconsciously
under the auspices of the prayerful church-building which unconsciously
drew his pure soul from earth to heaven. "The House o f God " became for
drew his pure soul from earth to heaven. "The House of God" became for
him his native monastery. Later we shall hear from the Saint h im self that
him his native monastery. Later we shall hear from the Saint himself that
he was always loath to leave the church and the divine services.
he was always loath to leave the church and the divine services.
It was about this tim e that the first miracle happened to the seven -
It was about this time that the first miracle happened to the seven-
year-old boy. W hile looking over the bell-tower, Agathia went up to the
year-old boy. While looking over the bell-tower, Agathia went up to the
very top. Prochorus went with her. Suddenly, having heedlessly gone to
very top. Prochorus went with her. Suddenly, having heedlessly gone to
the edge, he fell to the ground from the tremendous height. In horror the
the edge, he fell to the ground from the tremendous height. In horror the
m other rushed headlong down, expecting to see her son lifeless. But to
mother rushed headlong down, expecting to see her son lifeless. But to
everyone 's astonishment, he was standing on his feet perfectly well and
everyone's astonishment, he was standing on his feet perfectly well and
not hurt in the least, exactly as though he had been borne down on an ­
not hurt in the least, exactly as though he had been borne down on an-
gels' wings! Thus the grace o f God protected His chosen servant, accord ­
gels' wings! Thus the grace of God protected His chosen servant, accord-
ing to the Psalmist: "He shall give His angels charge over thee to guard
ing to the Psalmist: "He shall give His angels charge over thee to guard
thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee in their hands, that thou dash
thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee in their hands, that thou dash
not thy foot against a stone." (Ps. 90:11 - 12) Later the same divine power
not thy foot against a stone." (Ps. 90:11-12) Later the same divine power
will lift him above the earth1.
will lift him above the earth 1.

Soon "the Mother o f G o d s chosen " servant experienced his second

Soon "the Mother of God's chosen" servant experienced his second
1 It is worth noticing that the completion of the building of the church coincided withS
It is worth noticing that the completion of the building of the church coincided with
a change in Prochorus' life. In 1777, Agathia found a tenant for the church. In the follow ­
a change in Prochorus' life. In 1777, Agathia found a tenant for the church. In the follow-
ing year she gave up her son to the service of God. He went to the Sarov Monastery to the
ing year she gave up her son to the service of God. He went to the Sarov Monastery to the
All-night Vigil on the Feast of the Presentation of the Mother of God. One hundred and
All-night Vigil on the Feast of the Presentation of the Mother of God. One hundred and
twenty-five years later in the same church near which the Saint spent his first years, a cha ­
twenty-five years later in the same church near which the Saint spent his first years, a cha-
pel was built in his name. Wonderful are the ways and works of God.
pel was built in his name. Wonderful are the ways and works of God.

13
ANA nF E ![llfl r d i n a r yPI PIi.!
x t r a ollf\\f(\ eace

miracle.
miracle. W hen
When hehe was
was nine
nine years
years old,
old, Prochorus
Prochorus fellfell
ill.ill.
HisHis mother
mother lost
lost
allall hope
hope of oher
f her son'recovery.
son's s recovery.
ButBut
hehe told
told herher
of oaf dream
a dream he 'd
he'd had:
had: thethe
M other
Mother of oGod
f God had
had appeared
appeared to to him
him and
and had
had promised
promised to to visit
visit andand heal
heal
him
him of ohis
f his illness.2
illness.'
Did
Did hishis m other
mother pray?
pray? OrOr
diddid
thethe boy
boy h im self
himself callcall upon
upon thethe Queen
Queen of of
Heaven?
Heaven? Either
Either way,
way, this
this is is what
what happened.
happened. TheThe wonderworking
wonderworking ikon
ikon of of
Our
Our Lady
Lady of oKursk
f Kursk was
was carried
carried through
through thethe town.
town. The
The procession
procession went
went
down
down Sergiev
Sergiev Street
Street where
where they
they lived.
lived. AllAll
of oafsudden
a sudden it began
it began to to rain
rain heav­
heav-
ily.ily.
ToTo make
make thethe way
way shorter,
shorter, thethe ikon
ikon was
was carried
carried through
through thethe Moshnin 's
Moshnin's
yard.
yard. The
The mother
mother quickly
quickly picked
picked upup
herher sick
sick child
child andand carried
carried him
him outout
to to
thetheMother
Motherof oGod.
f God. And
And thetheHeavenly
Heavenly Queen
Queen kept
kept herher promise,
promise, forfor
thethe boy
boy soon
soon made
made a complete
a complete recovery
recovery andand zealously
zealously gave
gave him self
himself upup
to to
hishis studies.
studies.
ByBy nature
nature hehe was
was gifted
gifted with
with exceptional
exceptional capabilities —bright
capabilities-bright mind,
mind,
strong
strong memory,
memory, impressionable
impressionable h eart —which
heart-which hehe retained
retained to to
thethe end
end of of
hishis life.
life. That
That is why
is why whatever
whatever hehe undertook
undertook hehe mastered
mastered quickly
quickly andand per­
per-
manently.
manently. SoSo it was
it was with
with hishis school
school studies.
studies. According
According to to
thethe wise
wise andand
pious
pious custom
custom of oold
f old times,
times, thethe instruction
instruction always
always began
began with
with thethe Service
Service
Books
Books and
and thethe Psalms
Psalms of oDavid.
f David. Then
Then it passed
it passed to to
thethe Bible,
Bible, thethe Lives
Lives of othe
f the
Saints
Saints andand other
other spiritual
spiritual books;
books; feeding
feeding thethe mind
mind with
with knowledge
knowledge and
and
thethe heart
heart with
with devotion.
devotion. Prochorus
Prochorus soon
soon learned
learned to to read
read and
and write,
write, andand
allall
hishis spare
spare timthat
time e that
waswas free
free from
from prayer
prayer andand work
work hehe devoted
devoted to to reading.
reading.
From
From hishis very
very childhood
childhood hehe had
had been
been serious.
serious. Like
Like many
many other
other saints,
saints,
thetheboy
boy avoided
avoided thetheordinary
ordinary child rens
children's games
games and
and amusements,and
amusements, and

hehe looked
looked forfor friends
friends of osimilar
f sim ilar spirit.
spirit. Five
Five of ohis
f his friends
friends were
were to to devote
devote
themselves
themselves to to
thethe monastic
monastic life.
life. TwoTwo
of othem
f them would
would accompany
accompany him
him to to
Sarov;
Sarov; two
two others
others would
would choose
choose other
other monasteries.
monasteries. Only
Only one
one was
was to to stay
stay
in in
thethe world,
world, and
and that
that was
was because
because onon
thethe death
death of ohis
f his parents
parents hehe had
had to to
look
look after
after hishis five
five brothers
brothers and
and three
three sisters.
sisters. It was
It was in in such
such a family
a family andand
2 2 ManyMany years
years later
later thethe Saint
Saint waswas openly
openly granted
granted thethe most
most extraordinary
extraordinary vision
vision of the
of the
Mother
Mother of of
GodGodandand
thethe saints,
saints, after
after which
which he he said
said to to a nun:
a nun: "See,
"See, mother,
mother, what
what grace
grace thethe
Lord
Lord hashas granted
granted us us
poorpoor creatures!
creatures! In In
thisthis
wayway I have
I have already
already hadhad twelve
twelve apparitions.
apparitions.
What
What joyjoy
wewe have
have attained!
attained! WeWe have
have reason
reason to to have
have faith
faith andand
hopehope in the
in the Lord!
Lord! Conquer
Conquer
thethe enemy —the
enemy-the devil.
devil. Invoke
Invoke thethe help
help of the
of the Lord,
Lord, thethe Mother
Mother of God
of God andandthethe saints.
saints. AndAnd
remember
remember poor
poor me."
me."

14
 UNi)FI~ HIS Mo ru rus Ro o:
circle
circle ooff friends
friends that
that the
the future
future light
light not
not only
only ooff the
the O rthodox Church,
Orthodox Church,
but
but ooff the
the whole
whole world
world ""advanced
advanced in
in favor
favor with
with God
God andand men.
men."" (Lk
(Lk 2:52)
2:52)
At
At the
the same
same time,
time, there
there was
was aa servant
servant of
of God
God then
then living
living in
in Kursk,
Kursk aa
fool
fool for
for Christ
Christ's's sake,3
sake.' who
who had
had aa beneficial
beneficial and
and holy
holy influence
influence on
on young
young
Prochorus.
Prochorus. His
His name
name is
is unknown
unknown toto the
the pages
pages of
of history.
history. Previously,
Previously, many
many
of
of these fools were scattered over the face of Holy Russia. W
these fools were scattered over the face o f Holy Russia. ithout
Without recog
recog-­
nition,
nition, they
they did
did aa great
great work
work by
by drawing
drawing people
people from
from earthly
earthly attractions
attractions
and
and teaching them about the Christian life better than any book. Their
teaching them about the Christian life better than any book. Their
lessons " were
""lessons" were detachment
detachment from
from the
the world,
world, Christ - like humility,
Christ-like humility, and
and the
the
martyrs patience under all privations. They did good works such as
martyrs' patience under all privations. They did good works such as fore-­
' fore
telling
telling the
the future,
future, com forting sufferers
comforting sufferers and
and som etim es convicting
sometimes convicting the
the
stony
stony souls
souls ooff sinful
sinful people.
people.
One
One ooff these men ooff God
these ""men God"" met
met Agathia
Agathia when
when she
she was
was walking
walking in
in the
the
town with her two sons. Fixing his attention on Prochorus, the fool
town with her two sons. Fixing his attention on Prochorus, the fool saidsaid
to
to the
the mother: Blessed art
mother: ""Blessed art thou,
thou, widow,
widow, that
that thou
thou hast
hast such
such aa child,
child, who
who
in
in time will become a strong intercessor before the Holy Trinity and an
tim e will becom e a strong intercessor before the Holy Trinity and an
ardent
ardent interceder
interceder for
for the
the whole
whole world.
world.""
From
From that
that day,
day, he
he becam
becamee strongly
strongly attached
attached to
to the
the boy,
boy, and
and in
in later
later
years
years influenced
influenced him
him for
for good.
good. Prochorus
Prochorus absorbed
absorbed all
all that
that was
was holy
holy and
and
good
good from
from the
the servant
servant of
of God,
God, just
just as
as dry
dry land
land soaks
soaks up
up the
the rain.
rain. His
His pious
pious
and
and Orthodox -minded mother
Orthodox-minded mother could
could only
only rejoice
rejoice at
at all
all this
this and
and welcome
welcome it.
it.
True,
True, her
her work
work needed
needed the
the help
help ooff her
her younger
younger son.
son. Besides
Besides the
the brick
brick-­
works and church - building, they owned a shop in the
works and church-building, they owned a shop in the town. Thetown. The Saint
Saint
afterwards
afterwards related:
related: ""II am
am from
from the
the Kursk
Kursk merchants;
merchants; and
and when
when II was
was not
not
in the monastery, we used to deal in the kinds o f
in the monastery, we used to deal in the kinds of goodsgoods that were most
that were most
needed
needed byby the
the peasants:
peasants: shaft
shaft bows,
bows, harnesses,
harnesses, iron,
iron, ropes,
ropes, straps,
straps, and
and
so on.
so on.""
Young
Young Prochorus
Prochorus never
never refused
refused to
to work,
work, but
but his
his heart
heart was
was already
already giv
giv-­
en
en to
to God.
God. In
In the
the beginning,
beginning, he
he tried
tried to
to com bine the
combine the two.
two. Early,
Early, in
in w in ­
win-
ter
ter before
before itit was
was light,
light, he
he would
would hurry
hurry to
to church
church for
for the
the morning
morning service;
service;
then
then he
he would
would spend
spend the
the day
day at
at his
his trade.
trade. But
But as
as tim
timee went
went on,
on, the
the young
young

33 This
This is
is aa particular
particular type
type of
of saint
saint who
who has
has forsaken
forsaken all
all good
good opinion
opinion and
and social
social conven
conven-­
tion
tion for
for the
the sake
sake of
of Christ.
Christ.

15
A A En IE Rx t Ur Ra IJ
or
I
dinary
RY P!. \P(e a c e
Saint
Saint became
became more
more andand more
more convinced
convinced o f the
of the impossibility
impossibility o f com bin ­
of combin-
inging wholehearted
wholehearted lovelove
for for
GodGod
withwith
the the service
service o f the
of the world.
world.
"It "isIt impossible,"
is impossible,
he" he afterwards
afterwards taught,
taught, "to "immerse
to immerse oneself
oneself wholly
wholly
andand calmly
calmly in contemplation
in contemplation o f God,
of God, to meditate
to meditate on on
HisHis
law,law,
andand to as ­
to as-
cend
cend to Him
to Him withwith
all all onesoul
one's 's soul in fervent
in fervent prayer
prayer while
while remaining
remaining amidst
amidst
the the incessant
incessant noise
noise o f conflicting
of conflicting passions
passions in the
in the world."
world."
Therefore
Therefore his his
soulsoul
hadhad
for for a long
a long timetimyearned
e yearned
for for a quiet
a quiet andand
soli-soli ­
tarytary monastery
monastery where
where he he could
could givegive him self
himself up up wholly
wholly to the
to the spiritual
spiritual
lifelife
andand flaming,
flaming, seraphic
seraphic lovelove
for for God.
God. TheThe friends
friends o f his
of his ownown
age,age,
withwith
whom
whom he shared
he shared his his thoughts,
thoughts, supported
supported himhim in these
in these aspirations.
aspirations. Books
Books
showed
showed the the way.
way. Examples
Examples around
around attracted
attracted him,
him, for for at that
at that timetimmany
e many
people
people o f Kursk
of Kursk were
were saving
saving their
their souls
souls in near
in near andand distant
distant monasteries.
monasteries.
More
More thanthan
oneone
hadhad already
already reached
reached even
even the the dense
dense forests
forests o f Sarov,
of Sarov, andand
hadhad attracted
attracted thither
thither the the hearts
hearts of those
of those whowho sought
sought silence
silence andand a strict
a strict
monastic
monastic life.life. Among
Among them
them Fr. Fr. Pachomius
Pachomius waswas particularly
particularly outstanding.
outstanding.
He He
waswas
oneone o f the
of the Kursk
Kursk merchants,
merchants, Leonov.
Leonov.
TheThe pious
pious Agathia
Agathia hadhad long
long agoago noticed
noticed these
these holyholy aspirations
aspirations andand
sheshe
diddid
notnot oppose
oppose them.
them. No No matter
matter howhow much
much the the mother
mother loved
loved herher
son,son,
sheshe could
could notnot forget
forget the the miracles
miracles GodGod
hadhad worked
worked for for
him.him.
SheShe could
could notnot
helphelp seeing
seeing his his extraordinary
extraordinary zealzeal
for for prayer,
prayer, his his
lovelove o f solitude
of solitude andand
his his
indifference
indifference to earthly
to earthly affairs.
affairs. So So
herher heart
heart hadhad long
long since
since prepared
prepared itself
itself
for for
the the sacrifice.
sacrifice. Therefore,
Therefore, when
when Prochorus
Prochorus reached
reached the the
ageage o f seventeen
of seventeen
andand revealed
revealed his his cherished
cherished dreams
dreams to his
to his beloved
beloved mother,
mother, sheshe
waswas
notnot
surprised,
surprised, butbut meekly
meekly accepted
accepted thisthis cross,
cross, seeing
seeing in itinthe
it the divine
divine will.
will. TheThe
saintly
saintly mother
mother willingly
willingly agreed
agreed to give
to give up up
herher
sonson to God.
to God.
TheThe
holyholy youth
youth procured
procured a certificate
a certificate o f discharge
of discharge from
from the the society
society
o f Kursk
of Kursk so to
so as as enter
to enter monasticism
monasticism and,and,
likelike a free
a free bird,
bird, decided
decided at first
at first
to to
to go go the
to the Kiev -Petchersk
Kiev-Petchersk Monastery
Monastery together
together withwith
his his
fivefive like - minded
like-minded
comrades.
comrades.
A tender
A tender andand touching
touching farewell
farewell tooktook place
place between
between the the Saint
Saint andand
his his
family.
family. At At first,
first, according
according to pious
to pious custom,
custom, theythey
sat sat in silence.
in silence. Then
Then the the
holyholy youth
youth roserose
andand bowed
bowed at the
at the feetfeet o f his
of his beloved
beloved mother,
mother, asking
asking herher
blessing
blessing for for
the the m onastic
monastic life.life. Weeping
Weeping profusely,
profusely, the the mother
mother firstfirst o f all
of all

16
 U nder H is M o t h l r 's R o o f
U\DLi: III) iVJ.OTifi;<'S RuC)
gave her son the ikons o f the Saviour and the Mother o f God to kiss and
gave her son the ikons of the Saviour and the Mother of God to kiss and
then blessed him on the way o f the cross with a large copper cross. This
then blessed him on the way of the cross with a large copper cross, This
blessing the Saint always wore openly on his chest till the end o f his life.
blessing the Saint always wore openly on his chest till the end of his life,
W ith itit he
With he died.
died,
Prochorus and the other five pilgrims left the quiet home of his par­
Prochorus and the other five pilgrims left the quiet home of his par-
ents and native Kursk, and thoughtfully made their way to the cradle o f
ents and native Kursk, and thoughtfully made their way to the cradle of
Russia, the divinely preserved city o f Kiev.
Russia, the divinely preserved city of Kiev,
Nearly eight centuries previously, to the same Kiev and from the same
Nearly eight centuries previously, to the same Kiev and from the same
Kursk,
Kursk, another
another great
great ascetic
ascetic had
had run
run away
away secretly,
secretly, the
the"" iron
iron"" Theodosius
Theodosius
of Petchersk —"the founder of com m unity life." But that was against the
of Petchersk- "the founder of community life," But that was against the
mother 's will, while this tim e it was with her blessing. What awaits pure
mother's will, while this time it was with her blessing, What awaits pure
souls burning with holy love? God knows. But now they have " chosen
souls burning with holy love? God knows. But now they have "chosen
the
the good
good part.
part."" (Luke
(Luke 10:42)
10:42)
/>/ ' V
Note: By the established and generally accepted calculation o f the
Note: By the established and generally accepted calculation of the
sequence
sequence ooff events
events in
in the
the life
life ooff St.
St. Seraphim,
Seraphim, his
his birth
birth isis usually
usually placed
placed
in the year 1759. However, according to inform ation obtained from the
in the year 1759. However, according to information obtained from the
Spiritual Consistory o f Kursk at the time o f the opening o f the relics of
Spiritual Consistory of Kursk at the time of the opening of the relics of
the
the Saint
Saint for
for the
the canonization,
canonization, itit appears
appears this
this date,
date, as
as also
also many
many others,
others,
must be re - examined. First o f all, from the birth and baptismal registers
must be re-examined. First of all, from the birth and baptismal registers
ititwas
was discovered
discovered that
that the
the Saint 's father,
Saint's father, Isidore
Isidore Ivanovitch
Ivanovitch Moshnin,
Moshnin, died
died
on
on the 10th of May, 1760 at the age of 43-not in 1762, the third year af
the 10th o f May, 1760 at the age of 43 —not in 1762, the third year af-­
ter
ter Prochorus
Prochorus' ' birth,
birth, as
as has
has been
been written
written hitherto
hitherto in
in all
all the
the biographies
biographies
ooff the
the Saint. Then his mother, Agathia Photievna, died not during
Saint. Then his mother, Agathia Photievna, died not during his
his
novitiate,
novitiate, but
but much
much later,
later, on
on the
the 29th
29th ooff February,
February, 1800.
1800.
Next,
Next, when Prochorus was in Kursk between 1784 and
when Prochorus was in Kursk between 1784 and 1786
1786 to
to make
make
collections
collections for the Church, if he was at his brother Alexey's, then he cer
for the Church, if he was at his brother Alexey's, then he cer-­
tainly
tainly saw
saw his
his mother,
mother, too.
too. But
But usually
usually itit has
has been
been written
written that
that she
she was
was
dead by that tim e and he had just visited her
dead by that time and he had just visited her grave.grave.
But
But aa more
more im portant question
important question concerns
concerns the
the year
year ooff the
the Saint 's birth.
Saint's birth.
In the confession registers found in the Ilinsky Church (of Prophet
In the confession registers found in the Ilinsky Church (of Prophet Elias) Elias)
where
where the
the Moshin
Moshin family
family made
made their
their confessions,
confessions, the
the following
following was
was noted:
noted:
in 1762 Alexey was eleven years old and Paraskeva fourteen, while noth ­
in 1762 Alexey was eleven years old and Paraskeva fourteen, while noth-
17
Ar\ AEXIII\()1I
n E x t r a oi\.\iI y Pi - -\<,i
r d i n a rPH'.

ing ing is said

is said about
about Prochorus.
Prochorus. We We
maymay suppose
suppose thatthat he was
he was onlyonly three
three years
years
old old at that
at that timetim e and
and he could
he could not not
yet yet confess.
confess. ButBut surprisingly,
surprisingly, by by 1768
1768
in the
in the same
same confession
confession registers
registers there
there is the
is the entry:
entry: "Widow
"Widow Agathia,
Agathia, fiftyfifty
years
years old;old;
her her children:
children: Alexey,
Alexey, seventeen;
seventeen; Pro Prochorus, fourteen;
chorus, fourteen; Paraskeva,
Paraskeva,
nineteen
nineteen years
years old."old. If this
If "this is correct,
is correct, thenthen Prochorus
Prochorus must
must havehave
beenbeen
bornborn
not not in 1759,
in 1759, but but in 1754.
in 1754. ThisThis is five
is five years
years earlier
earlier thanthan commonly
commonly thought,
thought,
andand makes
makes himhim seven
seven years
years old old in 1762.
in 1762. Although
Although by custom
by custom children
children
o f seven
of seven can can already
already make
make theirtheir confessions,
confessions, yet yet he was
he was justjust entering
entering his his
eighth
eighth yearyear
andand confession
confession could
could stillstill
lay lay ahead.
ahead.
Perhaps
Perhaps the the figures
figures of the
of the confession
confession registers
registers are are incorrect.
incorrect. It isItnatural
is natural
thatthat
theythey were
were written
written without
without special
special carecare according
according to what
to what the the confes ­
confes-
sorssors
said.said. There
There are are foundations
foundations for for doubting
doubting these
these figures.
figures. Agathia
Agathia dieddied
in 1800
in 1800 at the
at the age age of seventy-two,
of seventy-two, as has
as has beenbeen already
already noted.
noted. Therefore
Therefore in in
1768
1768 she she
waswas forty -two,
forty-two, which
which is less
is less probable.
probable. ButBut
thenthen
the the other
other dates
dates
1768
1768 and and 1762
1762 regarding
regarding Alexey
Alexey andand Paraskeva
Paraskeva agree
agree (a difference
(a difference o f one
of one
yearyear in the
in the casecase of Paraskeva
of Paraskeva is unim portant
is unimportant as itasdepends
it depends on the
on the month
month
o f her
of her b irth
birth). In).that
In that case,
case, there
there is a is a very
very great
great foundation
foundation to suppose
to suppose thatthat
Prochorus
Prochorus waswas
bornborn
fivefive years
years earlier
earlier thanthan
the the usually
usually accepted
accepted time;
time; andand
thenthen all the
all the other
other dates
dates of his
of his life,life,
fromfrom
the the pilgrimage
pilgrimage to Kiev
to Kiev untiluntil
his his
death,
death, mustmust be moved
be moved backback
fivefive years.
years.

18
 Chapter 2
OON
n TTHE
he W a y TTo
WAY o SSAROV
arov

~E h e pilgrims
pilgrims reached
reached Kiev
Kievsafely,
safely, prayed
prayed totothe
the Mother
Mother o of
f God,
God, vener
vener-­
T1.
on
ated
onthe
ated the
the relics
the threshold
relics o of
threshold o of
f the
the saints
f a anew,
saints and
new, unknown
and visited
unknown life,
visited all
life,no
allthe
no doubt
the holy
doubt they
holy places.
they sought
places. Standing
sought experi
Standing
experi-­
enced
enced elders
elders who
who might
might give
givethem
them wise
wise advice
advice regarding
regarding their
their proposed
proposed
monasticism
monasticism and
and asastotowhich
which monastery
monastery totoenter.
enter. They
They were
weretold
told that
that inin
the
the Kitaev
Kitaev Monastery,
Monastery, ten
tenversts1
versts' from
from Kiev,
Kiev,a aclairvoyant
clairvoyant ascetic
ascetic called
called
Dositheus
Dositheus was
wassaving
saving his
hissoul.
soul. To
Tohim
him Prochorus
Prochorus hurriedly
hurriedly directed
directed his
his
steps.
steps. Looking
Looking atatProchorus,
Prochorus, the
the Elder
Eldersaw
sawininhim
him the
the grace
grace oof
f God,
God, and
and
blessed
blessed him
him totogogototothe
theSarov
Sarov desert.
desert. AtAtthe
the same
same tim e hehegave
time gavehim
him this
this
testament:
testament:
Go,
Go,child
childofofGod,
God,and
andstay
staythere.
there.That
Thatplace
placewill
willbebetotothee
theefor
forsalva ­
salva-
tion,
tion,with
withthe
theLords
Lord'shelp.
help.There
Therethou
thoushalt
shaltfinish
finishthy
thyearthly
earthly pilgrim ­
pilgrim-
age.
age.Only
Onlytry
trytotoacquire
acquireunceasing
unceasing remembrance
remembrance ofofGod
Godthrough
through the
the
constant
constant invocation
invocation ofofthe
thename
nameofofGod
Godthus:
thus:Lord
LordJesus
JesusChrist,
Christ,Son
Son
ofofGod,
God,have
havemercy
mercyononme,
me,a asinner!
sinner! Let
Letallallthy
thyattention
attention and
andtraining
training
bebeininthis:
this:walking
walkingand
andsitting,
sitting,working
workingand
andstanding
standing ininchurch,
church, every ­
every-
where
whereininevery
everyplace,
place,coming
comingininand
andgoing
goingout
outletletthis
thisconstant
constant cry
crybebe
on
onthy
thylips
lipsand
andininthy
thyheart;
heart;with
withit itthou
thoushalt
shaltfind
findrest,
rest,thou
thoushalt
shaltob ­
ob-
tain
tainspiritual
spiritual and
andbodily
bodilypurity
purityand
andthe
theHoly
HolySpirit
SpiritWho
Whoisisthe
thesource
source
ofofallallblessings
blessingswill
willdwell
dwellininthee
theeand
andwill
willdirect
directthy
thylife
lifeininholiness,
holiness,
and
andallallpiety
pietyand
andpurity.
purity.InInSarov
SarovAbbot
AbbotPachomius
Pachomius isisofofGod -pleasing
God-pleasing
life;
life;heheisisa afollower
followerofofour
ourAntony
Antonyand
andTheodosius.
Theodosius.

InInthese
these few
fewwords
words not
notonly
only was
wasthe
theplace
place oof
f his
hisasceticism
asceticism propheti
propheti-­
cally
callyshown
shown totoProchorus,
Prochorus, but
but also
also the
the ch ief mmonastic
chief onastic " training
"training"" was
wasde ­
de-
fined:
fined: the
the interior
interior activity
activity o of
f the
the Prayer
Prayer o of
f Jesus.
Jesus. But
Butititisisparticularly
particularly rere-
­
1 1 AAverst
verst isis
about
about2/3'/,ofofa amile.
mile.Thus,
Thus,6 6miles,
miles.oror9.5
9.Skm.
km.—-ed.
ed.

19
A \ A En E! xIi t rU aIioIIIr P
d i\ n aYr y I. PA (e ai c e

markable
markable thatthat
St.St. Dositheus
Dositheus clearly
clearly pointed
pointed outout
to to
himhim
thethe basic
basic aimaim o f the
of the
whole
whole spiritual
spiritual life:
life: "The
"The Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit will
will dwell
dwell in in thee.Such
thee." " Such
waswas always
always
thethe Christian
Christian doctrine,
doctrine, beginning
beginning from
from thethe Lord
Lord H im self
Himself WhoWho promised
promised
to to send
send " the
"the Comforter,
Comforter, thethe Spirit
Spirit of oTruth,"
f Truth,(John
" (John 14:16 -17;
14:16-17; 16:13 - 15)
16:13-15)
thethe "Living
"Living Water,(John
Water," " (John 7:38 - 39)
7:38-39) through
through thethe Apostles
Apostles (Acts
(Acts 10:44 - 45;
10:44-45;
Rom
Rom 8; 8; Gal.
Gal. 3:14;
3:14; 4 :6Eph.
4:6; ; Eph. 2:22;
2:22; 5:9;
5:9; Heb.
Heb. 10:29),
10:29), then
then through
through all all
thethe
Holy
Holy Fathers
Fathers to to
St.St. Gregory
Gregory Palamas
Palamas with
with hishis teaching
teaching about
about thethe grace-
grace-
given
given " light
"light o f Tabor.On
of Tabor." " On
thisthis only
only authentic
authentic view
view all all
thethe
truetrue Orthodox
Orthodox
Christian
Christian ascetics
ascetics were
were brought
brought up,up, experientially
experientially guided
guided by by G o dHoly
God's s Holy
Spirit,
Spirit, andand instructed
instructed by by
thethe constant
constant tradition
tradition of othe
f the Orthodox
Orthodox Church.
Church.
Such
Such a man
a man was
was thethe clairvoyant
clairvoyant Dositheus.
Dositheus.
The
The attentive
attentive andand fervent
fervent Prochorus
Prochorus accepted
accepted andand took
took to to heart
heart thisthis
inspired
inspired testament
testament with
with thethe firm
firm intention
intention of ocarrying
f carrying it out.
it out. Many
Many years
years
later,
later, in in a striking
a striking conversation
conversation with
with N. N.
A. A. Motovilov,
Motovilov, wewe shall
shall hear
hear from
from
Prochorus
Prochorus him self
himself thethe same
same testament:
testament: "The
"The aimaim
of oour
f our Christian
Christian lifelife con ­
con-
sists
sists in in
thethe acquisition
acquisition o f the
of the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit of of God.
God." " Wonderful
Wonderful spiritual
spiritual aim !
aim!
In In
thisthis
wayway
thethe question
question of of monasticism
monasticism andand monastery
monastery waswas decided
decided
forever
forever forfor Prochorus.
Prochorus. GodGod expressed
expressed HisHis will
will by by
thethe
lipslips
of othe
f the clair ­
clair-
voyant.
voyant. It may
It may be be said
said thatthat here
here in in
thethe m onastery
monastery of oKitaev
f Kitaev
thethe spiritual
spiritual
anointing
anointing of othe
f the Saint
Saint took
took place;
place; thethe good
good seed
seed of ohis
f his whole
whole future
future lifelife
was
was sown
sown andand
hishis ascent
ascent to to
thethe glory
glory of oGod.
f God. Here,
Here, invisible
invisible to to
thethe world,
world,
thethe hand
hand of oGod
f God rested
rested upon
upon him.
him. TheThe
cellcell belonging
belonging to to Dositheus
Dositheus be-be ­
came
came a m onastic
a monastic font
font forfor Prochorus.
Prochorus. In In it was
it was mystically
mystically accomplished
accomplished
thethe monastic
monastic betrothal
betrothal of othe
f the Spirit
Spirit of oGod
f God with
with hishis
ownown spirit.
spirit. Thence
Thence
thethe Saint
Saint came
came outout already
already essentially
essentially a monk.
a monk. TheThe later
later ceremony
ceremony of o f
profession
profession only
only sealed
sealed openly
openly thethe choice
choice by by
thethe Spirit.
Spirit. AndAnd
justjust
as as Christ
Christ
was
was ledled
by by
thethe Spirit
Spirit into
into thethe desert
desert after
after HisHis baptism
baptism byby John,
John, thatthat
by by
tem ptation
temptation HeHe might
might be be prepared
prepared forfor
HisHis ministry,
ministry, so so
tootoo Prochorus
Prochorus diddid
notnot immediately
immediately go go from
from Kiev
Kiev to to Sarov,
Sarov, butbut returned
returned forfor a timto
a time e to
hishis
m oth ers
mother's home,
home, hishis native
native Kursk.
Kursk.
The
The reason
reason forfor
thisthis delay
delay is unknown
is unknown to to
us.us. Perhaps
Perhaps thethe youth
youth want ­
want-
ed ed
to to
testtest
andand exam ine
examine him self
himself more,
more, to to
seesee whether
whether he he could
could take
take upon
upon
him self
himself thethe monastic
monastic "sweet
"sweet yokeof" o
yoke" f Christ.
Christ. (Math.
(Math. 11:29)
11 :29) OrOr
diddid
he he wish
wish

20
 o
O n T Th IIe I WWa y \ T Tou S S.\
a r o ov v
to
toprepare
prepare gradually
gradually for
forthe
the parting
parting with
with his
his loving
lovingmother?
mother? Or
Orhad
had the
the
clairvoyant
clairvoyant elder
elder given
given him
him such
such advice?
advice?Or
Or did
did something
something else
elseprovi ­
provi-
dentially
dentially retain
retain him?
him?At
Atany
anyrate,
rate,Prochorus
Prochorus continued
continued totolive
liveunder
under his
his
mother 's roof
mother's rooffor
forabout
about another
another two
twoyears.
years.
But
Buthe
helived
livedthere
there now
nowonly
onlywith
with his
hisbody,
body,while
whilehis
hissoul
soulbegan
begantotodie
die
to
toeverything
everything earthly.
earthly. He
Hestill
stillwent
went totothe
the shop,
shop, but
but he
hedid
didnot
not take
take any
any
share
shareininthe
thebusiness.
business. He
Hespent
spenthis
histim e in
time inprayer,
prayer,silent
silentmeditation,
meditation, read ­
read-
ing
ingbooks,
books, and
and inin soul -saving conversations
soul-saving conversations with
with visitors.
visitors. Undoubtedly
Undoubtedly
ititwas
waswhile
whilehe
hewas
wasstill
stillthere
there that
that he
hebegan
began totocarry
carryout
outthe
the testament
testament of
of
Dositheus
Dositheus regarding
regarding the unceasing remembrance
the ""unceasing remembrance oof
f God, " and
God," and the
the con ­
con-
stant Prayer oof
stant ""Prayer f Jesus. " His
Jesus." Hishome
home became
became the
the portico
portico oof
f the
the monastery.
monastery.
The
Thetest
testwas
wasfinished.
finished. Prochorus
Prochorus prepared
prepared toto go.
go.ItItwas
washard
hard for
forhis
his
mmother
other to
topart
part with
with him
him;; and
and having
having lost
lostall
allhope,
hope, she
shesaid
said toto her
her son:
son:
"You should have
"Youshould haveburied
buried me
mefirst
firstand
and then
then gone
gonetotothe
the mmonastery!"
onastery! "
But
Buthe
hehad
had already
alreadyburied
buried everything
everything two
twoyears
yearsago
agoininthe
the cell
cellbelow
below
Kiev. His m
Kiev.His other had
mother had nothing
nothing totodo
dobut
buttotogive
giveher
herblessing
blessingonce
onceagain
againtoto
Prochorus
Prochorus and,
and, asasshe
shethought,
thought, never
neveragain
again see
seehim
him on
on earth,
earth, for
forSarov
Sarov
was
wastoo
too far
farfor
forher.
her.Prochorus
Prochorus was
wasaccompanied
accompanied by
bytwo
twooof
f his
hisfellow
fellowpil ­
pil-
grims
grimsfrom
fromKiev, while two
Kiev,while twoothers
othershad
hadgone
goneearlier
earlierinto
intoother
other monasteries.
monasteries.
ItItwas
wasautumn.
autumn. The
Thetrees
trees were
wereshedding
shedding their
their leaves.
leaves.The
The rains
rains had
had
started.
started. InInKursk
Kurskititwas
wasstill
stillwarm;
warm; but
buttotothe
theNorth,
North, nearer
nearertotoTamvo,
Tamvo,the
the
cold
coldwas
wasmaking
making itself
itselffelt
feltmore
moreand
and more.
more.W inter had
Winter had drawn
drawn near.
near.The
The
way
waywas
wasnot
noteasy.
easy.Ahead
Aheadoof
f the
the monks
monks there
there lay
laythe
the difficult
difficult life
lifeoof
f strug ­
strug-
gling
glingtotommortify
ortify the
thepassions,
passions, ininthe
thename
name oof
f pure
puresnow -white dispassion,
snow-white dispassion,
so
soas
asafterwards
afterwards totolive
liveininthe
the Spirit.
Spirit.
The
The future
future ascetics
ascetics walked
walked inin silence,
silence, secretly
secretly saying
saying the
the Prayer
Prayer of
of
Jesus. They reached
Jesus.They reachedthe
theforests
forestsof Temnikov. The
ofTemnikov. Theaged
agedpine
pineforest
forestreceived
received
some
some new
new spiritual
spiritual fighters,
fighters, and
and by
byits
its high,
high, dense
dense wall
wall oof
f huge
huge pines,
pines,
sometimes
sometimes four
four or
or five
fivearms - breadth in
arms-breadth in girth,
girth, ititcut
cutthem
them ooff
ff from
from the
the
past.
past.They
Theywere
werenearing
nearing the
the mysterious
mysterious Sarov.
Sarov.On
Onthe
the 20th
20th oof
f November,
November,
1778,
1778,towards
towards evening
eveningtwilight,
twilight, the
thethree
threeyoung
youngpilgrims
pilgrims approached
approached the
the
gates
gatesoof
f the
the Sarov
Sarovbell -tower.
bell-tower.
ItItwas
wasthe
the eve
eveoof
f the
the Presentation
Presentation oof
f the
the Mother
Mother oof
f God
Godwhich
which isispre ­
pre-

21
A A nEIEE x t r aElli\\EyP\i
o r d i n a r y P eace

eminently
eminently a m onastic
a monastic feast.
feast. This
This is the
is the day
day of othe
f the consecration
consecration of othe
f the holy
holy
Virgin
Virgin Mary
Mary to to
thethe greatest
greatest service
service of oGod
f God
forfor
thethe salvation
salvation of othe
f the human
human
race;
race; herher departure
departure from
from thethe world
world forfor
thethe salvation
salvation of othe
f the world;
world; thethe feast
feast
of ovirginity
f virginity
in in preparation
preparation forfor
thethe incarnation
incarnation of oGod.
f God. This
This is the
is the feast
feast of o f
thethe dedication
dedication of othe
f the Bride
Bride of oGod
f God
forfor
herher education
education byby
thethe Spirit
Spirit to to
bebe
thethe Mother
Mother of othe
f the Son
Son of oGod.
f God.
This
This was
was notnot a chance
a chance coincidence.
coincidence. The
The holy
holy youth
youth had
had come
come from
from
hishis
earthly mother
earthly to to
m other hishis
Heavenly Mother.
Heavenly From
Mother. thethe
From hands of othe
hands hon-
f the hon ­
estest widow,
widow, hehe was
was taken
taken byby
thethe Immaculate
Immaculate Virgin.
Virgin. From
From thethe roof
roof of othe
f the
church - builder
church-builder Agathia,
Agathia, hehe came
came under
under thethe protection
protection of oGod,
f God, into
into "the
"the
most
most pure
pure Temple
Temple of othe
f the Saviour,
Saviour, thethe very
very precious
precious bridal - cham ber,into
bridal-chamber," " into
thethe embrace
embrace of othe
f the M other
Mother of oGod.
f God. And
And one
one is is again
again reminded
reminded of othe
f the
Saintwonderful
Saint's 's wonderful conversation
conversation onon " the
"the acquisition
acquisition of othe
f the grace
grace of othe
f the
Holy
HolySpirit"
Spiritas thethe
" as aim of olife.
aim This
f life. is clearly
This sung
is clearly in in
sung thethe
same Kontakion
same Kontakion
of othe
f the feast:
feast: "The
"The Virgin
Virgin is today
is today introduced
introduced into
into thethe house
house of othe
f the Lord,
Lord,
bringing
bringing with
with herher
thethe grace
grace which
which is in
is in thethe Divine
Divine Spirit."
Spirit."
"And thethe
"And Holy Spirit
Holy will
Spirit dwell
will in in
dwell thee"
th e -e "—
thethe
prophecy of oDositheus
prophecy f Dositheus
is again remembered.
is again Through
remembered. thethe
Through gates of othe
gates bell-tower
f the thethe
bell - tower pilgrims
pilgrims
entered
entered thethe monastery.
monastery. They
They were
were at at once
once surrounded
surrounded from
from allall sides
sides byby
thethe buildings
buildings of othe
f the cloister,
cloister, like
like living
living arms
arms warmly
warmly welcoming
welcoming and
and em ­
em-
bracing
bracing thethe
newnew inhabitants.
inhabitants. It was
It was as as though
though thethe door
door to to
thethe other
other side
side of of
thethe world
world had
had been
been closed
closed behind
behind them
them forever.
forever. Now
Now their
their home,
home, family,
family,
father
father andand m other
mother were
were here.
here.
Before them
Before in in
them thethe
middle of othe
middle enclosure
f the stood
enclosure thethe
stood enormous five-
enormous five-
domed
domed main
main church
church of othe
f the m onastery
monastery in in honour
honour of othe
f the Dorm ition
Dormition of o f
thethe Mother
Mother of oGod,
f God, rebuilt
rebuilt only
only a year
a year previously
previously in in
thethe timof
time e othe
f the
ab-ab ­
bot,
bot, Ephrem.
Ephrem. In In appearance
appearance it reminded
it reminded oneone
of of
thethe distant
distant Church
Church of of
thethe
Dormition in in
Dorm ition thethe
Kiev Lavra."
Kiev The
Lavra.2 gates
The of othe
gates temple
f the were
temple open.
were The
open. The
pilgrims directed
pilgrims their
directed steps
their straight
steps to to
straight thethe
place of oGod's
place f God dwelling, to to
's dwelling,

2 2This
This is the
is the contemporary
contemporary pronunciation
pronunciation of the
of the Greek
Greek word
word "Laura/'which
"Laura,"which Fr. Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus
used.
used. In earliest
In earliest times
times a laura
a laura waswas a collection
a collection of solitary
of solitary hermitages
hermitages surrounding
surrounding a central
a central
church.
church. In Imperial
In Imperial Russia
Russia andand contemporary
contemporary times,
times, a lavra
a lavra usually
usually denotes
denotes a very
a very large
large
community
community of monastics
of monastics living
living together
together (coenobitic)
(coenobitic) andand it often
it often hashas administrative
administrative re- re­
sponsibilities
sponsibilities over
over smaller
smaller monasteries
monasteries which
which areare dependent
dependent on on it. —ed
it. -ed

22
 () ii I S ('
the
the house
house oof
f the
the Queen
Queen oof
f Heaven,
Heaven, who
who invisibly
invisibly ruled
ruled the
the monastery
monastery
from
from there.
there.
Their
Their cherished
cherished desire
desire had
had been
been fulfilled.
fulfilled. The
The seekers
seekers oof
f the
the City
City oof
f God
God
were
were inin their
their quiet
quiet harbor.
harbor. The
The recently
recently appointed
appointed abbot,
abbot, Fr.
Fr.Pachomius,
Pachomius,
celebrated
celebrated the
the solemn
solemn service
service of
ofthe
the Presentation.
Presentation. Everything
Everything was
was done
done inin
order
order and
and according
according toto regulation,
regulation, for
for the
the superior
superior was
was strict
strict inin keeping
keeping
the
the church
church and
and monastic
monastic rules.
rules. Prochorus
Prochorus' ' soul
soul rejoiced.
rejoiced. He
He had
had found
found
his
his place.
place. And
And now
now he
he could
could say
say inin the
the words
words of
of the
the Psalmist: The spar
Psalmist: ""The spar-­
row
row has
has found
found herself
herself aahouse,
house, and
and the
the swallow
swallow aanest...blessed
nest...blessed are
are they
they
that
that dwell
dwell ininThy
Thy house,
house, O0 Lord.
Lord."" (Ps.
(Ps. 883:3-4)
3 :3 - 4 ) ""This
This isismy
my repose
repose forever.
forever.
Here
Here will
will I Idwell,
dwell, for
for I Ihave
have chosen
chosen it."
it." (Ps.
(Ps. 131:14)
l31:14)

23
24
 Chapter 5.3
( ,h»spier

h e NNOVICE
TTHE o v i c e PPROCHORUS
rochorus

T
ted
h eHE

Father
tedthem
f ofollowing

them into
l l o w i n g d aday

FatherAbbot.
Abbot.HeHegave
intothe
gavethem
y alall
l t hthree

thema awarm
themonastery.
monastery. He
r e e p ipilgrims

warmwelcome
welcomeand
Heparticularly
l g r i m s p apaid

andjoyfully
joyfullyadmit
particularly turned
turned his
id a

­
admit-
hisattention
a v ivisit

attention toto
sit t oto t hthe
e

Prochorus,
Prochorus, whose
whoseparents
parentshehehad
hadknown
knownwell
wellininKursk.
Kursk.Seeing
Seeingininhim
him
the
thegreat
greatspirit
spirito fofthe
thefuture
futureSaint
Sainthehehanded
handed him
himover
overforforspiritual
spiritual didi-
­
rection
rectiontotothe
theexperienced
experienced hands
handso fofhis
hisclosest
closestcolleague
colleagueand
andfriend,
friend,the
the
wise
wiseand
andlove -filled treasurer,
love-filled treasurer,Fr.Fr.Joseph.
Joseph.From
Fromhim
himProchorus
Prochorus received
received
his
hisfirst
firstobedience —that o fofa acell
obedience-that cellattendant.
attendant.
Thus
Thuswas
wasbegun
begunthe
themonastic
monastic life
lifeofofthe
theSaint,
Saint,which
whichlasted
lastedfor
for5454
years.
years.It Itwas
wasfraught
fraughtwith
withhard
hardstruggles,
struggles,but
butwas
wascrowned
crownedwith
witha aglori ­
glori-
ous
ousand
andholy
holyend.
end.The
Thelight
lightservice
serviceofofthe
thefather -treasurer was
father-treasurer wasonly
onlythe
the
introduction.
introduction. Soon
Soonthe
thenovice
noviceProchorus,
Prochorus, like
likeother
otherinhabitants
inhabitants o fofthe
the
monastery,
monastery,was
wasgiven
givendifferent,
different,more
morephysically
physicallydifficult
difficultobediences.
obediences. HeHe
worked
workedininthe
thebakery
bakeryatatprosphora - making and
prosphora-making andininthe
thejoiner 's shop.
joiner's shop.Then
Then
hehedid
didduty
dutyasasthe
thebell -ringer, both
bell-ringer, bothtotocall
callthe
themonks
monksand
andfor
forthe
thechurch.
church.
He
Healso
alsosang
sangininthe
thechoir,
choir,and
andtook
tookonongeneral
generalobediences
obediencessuch
suchasaswood ­
wood-
cutting,
cutting,sewing,
sewing,etc.
etc.Most
Mosto fofall,
all,Prochorus
Prochorus used
usedtotododojoinery
joinerywork
workinin
which
whichhehegained
gainedgreat
greatskill
skillsosothat
thatamong
amongthe
thebrethren
brethren hehewas
wasmostly
mostly
knownasas" Prochorus
known "Prochorusthe
thejoiner.
joiner."
"
His
Hisinterior
interior life
lifeininthis
thisnovitiate
novitiate period,
period, when
whenthe
thefoundations
foundations o fof
monastic
monasticeducation
education were
werelaid,
laid,is islittle
littleknown
knowntotous.us.We
Wemostly
mostlyhave
havetoto
conclude
concludeasastotowhat
whatit itwas
waslike
likefrom
fromthe
theSaint 's later
Saint's latercounsels
counselstotoothers
others
(which
(whichwewemust
mustthink
thinkwere
weregiven
givenfrom
fromhis
hisown
ownexperience),
experience), and
andonly
onlyinin
part
partfrom
fromthe
theoccasional
occasional and
andinsignificant
insignificant testim ony given
testimony givenbybyhim self
himself
about
abouthis
hispast
pastlife.
life.

25
 First o f all, Brother Prochorus was distinguished for his absolutely
First of all, Brother Prochorus was distinguished for his absolutely
unmurmuring fulfillm ent o f his obedience. Moreover, by the nature of
unmurmuring fulfillment of his obedience. Moreover, by the nature of
his exact character, he did everything with zeal, accuracy and all possible
his exact character, he did everything with zeal, accuracy and all possible
perfection. This is just what is required o f new novices in order that they
perfection. This is just what is required of new novices in order that they
may learn from the start to break their worldly pride, that root of all the
may learn from the start to break their worldly pride, that root of all the
other passions and the basic malady o f the fallen soul.
other passions and the basic malady of the fallen soul.
That is why the Saint afterwards instructed the Diveyev nuns chief ­
That is why the Saint afterwards instructed the Diveyev nuns chief-
ly in obedience. Xenia Vasillievna Putkova, who later becam e the nun
ly in obedience. Xenia VasiIlievna Putkova, who later became the nun
Kapitolina, recalled his words: " Remem ber always, obedience surpasses
Kapitolina, recalled his words: "Remember always, obedience surpasses
everything. It surpasses fasting and prayer! And not only should we not
everything. It surpasses fasting and prayer! And not only should we not
refuse it, but we should run to meet it! We must bear every kind o f trou ­
refuse it, but we should run to meet it! We must bear every kind of trou-
ble from the brethren without being disturbed and without murmuring;
ble from the brethren without being disturbed and without murmuring;
because a m onk is only a monk when, like bast - shoes,1 he is knocked
because a monk is only a monk when, like bast-shoes, I he is knocked
about and battered by everybody. There is no more pernicious sin than
about and battered by everybody. There is no more pernicious sin than
to murmur, to judge, or to disobey the superior —that person will perish."
to murmur, to judge, or to disobey the superior-that person will perish."
To the confessor o f the monastery, the protopriest Fr. Basil Sadovsky,
To the confessor of the monastery, the protopriest Fr. Basil Sadovsky,
the Saint also said: " Obedience, father, is superior to fasting and prayer.
the Saint also said: "Obedience, father, is superior to fasting and prayer.
Remember that and always remind them o f it. I am always reminding
Remember that and always remind them of it. I am always reminding
them, too."
them, too."
Fr. Basil wrote:
Fr. Basil wrote:
Afterwards, Father explained to me how great, terrible and burden ­
Afterwards, Father explained to me how great, terrible and burden-
some for a monk is the sin of disobedience to the abbot; and still more,
some for a monk is the sin of disobedience to the abbot; and still more,
criticism of superiors. The first rule for the monk (on this the whole
criticism of superiors. The first rule for the monk (on this the whole
of monasticism is based) is obedience and the complete cutting off of
of monasticism is based) is obedience and the complete cutting off of
the will. The non - fulfillment of this rule resulted in the original sin of
the will. The non-fulfillment of this rule resulted in the original sin of
the old Adam, which ruined everything. And it was only by obedience
the old Adam, which ruined everything. And it was only by obedience
that the whole world was saved through a man, the new Adam, our
that the whole world was saved through a man, the new Adam, our
Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, because He was obedient even to death!
Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, because He was obedient even to death!
Therefore now there can be nothing worse than this sin! He who does
Therefore now there can be nothing worse than this sin! He who does
so will certainly perish..."
so will certainly perish ..."
Lord, have mercy on us who are self-willed!
Lord, have mercy on us who are self-willed!
In the second place, the Saint recommends labour for novices —no
In the second place, the Saint recommends labour for novices-no
matter what it consisted of. "I order them (that is the Diveyev sisters), as
matter what it consisted of. "I order them (that is the Diveyev sisters), as
1 Coarse shoes woven of bast from the linden tree or birch bark. — ed.
1 Coarse shoes woven of bast from the linden tree or birch bark. -ed.

26
 P ii(HO!, S

soon as they rise from sleep, at once to get to work, saying to themselves
soon as they rise from sleep, at once to get to work, saying to themselves
my little rule o f prayer on the way If they do this, they will be saved...
my little rule of prayer on the way. If they do this, they will be saved ...
If there is some handwork," he would afterwards advise a monk, " busy
If there is some handwork," he would afterwards advise a monk, "busy
yourself with that. If you find yourself in a cell without having any hand ­
yourself with that. If you find yourself in a cell without having any hand-
work, by all means apply yourself to reading, particularly the Psalter. Try
work, by all means apply yourself to reading, particularly the Psalter. Try
to read every section frequently in order to retain it all in the m ind... If
to read every section frequently in order to retain it all in the mind ... If
you are called to an obedience, go to it." And he him self was never with ­
you are called to an obedience, go to it." And he himself was never with-
out work, never allowed him self to be idle. If he was free from obediences
out work, never allowed himself to be idle. Ifhe was free from obediences
and prayer, he would silently withdraw to his cell, and there he would
and prayer, he would silently withdraw to his cell, and there he would
undertake some work, either cutting out cypress crosses, or reading the
undertake some work, either cutting out cypress crosses, or reading the
Word o f God or the works of the Holy Fathers, or the Lives o f the Saints.
Word of God or the works of the Holy Fathers, or the Lives of the Saints.
Besides the Bible and Menology2, he had the works o f St. Basil the Great,
Besides the Bible and Menology-, he had the works of St. Basil the Great,
St. Macarius the Egyptian, St. John of the Ladder, The Margarite3, The
St. Macarius the Egyptian, St. John of the Ladder, The Margaiite', The
Philokalia and others.
Philokalia and others.
He looked upon reading also as a special labour which he called "vigil."
He looked upon reading also as a special labour which he called "vigil."
The Gospel and the Epistles of the Apostles he read before the ikons and
The Gospel and the Epistles of the Apostles he read before the ikons and
always standing, in the attitude o f prayer.
always standing, in the attitude of prayer.
"The soul must be supplied and nourished with the Word o f God," he
"The soul must be supplied and nourished with the Word of God," he
said. "Most o f all, we should practise reading the New Testament and
said. "Most of all, we should practise reading the New Testament and
Psalter. It ought to be done standing." But he allowed the Psalter some ­
Psalter. It ought to be done standing." But he allowed the Psalter some-
times to be read sitting. "From this reading comes the illum ination of the
times to be read sitting. "From this reading comes the illumination of the
mind which is changed by a Divine change."
mind which is changed by a Divine change."
Furthermore, he taught that one who reads Holy Scripture "receives
Furthermore, he taught that one who reads Holy Scripture "receives
within him a warmth which in solitude produces tears. From these tears
within him a warmth which in solitude produces tears. From these tears
the person is warmed through and through and filled with spiritual gifts,
the person is warmed through and through and filled with spiritual gifts,
which delight the mind and heart beyond all description." Above all, this
which delight the mind and heart beyond all description." Above all, this
should be done in order to obtain peace o f soul, according to the teach ­
should be done in order to obtain peace of soul, according to the teach-
ing o f the Psalmist: "Great peace have they who love Thy law, O Lord."
ing of the Psalmist: "Great peace have they who love Thy law, 0 Lord."
(Ps. 118:165)
CPs.118:165)
Undoubtedly, the Saint taught all this from his own experience. And
Undoubtedly, the Saint taught all this from his own experience. And
2 Life of the Saints — ed.
2 Life of the Saints -ed.
3 The Margarite was a compilation of writings by St. John Chrysostom popular in Russia
3 many
for The Matgarite
centuries.was
Thea compilation of writings by(Latin
Greek word "margarites" St. John Chrysostom
"margarita popular
") means in "—
"pearl Russia
ed..
for many centuries. The Greek word "margarites" (Latin "margarita") means "pearl" -ed ..

27
AN
AEXII!\Ui!!)IN,\i(\
n E xtrao
PlilerP
rdinary eace

onceonce he even
he even uttered
uttered an extraordinary
an extraordinary prophetic
prophetic admonition
admonition about
about read ­
read-
ing:ing:
"It is"Itvery
is very useful...
useful... to read
to read through
through the the whole
whole Bible
Bible intelligently.
intelligently. For For
this this exercise
exercise alone,
alone, besides
besides other
other goodgood works,
works, the the
LordLord
willwill
not not deprive
deprive
a man
a man o f His
of His mercy,
mercy, but but
willwill increase
increase his his
gift gift o f understanding/
of understanding." He' also
He also
instructed
instructed lay lay people
people to read
to read the the
WordWord o f the
of the Lord.
Lord. " What
"What am am
I to Iread?"
to read? "
a visitor
a visitor onceonce asked
asked him.him . " The
"The Gospel,
Gospel," " replied
replied the the Saint.
Saint. " Four
"Four sections
sections
a day
a day fromfrom
eacheach Evangelist..."
Evangelist..."
After
After work
work and and reading,
reading, the the Saint
Saint gavegave novices
novices instruction
instruction about
about prayer.
prayer.
He He
saidsaid exactly
exactly whatwhat he heard
he heard fromfrom
the the
lips lips o f Dositheus,
of Dositheus, and and
whatwhat
he he
practised
practised himself.
himself. " Those
"Those whowho
havehave
trulytruly resolved
resolved to serve
to serve the the
LordLord
GodGod
mustmust exercise
exercise them selves
themselves in the
in the rem embrance
remembrance o f God
of God and and unceasing
unceasing
prayer
prayer to Jesus
to Jesus Christ.
Christ. .. .While
...While engaged
engaged in handwork,
in handwork, or doing
or doing any any
kindkind
o f obedience,
of obedience," he instructed
he"instructed the the monk,
monk, "unceasingly
"unceasingly makemake
the the prayer:
prayer: Lord,Lord,
JesusJesus Christ
Christ havehave mercy
mercy on me,
on me, a sinner.
a sinner. In prayer,
In prayer, attend
attend to yourself;
to yourself; that that
is, gather
is, gather youryour
mindmind
and and
uniteunite it with
it with youryour
soul.soul. At first
At first for afor a day
day or two,
or two,
or more,
or more, make
make this this prayer
prayer withwith
youryour mind
mind alone,
alone, separately,
separately, and and attend
attend
especially
especially to each
to each word.
word. Then,
Then, whenwhen
the the
LordLord warms
warms youryour
heartheart
withwith
the the
warmth
warmth o f His
of His grace
grace and and unites
unites it w ithin
it within you you
intointo
one one spirit,
spirit, this this prayer
prayer
willwill
flowflow w ithin
within you you unceasingly,
unceasingly, and and
willwill be always
be always withwith
you,you, delighting
delighting
and and nourishing
nourishing you y....
o uAnd
... .And when
when you you contain
contain this this spiritual
spiritual nourishment
nourishment
w ithin
within you you
(that(that is, conversation
is, conversation withwith
the the
LordLord H im self)
Himself) thenthen
whywhy
go go
round
round visiting
visiting cellscells of the
of the brethren,
brethren, eveneven
whenwhen called
called by someone?
by someone? Truly
Truly
I will
I will tell tell
you you
that that
idle idle
talk talk is also
is also lovelove o f idleness."
of idleness."
Concerning
Concerning prayer
prayer in church,
in church, the the
SaintSaint would
would advise:
advise: " In church
"In church while
while
praying
praying it isituseful
is useful to stand
to stand withwith closed
closed eyeseyes
withwith inward
inward attention,
attention, and and
to open
to open the the
eyeseyes
onlyonly
whenwhen
you you
growgrow languid
languid or when
or when sleepsleep oppresses
oppresses
you you
and and makes
makes you you drowsy.
drowsy. ThenThen
the the
eyeseyes should
should be turned
be turned to image
to an an image

and and
the the
lightlight burning
burning before
before it." it."
AndAnd he him self
he himself stood
stood in church
in church withwith closed
closed eyes.eyes. He used
He used to come
to come
to divine
to divine service
service before
before the the others
others and and never
never left left before
before the the
end end
of it.o fAs
it. As
regards
regards asceticism,
asceticism, during
during the the
firstfirst
yearsyears o f his
of his monastic
monastic life,life, although
although
he kept
he kept h im self
himself in that
in that com munceasing
common on unceasing
and and
strictstrict temperance,
temperance, yet he
yet he
did did everything
everything in moderation.
in moderation. AndAnd he taught
he taught the the
samesame
thingthing to others
to others in in

28
 l' ; !. u \ r (i P cu
accordance
accordance with
with the
the general
general teaching
teaching ooff the
the Holy
Holy Fathers
Fathers on
on the
the ""royal"
royal"
way:
way: ""We
We ought
ought not
not to
to undertake
undertake ascetic
ascetic labours
labours beyond
beyond measure,
measure, but
but to
to
try
try to
to make
make our
our friend,
friend, the
the flesh,
flesh, faithful
faithful and
and capable
capable ooff practising
practising virtue.
virtue.
We should go by the middle way."
We should go by the middle way."
We should
""We should be
be indulgent
indulgent with
with our
our soul
soul in
in its
its infirmities
infirmities and
and imper
imper-­
fections, and have patience with its defects,
fections, and have patience with its defects, as
as we
we have
have patience
patience with
with the
the
defects
defects ooff others.
others. But
But we
we must
must not
not be
be lazy
lazy and
and must
must urge
urge ourselves
ourselves to
to
better things.
better things." "
In
In particular,
particular, with
with regard
regard to
to sleep,
sleep, for
for instance,
instance, the
the Saint
Saint advised
advised aa
monk: Every day,
monk: ""Every day, without
without fail,
fail, at
at night
night sleep
sleep for
for four
four hours —the tenth,
hours-the tenth,
eleventh
eleventh and
and twelfth
twelfth and
and an
an hour
hour after
after midnight.
midnight. If
If feeling
feeling feeble
feeble itit is
is
possible to sleep during the day as well. Keep this rule invariably till the
possible to sleep during the day as well. Keep this rule invariably till the
end
end ooff your
your life,
life, because
because itit is
is necessary
necessary for
for the
the repose
repose ooff your
your head.
head. II my
my-­
self,
self, from
from early
early youth,
youth, have
have keptkept this
this course
course too.
too. We
We always
always ask
ask the
the good
good
Lord
Lord for
for rest
rest during
during the
the night
night time.
time. If
If you
you take
take care
care ooff yourself
yourself inin this
this
way, you will not becom e despondent
way, you will not become despondent but but healthy and cheerful. "
healthy and cheerful." Later,Later,
he
he permitted
permitted others
others more
more infirm
infirm to
to sleep
sleep at
at night
night even
even six
six hours;
hours; and
and if
if
overtired, he also advised them to rest after dinner a little.
overtired, he also advised them to rest after dinner a little.
In
In the
the same
same way,
way, the
the novice
novice Prochorus
Prochorus observed
observed moderation
moderation in
in food:
food:
Not everyone
""Not everyone can
can impose
impose upon
upon him self aa strict
himself strict rule
rule ooff temperance
temperance inin ev
ev-­
erything,
erything, or
or deprive
deprive him self ooff all
himself all that
that would
would serve
serve to relieve his weak ­
to relieve his weak-
nesses.
nesses. Otherwise,
Otherwise, in
in exhausting
exhausting the
the body,
body, the
the soul
soul becomes
becomes feeble
feeble too.
too.""
In
In particular: On Fridays
particular: ""On Fridays and
and Wednesdays,
Wednesdays, and
and especially
especially during
during the
the
four
four fasts,
fasts,"" he
he said, food should
said, ""food should be
be taken
taken once
once aa day,
day, and
and the
the angel
angel of
of
the Lord will stick close to you. For other days he recommended the
the Lord will stick close to you." For other days he recommended the fol-­
" fol
lowing
lowing rule: At dinner eat
rule: ""Atdinner eat sufficiently;
sufficiently; at
at supper
supper be
be m oderate...
moderate .... .Gluttony
Gluttony
is not a monastic work."
is not a monastic work."
But
But to
to the
the Diveyev
Diveyev sisters
sisters he
he generally
generally gave
gave indulgent
indulgent instructions
instructions
that
that they
they should
should eat
eat without
without uneasiness,
uneasiness, whenever
whenever and
and as
as much
much as
as they
they
wanted,
wanted, even at night, if need be, provided that they were obedient and
even at night, if need be, provided that they were obedient and
never
never lived
lived alone,
alone, either
either in
in the
the cells
cells or
or on
on the
the road.
road. Moreover,
Moreover, he
he con
con-­
sidered
sidered that
that women,
women, on on account
account ofof their
their weakness,
weakness, are
are less
less capable
capable or
or
adapted
adapted for
for the
the severe
severe labours
labours of
of temperance.
temperance.

29
 An
\u ni\ A PI .\(P i!a, c e
E x t r a o r d in a r v

ButBut apart
apart from
from that,that, he did
he did not not want
want to impose
to impose an an extra
extra weight
weight of ito f it
on on anyone 's soul in the event o f not carrying out strict fasting or vows.
anyone's soul in the event of not carrying out strict fasting or vows.
" If anyone
"If anyone can,can, let him
let him do do
it." it. " Even
Even withwith regard
regard to Wednesday
to Wednesday andand Friday
Friday
he he
saidsaid
to atocertain
a certain monk:
monk: " If you
"If you are are able,
able, eat eat
but but once
once a day.
a day ...But
.... But a a
body
body thatthat is exhausted
is exhausted by penances
by penances andand sickness
sickness should
should be strengthened
be strengthened
by by moderate
moderate sleep,
sleep, food,
food, andand drink,
drink regardless
regardless even
even o f time.
of time. After
After rais-rais ­
ing ing
the the daughter
daughter of Jairus
of Iairus from
from death,
death, Jesus
Jesus Christ
Christ at once
at once ordered
ordered her her
to to
eat."eat. " (Luke
(Luke 8:55)
8:55)
ButBut instead
instead the the Saint
Saint earnestly
earnestly advised
advised thatthat "peace
"peace o f soul
of soul" " should
should be be
maintained
maintained at costs,
at all all costs,
andand he paid
he paid special
special attention
attention to this
to this himself:
himself: "By"By
all all means,
means, we we should
should try try to preserve
to preserve peace
peace o f soul,
of soul, andand
not not be disturbed
be disturbed
by offences
by offences from
from others.
others .. .Nothing
.... Nothing is better
is better thanthan peace
peace in Christ.
in Christ. .. .The
" .The
Floly
Holy Fathers
Fathers always
always hadhad a peaceful
a peaceful spirit
spirit andand being
being blessed
blessed withwith
the the grace
grace
o f God
of God theythey lived
lived long."
long."
"Acquire
"Acquire peace,
peace." he" he
sayssays
laterlater
on, on,
"and"and thousands
thousands round
round youyou
willwill
be be
saved.
saved. When
When a person
a person is inis ainpeaceful
a peaceful
statestate o f mind,
of mind, he can
he can from
from him self
himself
givegive
out out to others
to others the the
lightlight o f the
of the illum ination
illumination o f the
of the reason.
reason. ThisThis peace,
peace,
likelike some
some priceless
priceless treasure,
treasure, our our Lord
Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ
Christ left left to His
to His disciples
disciples
before
before HisHis death.
death." " (John
(John 14:27)
14:27)
TheThe Apostle
Apostle alsoalso
sayssays o f "And
of it: it: "And
the the peace
peace o f God,
of God, which
which passes
passes all all
understanding,
understanding, shall
shall guard
guard your
your hearts
hearts andand thoughts
thoughts in Jesus
in Jesus Christ."
Christ."
(Phil.
(Phil. 4:7)4:7)
ForFor
thisthis reason
reason above
above all Seraphim
all St. St. Seraphim advised:
advised: " Immerse
"Immerse youryour
mind
mind w ithin
within yourself
yourself andand have
have activity
activity in your
in your heart;
heart;" in doing,
in" so so doing,
"the"the
peace o f God overshadows it, and it is in a peaceful state." Then one must
peace of God overshadows it, and it is in a peaceful state." Then one must
accustom
accustom h im self
himself to bear
"to "bear offense
offense from
from others
others calmas
calmly ly though
as though
theirtheir
in- in ­
sultssults
do do
not not concern
concern us, us,
but but others.
others. Such
Such a practise
a practise cancan obtain
obtain peace
peace for for
the the human
human heart
heart andand make
make it the
it the abode
abode o f God
of God H im self! "
Himself!"
If itIfisitimpossible
is impossible
not not to disturbed,
to be be disturbed,
thenthen at least
at least it isitnecessary
is necessary to try
to try
to control
to control the the tongue
tongue according
according to the
to the Psalmist:
Psalmist: "I was
"I was troubled
troubled andand spoke
spoke
not.
not." " (Ps.
(Ps. 76:4)
76:4) "For"For
the the preservation
preservation o f peace
of peace o f soul,
of soul, it isitalso
is also necessary
necessary
by all
by all means
means to avoid
to avoid criticizing
criticizing others.
others .. .And
.... And in order
in order to deliver
to deliver oneself
oneself
from
from criticism,
criticism, it isitnecessary
is necessary to attend
to attend to oneself
to oneself andand to ask:
to ask: 'Where
'Where am am

30
 iTur \<r
:'~i)\i(L
" , PF “'
Pii(\C!!
• zI< S

I? "' Especially
I?'" Especially for
for peace
peace ooff soul
soul ""one
one must
must avoid
avoid despondency4
despondency' andand try
try
to have a joyful spirit, and not a sad one. As Sirach says: ' Sadness
to have a joyful spirit, and not a sad one. As Sirach says: 'Sadness hath hath
killed
killed manymany and and there
there isis no
no profit
profit in
in it/ " (Sir.
it.'" (Sir. 330:25)
0 :2 5 )
ItItisisworthwhile
worthwhile stopping
stopping for for aamoment
moment to to pay
pay special
special attention
attention to
to this
this
joyful spirit
""joyful spirit"" in
in the
the life
life of
of the
the Saint.
Saint. ItItwas
was his
his characteristic
characteristic property,
property, eses-­
pecially
pecially later
later on.
on. But
But even
even this
this grace -given gift
grace-given gift was
was not
not attained
attained by
by him
him
without
without aa struggle,
struggle, although
although itit was
was so
so salutary
salutary for
for the
the suffering
suffering souls
souls ooff
those
those who flocked to him later. There is reason
who flocked to him later. There is reason to
to think
think that
that the
the devil
devil of
of
despondency
despondency attacked
attacked him
him in in the
the beginning
beginning ooff his
his monastic
monastic life. It isis
life. ""It
hard,
hard,"" he
he says, to avoid
says, ""to avoid this
this disease
disease for
for aa person
person who
who has
has just
just begun
begun the the
monastic
monastic life,
life, because
because itit isis the
the first
first one
one to to assail
assail him.
him. Therefore,
Therefore, before
before
everything else, one must beware
everything else, one must beware of it." of it. "
It sometimes
""It sometimes happens
happens that
that aa person
person inin this
this state
state ooff spirit
spirit thinks
thinks to
to
him self that
himself that ititwould
would be
be easier
easier for
for him
him to
to be
be destroyed,
destroyed, or or to
to be
be without
without
any
any feeling
feeling and
and consciousness,
consciousness, than
than to
to remain
remain any
any longer
longer in
in this
this unac
unac-­
countably
countably torm enting state
tormenting state ooff mind.
mind. One
One should
should try
try to
to get
get out
out ooff itit as
as
quickly as possible. Beware o f the spirit o f despondency, for it gives
quickly as possible. Beware of the spirit of despondency, for it gives birth birth
to
to every
every evil.
evil. ...A
... A thousand
thousand tem ptations come
temptations come from
from it:
it: agitation,
agitation, rage,
rage,
blame,
blame, complaint at one's fate, profligate thought, constant change of
com plaint at one ' s fate, profligate thought, constant change of
place. ...OOne's
place .... ne ' s place
place ooff residence
residence becomes
becomes unbearable
unbearable and
and the
the brethren,
brethren,
too.
too. The devil of boredom suggests thoughts to the monk to leave his
The devil of boredom suggests thoughts to the monk to leave his cell
cell
and
and talk
talk to
to someone. .. .And
someone .... And the
the monk
monk becomes
becomes like
like aa dry
dry cloud,5
cloud." driven
driven
about
about byby the
the wind.
wind.""
But
Butsometimes,
sometimes, on
on the
the contrary, the evil
contrary, ""the evil spirit
spirit ooff sorrow
sorrow possesses
possesses the
the
soul
soul"" and
and""deprives
deprives itit ooff meekness
meekness and
and kindness
kindness inin regard
regard to to the
the breth
breth-­
ren,
ren, and
and gives
gives birth
birth to
to repulsion
repulsion from
from all
all conversation.
conversation ..... .The
The soul
soul then
then
avoids
avoids people,
people, believing
believing them
them toto be
be the
the cause
cause ooff its
its trouble,
trouble, and
and does
does not
not
understand that the cause of its illness is within itself. .. .The soul
understand that the cause of its illness is within itself. .. The soul filled filled
with
with sorrow
sorrow and
and becom ing as
becoming as ififinsane
insane and
and out
out ooff its
its mind
mind isisincapable
incapable of
of
quietly accepting good advice or o f meekly answering questions
quietly accepting good advice or of meekly answering questions put to it." put to it. "
We
We may
may think
think that
that this
this evil
evil spirit
spirit ooff despondency
despondency (accidie)
(accidie) attacked
attacked
44 Or,
Or, accidie.
accidie.
55 Or,
Or, "cloud
"cloudwith
with out
out water."
water."Jude
Judevs.
vs. 12
12

31
A N AE nx i E v
x tf)r a1)o 1r d \ i n a rPy L P eace

eveneven
the the Saint.
Saint. ButBut he immediately
he immediately andand resolutely
resolutely found
found a way
a way out out o f it.
of it.
TheThe
firstfirst " medicine
"medicine withwith
the the
helphelp o f which
of which a person
a person soonsoon finds
finds consola ­
consola-
tiontion in his
in his soul
soul" is " meekness
is" "meekness of heart,
of heart," as Isaac
as" St. St. Isaac
the the Syrian
Syrian teaches.
teaches.
Another
Another curecure he found
he found in work
in work andand struggles:
struggles: "This
"This illness
illness is treated
is treated withwith
prayer,
prayer, abstinence
abstinence from
from idleidle
talk,talk, handwork
handwork according
according to o nstrength,
to one's es strength,
reading
reading o f the
of the Word
Word o f God,
of God, andand patience;
patience; because
because it isitborn
is born o f coward ­
of coward-
ice,ice, idleness
idleness andand
idleidle talk."
talk."
Both
Both these
these ways
ways leadlead above
above all all to the
to the simple,
simple, unmurmuring
unmurmuring fulfill ­
fulfill-
ment
ment o f obedience.
of obedience. HereHere is both
is both hum ility
humility andand struggle.
struggle. "Above
"Above all."all,
said" said
the the Saint
Saint "one"one must
must fightfight despondency
despondency (accidie)
(accidie)" by means
by" means of strict
of strict andand
unquestioning
unquestioning fulfillm ent
fulfillment of the
of all all the duties
duties laidlaid
uponupon
the the novice.
novice. " When
"When
youryour occupations
occupations get get
intointo
realreal order,
order, thenthen boredom
boredom willwill
findfind
no no place
place
in your
in your heart.
heart. Bored
Bored people
people are are those
those whose
whose life life is not
is not in order.
in order. AndAnd
so, so,
obedience
obedience is the
is the bestbest remedy
remedy against
against thisthis dangerous
dangerous illness.
illness." And" And all this
all this
taken
taken together
together leads
leads to the
to the last last
curecure o f spiritual
of spiritual sicknesses —dispassion.
sicknesses-dispassion.
" Whoever
"Whoever has has conquered
conquered his his passions
passions has has conquered
conquered dejection
dejection too."too."
AndAnd if the
if the Saint
Saint him self
himself waswas always
always peaceful
peaceful andand joyous,
joyous, it isitaistrue
a true
signsign
thatthat he gradually
he gradually attained
attained dispassion
dispassion andand "scorn
"scorn o f the
of the world
world" " with
with
its desires.
its desires. (I John
(I John 2:16)
2:16) AndAnd being
being ableable to overcome
to overcome temptation
temptation in him ­
in him-
self,self,
the the Saint
Saint could
could from
from experience
experience helphelp others
others too,too, pouring
pouring intointo
themthem
the the spirit
spirit o f divine
of divine joy.joy.
A monk
A monk o f Sarov
of Sarov hadhad succumbed
succumbed to atosimilar
a similar temptation.
temptation. Wishing
Wishing to to
findfind some
some kindkind o f relief,
of relief, he shared
he shared his his sorrow
sorrow withwith another
another brother.
brother. After
After
Vespers
Vespers theythey went
went out out o f the
of the monastery
monastery and,and, walking
walking round
round the the enclosure,
enclosure,
came
came to the
to the horse
horse yard.
yard. Suddenly,
Suddenly, theythey
sawsaw
the the Saint.
Saint. Deeply
Deeply venerating
venerating
him,him,
theythey
fell fell at his
at his feet.feet.
WithW ith unusual
unusual kindness
kindness the the Saint
Saint blessed
blessed them,
them,
andand seeing
seeing through
through the the brothers
brother's despondency
despondency began
began to sing:
to sing: "Fill" Fill
my my
heart
heart withwith
joy joy
andand banish
banish sinful
sinful sadness,
sadness, O Virgin,
0 Virgin, whowho receivedest
receivedest the the
Fullness
Fullness o f Joy.
of loy." "6 Then
Then stamping
stamping his his
footfoot
the the
holyholy Elder
Elder saidsaid
withwith vigor
vigor
andand rapture:
rapture: "We"We
havehave
no no
needneed to despond;
to despond; for for Christ
Christ has has vanquished
vanquished
everything,
everything, raised
raised Adam,
Adam, released
released EveEve
andand
slainslain d eath
death! ! " His
" His joy joy
waswas trans ­
trans-
mitted
mitted to the
to the despondent
despondent brother;
brother; the the temptation
temptation instantly
instantly vanished,
vanished, andand
6 Troparion
6 Troparion fromfrom the Canon
the Canon to Mother
to Mother of God.
of God.

32
 I'n r Novrc P '.!

in
in aapeaceful
peaceful and
and cheerful
cheerful spirit
spirit the
the monks
monks returned
returned to
to the
the monastery.
monastery.
The
The nun Kapitolina (Xenia Vasilievna), in her notes, has left
nun Kapitolina (Xenia Vasilievna), in her notes, has left us
us aa
testim onial regarding
testimonial regarding the the Saint 's view
Saint's view ooff despondency
despondency (accidie)
(accidie) and
and joy
joy
generally.
generally. He
He said
said to
to her:
her:
Cheerfulness
Cheerfulness isisnot
not aasin,
sin, mother,
mother, ItItdrives
drives away
awayweariness;
weariness; andand ititisis
from
fromweariness
weariness that
that despondency
despondency comes,
comes, andand there
there isisnothing
nothing worse
worse
than
than that.
that. ItItbrings
brings with
with ititeverything.
everything. When
When IIentered
entered the
the monastery
monastery
IIsang
sang in the choir; and I was so cheerful, my joy. Sometimes when
in the choir; and I was so cheerful, my joy Sometimes when II
came
cametoto the
the choir,
choir, the
the brethren
brethren were
weretired
tired and
and had
had been
been attacked
attacked by
by
despondency
despondency and
and were
weresinging
singingwithout
without fervor
fervorwhile
while others
others were
werenot
not
singing
singing atatall.
all.All
Allgathered
gathered together,
together, and
and IIcheered
cheered them
them up;
up; they
they no
no
longer
longer felt
feltweary!
weary!To
Tosay
sayor
ordo
do evil
evil isisbad
bad and
and should
should certainly
certainly not
not be
be
done
done in
in GGod's
ods temple.
temple. But
Butto
to say
sayaakind
kind or
or friendly
friendly or
or cheering
cheering word,
word,
in
in order
order that
that everyone
everyone may
maybe
be cheerful
cheerful in
in the
the presence
presence of
ofGod,
God, and
and not
not
in
inaadespondent
despondent mood,
mood, isisnot
not sinful
sinful atatall,
all, mother.
mother.

This
This spirit
spirit oof
f Christ 's peace
Christ's peace and
and joy
joygrew
grew more
more and
and more
more in
in the
the Saint,
Saint,
later
later reaching a constant paschal joy.?For this reason he often called his
reaching a constant paschal joy.7 For this reason he often called his
visitors my jo
visitors ""my y ! " Or
joy!" Or he
he welcomed
welcomed people
people with
with the
the greeting: Christ isis
greeting: ""Christ
risen!
risen!""
As
Asregards
regards Prochorus
Prochorus'' struggle
struggle with
with the
the movements
movements ooff the
the flesh,
flesh, this
this
isisunknown
unknown to us. True, in his instructions he says: "Is it possible for aa
to us. True, in his instructions he says: " Is it possible for
person
person ininhis
his early
earlyyouth
youth to
to be
beon
on fire
fireand
and not
not to
to be
be disturbed
disturbed by
bythoughts
thoughts
of
ofthe
the flesh? "
flesh?"
Consequently,
Consequently, even
even he
hewas
was not
not free
free from
from these
these assaults
assaults ooff nature.
nature. But
But
there
there isis no
no doubt
doubt whatever
whatever that
that these
these passions
passions had
had no
no material
material in
in him.
him.
Pure from his youth, he had no difficulty in overcoming the thoughts
Pure from his youth, he had no difficulty in overcoming the thoughts that that
came
came to
to him
him and
and even
even turned
turned these
these temptations
temptations ooff the
the enemy
enemy to
to good
good
account
account by resisting them. "If we do not agree with the evil thought sug
by resisting them. " If we do not agree with the evil thought sug-­
gested
gested by
by the
the devil,
devil, we
we do
do good. "
good."
In
In these
these attacks,
attacks, he
he taught,
taught, one
one should
should immediately
immediately turn
turn in
in prayer
prayer to
to
the Lord
""the God, that the spark o f vicious passions may be put
Lord God, that the spark of vicious passions may be put out at theout at the
very
verystart.
start. Then
Then the
the flame
flame oof
f the
the passions
passions will
will not
not increase.
increase."" This
This""impure
impure

77 "Pascha " refers

"Pasch a" refersto
tothe
the central
central Christian
Christian feast,
feast, the
the Resurrection
Resurrection of
ofChrist,
Christ, called
called "Easter"
"Easter"
in
inthe
the west.
west. — ed.
-ed.

33
AN A EXTRAORDiNARY
n E x t r a o r d i n a rPtvc:
y P eace

spirit
spirit cancan have
have a strong
a strong influence
influence onlyonly
on on passionate
passionate people,
people, while
while those
those
thatthat have
have purified
purified themselves
themselves from
from theirtheir passions
passions it attacks
it attacks onlyonly
fromfrom
the the
sideside or exteriorly.
or exteriorly." " That
That exactly
exactly describes
describes it; itit;was
it was
onlyonly exteriorly
exteriorly thatthat
it it
attacked
attacked himhim personally
personally. It was
It was unable
unable to find
to find anyany
foodfood in the
in the holyholy nov ­
nov-
ice ice
andand
waswas scorched
scorched by his
by his prayer
prayer in first
in its its first tempting
tempting assaults.
assaults. AndAnd
laterlater
he would
he would boldly
boldly saysay o f him self
of himself to the
to the confessor
confessor o f the
of the Diveyev
Diveyev Convent,
Convent,
Fr. Fr. Sadovsky:
Sadovsky: "Like
"Like myself,
myself, a virgin,
a virgin, father!
father! OnlyOnly virgins
virgins willwill
livelive within
within
the the moat
moat (surrounding
(surrounding the the convent)."
convent)."
AndAnd to N.A.
to N.A. Motovilov
Motovilov he explained
he explained thatthat virgin - nuns
virgin-nuns should
should livelive sepa ­
sepa-
rately
rately fromfrom widows,
widows, by by order
order o f the
of the Mother
Mother o f God
of God herself.
herself. "As"IAsamI am
my-my­
selfself a virgin,
a virgin, father,
father, so the
so the Queen
Queen o f Heaven
of Heaven gave
gave her her blessing
blessing thatthat
onlyonly
virgins
virgins should
should livelive in my
in my convent.
convent .. .Widows
.... Widows willwill
comecome to visit
to visit us, us,
andand
bring
bring girlsgirls
withwith themhe
them," , " said
he said to Sister
to Sister Matrona
Matrona o f Diveyev.
of Diveyev. "But"But
we we have
have
special
special feelings
feelings unlike
unlike widows,
widows, mother.
mother. In many
In many ways
ways theythey
are are
veryvery
dif-dif­
ferent
ferent from
from us (virgins).
us (virgins). A virgin
A virgin is delighted
is delighted onlyonly by the
by the Sweetest
Sweetest Jesus,
Jesus,
contemplates
contemplates HimHim in His
in His sufferings
sufferings andand being
being completely
completely free,free,
sheshe serves
serves
the the Lord
Lord in spirit.
in spirit. ButBut a widow
a widow hashas many
many memories
memories o f the
of the world.
world. 'How
'How
good
good waswas
mymy
latelate husband!
husband! What
What a kind
a kind person
person he w as!
he was!' ' they
they say."
say."
Therefore,
Therefore, he he assigned
assigned to the
to the virgins
virgins a special
a special partpart o f the
of the convent
convent
withwith a windmwhich
a windmill ill which
waswas
laterlater named
named the the " Mill-Virgin
"Mill-Virgin" " Convent.
Convent. ThisThis
personal
personal testim ony
testimony o f the
of the Saint
Saint vouches
vouches for for
his his purity
purity more
more truly
truly thanthan
all all other
other proofs.
proofs. ButBut in order
in order to purify
to purify thoroughly
thoroughly even
even the the remains
remains of of
the the movements
movements o f nature,
of nature, GodGod
sentsent
himhim in the
in the veryvery beginning
beginning o f his
of his mo-m o ­
nastic
nastic lifelife a serious
a serious illness.
illness. "The" The body
body is the
is the slave,
slave, the the
soulsoul is the
is the queen,"
queen,"
he he taught
taught afterwards,
afterwards, "and
"and therefore
therefore it isitGod's
is Godmercy
's mercy when
when the the body
body is is
exhausted
exhausted by by illness;
illness; for for in this
in this wayway
the the passions
passions weaken,
weaken, andand a person
a person
becomes
becomes norm al.
normal." But" But " bodily
"bodily sickness
sickness itself
itself is sometimes
is sometimes from
from the the
pas-pas ­
sions.
sions ...Take
... Take away
away sin,sin,
andand sickness
sickness willwill
go."go."
Two
Two years
years after
after entering
entering the the monastery,
monastery, ProProchorus became
chorus became seriously
seriously
ill with
ill with dropsy.
dropsy. He He becamall
became e all swollen
swollen andand spent
spent most
most o f his
of his timetimlying
e lying
motionless
motionless in his
in his cell.cell.
TheThe sickness
sickness went
went on on
for for about
about three
three years.
years. Abbot
Abbot
Pachomius
Pachomius andand Fr. Joseph,
Fr. Joseph, whowho
hadhad a burning
a burning lovelove
for for
the the obedient
obedient monk,
monk,
tended
tended himhim
withwith great
great devotion.
devotion. ButBut
not not seeing
seeing anyany improvement,
improvement, andand

34
fearing
fearing that
that the
the illness
illness might
might prove
prove fatal,
fatal, Fr.
Fr. Pachomius
Pachomius offered
offered to
to call
call
aa physician.
physician. But
But Prochorus
Prochorus meekly
meekly answered
answered him
him:: "I"I have
have surrendered
surrendered
myself,
myself, holy father, to the true Physician of souls and bodies, our
holy father, to the true Physician o f souls and bodies, our Lord
Lord
Jesus
Jesus Christ
Christ and
and His
His Immaculate
Immaculate Mother;
Mother; but
but ififyour
your love
love thinks
thinks fit,
fit, supply
supply
me,
me, for
for the
the Lord's
Lord's sake,
sake, with
with the
the heavenly
heavenly remedy
remedy (Holy
(Holy Com m union). "
Communion)."
Fr.
Fr. Joseph
Joseph zealously
zealously served
served the
the Vigil
Vigil and
and Liturgy
Liturgy for
for the
the health
health ooff
the
the patient,
patient, confessed
confessed him
him and
and communicated
communicated him
him in
in his
his cell.
cell. After
After this
this
Prochorus
prochorus quickly
quickly recovered.
recovered.
Later,
Later, he
he him self told
himself told many
many that
that after
after Holy
Holy Com m union, the
Communion, the Holy
Holy
Mother
Mother ooff God
God appeared
appeared to
to him
him in
in an
an ineffable
ineffable light
light with
with the
the Apostles
Apostles
Peter
Peter and
and John
John the
the Theologian,
Theologian, and
and turning
turning her
her face
face to
to the
the Apostle
Apostle John,
John,
she said, indicating the patient:
she said, indicating the patient:
This isis one
""This one of
of our
our kkind!"
in d ! " that
that isisto
to say,
say, one
one of
of the
the heavenly
heavenly family
family or
or
race,
race, aaheavenly
heavenly man.
man. Then
Then (his
(his words
words are
are recorded
recorded by
by the
the nun
nun Kapitolina):
Kapitolina):
""Her
Her right
right hand,
hand, my
myjoy
joy,she
sheput
put on
on my
myhead,
head, while
whilein
inher
herleft
lefthand
hand she
she
held
held aasceptre;
sceptre;and
andwith
with this
thisvery
verysceptre,
sceptre,my
myjoy,
joy,she
shetouched
touched poor
poor
Seraphim —on that
Seraphim-on that place,
place,on
on the
the right
righthip —and aahollow
hip-and hollow was
wasformed,
formed,
mother;
mother; and all the water in it ran out. And the Heavenly Queen saved
and all the water in it ran out. And the Heavenly Queen saved
poor
poor Seraphim.
Seraphim. But
Butthe
thewound
wound was
wasvery
verybig;
big;till
till now
nowthere
there isisaacavity,
cavity,
mother.
mother. Look,
Look give
giveme
meyour
yourhand. " And
hand." AndFather
Fatherhimself
himself took
took my
myhand
hand
and
and put
putititinto
intothe
thecavity;
cavity;and
and ititwas
wastremendous —the whole
tremendous-the wholefist
fistwent
went in.
in.

Thus
Thus Prochorus
Prochorus was
was miraculously
miraculously healed.
healed. But
But others,
others, especially
especially world
world-­
lylypeople,
people, he
he allowed
allowed to
to be
be treated
treated by
by doctors.
doctors. To
To aacertain
certain Bogdanov,
Bogdanov, who
who
asked
asked him
him about
about it,
it, he
he gave
gave the
the following
following advice:
advice: ""Sickness
Sickness purifies
purifies sins.
sins.
However,
However, do
do as
asyou
you like —go by
like-go bythe
the middle
middle way.
way. Do
Do not
not take
take upon
upon yourself
yourself
what
what isis beyond
beyond your
your power;
power; you
you will
will succumb,
succumb, and
and the
the devil
devil will
will mock
mock
you.
you. IfIfyou
you are
are young,
young, restrain
restrain yourself
yourself" " from
from high
high ascetic
ascetic undertakings.
undertakings.
Once aa devil
""Once devil suggested
suggested to
to aasaint
saint to
to jump
jump into
into aa pit.
pit. He
He was
was about
about to
to con
con-­
sent,
sent, but
but St.
St. George
George restrained
restrained him ." 8
him."
In
In the
the following
following year
year after
after his
his recovery,
recovery, on
on the
the place
place ooff this
this cell
cell aa
hospital
hospital was
was erected.
erected. And
And the
the place
place ooff the
the apparition
apparition of
of the
the Mother
Mother of
of
God
God came
came to
to be
be exactly
exactly under
under the
the sanctuary
sanctuary ooff the
the chapel.
chapel. The
The Saint
Saint
88 From
Fromthe
the Life
Lifeof St. Theodore
ofSt. Theodore Syceotes,
Syceotes.22
22April.
April.

35
A\ A
EXTn i?EAx(lt !{r Da ol "r ,\d iR n r y '\ (Pie a c e
\ aPi

him self
himself mademade the cypress
the cypress altar,altar,
and and
untiluntil his very
his very death,
death, mademade his com ­
his com-
munion
munion there,there, thankfully
thankfully remembering
remembering the mercy
the mercy o f Mother
of the the Mother o f God.
of God.
For building
For the the building of this
of this church
church money
money had had
to betocollected,
be collected,
and and the healed
the healed
Prochorus,
Prochorus. withwith special
special zeal,zeal, undertook
undertook his new
his new obedience,
obedience, that that of money
of money
collector.
collector. As heAswent
he went round
round the towns
the towns and and villages,
villages, he reached
he reached as farasas
far as
Kursk.
Kursk. There,
There, onceonce
againagain he met
he met his mother,
his mother, his brother
his brother Alexis
Alexis and and
otherother
relations;
relations; fromfrom
themthem he received
he received a zealous
a zealous mite mite for holy
for the the holy
work,work,
and and
returned
returned to (spiritually)
to his his (spiritually) native
native Sarov.
Sarov.
In that
In that mortal
mortal illness,
illness, all that
all that was was merely
merely huminanProchorus
human in Prochorus
died.died.
Henceforth
Henceforth he was
he was notearthly
not of o f earthly butheavenly
but of o f heavenly "race."
"race." HereHere below,
below, the the
SaintSaint
livedlived in outward
in outward appearance;
appearance; he even
he even visited
visited his home
his home as though
as though
passing
passing by, only
by, only to forget
to forget aboutabout it completely
it completely afterwards.
afterwards. During
During the eight
the eight
yearsyears o f novitiate,
of his his novitiate, he had
he had clungclung
with with all soul
all his his soul to world
to the the world above.
above.
ThatThat
was was
trulytruly his native
his native land.land. It only
It only remained
remained to seal
to seal it by itreligious
by religious
pro- pro ­
fession.
fession. The The novice
novice was was
ripe ripe for m onastic
for monastic rebirth.
rebirth.

36
 Chapter 4

IIN
n TTHE
he A ngelic H
ANGELIC abit
HABIT

oOWARDS
wards the
the end
end oof
f the
the Dormition
Dormition fast,
fast, on
on the
the 13th
13th of
ofAugust
August 1786,
T
T
place
Abbot
Abbot Pachomius professed the novice Prochorus as a monk. Inhis
Pachomius professed the novice Prochorus as a monk. In
1786,
his
placethere
therewas
wasborn
born totoaanew
newspiritual
spiritual life
lifeinin"the
"theangelic
angelicorder " the
order" themonk
monk
Seraphim,
Seraphim, which
which means
means ininHebrew
Hebrew both
both "flaming " and
"flaming" and "warming. " And
"warming." And
this
this name,
name, given
givenhim
him no
nodoubt
doubt for
forhis
hisburning
burning spirit,
spirit, he
hefully
fullyjustified
justified by
by
his flaming love for God and the Mother of God, and by his warm
his flaming love for God and the Mother of God, and by his warm affec- affec ­
tion
tion for
forall.
all.Easily
Easilyand
and with
with trembling
trembling joy
joythe
the new
newmonk
monk bowed
bowed his
hishead
head
under
under the scissors of the abbot who professed him; not a single thought oof
the scissors o f the abbot who professed him; not a single thought f
separation
separation from
fromthe
theworld
worlddarkened
darkened his
hissoul
soulatatthe
themoment
moment oof
f her
herspiritual
spiritual
marriage
marriagewith
with the
theHeavenly
Heavenly Bridegroom.
Bridegroom. As
Asaaripe
ripefruit
fruithe
hegave
gavehim self up
himself up
into
into the
the hands
hands oof
f God.
God. With
With the
the cutting
cutting oof
f his
hishair,
hair, his
hispast
past life
lifewas
wasalso
also
finally
finally cut
cut off.
off.Henceforth,
Henceforth, having
having put
put his
hishand
hand totothe
the plough,
plough, he
hewould
would
never
never look
look back.
back. (Luke
(Luke 9:62)
9:62) He
He afterwards
afterwards told
told Sister
SisterPraskovia
Praskovia oof
f the
the
Diveyev
DiveyevConvent:
Convent: "I"Ihave
havegone
gone through
through the
the whole
whole monastic
monastic life,
life,mother,
mother,
and have never, even in thought, gone out of the monastery.
and have never, even in thought, gone out of the monastery." "
Now
Now his
his whole
whole future
future lies
liesahead
ahead oof
f him.
him. And
And ififevery
every monk
monk knows
knows
from
from experience
experience with
with what
what joy
joyand
and zeal
zeal divine
divine grace
gracefires
firesthe
the soul
soul oof
f the
the
newly
newly professed,
professed, with
with what
what fire
firemust
must St.
St.Seraphim 's flaming
Seraphim's flaming spirit
spirit have
have
blazed!
blazed! We do not know this from his words; we can only imagine it.He
We do not know this from his words; we can only imagine it. He
did
didnot
not like
liketotobroadcast
broadcast thethe secrets
secrets oof
f his
his inner
inner life;
life;neither
neither did
did he
heafter
after-­
wards
wards advise
advise itittotoothers. One should
others. ""One should not
not without
without necessity
necessity open
open one 's
one's
heart
heart totopeople.
people. You
Youmay
mayfind
findonly
only one
oneininaathousand
thousand who
whowill
will keep
keepyour
your
secret. " ItItisiseven
secret." even better
better " by
"by all
all means
means toto try
try toto conceal
conceal wwithin
ithin oneself
oneself
the treasure o f gifts. Otherwise you will lose it and will
the treasure of gifts. Otherwise you will lose it and will not find it." not find it. " " It
"Itisis
most
most pitiful
pitiful that
that through
through this
this unguardedness
unguardedness and
and talkativeness
talkativeness that
that fire
fire
37
 " AE:<
N IE X \T()
R !:A iJ0 IR" I)\ 1!:N\ A RP Yl \P(E A C E

o f the
of the heart
heart which
which ourour Lord
Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ
Christ came
came to send
to send on on
the the earth
earth maymay
be be quenchedfor
quenched"; '7; for as the
as the Saint
Saint saidsaid in the
in the words
words o f St.
of St. Isaac
Isaac the the Syrian,
Syrian,
" nothing
"nothing so quenches
so quenches the the
firefire which
which hashas been
been breathed
breathed intointo
the the heart
heart of aof a
monk
monk by the
by the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit afterafter
the the sanctification
sanctification o f his
of his soulsoul as intercourses
as intercourses
withwith people,
people, andand much
much speaking
speaking andand talking."
talking."
AndAnd therefore,
therefore, if heif was
he was inclined
inclined to solitude
to solitude andand silence
silence even
even during
during
his his novitiate
novitiate before,
before, nownow
he he retired
retired altogether
altogether intointo
the the
cellcell o f his
of his soul.
soul.
(Matt.
(Matt. 6:6 - 7)
6:6-7) Later
Later in his
in his instructions
instructions he he taught:
taught: "Above
"Above all all
oneone must
must
adorn
adorn oneself
oneself withwith silence.
silence. ForFor
St. St. Ambrose
Ambrose o f Milan
of Milan says:
says: 'I saw
'I saw many
many
saved
saved by silence,
by silence, but but
by by much
much speaking
speaking not not a single
a single one.
one.' And' And again
again oneone
o f the
of the fathers
fathers sayssays
thatthat silence
silence is the
is the mystery
mystery o f the
of the future
future age,age, whereas
whereas
words
words are are
but but
the the weapons
weapons of this
of this world." 1
world."!
" From
"From solitude
solitude andand silence
silence are are
bornborn contrition
contrition andand m eekn....
meekness ess... .While
While
dwelling
dwelling in the
in the cellcell in silence,
in silence, exercise
exercise in prayer
in prayer andand meditation
meditation makes
makes
a man
a man pious;
pious; onlyonly remain
remain in our
in our cellcell in attention
in attention andand silence,
silence, andand
try try
by by
all all means
means to get
to get nearer
nearer to the
to the Lord;
Lord; andand
the the Lord
Lord is ready
is ready to make
to make a man
a man
intointo an angel.
an angel. .. .But
... But if itifisitnot
is not always
always possible
possible to remain
to remain in solitude
in solitude andand
silence,
silence, while
while living
living in ainmonastery
a monastery
andand occupied
occupied withwith
the the obediences
obediences
imposed
imposed by the
by the abbot,
abbot, oneone ought
ought at least
at least to devote
to devote to ittosome
it some o f the
of the timetime
leftleft
overover
fromfrom obedience;..
obedience; ... and.and
for for
thisthis small
small offering
offering the the Lord
Lord GodGod
willwill
not not
failfail to send
to send down
down HisHis gracious
gracious mercy."
mercy."
ButBut especially
especially St. St. Seraphim
Seraphim observed
observed "that
"that we we should
should not not
paypay atten ­
atten-
tiontion to other
to other peopleaffairs,
people's 's affairs, or think
or think or speak
or speak o f them,
of them, according
according to the
to the
Psalmist:
Psalmist: 'My'My mouth
mouth maymay
not not speak
speak of the
of the works
works o f men,
of men,' ' (Ps.
(Ps. 16:4)
16:4) but but
thatthat
we we should
should praypray to the
to the Lord:
Lord: 'Cleanse
'Cleanse me me from
from my my secret
secret sins.(Ps
sins.'" '" (Ps 18:13)
18:13)
Even
Even in his
in his outward
outward dem eanor
demeanor a m onk
a monk should
should behave
behave him self
himself in in
a collected
a collected andand detached
detached manner:
manner: "On" On meeting
meeting elders
elders or the
or the brethren "
brethren"
theythey should
should be be "shown
"shown respect
respect by by bows,
bows, having
having youryour
eyeseyes always
always under
under
guard.
guard." " Even
Even "sitting
"sitting at table
at table do do
not not look
look" at anyone,
at" anyone, "and"and
do do
not not judge
judge
what
what people
people eat;eat;
but but attend
attend to yourself
to yourself andand
feedfeed
youryour
soulsoul
withwith prayer."
prayer."
AndAnd
onlyonly
twotwo exceptions
exceptions doesdoes
the the Saint
Saint make;
make; firstly
firstly in conversation
in conversation

1 The
1 The monks
monks Calistus
Calistus and and Ignatius
Ignatius The The
fromfrom Philokalia
Philakalia V. V.

38
 I n Thk '1 :
1 1.1
A n g (,,1.:.:
e ,l iI c
j H abit

with
with ""the
the children
children oof
f the
the divine
divine mysteries,
mysteries,"" that
that is,
is,with
with truly
truly spiritual
spiritual
and
and like - m inded persons;
like-minded persons; and and secondly,
secondly, when
when aa brother
brother isis sad,
sad, ""One
One
should
should try
trytotocheer
cheer the
the spirit
spirit oof
f aatroubled
troubled or
ordespondent
despondent man
man withwith aalov ­
lov-
ing
ingword."
word." But
Buthere
here too,
too, one
one must
must have
have discernment;
discernment; an an inexperienced
inexperienced
person
person had better keep quiet even here, especially ifhe has notyet
had better keep quiet even here, especially if he has not yetgained
gained
self -knowledge.
self-knowledge.
If you
""If you do
do not
not understand
understand yourself,
yourself, can
can you
you judge
judge anything
anything or
orteach
teach
others?
others?"" said
said the
the Saint
Saint toto aamonk. Be quiet,
monk. ""Be quiet, constantly
constantly be
bequiet,
quiet, always
always
remember
remember the
the presence
presence of
ofGod
God and
and His
Hisname.
name. Do
Do not
not enter
enter into
into conver ­
conver-
sation
sation with
with anybody,
anybody, but
but by
byall
allmeans
means beware
beware oof
f condemning
condemning those
those who
who
speak
speak or
or laugh
laugh much.
much. Be
Beinin this
this case
case deaf
deaf and
and dumb.
dumb."" Undoubtedly
Undoubtedly he he
acted in this way himself, especially at the beginning o f his life as a
acted in this way himself, especially at the beginning of his life as a monk,monk,
for:
for:"We
"Wemust
must pay
payattention
attention totothe
the beginning
beginning and
and end
end oof
f our
ourlife;
life;but
butininthe
the
middle, both in the case o f fortune or adversity, we must be indifferent.
middle, both in the case of fortune or adversity, we must be indifferent.""
In
Inparticular,
particular, the
the Saint
Saint insistently
insistently advised
advised aammonkonk strictly
strictly toto "guard
"guard
him self from
himself from conversation
conversation withwith women;
women; forfor just
just asas aawax
wax candle,
candle, even
even
though
though not
not lighted,
lighted, will
will melt
melt ififput
put among
among burning
burning candles;
candles; so
sothe
the heart
heart
of
of aa mmonk
onk will
will be
be imperceptibly
imperceptibly weakened
weakened through
through dealings
dealings with
with the
the
female
female sex. "2
sex.'?
And
And even
even ininhis
his old
old age
agehe
hegave
gavethe
the following
following advice
advice toto aaseminarian
seminarian
named
named Archimandrite
Archimandrite Nikon,
Nikon. whowho became
became subsequently
subsequently the
the abbot
abbot oof
f aa
monastery: Fear like
monastery: ""Fear likethe
the fire
fireof Gehenna the
ofGehenna the painted
painted crows
crows (women),
(women), for
for
they
they often
often turn
turn the
the King's
King'ssoldiers
soldiers into
into slaves
slaves of
ofsatan. " And
satan." And he
he himself,
himself,
as
aswe
weshall
shall presently
presently see,
see,was
was extremely
extremely cautious
cautious and
and reserved
reserved atatthe
the bbe-
e­
ginning
ginning oof
f his
his monastic
monastic life.3
life. 3

22 Ed. Ed.note:
note: InInour
ourcontemporary
contemporary world
worldan anassumption
assumption isisoften
often made
madethat
that religious
religious fathers
fathers
are
aremisogynistic
misogynistic inintheir
their views.
views.Consider
Consider howhowclearly
clearlySt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphim here
hereexpresses
expresses himself:
himself:
ititisisnot
not aahatred
hatred ofofwomen,
women, butbut the
the power
power ofofnatural
natural impulses
impulses ininboth
both men
men and and women
women
that
that often
often prove
proveaasevere
severetemptation
temptation forforthe
the monk
monk committed
committed totoliving
livingaacelibate
celibate live.
live.The
The
admonition
admonition toto avoidavoid contact
contact with
with women
women isisbased
based onon the
the pattern
pattern ofofnatural
natural weakness,
weakness,
not
not aahatred
hatred orordenigration
denigration ofofwomen
women themselves.
themselves. ItItisismore
more than
than evident
evident from
from hishislater
later
life
lifethat
that St.
St.Seraphim
Seraphim made made no nodistinction
distinction between
between men
men and and women
women ininhis his treatment
treatment of of
them
them ororservice
service totothem.
them.
33 Ed.
Ed.note:
note: Here,
Here,Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim isisprobably
probably referring
referring totoparticularly
particularly "worldly"
"worldly"women,
women, thus
thus
the
the reference
reference totobeing
being "painted.
"painted."" Or,
Or,perhaps
perhaps ininthis
this instance
instance hehedeemed
deemed aabroad
broad avoid
avoid-­
ance
anceofofall
allwomen
women necessary.
necessary. However,
However, ininhis
hisown
own life
lifehehecared
caredspiritually
spiritually for
formany
many pious
pious
women
women and and we
wecannot
cannot read
readthis
this statement
statement asasaageneral
general judgment
judgment ononwomen
women themselves.
themselves.

39
AN AExn EHAC1RI1INARY
x t r a o r d i n a rPy P(:1e a c e

OneOne could
could further
further addadd to this
to this hidden
hidden period
period o f the
of the firstfirst
daysdays o f the
of the
Saintmonkhood
Saint's 's m onkhood an undoubted
an undoubted increase
increase in the
in the labour
labour o f prayer;
of prayer; andand
thenthen an urge
an urge to complete
to complete solitude
solitude which
which usually
usually draws
draws the the hearts
hearts of ardent
of ardent
souls.
souls. ButBut
thisthis
willwill be realized
be realized somewhat
somewhat later;
later; for the
for the moment
moment he ishefaced
is faced

withwith m inistry
ministry among
among the the brethren
brethren andand collaboration
collaboration withwith
his his spiritual
spiritual
fathers,
fathers, Abbot
Abbot Pachomius
Pachomius andand
the the Elder
Elder Isaiah,
Isaiah, whowho
hadhad
beenbeen given
given to to
himhim as spiritual
as spiritual fathers
fathers at his
at his profession,
profession, to both
to both o f whom
of whom he entrusted
he entrusted
him self
himself withwith childlike
childlike obedience
obedience in response
in response to their
to their strong
strong lovelove for him.
for him.
Shortly
Shortly afterafter
his his profession
profession he was
he was nom inated
nominated for for ordination
ordination to the
to the
order
order o f deacon,
of deacon, andand on the
on the 27'h27th o f O ctober
of October of this
of this samesame
yearyear 1789,
1789, thatthat
is, after
is, after onlyonly
twotwo
andand a h months,
a half alf months, he was
he was ordained
ordained by Bishop
by Bishop Victor
Victor
o f Vladimir,
of Vladimir, for for at that
at that timetim e Sarov
Sarov belonged
belonged to the
to the diocese.
diocese. By promot ­
By promot-
ing ing
the the newly -professed
newly-professed monk
monk so quickly,
so quickly, the the
holyholy fathers
fathers clearly
clearly showed
showed
theirtheir
deepdeep esteem
esteem which
which the the
manman o f God
of God already
already enjoyed
enjoyed during
during his his
no- n o ­
vitiate.
vitiate. To him
To him can can be applied
be applied the the
wordword o f Scripture:
of Scripture: " Honourable
"Honourable old old
age age
is not
is not measured
measured by the
by the number
number o f years,
of years, but but wisdom
wisdom is gray
is gray hairhair to men
to men
andand a spotless
a spotless life life is old
is old age.
age." " (Wisdom
(Wisdom 4:8 ,9
4:8,9) He) He
whowho serves
serves the the
LordLord
is loved
is loved by God
by God andand
menmen in spite
in spite o f his
of his youth.
youth. " Being
"Being made
made perfect
perfect in ain a
short
short time,
time, he fulfilled
he fulfilled longlong years;
years; for for
his his
soulsoul
waswas pleasing
pleasing to the
to the Lord."
Lord."
(Wisdom
(Wisdom 4:13 - 14)
4:l3-14)
AndAnd
the the Father
Father Abbot,
Abbot, whowho
waswas usually
usually strict
strict in keeping
in keeping the the rules
rules
andand church
church regulations,
regulations, in this
in this casecase deemed
deemed the the young
young monk
monk worthy
worthy of of
higher
higher honour,
honour, andand showed
showed in this,
in this, too,too,
his his special
special lovelove
for for
him.him. " Our
"Our
fathers
fathers o f blessed
of blessed memory,
memory, Abbot
Abbot Pachomius
Pachom ius andand
the the treasurer
treasurer Isaiah,"
Isaiah,"
saidsaid
the the servant
servant o f God
of God later,
later, " both
"both saintly
saintly men,men, loved
loved me me as their
as their ownown
souls.
souls. They
They hid hid nothing
nothing fromfrom
me;me;
andand
theythey cared
cared for for
the the things
things which
which
were
were profitable
profitable for their
for their souls
souls andand
for for myself.
myself." And" And "when
"when Fr. Pachomius
Fr. Pachomius
served
served the the liturgy,
liturgy, he rarely
he rarely did did so without
so without me,me,
poorpoor Seraphim.
Seraphim." And" And
eveneven
when
when he went
he went out out o f the
of the monastery
monastery to some
to some place,
place, especially
especially for for a service,
a service,
he used
he used to take
to take withwith
himhim no other
no other thanthan Hierodeacon
Hierodeacon Seraphim
Seraphim "and"and
hid hid
nothing
nothing fromfrom himfor
him," , " for he loved
he so so loved
andand esteemed
esteemed him.him.
ButBut Divine
Divine Providence
Providence hadhad in view
in view another,
another, better
better andand higher
higher aimaim
in the
in the newnew obedience —develop
obedience-to to develop
andand perfect
perfect in His
in His ardent
ardent servant
servant the the

40
 IIi ! ( ! I. i Il ii!

burning
burning ooff love
love for
for God
God and
and the
the spirit
spirit ooff prayer,
prayer, which
which transports
transports oneone
into the world above. And nothing so assists this as participation
into the world above. And nothing so assists this as participation in the
in the
celebration
celebration of
of the
the Divine
Divine Liturgy.
Liturgy. Meanwhile,
Meanwhile, had
had the
the Saint
Saint remained
remained inin
the
the usual
usual monastic
monastic obediences,
obediences, they
they would
would have
have diverted
diverted him
him from
from the
the
way
way ooff the
the contemplative
contemplative life
life which
which had
had been
been appointed
appointed toto him
him by
by God.
God.
But
But now, for six years and ten months the Saint very often celebrated lit
now, for six years and ten m onths the Saint very often celebrated lit-­
urgies,
urgies, and
and was
was carried
carried away
away to
to another
another world,
world, which
which inin fact
fact was
was already
already
his
his own. For had not his heavenly Lady said: "This is one of our kind
own. For had not his heavenly Lady said: " This is one o f our "?
kind"?
How
How he he prepared
prepared forfor the
the celebration
celebration ooff the
the heavenly
heavenly Sacrament
Sacrament may
may be
be
seen from the fact that on the eve of Sundays and holidays the Saint
seen from the fact that on the eve of Sundays and holidays the Saint spent spent
whole
whole nights
nights inin prayer.
prayer. And
And at at the
the end
end ofof the
the Liturgy,
Liturgy, he
he would
would linger
linger in in
church,
church, putting
putting the
the vessels
vessels in
in order,
order, folding
folding thethe vestments,
vestments, caring
caring for
for the
the
tidiness
tidiness ooff the
the church.
church. How
How highly
highly he
he esteemed
esteemed thethe glory
glory ooff the
the sacred
sacred
ministry
ministry may be seen from his instructions to the sisters of Diveyev who
may be seen from his instructions to the sisters o f Diveyev who
assisted
assisted in
in church.
church. The
The nun
nun Kapitolina
Kapitolina notes
notes that
that he
he instructed
instructed her
her thus:
thus:
All
All the
the church
church duties
duties must
must be
be performed
performed only
only by
by virgins.
virgins. This
This isisthe
the
will
will of the Heavenly Queen! Remember this and keep it as aa sacred
of the Heavenly Queen! Remember this and keep it as sacred
trust
trust and
and pass
pass itit on
on to
to others!
others!
Never
Never andand on
on no
no account
account should
should unprofessed
unprofessed sisters
sisters be
be allowed
allowed to to en
en-­
ter
ter the
the sanctuary.
sanctuary. ...Never,
... Never, God
God forbid,
forbid, not
not for
for anything,
anything, not
not for
for any
any-­
one
one should
should oneone speak
speak in
in the
the sanctuary,
sanctuary, even
even ifif one
one were
were to
to have
have to
to
suffer
suffer for it. ...The Lord Himself is present there! And in fear and
for it. ...The Lord Himself is present there! And in fear and trem
trem-­
bling
bling all
all the
the cherubim
cherubim and
and seraphim
seraphim and
and all
all the
the powers
powers of
of God
God stand
stand
before
before him.
him. WhoWho then
then will
will speak
speak before
before His
His face!
face!
Even
Even when
when wiping
wiping the
the dust
dust and
and sweeping
sweeping thethe dirt
dirt from
from the
the temple
temple ofof
God,
God, one
one should
should not
not throw
throw itit carelessly
carelessly anywhere:
anywhere: Even
Even the
the dust
dust of
of the
the
temple
temple of
of God
God isissacred.
sacred. And
And the
the water
water ought
ought also
also to
to be
be poured
poured into
into aa
special, clean place.
special, clean place.

And
And in
in general
general Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim taught
taught thus
thus about
about the
the church:
church: ""There
There isis
no
no higher
higher obedience
obedience than
than aa church
church obedience!
obedience! And
And were
were itit only
only to
to wipe
wipe
the
the floor
floor ooff the
the house
house ooff the
the Lord
Lord with
with aa cloth,
cloth, this
this will
will be
be counted
counted high
high-­
er
er than
than any
any other
other action
action by by God!
God! There
There isis no
no higher
higher obedience
obedience than
than aa
church
church obedience.
obedience. And
And all
all that
that isis done
done there,
there, and
and how
how you
you go
go in
in and
and out,
out,

41
i\ \ AE Nx I EIi. X\ ()I R Ai' 0i \R '\P RiNY A PR I,Y \ P E AC E
i i'

all ought
all ought to beto performed
be performed
withwith
fear fear
and and trembling
trembling and and
withwith unceasing
unceasing
prayer.
prayer. .. .And
... And W hom
Whom are to
are we wefear
to fear
in it!inAnd
it! And where
where are so
are we wetosorejoice
to rejoice
in spirit,
in spirit, in heart
in heart and and in our
in our whole
whole mindmind
if notif not in church,
in church, where
where our our
LordLord
and and Master
Master H im self
Himself is always
is always present
present withwith
us!"u s ! "
"And"And
one one should
should never
never speak
speak in church
in church about
about anything
anything else else except
except
strictly
strictly necessary
necessary church
church matters
matters and and about
about the church.
the church. AndAnd
whatwhat is more
is more
beautiful,
beautiful, higher
higher and and
moremore glorious
glorious thanthan the ch u rch
the church!" So! "he
Sofelt,
he felt,
and and
so so
he him self
he himself actedacted
untiluntil his very
his very death.
death.
OneOne of visitors
of his his visitors
was was deemed
deemed worthy
worthy to visit
to visit him him
ten ten
daysdays before
before
his death.
his death. He wrote:
He wrote:
I came
[ came into into the hospital
the hospital church
church to theto early
the early Liturgy
Liturgy, eveneven before
before the be ­
the be-
ginning of the service. And [ saw that Fr. Seraphim was sitting on the the
ginning of the service. And I saw that Fr. Seraphim was sitting on

floorfloor
in thein right
the right
choir.choir. I went
[ went up touphimto him at once
at once forblessing;
for his his blessing;
and and
after after blessing
blessing me, me, he hurriedly
he hurriedly wentwentinto into the sanctuary,
the sanctuary, answering
answering my my
request to talk to him with the words: " Afterwards,
request to talk to him with the words: "Afterwards, afterwards!" afterw ards! "

WhatWhat an unearthly
an unearthly lifelived
life he he lived in church.
in church. AndAnd especially
especially at theat Liturgy.
the Liturgy.

One One
can can
onlyonly guess
guess about
about it to ita to a certain
certain extent
extent fromfrom his saying
his saying that that
whenwhen
in church
in church he forgot
he forgot about
about rest,rest,
and and
food,food,
and and drink;
drink; and and on leaving
on leaving church,
church,
he only
he only said said
withwith regret:
regret: "Why"Why cannot
cannot man,man,
like like the angels,
the angels, unceasingly
unceasingly
serveserve
the the Lord! "
Lord!"
He contemplated
He contemplated the the angels
angels moremore
thanthan
onceonce during
during the the celebration
celebration
o f Liturgy.
of the the Liturgy. " Their
"Their appearance,
appearance," said" said Fr. Seraphim,
Fr. Seraphim, "was"was
like like lightning.
lightning.
TheirTheir garments
garments werewere white
white as snow
as snow or woven
or woven withwith
gold;gold;
as toastheir
to their
sing-sing ­
ing, ing,
it is itimpossible
is impossible to describe
to describe it." it."
An ineffable
An ineffable rapture
rapture thenthen seized
seized the the Saint:
Saint: My heart
"My"heart was was
like like
wax wax
fromfrom unutterable
unutterable joy,"joy, (Ps 21:15)
(Ps" 21:15) he said.
he said. "And"And I remembered
I remembered nothing
nothing
for joy
for the the of
joyit.o If only
it. I only remembered
remembered howhow I went
I went into into the holy
the holy church
church and and
wentwent outit."
out of o f it."

AndAnd
once,once, during
during the Liturgy,
the Liturgy, he was
he was granted
granted suchsuch a vision
a vision as been
as has has been
granted
granted to only
to only a few
a few saints,
saints, and and
onlyonly to greatest
to the the greatest o f them.
of them.
OnceOnce I happened
[ happened to betoserving
be serving as deacon
as deacon on Holy
on Holy and Great
and Great Thursday
Thursday.
The Divine Liturgy began at two o ' clock in the afternoon
The Divine Liturgy began at two o'clock in the afternoon and, as usu- and, as usu ­
al, was preceded by Vespers. After the little entrance and
al, was preceded by Vespers. After the little entrance and the readings the readings

42
 IJ\n TrHL
he A i c HH abit
ANn g e l1.[( iiil
I,I, poor
poor sinner
sinner that
that II am,
am, exclaimed
exclaimed in
in the
the royal doors: O
royal doors: 0 Lord,
Lord, save
save the
the
pious,
pious, and
and hear
hear us,
us, and
and entering
entering the
the royal
royal doors
doors and
and holding
holding up
upmy
my stole
stole
to the people, I finished: And to the ages of ages,
to the people, I finished: And to the ages of ages, when suddenly
when suddenly II was
was
struck
struck by
by aa ray
ray as
as of
of sunlight.
sunlight. Glancing
Glancing at
at this
this radiance,
radiance, II saw
saw our
our Lord
Lord
and God Jesus Christ, in the image of the
and God Jesus Christ, in the image of the Son Son of Man, shining with
of Man, shining with
glory
glory and
and unutterable
unutterable light,
light, surrounded
surrounded by
by heavenly
heavenly powers,
powers, angels
angels
and
and archangels,
archangels, cherubim
cherubim andand seraphim,
seraphim, as
as if by aa swarm
ifby swarm of of bees,
bees, and
and
proceeding
proceeding through the air from the western doors of the church. On
through the air from the western doors of the church. On
reaching
reaching the
the ambon,
ambon, the
the Lord
Lord raised
raised His
His most
most pure
pure hands
hands and
and blessed
blessed
the
the ministers and the congregation; and then stepping into His
ministers and the congregation; and then stepping into His holy
holy
local
local image,
image, which
which is
is to
to the
the right
right of
of the
the royal
royal gates,
gates, He
He was
was transfig
transfig-­
ured,
ured, surrounded by choirs of angels who shone with unutterable light
surrounded by choirs of angels who shone with unutterable light
all
all through
through the
the church.
church. And
And I,I, who
who am
am dust
dust and
and ashes,
ashes, by
by meeting
meeting the
the
Lord
Lord Jesus then in the air, was granted a special blessing from Him;
Jesus then in the air, was granted a special blessing from Him; my
my
heart
heart felt
felt pure
pure enlightened
enlightened joy
joy in
in the
the sweetness
sweetness of
of love
love for
for the
the Lord!
Lord!

St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim's's appearance
appearance changed
changed and,
and, struck
struck by
by the
the divine
divine vvi-
i­
sion,
sion, he
he could
could not
not even
even move
move from
from his
his place
place by
by the
the royal
royal gates.
gates. W hen
When
Fr.
Fr. Pachomius
Pachomius noticed
noticed this,
this, he
he sent
sent two
two other
other hierodeacons,
hierodeacons, who
who took
took
him
him under
under their
their arms
arms and
and led
led him
him into
into the
the sanctuary.
sanctuary. But
But he
he continued
continued
to
to stand
stand there
there m otionless for
motionless for about
about three
three hours
hours in
in ecstasy.
ecstasy. And
And only
only his
his
face
face constantly
constantly changed;
changed; nownow itit would
would become
become white
white as
as snow,
snow, now
now aa flush
flush
would spread all over it.
would spread all over it.
After
After the
the service,
service, the
the elders
elders asked
asked him
him what
what had
had happened.
happened. And
And Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim,
Seraphim, who hid nothing from his
who hid nothing from his spiritual fathers, told them every
spiritual fathers, told them every-­
thing.
thing. They
They gave
gave him
him the
the com m andm ent to
commandment to enclose
enclose hhimself
im self in
in silence
silence
and
and to immerse himself still more deeply in humility, and to beware ooff
to immerse him self still more deeply in humility, and to beware
arrogance
arrogance from
from such
such an
an unusual
unusual vision.
vision. The
The Saint
Saint accepted
accepted their
their instruc
instruc-­
tions
tions with
with wholehearted
wholehearted meekness
meekness and
and remained
remained silent
silent for
for the
the time
time being.
being.
As
Asto
to what
what the
the Saint
Saint experienced
experienced in
in the
the Holy
Holy Sacrament
Sacrament ooff Communion,
Communion,
this
this is
is fully
fully known
known only
only to
to himself.
himself. From
From his
his instructions
instructions we
we know
know what
what
aa tremendous
tremendous significance he gave to the Holy Eucharist. When he was
significance he gave to the Holy Eucharist. W hen he was
asked
asked how
how often
often one
one should
should approach
approach the
the heavenly
heavenly sacrament,
sacrament, he
he an
an-­
swered: The oftener,
swered: ""The oftener, the
the better.
better.""
In
In particular
particular he
he gave
gave the
the sisters
sisters of
of Diveyev
Diveyev the
t he following
following rule,
rule, as
as noted
noted
by Sister Kapitolina:
by Sister Kapitolina:
43
A 1': A T-,nX TE !{x ,\t (Jr !{a oD rI P
\ r yL P
d i ni< a \ Ce a c e

OneOne should
should not not
loselose an opportunity
an opportunity of using
of using as often
as often as possible
as possible the the
grace
grace granted
granted through
through the the comm union
communion of ChristHoly
of Christ's 's Holy Mysteries.
Mysteries.
While
While trying
trying as far
as far as possible
as possible to concentrate
to concentrate on on
the the humble
humble realiza ­
realiza-
tion of one's utter sinfulness, one should approach
tion of one's utter sinfulness, one should approach the Holy Sacramentthe Holy Sacrament
which
which redeems
redeems everything
everything andand everyone
everyone withwith
hopehopeandand
firmfirm
faithfaith
in in
the the unutterable
unutterable mercymercy of God,
of God, saying
saying withwith contrition:
contrition: "I have
"I have sinned,
sinned,
Lord,
Lord, withwith
my my soul,
soul, withwith
my my heart,
heart, in word,
in word, in thought
in thought andandwithwithall all
my senses.
my senses." "

Especially
Especially remarkable
remarkable is St.
is St. Seraphimorder
Seraphim's s order about
about thisthis to the
to the confes ­
confes-
sor sor o f the
of the Diveyev
Diveyev Convent,
Convent, Fr. Fr. Basil,
Basil, as he
as he writes:
writes:
Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim counseled
counseled me:me: "I com m and
"I command them,them, Father,
Father, to partake
to partake of of
Christ's
Christ's holyholy
andand life-giving
life-giving Sacrament
Sacrament in the
in all all the
fourfour
fastsfasts
andandon on
the the
twelve
twelve festivals;
festivals; I even
I even order
order themthem to do
to do so on
so on the the great
great feastfeast days:
days: the the
oftener,
oftener, the the better.
better.

"As"their
As their spiritual
spiritual father,
father, do do
not not oppose
oppose them,them, I tellI tell
you;you;
for for
the the grace
grace
given
given us through
us through Communion
Communion is sois great
so great
thatthat however
however unworthy
unworthy andand
sinful
sinful a man
a man maymay be, be, as long
as long as approaches
as he he approaches the the LordLord
Who Who redeems
redeems
us all
us all (in (in
the the humble
humble realization
realization of his
of his all - sinfulness),
all-sinfulness), though
though we webe be
covered
covered fromfromheadhead to foot
to foot withwith
the the wounds
wounds of sins,
of sins, he will
he will be cleansed,
be cleansed,
Father,
Father, by the
by the grace grace of Christ,
of Christ, andand become
become more moreandand more more enlightened,
enlightened,
and will be quite illumined and saved. You, Father,
and will be quite illumined and saved. You, Father, are their spiritual are their spiritual
director,
director, andandI tellI tell
youyou all this
all this thatthat
youyou
maymay know."know."

Besides,
Besides, he always
he always instructed
instructed me me as the
as the spiritual
spiritual father
father of the
of the sisters
sisters of of
the the convent,
convent, bidding
bidding me me to as
to be be indulgent
as indulgent as possible
as possible at confession.
at confession.
In the
In the pastpast
manymanyhavehave rebuked
rebuked andand condemned
condemned me mefor for
that,that,
andandhavehave
eveneven
beenbeen angry
angry withwith
me;me;
andand
eveneven
till till
nownowtheythey
stillstill
judgejudgeme,me,
but but
I I
strictly keep his com m andm ent and have kept it all
strictly keep his commandment and have kept it all my life. The ser- ­ my life. The ser
vantvant of God
of God usedused to say:
to say:
"Remember,
"Remember, youyou
are are
onlyonly a witness,
a witness, Father,
Father, but but
it isitGod
is God
Who W ho is the
is the
judge!
judge! AndAndhowhow much,
much, howhow
much,much,
andandsuchsuch awful
awful sinssins
as itasisitimpos-
is im pos ­
siblesible
eveneven to utter,
to utter, did did
not not
our our bountiful
bountiful Lord Lord
andand Saviour
Saviour forgive
forgive us! us!
How Howthenthen
are are
we we
menmen to judge
to judge a m an!
a man! WeWe are are
mere mere witnesses,
witnesses, meremere
witnesses,
witnesses, Father.
Father. Always
Always remember
remember that:that: merely
merely witnesses,
witnesses, Father! "
Father!"

To To a layman
a layman he he gave
gave thisthis com m andm ent:
commandment: " Communicate
"Communicate fourfour times.
times.
Once
Once is also
is also good,
good, as God
as God deems
deems youyou worthy.
worthy. He He
whowho communicates,
communicates,
willwill
be be saved;
saved; but but
he he
whowho does
does not,not, I think,
I think willwill
not.not. Where
Where the the Master
Master

44
 I,; '1 Ii!" A,; r L I. IC II \ gil
is,
is,there
there shall
shall also
alsothe
theservant
servant be. " (John
be." (John 12:26)
12:26)On
On another
another occasion
occasion the
the
Saint
Saintproclaimed
proclaimed aadeep
deep mystery,
mystery, namely,
namely, that
that the
the com m union of
communion ofone
one isis
also
alsobeneficial
beneficial for
forothers.
others.
"He
"Hewho
who reverently
reverently partakes
partakes oof
f Holy
HolyCom m union, and
Communion, and that
that not
not only
only
once
once aayear,
year, will
will be
be saved,
saved, prosperous
prosperous and
and live
livelong
long on
on this
this earth.
earth. I Ibbe-
e­
lieve,"
lieve,"he
headded,
added, "that
"that according
according totothe
thegreat
greatgoodness
goodness ofofGod,
God, His
Hisgrace
grace
will
willbe
bemanifested
manifested ininthe
the family
family oof
f the
the com m unicant also.
communicant also. InInthe
the Lords
Lord's
sight
sightone
onewho
who does
does His
Hiswill
will isismore
more than
than aalegion
legion oof
f transgressors.
transgressors.""
What
What aawonderful,
wonderful, com forting and
comforting and instructive
instructive revelation!
revelation!
At
Atthe
the same
same tim e the
time the Father
Father used
used toto quiet
quiet those
those who
who were
were afraid
afraid toto
approach
approach the
theSacrament
Sacrament owing
owingtotoaasense
senseofoftheir
their unworthiness.
unworthiness. We
Wehave
have
seen
seen ititfrom
from his
his com m andm ent toto Fr.
commandment Fr.Basil;
Basil;but
but itit appeared
appeared especially
especially
forcibly
forciblyininthe
the case
caseoof
f the
the novice
novice John.
John.
Once,
Once, on
onthe
the eve
eveoof
f one
one oof
f the
the twelve
twelvefeasts,
feasts,when
when they
they were
weretotohave
have
Holy
HolyCom m union, John
Communion, Johntook
tooksome
somefood
foodafter
afterthe
theevening
evening service,
service,which
which
was
wasnot
notininaccordance
accordance with
with the
therules
rules oof
f the
themonastery.
monastery. To
Tothis
thiswas
wasadded
added
aageneral
general consciousness
consciousness oof
f his
hisunworthiness;
unworthiness; and
and the
thenovice
novice began
began totobe
be
downcast.
downcast. And
And the
the more
more he
hethought,
thought, the
the more
more he
he despaired:
despaired: "A
"Alegion
legion
of
ofterrifying
terrifying thoughts,
thoughts, one
one after
after another,
another, crowded
crowded my
my head.
head. Instead
Instead ofof
hope
hope ininthe
the merits
merits oof
f Christ
Christ the
the Saviour
Saviour W ho covers
Who covers all
allour
our sins,
sins, I Iimag ­
imag-
ined
inedthat
that according
according totoGGod's
od s judgment,
judgment, on
onaccount
account oof
f my
myunworthiness,
unworthiness, I I
should
should be
beeither
either burnt
burnt by
byfire
fireororswallowed
swallowed up
upby
bythe
theearth
earth alive,
alive,asassoon
soon
asasI Iapproached
approached the
the Holy
HolyChalice. "
Chalice."
Wishing
Wishing totoset
sethis
his conscience
conscience atatrest,
rest,the
the novice
novice confessed,
confessed, but
but even
even
this
thisbrought
brought no
nopeace
peacetotohis
hissoul;
soul; and
and standing
standing ininthe
the sanctuary,
sanctuary, he
hecon ­
con-
tinued
tinued totosuffer.
suffer.St.
St.Seraphim,
Seraphim, perceiving
perceiving this,
this, called
called him
him and
and said
saidthese
these
wonderful
wonderful words:
words: "Had
"Hadwe
wefilled
filledthe
the ocean
ocean with
with our
our tears,
tears, even
eventhen
then we
we
should
should not
not have
have been
been able
able totosatisfy
satisfy the
the Lord
Lordfor
forwhat
what He
Hegives
givesus
us free,
free,
nourishing
nourishing us
uswith
with His
Hismost
most pure
pure Flesh
Fleshand
and Blood,
Blood,which
which wash,
wash, cleanse,
cleanse,
vivify
vivifyand
and raise
raiseus
usup.
up.And
Andso,
so,draw
drawnear
nearwithout
without aadoubt,
doubt, and
and do
donot
notbe
be
troubled;
troubled; only
only believe
believe that
that this
this isisthe
the true
true Body
Bodyand
and Blood
Blood oof
f our
our Lord
Lord
Jesus
JesusChrist,
Christ, which
which has
hasbeen
been given
giventotoheal
heal all
allour
our sins. " The
sins." Thenovice,
novice, now
now
atatpeace,
peace,took
took the
the Holy
HolySacrament
Sacrament with
with faith
faith and
and humility.
humility.

45
A\ A EXIHE x t rI)RIJI\
n n v PrICE
a o r d i n a r y P eace

ButBut another
another timthe
time e the Saint
Saint uttered
uttered an an awful
awful word
word about
about unworthy
unworthy
communicants.
communicants. A young
Ayoung widow,
widow, Anna
Anna Petrovna
Petrovna Eropkina,
Eropkina, having
having lived
lived in in
marriage
marriage only
only three
three months,
months, waswas talking
talking about
about St.St. Seraphim,
Seraphim, andand among
among
other
other things,
things, noted
noted thethe following.
following. W hen
When herher beloved
beloved husband
husband suddenly
suddenly
fellfell
ill,ill,
sheshe " feared
"feared to to suggest
suggest to to him
him thatthat
he he should
should take
take ChristHoly
Christ's 's Holy
Sacrament,being
Sacrament," " being afraid
afraid of ofrightening
f frightening him"and
him; ; "and though
though he he also
also was
was
very
very devout,
devout, he he feared
feared to to grieve
grieve hishis wife
wife in in inviting
inviting a priest.And
a priest." " And
so so
he he
died
died without
without Com m union.
Communion. HisHis wife
wife waswas greatly
greatly distressed
distressed about
about it. it.
" Especially
"Especially to to
diedie without
without thethe final
final Com m union
Communion seemed
seemed to to
meme God 's
God's
punishment
punishment forfor
mymy sins
sins andand those
those of omy
f my husband;
husband; I thought
I thought thatthat
mymy hus ­
hus-
band
band would
would be be forever
forever alienated
alienated from
from thethe divine
divine life.
life. After
After thethe burial...at
burial. ..at
tim es
times I was
I was in in despair
despair andand would
would have
have perhaps
perhaps done
done away
away with
with mymy life,
life,
if Iifhad
I had
notnot been
been strictly
strictly watched."
watched."
SoSo
thethe widow
widow remained
remained in in anguish
anguish forfor
tenten months.
months. Then,
Then, upon
upon thethe
ad-ad­
vice
vice of oher
f her uncle,
uncle, sheshe went
went thethe five
five hundred
hundred versts4
versts" to to distant
distant Sarov.
Sarov. There
There
sheshe found
found complete
complete peace
peace with
with thethe Saint;
Saint; andand
as as regards
regards herher husband 's
husband's
death,
death, thethe Father
Father told
told herher this:
this: "Do" Do
notnot distress
distress yourself
yourself about
about it, it,
mymy joy;
joy;
I do
I do notnot think
think thatthat
forfor
thisthis alone
alone hishis soul
soul will
will perish.
perish. GodGod only
only cancan judge
judge
as as
to to whom
whom HeHe will
will either
either reward
reward or or punish
punish andand
in in what
what way.
way. This
This is what
is what
sometimes
sometimes happens:
happens: here
here in in
thisthis world
world people
people take
take Holy
Holy Com munion,
Communion,
butbut according
according to to
thethe Lordjudgment,
Lord's 's judgment, they
they remain
remain uncommunicated."
uncommunicated."
How
How awful
awful thisthis
is! is!
HowHow enlightening!
enlightening! And
And then
then thethe Saint
Saint continued:
continued:
" Another
"Another may
may want
want to to com m unicate,
communicate, butbut
hishis wish
wish is is
notnot fulfilled,
fulfilled,
quite
quite independently
independently of ohimself.
f himself.
ToTo such
such a one,
a one, Holy
Holy Com m union
Communion may
may
be be granted
granted in in
an an invisible
invisible way
way through
through an an angel
angel of oGod."
f God.The
" The widow
widow was
was
comforted.
comforted.
ButBut sometimes
sometimes thethe Lord
Lord punishes
punishes visibly
visibly those
those whowho unworthily
unworthily ap-ap ­
proach
proach thethe Sacrament.
Sacrament. A priest
A priest of othe
f the town
town of oSpassk,
f Spassk,
Fr.Fr. Peter
Peter Theoktistov,
Theoktistov,
described
described thethe following
following case.
case. A deacon,
A deacon, having
having been
been convicted
convicted of obad
f bad con ­
con-
duct
duct byby
hishis priest,
priest, in in
hishis turn
turn accused
accused thethe priest
priest before
before thethe bishop
bishop through
through
witnesses
witnesses who
who swore
swore a false
a false oath
oath in in
hishis favor.
favor. TheThe deacon
deacon was
was promoted.
promoted.
From
From hishis village
village he he
waswas transferred
transferred to to
thethe town
town to to serve
serve with
with Fr.Fr. Peter.
Peter. HeHe
4 4About
About
330330 miles
miles or 530
or 530 km.km.
-ed.— ed.

46
 1\ ! i. ;\\\,)i 11 :i
continued
continued to
to serve
serve there
there without
without being
being troubled
troubled by
by his
his conscience.
conscience. Soon
Soon
the
the deacon
deacon came
came to
to Sarov
Sarovand
and went
went to
to St.
St.Seraphim.
Seraphim. Seeing
Seeing him,
him, the
the seer
seer
went
went out
out oof
f his
his cell
cellto
to meet
meet him,
him, immediately
immediately turned
turned him
him back
back and
and said
said
with
with anger: Go, go
anger: ""Go, go away
away from
from me;
me; this
this isisnot
not my
mybusin ess! "
business!"
The
The deacon
deacon did
did not
not know
know what
what to
to do
do further.
further. AAcertain
certain m onk advised
monk advised
him
him to
to confess
confess first.
first. But
But neither
neither did
did this
this help;
help; St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim drove
drove him
him
away
awayfor
forthe
the second
second time: Go, go
time: ""Go, goyou
you perjurer,
perjurer, and
and do
do not
not serve!
serve!""55
The
The deacon
deacon returned
returned home
home and
and told
told his
his people
people what
what had
had happened;
happened;
but
but he
hedid
did not
not think
think of
ofrepenting
repenting of
ofhis
his sin
sinoof
f perjury.
perjury. Then
Then God
God punished
punished
him.
him. When
When before
before the
the Liturgy
Liturgy the
the priest
priest began
began the
the appointed
appointed prayer
prayer dia
dia-­
logue
logue with
with him: O Lord,
him: ""0 Lord, open
open my
my lips
lips and
and my
my mouth
mouth shall
shall declare
declare Thy
Thy
praise...
praise ..."nsuddenly
suddenly the
the deacon,
deacon, instead
instead oof
f saying,
saying, according
according to
to the
the rubric:
rubric:
It isistim
""It e for
time for the
the Lord
Lord to
to act.
act. Master,
Master, give
give the
the blessing,
blessing,"" becam
becamee dumb.
dumb.
And
And he
he even
even had
had to
to leave
leave the
the church
church and
and go
go home.
home. There
There the
the power
power of
of
speech
speech was
was restored
restored to
to him.
him. But
Butas
as soon
soon as
as he
he re -entered the
re-entered the church,
church, he
he
lost
lost itit again.
again. The
The divine
divine punishment
punishment lasted
lasted three
three years
years until
until the
the unwor
unwor-­
thy
thy minister
minister was
was brought
brought to
to full
full repentance.
repentance. On
On the
the day
day oof
f the
the Lords
Lord's
Ascension,
Ascension, atat Matins,
Matins, after
after the
the Magnification
Magnification they
they sang
sang this
this verse
verse oof
f the
the
Psalm: O clap
Psalm: "
­
"0 clap your
your hands,
hands, all
allye
yepeople;
people; shout
shout to
to God
God with
with the
the voice
voice oof
f
rejoicing. "
­(Ps.
rejoicing." (Ps. 46:1)
46:1)
The
The deacon,
deacon, as
ashe
herelated
related afterwards,
afterwards, was
was suddenly
suddenly struck
struck with
with terror
terror
by
bythese
these words
words and
and began
began to
topray
prayfor
formercy.
mercy.And
And suddenly
suddenly his
histongue
tongue was
was
loosed
loosed from
from his
his dumbness.
dumbness. Overjoyed
Overjoyed by
byhis
hishealing
healing and
and still
still more
more by
bythe
the
mercy
mercy oof
f God,
God, the
the deacon
deacon there
there and
and then
then openly
openly repented
repented oof
f everything,
everything,
recounted
recounted the
the miracle
miracle which
which had
had been
been accomplished,
accomplished, and
and praised
praised the
the
spiritual
spiritual insight
insight oof
f his
his accuser,
accuser, Fr.
Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim. As
Ashe
hetaught: God discloses
taught: ""God discloses
to
tous
ushis
his love
lovefor
formen,
men, saving
saving us
us inin every
everyway,
way,not
not only
only when
when we
wedo
do good,
good,
but
butalso
alsowhen
when we
weoffend
offend Him
Him and
and anger
anger Him.
Him. How
Howpatiently
patiently He
Hebears
bears our
our
transgression!
transgression! And
And when
when He
He punishes
punishes us,
us, how
how mercifully
mercifully He
He ppunishes!
u nishes! "n
Therefore," says
""Therefore," saysSt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphim in
inthe
the words
words oof
f St.
St.Isaac
Isaacthe
the Syrian, do
Syrian, ""do
not
not call
call God
God just,
just, for
forhis
his justice
justice isisnot
not seen
seen in
in our
our works
works (i.e.
(i.e.God 's mercy
God's mercy
to
tous
us ininthe
the face
faceof
ofthe
the multitude
multitude oof
f our
our sins),
sins), and
and His
His Son
Son has
has shown
shown us
us
55 That
Thatis,
is,serve
serveliturgically
liturgicallyin
inthe
thechurch.
church.— ed.
-ed.

47
:\" E\ r R ,\ 0 R I) j " ;\ fl Y p!.\ C i

thatthat
He He is instead
is instead good
good andand merciful.
merciful. Where
Where is His
is His justice?
justice? WeWe were
were sin-sin ­
nersners
andand Christ
Christ dieddied
for for
us."us. " (Rom
(Rom 5:8)5:8)
ButBut
let let us return
us return to the
to the lifelife o f the
of the Saint
Saint himself.
himself. At this
At this period
period o f his
of his
lifelife
as aashierodeacon,
a hierodeacon,
we we must
must m ention
mention an event
an event which
which afterwards
afterwards bound
bound
himhim forever
forever withwith
his his spiritual
spiritual creation —the
creation-the Diveyev
Diveyev Convent.
Convent.
In 1789,
In 1789, at the
at the beginning
beginning o f June,
of Iune, Fr. Fr. Pachomius
Pachomius withwith
the the bursar6,
bursar", Fr. Fr.
Isaiah,
Isaiah, went
went to the
to the village
village o f Lemet
of Lemet for for
the the burial
burial of ao benefactor
f a benefactor o f the
of the
monastery,
monastery, the the landowner
landowner Alexander
Alexander Solovtsov.
Solovtsov. As As
waswas
his his custom,
custom, the the
abbot
abbot tooktook
withwith
himhim Hierodeacon
Hierodeacon Seraphim.
Seraphim. On On
the the
wayway
theythey called
called at at
Diveyev
Diveyev in order
in order to visit
to visit the the foundress
foundress o f the
of the community,
community, the the blessed
blessed
Agathia
Agathia Semenovna
Semenovna Melgounova,
Melgounova, in m onasticism —Alexandra.
in monasticism-Alexandra. SheShe
hadhad
received
received from
from the the Lord
Lord the the news
news o f her
of her nearnear
endend
andand asked
asked the the fathers
fathers
to anoint
to anoint her.her.
On On taking
taking leave
leave of them,
of them, Mother
Mother Alexandra
Alexandra began
began to be ­
to be-
seech
seech Fr. Fr. Pachomius
Pachomius not not to deprive
to deprive her her orphans
orphans o f his
of his care.
care. TheThe elder
elder
answered
answered prophetically:
prophetically: " Mother!
"Mother! I doI do
not not refuse
refuse to serve
to serve the the Heavenly
Heavenly
Queen
Queen according
according to my
to my strength
strength andand your
your commandment.
commandment. ButBut
howhow
to to
undertake
undertake it, Iit,doI do
not not know.
know. Shall
Shall I live
I live till till
thatthat day?
day? ButBut
herehere is hiero ­
is hiero-
deacon
deacon Seraphim.
Seraphim. HisHis spirituality
spirituality is known
is known to you,
to you, andand
he he is young.
is young. He He
willwill
livelive
till till
thatthat
day.day. Entrust
Entrust himhim
withwith
thisthis great
great task.
task." " Mother
Mother Agathia
Agathia
answered
answered thatthat
sheshe
waswas
onlyonly making
making a request,
a request, andand
"the"the Heavenly
Heavenly Queen
Queen
would
would thenthen instruct
instruct himhim herself."
herself."
TheThe elders
elders left.left.
On On
theirtheir
wayway back,
back, on on
the the
13th13th o f June,
of Iune, theythey were
were justjust
in timfor
in time e for
her her burial.
burial. Llaving
Having celebrated
celebrated the the Liturgy
Liturgy andand
the the burial
burial ser-ser­
vicevice o f the
of the deceased
deceased abbess,
abbess, theythey
hadhad intended
intended to to
to go go Sarov.
to Sarov.
ButBut it was
it was
raining
raining heavily.
heavily. Fr. Pachomius
Fr. Pachomius waswas delayed.
delayed. As for
As for the the deacon,
deacon, Seraphim,
Seraphim,
out out of chastity
of chastity andand scrupulous
scrupulous spiritual
spiritual carefulness,
carefulness, he did
he did not not even
even staystay
for for
the the funeral
funeral dinner
dinner in aincommunity
a com m unity o f nuns;
of nuns; but but immediately
immediately afterafter
the the b u rialsurely
burial- —surely
withwith
the the blessing
blessing o f the
of the fathers
fathers whowho knew
knew his his spiritual
spiritual
strictness —walked
strictness-he he walked back
back to his
to his monastery
monastery in the
in the rain.rain.
How
How wonderful
wonderful andand
out out o f the
of the ordinary
ordinary are are Godsaints!
God's 's saints!
Who Who
elseelse
would
would have
have acted
acted in this
in this way?way? W hat
What strength
strength andand decision!
decision! What
What careful ­
careful-
ness!
ness! AndAnd
thisthis in such
in such an an angelic
angelic manman as St.
as St. Seraphim.
Seraphim.
6 6 Accountant
Accountant or treasurer.
or treasurer.

48
 [\ Till A\CELiC HABIT

But
Butonly
only few
fewknow
know another
another still
still more
more striking
striking and
and edifying
edifying fact;
fact; this
this
Saint
Saint who,
who, one
one may
may say,
say, spiritually
spiritually gave
gave birth
birth to
to the
the Diveyev
Diveyev Convent
Convent
and
and its
itsnuns,
nuns, had
had never
never been
been there
there except
except on
on this
this single
single occasion!
occasion! But
Buthehe
built and directed everything from Sarov, eight miles distant, a fact
built and directed everything from Sarov, eight miles distant, a fact sim-­ sim
ply
ply incomprehensible
incomprehensible and and impossible
impossible for
for others!
others!
No,
No, itit isis not
not so
so simple
simple for
for people
people to
to becom
becomee ""saints."
saints." Even
Even to
to speak
speak
of
of them
them isis difficult
difficult and
and embarrassing
embarrassing for
for us
us sinners.
sinners. As
As for
for im itating
imitating
them
them — our strength
-our strength would
would fail
failus,
us, and
and ititisisquite
quite impossible
impossible even
even to
to imag
imag-­
ine
ine their
their labours
labours fully.
fully.They
They are
are extraordinary
extraordinary people.
people. They
They are
are heavenly
heavenly
giants,
giants, giants
giants of
ofthe
the spirit.
spirit. They
They are
are not
not ooff us,
us,who
who are
areearthly,
earthly, sinful,
sinful, weak.
weak.
Almost
Almost seven
seven years
years ooff m onastic life
monastic life as
as aa deacon
deacon had
had passed
passed for
for St.
St.
Seraphim. Fr. Pachomius was already approaching death. And while
Seraphim. Fr. Pachomius was already approaching death. And while still still
in
inthis
this life
lifehe
hewanted
wanted to
to see
seehis
his beloved
beloved co - labourer invested
co-labourer invested with
with the
the full
full
grace
grace ooff the
the priesthood.
priesthood. Together
Together with
with the
the senior
senior brethren
brethren who
who had
had also
also
seen
seen the
the labours
labours and
and holy
holy life
life ooff the
the young
young monk,
monk, the
the abbot
abbot handed
handed to
to
Theophilus,
Theophilus, Bishop
Bishop oofTambov
f Tambov (to
(to whose
whose diocese
diocese the
the Sarov
Sarov monastery
monastery
had
had just
just been
been transferred),
transferred), aarequest
request for
forhis
his ordination
ordination to
to the
the priesthood.
priesthood.
And
Andon
on the
the 2nd
2nd ooff September,
September, 1793,
1793,the
the flaming
flaming Seraphim
Seraphim received
received aanew
new
grace
grace from
from the
the hands
hands ooff this
this Bishop
Bishop and
and was
was ordained
ordained priest.
priest.
ItItwould
would seem
seem that
that now
now aa wider
wider field
field of
of m inistry to
ministry to the
the monastery,
monastery,
as
aswell
well as
as to
to the
the brethren
brethren and
and pilgrims,
pilgrims, was
was opened
opened to
to him.
him. But
But aa soul
soul
which
which hashas been
been fired
fired with
with aastrong
strong flame
flame ooff love
love for
for God
God cannot
cannot find
find rest
rest
and
and stop
stop halfway.
halfway.
God isis aa fire,"
""God fire," said
said the
the Saint, warming and
Saint, ""warming and firing
firing the
the thoughts
thoughts and
and
feelings.7
feelings?
He who
""He who has
has acquired
acquired perfect
perfect love
love exists
exists in
in this
this life
life as
as ifif he
he did
did not
not
exist;
exist; for
forhe
he considers
considers him self alien
himself alien to
to the
the visible,
visible, and
and patiently
patiently waits
waits for
for
the
the invisible.
invisible. He
He has
has been
been completely
completely transformed
transformed into
into love
love for
for God
God and
and
has
has forgotten
forgotten all
all other
other love.
love.
He who
""He who truly
truly loves
lovesGod
God considers
considers him self aapilgrim
himself pilgrim and
and aastranger
stranger on
on
this
this earth;
earth; for
for in
in his
his striving
striving towards
towards God,
God, he
he contemplates
contemplates Him
Him alone
alone

77 Literally,
Literally, "the
"the heart
heart and
and reins."
reins." But
Butwe
wetrust
trust that
that we
wehave
have translated
translated the
the words
words correctly,
correctly,
from
from aapsychological
psychological pointpoint of
ofview,
view, into
into the
the modern
modern equivalents.
equivalents.

49
;\ \; AENx rEi(X\ToRI,A.D0 !R D\ !I,N\ A RPI.Y \P(.HI A C I;

withwith
his his
soulsoul
andand mind."
mind."
Seven
Seven years
years o f monastic
of monastic lifelife spent
spent mostly
mostly at G o d
at God's s altar
altar hadhad aroused
aroused
in Seraphim
in St. St. Seraphim a thirst
a thirst for for
holyholy solitude
solitude in the
in the wilderness.
wilderness. Moreover,
Moreover, his his
friends,
friends, oneone by one,
by one, departed
departed for for
the the other
other life,life,
andand
thisthis
drewdrew
his his thoughts
thoughts
all the
all the more
more to atorealization
a realization of the
of the vanity
vanity of this
of this transient
transient world.
world. Fr. Joseph,
Fr. Joseph,
his his
firstfirst director,
director, hadhad
longlong since
since died;
died; Fr. Fr. Pachomius
Pachomius waswas
nownow preparing
preparing
for for
his his departure;
departure; there
there remained
remained a third
a third director,
director, whowho
alsoalso ardently
ardently loved
loved
the the Saint,
Saint, the the bursar
bursar Fr. Isaiah,
Fr. Isaiah, the the future
future abbot
abbot o f the
of the monastery.
monastery. AndAnd
so so
Fr. Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim decided
decided to use
to use his his authority
authority for for
the the accomplishment
accomplishment of his
of his
desire
desire to go
to go intointo
the the solitude
solitude for for which
which his his
soulsoul
hadhad so long
so long been
been striv ­
striv-
ing.ing.
ForFor even
even as aasnovice
a novice he had
he had sometimes
sometimes gone
gone to the
to the forest
forest withwith
the the
permission
permission o f the
of the abbot
abbot andand
the the blessing
blessing of his
of his elder,
elder, Fr. Fr. Joseph,
Joseph, urged
urged
by his
by his spirit
spirit andand inspired
inspired by the
by the examples
examples o f Abbot
of Abbot Nazarius,
Nazarius, Mark
Mark the the
Silent,
Silent, andand Dorotheus
Dorotheus the the hermit.
hermit. There,
There, in ainsecret
a secret place,
place, he had
he had made
made a a
small
small hut hut
for for him self
himself andand spent
spent some
some timetimine contemplation
in contemplation
andand prayer.
prayer.
There
There he performed
he performed the the short
short but but frequently
frequently repeated
repeated rulerule " which
"which an an ­
an an-
gel gel o f the
of the Lord
Lord hadhad given
given to the
to the great
great Pachomius
Pachomius o f Egypt.It"8consists
of Egypt."8 It consists
of of
the the usual
usual initial
initial prayers
prayers fromfrom
the the Trisagion
Trisagion to Our
to Our Father;
Father; then,
then, LordLord
havehave
(12 (12
mercy,
mercy, tim es);
times); Glory..
Glory .now
... now andand ever;
ever; Come, Come, let worship
let us us worship (3 tim es);
(3 times);
Psalm
Psalm 50; 50;
the the Creed;
Creed; 100100 Jesus
Jesus Prayers;
Prayers; It isIttruly
is truly meet;
meet; Dismissal.
Dismissal. These
These
prayers
prayers hadhad to performed
to be be performed twelve
twelve times
times during
during the the
dayday
andand twelve
twelve dur-dur­
ing ing
the the night,
night, i.e. i.e. every
every hour.
hour. They
They tooktook
the the place
place o f other
of all all other services
services for for
the the hermits.
hermits. From
From thisthis
waswas derived
derived laterlater
Fr. Fr. Seraphim"little
Seraphim's 's " little rule."
rule."
ButBut all the
all the restrest o f his
of his timetim e was
was alsoalso spent
spent in the
in the "remembrance
"remembrance o f God "
of God"
andand unceasing
unceasing prayer,
prayer, which
which hadhad become
become to him
to him the the breath
breath o f his
of his soul.
soul.
Then
Then he had
he had alsoalso combined
combined withwith contemplation
contemplation a special
a special fast;fast; he ate
he ate
onlyonly once
once a day,
a day, andand
thenthen
onlyonly bread
bread andand water,
water, while
while on on Wednesdays
Wednesdays
andand Fridays
Fridays he completely
he completely abstained
abstained from
from foodfood
andand drink.
drink.
ButBut these
these labours
labours hadhad been
been onlyonly
the the beginning
beginning andand
the the
firstfirst
testtest of the
of the
young
young spirit
spirit in his
in his flights
flights intointo
the the upper
upper regions.
regions. During
During the the sixteen
sixteen years
years
o f his
of his unceasing
unceasing struggles
struggles in the
in the monastery,
monastery, his his spiritual
spiritual wings
wings hadhad grown
grown
strong
strong andand
the the " heavenly
"heavenly man
man" " flew
flew away
away to solitude
to solitude "for" for Godsake."
God's 's sake."

8 8 See
See The TSt.
h e Pachomius
St. P a ch omRule, le , p.329. —ed.
ius R up.329.-ed.

50
 Ihn T he
!I AAn gCIt u1.1(.11.\1\1
c H abit i

Moreover,
Moreover, we
we have
have reason
reason to
to believe
believe that
that there
there was
was also
also another
another cause
cause
for
for it.
it. One
One must
must not
not think
think that
that monasteries,
monasteries, even
even good
good and
and well - orga ­
well-orga-
nized
nized ones,
ones, are
are aa peaceful
peaceful abode
abode ooff angelic
angelic men.
men. No,
No, they
they are
are places
places ooff
repentance,
repentance, labours
labours and
and struggles.
struggles. And
And nowhere
nowhere does
does the
the devil
devil so
so trouble
trouble
souls
souls as among striving monks. And therefore, side by side with noble
as among striving monks. And therefore, side by side with noble
aspirations
aspirations and
and spiritual
spiritual gifts,
gifts, we
we always
always see
see in
in monasteries
monasteries the
the wiles
wiles ooff
the
the enemy
enemy and
and human
human passions.
passions. And
And for
for the
the pure
pure soul
soul ooff Fr.
Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim,
itit became
became difficult
difficult to
to live
live in
in this
this school
school ooff strife.
strife. We
We do
do not
not know
know for
for
certain
certain whether
whether he
he suffered
suffered personal
personal affronts
affronts from
from the
the brethren,
brethren, who
who
sometimes
sometimes may have envied
may have envied his
his ascetic labours, his holiness, his life in
ascetic labours, his holiness, his life in
solitude
solitude and
and the
the love
love his
his elders,
elders, and
and especially
especially the
the abbot,
abbot, showed
showed him.
him.
But
But this is what he once said himself to another monk who came to ask
this is what he once said him self to another monk who came to ask
his
his advice
advice as
as to
to life
life in
in solitude.
solitude.
Father," asked
""Father," asked this
this monk, people say
monk, ""people say that
that retirement
retirement from
from aa com
com-­
munity
munity into
into solitude
solitude isis pharisaism
pharisaism and
and that
that such
such aa change
change ooff life
life means
means
disparagement
disparagement ooff the
the brethren
brethren or
or else
else their
their condemnation.
condemnation." " To
To this,
this, Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim replied: It isis not
replied: ""It not our
our business
business to
to condem
condemnn others.
others. And
And we
we
leave the brotherhood not out o f hatred for them, but chiefly because
leave the brotherhood not out of hatred for them, but chiefly because we
we
have
have accepted
accepted and
and wear
wear the
the habit
habit ooff angels,
angels, for
for whom
whom itit isis unbearable
unbearable to
to
be where the Lord God is offended by word and by deed. And
be where the Lord God is offended by word and by deed. And therefore therefore
when
when we
we separate
separate ourselves
ourselves from
from the
the brotherhood,
brotherhood, we
we only
only avoid
avoid hearing
hearing
and
and seeing what is repugnant to God's commandments which may hap
seeing what is repugnant to God ' s com m andm ents which may hap-­
pen
pen in
in aa multitude
multitude ooff brethren.
brethren. We
We do
do not
not run
run away
away from
from men
men who
who are
are
of
ofthe
the same
same nature
nature as
as we
we are
are and
and who
who bear
bear the
the same
same name
name ooff Christ,
Christ, but
but
from
from the
the sins
sins which
which they
they commit.
commit. As
As itit was
was said
said to
to the
the Great
Great Arsenius:
Arsenius:
'Flee
'Flee from
from men,
men, and
and thou
thou wilt
wilt be
be saved.'
saved.'""
The
The outward
outward cause
cause ooff his
his solitude
solitude was
was illness.
illness. From
From much
much standing
standing at
at
prayer, both in church and in his cell, the Saint ' s legs had become
prayer, both in church and in his cell, the Saint's legs had become swollen swollen
and
and ulcerated;
ulcerated; and
and itit becam
becamee difficult
difficult for
for him
him toto carry
carry out
out his
his monastic
monastic
obediences.
obediences. Officially, this was given as the first reason. But the ch
Officially, this was given as the first reason. But the ief in
chief in-­
ner
ner foundation
foundation was
was spiritual: according to
spiritual: ""according to his
his zeal...exclusively
zeal...exclusively for
for the
the
sake
sake ooff spiritual
spiritual peace
peace for
for God 's sake."
God's sake."
Urged
Urged by
by all
all these
these circumstances —but rather,
circumstances-but rather, guided
guided by
bythe
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit

51
A\ A n E x t r a o r d i n a PIII,[
EXii(AOi(ili\\i(\ ry P eace

H im-self
Himself Fr.— Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim undoubtedly
undoubtedly eveneven during
during Fr. Pachomius
Fr. Pachomius' ' lifetime
lifetime
had had
askedasked his blessing
his blessing to live
to live a lifea in
lifesolitude.
in solitude.
NowNow the time
the time had had come.
come.
The The
abbotabbot
was was passing
passing his days.
his last last days.
The The
SaintSaint
was was constantly
constantly withwith
him him
and and served
served him him
withwith ardent
ardent zeal,zeal, remembering
remembering withwith
whatwhat
love love the abbot
the abbot
had had nursed
nursed him him during
during his three
his three yearsyears of illness.
of illness. At this
At this timetim
thee care
the care
of of
Diveyev
Diveyev was was entrusted
entrusted to Abbot
to Abbot Pachomius.
Pachomius.
OnceOnce Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim saw saw on Pachornius'
on Fr. Fr. Pachomius
face' face an expression
an expression o f un ­
of un-
usualusual
worryworry
and and sadness.
sadness. " What
"What makes
makes you you so sad,
so sad, holyholy Father?
Father? he asked
" he "asked
the elder.
the elder.
"I am"I anxious
am anxious
aboutabout the sisters
the sisters o f Diveyev
of the the Diveyev community,
community," " answered
answered
the sick
the sick man.man.
"Who" Who is going
is going to care
to care for them
for them afterafter
me?"me? "
ThenThen the Saint,
the Saint, who who
was was usually
usually so humble
so humble and and especially
especially cautious
cautious
concerning
concerning the female
the female sex, sex, promised
promised the dying
the dying man man to continue
to continue his work.
his work.
It was
It was an inspiration
an inspiration of theo fHoly
the Holy
SpiritSpirit
and and the will
the will of theo fHeavenly
the Heavenly Queen.
Queen.
Fr. Pachomius
Fr. Pachomius was was cheered
cheered and and gratefully
gratefully kissed
kissed Fr. Seraphim.
Fr. Seraphim. And And
then then
he soon
he soon peacefully
peacefully fell asleep
fell asleep in God
in God (Nov.(Nov. 6, 1794).
6,1794). Fr. Isaiah
Fr. Isaiah was was chosen
chosen
in place.
in his his place. Having
Having bitterly
bitterly lamented
lamented and and buried
buried his father,
his father, benefactor
benefactor
and and friend
friend in Lord,
in the the Lord, the Saint
the Saint received
received the permission
the permission and and blessing
blessing to to
live live
a lifea in
lifesolitude?
in solitude9
fromfrom his elder,
his elder, the new
the new Abbot.
Abbot.
It wasIt was
againagain the of
the eve evetheo fPresentation
the Presentation
of theo fMother
the Mother o f God,
of God, the 20th
the 20th
o f November.
of November. Sixteen
Sixteen year year
ago, ago, on same
on the the same
day, day, the young
the young Prochorus
Prochorus had had
entered
entered the gates
the gates o fmonastery.
of the the monastery.
NowNow the spiritually
the spiritually flaming
flaming Seraphim
Seraphim
goesgoes out through
out through themthem not into
not into the world,
the world, but still
but still farther
farther fromfrom it, into
it, into
the depths
the depths o f wilderness.
of the the wilderness.
The The M other
Mother o f God
of God leadsleads her beloved
her beloved ser- ser­
vant vant
and and suppliant
suppliant within
within the tabernacle
the tabernacle into into the holy
the holy o f holies,
of holies, nearer
nearer
to herself
to herself and and to God.
to God.
The The m onastic
monastic cell cell
had had
beenbeen for him
for him the threshold
the threshold to true
to true monasti-
monasti-
cismcism
- to —to completely
completely solitary
solitary com m union
communion withwith
God,God, to interior
to interior prayer.
prayer.
9 "The 9 "The
bearerbearer of this,
of this," it is" said
it is in
saidtheinticket
the ticket of leave
of leave from from the monastery,
the monastery, dated dated
20th 20th
November,
November, 1794,1794, "Hieromonk
"Hierornonk SeraphimSeraphim
of theofSarov
the Sarov Monastery
Monastery is given
is given leave leave to remain
to remain
in solitude in his (i.e. the monastery's) summer-house, on account of his unfitness for for
in solitude in his (i.e. the monastery's) summer-house, on account of his unfitness
life inlife in community,
community, owingowing to his illness, and in accordance with his zeal, after a trial of
to his illness, and in accordance with his zeal, after a trial of
manymany years years
in theinmonastery;
the monastery; and he and is he is allowed
allowed to go to go solitude
into into solitude
solelysolely
for theforsake
the of
sake of
peacepeace of spirit,
of spirit, for God's
for God's sake, sake, and with
and with a rulea given
rule given
to him to according
him accordingto thetoregulations
the regulations
of theofHoly
the Holy
Fathers;Fathers;
and inandtheinfuture
the future
let nolet
onenohinder
one hinder him from
him from remaining
remaining in thatinplace;
that place;
and Ithis
and this I confirm,
confirm. (signed)
(signed) Hieromonk
Hieromonk Isaiah.Isaiah. In witness
In witness of which,
of which, I hereby
I hereby affix aaffix a seal."
seal."

52
 I n Tin: Angkl i c
TtiLANC!11
H abit
II
""Merely
Merely exterior
exterior prayer
prayer isis not
not sufficient,
sufficient." " he
he instructed
instructed aa future
future monk.
monk.
""God
God attends
attends to the mind. And therefore those monks who do not com
to the mind. And therefore those monks who do not com-­
bine
bine exterior
exterior prayer
prayer with
with interior
interior are
are not
not monks,
monks, but but merely
merely charred
charred logs.
logs.""
As for the flaming Seraphim, his interior burning had become so strong
As for the flaming Seraphim, his interior burning had become so strong
that
that he
he wanted
wanted full
full scope
scope for
for his
his spirit
spirit in
in silence.
silence.
"I"I love
love you,
you,"" said
said Arsenius
Arsenius thethe Great
Great to
to the
the brethren
brethren on on leaving
leaving the
the
community for the desert, " but I love God more. And I can '
community for the desert, "but 1 love God more. And 1 can't be with God t be with God
and
and with
with men.
men.""
The hesychast1
""The hesychast'? 0 isis an
an earthly
earthly angel.
angel."" This
This was
was the
the natural
natural outcome
outcome ooff
St.
S1.Seraphim
Seraphim's s years
years of of novitiate
novitiate and
and monasticism
monasticism in in the angelic order."
the ""angelic order."

10 Hesychast: one practicing quiet and silence.

10 Hesychast: one practicing quiet and silence.

53
54
 Chapter 5

TTHE
h e DDISTANT
i s t a n t HHERMITAGE
erm itage

versts'from
versts1 fromthe
themonastery,
monastery,ononthe
theRiver
River Sarovka,inina
Sarovka, a densepine
dense pine

FF
i veIVE

forest
forestonona high
a highhill
hillstood
stooda wooden
a woodenshack
shackororcell
cellconsisting
consistingo fofone
one
room
roomwith
witha tiny
a tinyanteroom
anteroomand
anda porch.
a porch.There
Therethe
theholy
holysolitary
solitarywent
wenttoto
live.
live. AnAnikon
ikono fof theMother
the Mothero fofGod
Godininone
onecorner,
corner,a stove
a stoveininthe
theother,
other,a a
stumpwhich
stump whichserved
servedasasboth
bothtable
tableand
andchair,
chair,ananearthen
earthenpot
potforforkeeping
keeping
drybread
dry bread—-this
thiswas
wasallallthe
thefurniture
furniturethe
the" distanthermitage
" distant hermitage" contained.
" contained.
Under
Underthe
thefloor
flooro fof
the
thecell
cella small
a smallcellar
cellarhad
hadbeen
beenmade,
made,perhaps
perhapsforfor
stor ­
stor-
ing
ing vegetables.But
vegetables. ButFr.Fr. Seraphimused
Seraphim usedit it
forfor solitaryprayer
solitary prayerand
andforfor hiding
hiding
fromvisitors,
from visitors,and
andininsummer
summerheheused
usedtotorest
restthere
therefrom
fromthe
theheat.
heat.Round
Round
thehermitage
the hermitagethe
theSaint
Saintcultivated
cultivateda asmall
smallkitchen
kitchengarden
gardenininwhich
whichhehe
planted
plantedpotatoes,
potatoes,cabbages,
cabbages,onions,
onions,beet - roots and
beet-roots andsuch
suchlike.
like.For
Forsome
some
time
timehehe
even
evenkept bees,
kept bees,but
butlater gave
later upup
gave this
thisoccupation,
occupation,probably
probablybecause
because
it drewhim
it drew himaway
awayfrom
fromthe
theinterior
interiorlife.
life. Herethe
Here theascetic
asceticalso
alsospent
spentnearly
nearly
sixteen
sixteenyears
yearsuntil
untilheherose
rosetotoa higher
a higherdegree.
degree.Sixteen
Sixteenyears!
years!It It
is is
easy
easytoto
say it. it.
say But who
But whocan
cansay what
say whatwas
wasgoing
goingononallallthrough
throughthose
thoselong
longyears
yearsinin
hishis
soul,
soul,hishisstrong,
strong,determined,
determined, ecstatic
ecstaticsoul?
soul?"He who
"He whohas
hastasted
tastedo fof
the
the
divinesweetness
divine sweetnessstrives
strivesforforquiet,
quiet," saysSt.St.
" says Johno fofthe
John theLadder,
Ladder," in"inorder
order
toto
bebeinsatiably
insatiablysatisfied
satisfiedwith
withit it
without
withoutany
anyhindrance. "
hindrance."
St.St. Seraphimloved
Seraphim lovedtotoquote
quotethe
thewords
wordso fofSt.St.Basil
Basil theGreat:
the Great:
The
The desertis is
desert a paradiseofof
a paradise sweetness,where
sweetness, wherethethefragrant
fragrantflowers
flowers
ofof love
love
(for God)
(for God)now flame
now with
flame withfiery blossoms,
fiery blossoms,now shine
now shinewith
withsnow -white
snow-white
purity;with
purity; withthem
themis is peace
peace andtranquility...
and tranquility ... Thereis is
There thetheincense
incenseofof per-
per ­
fect mortification
fect mortificationnot
notonly ofof
only thetheflesh, but
flesh, butalso, which
also, whichis is
even more
even more
glorious,ofof
glorious, thethewill
will itself;
itself; thereis is
there thetheincense
incenseofof unceasingprayer
unceasing prayer con-
con ­

1 1About
About3.33.3
miles or or
miles 5.35.3
km.km.

55
AN A [\n TE i\x .\t (I y P'\ (e a c e
r aR o ri d ,\i nR.,a r P:

stantly
stantly kindled
kindled by by
the the
firefire of divine
of divine love;
love; there
there the the flowers
flowers of virtue
of virtue
listening with various adornments blossom with the grace
listening with various adornments blossom with the grace of unfading of unfading
beauty
beauty.

And
And St. St. Seraphim
Seraphim waswas satisfied
satisfied andand delighted
delighted with
with thethe beauty
beauty of this
of this
sweet
sweet paradise.
paradise. HisHis
soulsoul lived
lived by by interior
interior prayer,
prayer, which
which hadhad long
long since
since
become
become an an ever-flowing
ever-flowing fountain
fountain o f living
of living water
water to him.
to him. NowNow in the
in the wil-wil­
derness,
derness, hishis
lifelife consisted
consisted chiefly
chiefly of oprayer.
f prayer.
He He usually
usually saidsaid
thethe Divine
Divine
Office
Office in in
thethe customary
customary order.
order. Namely,
Namely, after
after midnight
midnight he he read
read thethe
rulerule
of St.
of St. Pachomius,
Pachomius. then
then thethe morning
morning prayers,
prayers, Nocturns,
Nocturns. Matins
Matins andand so on
so on
till till Compline,
Compline, inclusive.
inclusive. ButBut sometimes
sometimes he he replaced
replaced thethe regular
regular offices
offices by by
prostrations
prostrations with
with thethe Prayer
Prayer of oJesus.
f Jesus. Thus,
Thus, instead
instead o f the
of the evening
evening rule,
rule,
he he made
made a thousand
a thousand prostrations.
prostrations.
ButBut besides
besides that,
that, he he
waswas always
always in the
in the constant
constant "remembrance
"remembrance o f God "
of God"
andand contemplations.
contemplations. Often
Often he he
waswas found
found in in ecstasy.
ecstasy. Sometimes,
Sometimes, while
while
busy
busy with
with some
some work
work in the
in the garden,
garden, he he would
would suddenly
suddenly drop
drop thethe
hoehoe from
from
hishis hands
hands andand
hishis spirit
spirit would
would be be immersed
immersed in the
in the heavenly
heavenly world;
world; or he
or he
would
would chop
chop off oone,
ff one, two,
two, three
three bitsbits o f wood
of wood andand dropping
dropping hishis
axe,axe, would
would
stiffen
stiffen in the
in the contemplation
contemplation of the
of the mystery
mystery o f the
of the Most
Most Holy
Holy Trinity
Trinity andand
would
would be be
raptrapt in prayer.
in prayer.
At At such
such times
times people
people whowho visited
visited himhim
diddid
notnot disturb
disturb thethe Saint,
Saint, andand
waited
waited until
until he he returned
returned to to a normal
a normal state.
state. ButBut sometimes
sometimes hishis rapture
rapture
would
would lastlast
so so long
long thatthat they
they diddid
notnot wait
wait till till
thethe
endend
andand quietly
quietly leftleft
thethe
hermitage
hermitage in in order
order notnot
to to disturb
disturb thethe grace -given
grace-given illum inations
illuminations of of
thethe
Saint;
Saint; andand they
they were
were justjust as edified
as edified andand comforted
comforted by by what
what they
they hadhad seen
seen
as as if they
if they hadhad waited
waited to to hear
hear hishis teaching.
teaching. HowHow little
little wewe have
have said!
said! YetYet
in in reality
reality there
there is little
is little more
more to to
say;say; because
because thethe whole
whole o f those
of those sixteen
sixteen
years
years in solitude
in solitude waswas chiefly
chiefly spent
spent in such
in such contemplative
contemplative life,life, in unceas ­
in unceas-
inging converse
converse with
with God.
God.
TheThe
soulsoul
is aisgreat
a great mystery;
mystery; andand
its its
lifelife in the
in the case
case of ascetics
of ascetics is all
is all hid-hid ­
denden in God.
in God. NotNot
forfor nothing
nothing diddid
Fr. Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, even
even while
while at work,
at work, always
always
singsing
of of
thethe heavenly
heavenly world:
world: " Solitaries
"Solitaries have
have an an incessant
incessant divine
divine desire,
desire,
those
those whowho
areare outside
outside thisthis vain
vain world."
world." That
That is, those
is, those whowho have
have renounced
renounced
thethe world,
world, have
have a constant
a constant desire
desire for for God.
God. Or Or
an an Irmos
Irmos o f the
of the third
third tone:
tone:

56
 T L U: \\1 HI !I.\(,!

"O
"0 Thou
Thou W ho hast
Who hast produced
produced everything
everything from
from nothing,
nothing, creating
creating by
by the
the
Word,
Word, perfecting
perfecting by
by the
the Spirit,
Spirit, supreme
supreme All -Ruler, establish
All-Ruler, establish meme in
in Thy
Thy
love...
love ...n And another song: "Establish, strengthen me in love for Thee." Or
" And another song: " Establish, strengthen me in love for Thee. " Or
the
the wonderful
wonderful Dogmatikon
Dogmatikon to
to the
the Mother
Mother of
ofGod: Let us
God: ""Let us sing
sing the
the praises
praises
of
of Mary
Mary the
the Virgin,
Virgin, Door
Door ooff Heaven,
Heaven, Glory
Glory ooff all
all the
the world...
world ...for
for she
she re ­
re-
vealed
vealed herself
herself as
as heaven
heaven and
and the
the temple
temple ooff the
the GGodhead
odhead...
... Courage
Courage then,
then,
courage,
courage, people
people ooff God,
God, for
for He,
He,the
the All -Powerful, will
All-Powerful, will vanquish
vanquish your
your foes. "
foes."
Living
Living in
in His
His heavenly
heavenly world,
world, the
the Saint
Saint even
even gave
gave to
to the
the surrounding
surrounding
places
places names
names which
which reminded
reminded him
him ooff heavenly
heavenly citizens
citizens or
or holy
holy events.
events.
He
Hehad
had his
his own
own city
city of
ofJerusalem,
lerusalern, Golgotha,
Golgotha, Bethlehem,
Bethlehem, Nazareth,
Nazareth, Tabor,
Tabor,
Jordan, Kedron, and so on. He called his hill " Athos." When he
Jordan, Kedron, and so on. He called his hill "Athas." When he visitedvisited
those
those places,
places, he
he usually
usually said
said there
there some
some suitable
suitable prayers;
prayers; at
at Bethlehem,
Bethlehem,
Matins;
Matins; at
at Nazareth,
Nazareth, an
an Akathist
Akathist to
to the
the Mother
Mother of
of God;
God; atat Golgotha,
Golgotha, the
the
Ninth
Ninth Hour;
Hour; and
and so
so on.
on.
The
The reading
reading of
ofthe
the Word
Word ooff God
God took,
took, as
asbefore,
before, much
much ooff his
his time;
time; but
but
itit served
served him
him merely
merely as
as another
another means
means ooff leading
leading to
to the
the only
only goal
goal-—the
the
vision
vision oof
f the
the other
other world. One should
world. ""One should read
read Holy
Holy Scripture,
Scripture,"" he
he said
said af
af-­
terwards, in order
terwards, ""in order to
to give
give the
the spirit
spirit the
the freedom
freedom to
to rise
rise to
to the
the heavenly
heavenly
mansions
mansions and
and be
be fed
fed through
through sweetest
sweetest converse
converse with
with the
the Lord.
Lord.""
Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim spent
spent the
the rem aining tim
remaining e in
time in bodily
bodily labours,
labours, without
without
which
which the
the m onastic life
monastic life isisunthinkable,
unthinkable, even
even in
in the
the desert.
desert. He
He was
was either
either
busy
busy in
in his
his garden,
garden, or
or he
he would
would gather
gather moss,
moss, prepare
prepare logs
logs for
for fuel
fuel or
or prop
prop
up
up the
the bank
bank ooff the
the river.
river.
Later
Later he
he began
began to
to carry on his
carryon his back
back aabag
bag heavily
heavily filled
filled with
with sand
sand and
and
stone,
stone, in
in which
which lay
laythe
the Holy
Holy Gospel.
Gospel. W hen he
When he was
was asked
asked why
why he
he did
did that,
that,
the
the Saint
Saint answered
answered in
in the
the words
words ooff St.
St.Ephrem
Ephrem the
the Syrian:
Syrian: "I"Ioppress
oppress him
him
who
who oppresses
oppresses me,
me,"" that
that is,
is,the
the enemy
enemy who
who assaults
assaults ascetics.
ascetics.
To
Tothe
the same
same end,
end, in
in order
order to
to achieve
achieve complete
complete mortification
mortification ooff the
the old
old
man,
man, he
he sometimes
sometimes resorted
resorted to
to drastic
drastic measures.
measures. Stripped
Stripped to
to the
the waist,
waist,
he
he would
would work
work near
near aa marsh;
marsh; or
or sitting
sitting by
by the
the cell,
cell, he
he would
would give
give him
him-­
self
selfup
up to
to mosquitoes;
mosquitoes; and
and they
they stung
stung him
him so
so fiercely
fiercely that
that blood
blood trickled
trickled
down
down his
his face,
face,and
and his
his body
body became
became swollen,
swollen, blue
blue and
and clotted
clotted with
with blood.
blood.
The
The Saint
Saint never
never went
went to
to aa bathhouse.
bathhouse. Neither
Neither did
did he
he wear
wear warm
warm clothes.
clothes.

57
AN
AEXiR\Oi,Pi
n E xtraordinary P
uv Pile eace

A smock
A smock o f white
of white linen,
linen, a felt
a felt cap,cap, leather
leather mitts,
mitts, birch
birch shoes
shoes or leather
or leather
b oots —these
boots-these were
were his his clothes
clothes all the
all the yearyear round.
round. On On
his his breast
breast always
always
hung
hung a copper
a copper cross,
cross, his his mother
mother's 's blessing.
blessing. His His
foodfood
waswas o f the
of the plainest,
plainest
andand
eveneven
thatthat
waswas limited
limited in quantity.
in quantity. "Bread
"Bread andand water
water are are sufficient.
sufficient. It It
waswas
eveneven so before
so before the the flood,
flood," he said
he" said to atolayman.
a layman.
"May
"May non - fast
non-fast foods
foods be eaten
be eaten in Lent
in Lent if lenten
iflenten farefare
doesdoes
not not agree
agree withwith
a person
a person andand doctors
doctors order
order himhim to stop
to stop fasting?
fasting?" St. Seraphim
St." Seraphim waswas asked.
asked.
He He replied:
replied: "Bread
"Bread andand water
water harm
harm no one.
no one. AndAnd
howhow
did did people
people livelive
to abe
to be a hundred?
hundred? ManMan
shallshall
not not
livelive by bread
by bread only,
only, but but by every
by every wordword
thatthat
proceeds
proceeds out out o f the
of the mouth
mouth of God.
of God. (Deut.
(Deut. 8:3)8:3)
KeepKeep what
what the the church
church has has
appointed
appointed in the
in the seven
seven ecum enical
ecumenical councils.
councils. WoeWoe to the
to the manman
whowho takes
takes
away
away or adds
or adds oneone word
word thereto.
thereto. WhatW hat do the
do the doctors
doctors say say about
about saints
saints whowho
healed
healed septic
septic ulcers
ulcers by abysingle
a single touch,
touch, andand about
about Moses
Moses' ' staff
staff through
through
which
which GodGod brought
brought water
water out out
of aorock?"
f a rock? "

AndAnd St. Seraphim

St. Seraphim knew
knew it h im self
it himself better
better thanthan anyone
anyone else.else. At first
At first his his
foodfood
waswas bread,
bread, andand
thatthat stale,
stale, which
which he took
he took from
from the the monastery
monastery onceonce
a week.
a week. He He
alsoalso
tooktook vegetables
vegetables fromfrom
his his kitchen - garden;
kitchen-garden; but but afterwards,
afterwards,
withwith
the the blessing
blessing o f his
of his elder,
elder, Abbot
Abbot Isaiah,
Isaiah, he stopped
he stopped taking
taking bread
bread
from
from the the monastery
monastery entirely
entirely so not
so as as not to burden
to burden the the community,
community, but but
to to
taketake
foodfood
afterafter
the the example
example o f the
of the Apostle
Apostle Paul,
Paul, "working
"working withwith
our our
ownown
hands.
hands." (I Cor.
(I"Cor. 4:12)
4:12)
ThatThat is how
is how the the hermspent
hermit it spent
his his
timetim
one on ordinary
ordinary days.
days. ButBut
on on
the the
eve eve o f Sundays
of Sundays andand festivals,
festivals, he went
he went to the
to the monastery
monastery andand attended
attended the the
evening
evening service;
service; thenthen he confessed,
he confessed, andand in the
in the morning
morning he partook
he partook o f the
of the
Holy
Holy Mysteries
Mysteries at the
at the early
early Liturgy
Liturgy in the
in the hospital
hospital church
church o f Sts.
ofSts. Zosimus
Zosimus
andand Sabbatius.
Sabbatius. AndAnd he remained
he remained in the
in the monastery
monastery untiluntil Vespers.
Vespers. During
During
thisthis
timetimhee received
he received
the the brethren
brethren andand pilgrims
pilgrims whowho came
came to him
to him for for
com fort
comfort andand advice.
advice. W hen
When the the brethren
brethren went
went to the
to the evening
evening service,
service, Fr. Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim tooktook
his his ration
ration o f bread
of bread for for
the the week
week andand went
went away
away unobtru ­
unobtru-
sively
sively to his
to his beloved
beloved hermitage.
hermitage.
Throughout
Throughout the the
firstfirst
weekweek o f the
of the Great
Great FastFast he remained
he remained all the
all the timetime
in the
in the m onastery
monastery without
without taking
taking foodfood
untiluntil Com m union
Communion on Saturday.
on Saturday.
His His confessor
confessor waswas
stillstill
his his elder,
elder, Fr. Fr. Isaiah.
Isaiah. AndAnd so little
so little by little,
by little, Fr. Fr.

58
 I" i. D!, 1.\ '. II g \1 !T \ (, ,

Seraphim
Seraphim went
went from
from strength
strength to
to strength.
strength. But
Butin
in order
order to
to strengthen
strengthen His
His
servant
servant in the spirit of prayer, the All-Wise Lord permitted him to have aa
in the spirit o f prayer, the All - Wise Lord permitted him to have
temptation.
temptation. The
The Holy
Holy Fathers
Fathers have
have even
even uttered
uttered aastrange
strange saying:
saying: ififthere
there
were
were no
no devils,
devils, there
there would
would bebe no
no saints.
saints. That
That is,
is, ififthere
there were
were no
no tem p­
temp-
tations,
tations, there
there would
would be
be fewer
fewer motives
motives for
for the
the ascetic
ascetic labours
labours oof
f saints;
saints;
and
and there
there would
would also
also be
be fewer
fewer crowns.
crowns. And
And he
he who
who wants
wants more
more grace,
grace,
must
must prepare
prepare him self better
himself better for
for more
more temptations.
temptations. So
So teaches
teaches St.
St. Isaac
Isaac
the Syrian, the greatest o f ascetics.
the Syrian, the greatest of ascetics.
The
Thefollowing
following circumstance
circumstance served
served asasaamotive.
motive. The
The Sarov
SarovMonastery
Monastery
was
was already famous in his time for its strong rule and for the austere life
already famous in his tim e for its strong rule and for the austere life
oof
f the
the monks.
monks. Therefore
Therefore people
people used
used to
to apply
apply there
there for
for administrators
administrators
and
and abbots
abbots for
forcommunities
communities ininother
other dioceses.
dioceses. Among
Among others
others the
the famous
famous
restorer
restorer oof
f the
the Valaam
Valaam Monastery,
Monastery, Abbot
Abbot Nazarius,
Nazarius, had
had been
been professed
professed
in
inSarov;
Sarov; and
and here
here he
he also
also ended
ended his
his days
days as
asaaherm it during
hermit during the
the lifetime
lifetime
oof
f the
the Saint.
Saint.
The
The flaming
flaming Seraphim
Seraphim could
could still
still less
less be
be hidden
hidden from
from human
human sight.
sight.
Therefore
Therefore barely two years after his retirement into solitude, in 1796, he
barely two years after his retirement into solitude, in 1796, he
was
wasoffered
offered the
the post
post of
ofabbot
abbot oof
f the
the Alateer
Alateer Monastery
Monastery ininthe
the province
province of
of
Samara with a promotion to the rank o f Archimandrite. The holy
Samara with a promotion to the rank of Archimandrite. The holy recluse recluse
declined
declined this
this offer,
offer,and
and begged
begged Fr.
Fr.Isaiah
Isaiah totorefuse
refuse it.it.In
Inhis
his stead
stead was
wassent
sent
the
the monk
monk Abraham.
Abraham. But
Butsoon
soon after
after this
this the
the enemy
enemy assailed
assailed the
the Saint
Saint with
with
hellish
hellish malice
malice and
and raised
raised within
within him
him aa storm
storm oof
f ""mental
mental conflict
conflict"" and
and
despondency.2
despondency? We
We have
have already
already seen
seen how
how terrible
terrible the
the Saint
Saint considered
considered
the
the spirit
spirit oof
f despondency,
despondency, when
when aaman
man does
does not
not even
even want
want to
to live.
live.But
Buthe
he
also knew the way to victory —namely, through
also knew the way to victory-namely, through prayer.prayer.
In
Inthe
the forest,
forest,about
about halfway
halfway between
between his
hiscell
celland
and the
the monastery,
monastery, beside
beside
the
the road,
road, lay
layaahuge
huge granite
granite boulder.
boulder. Every
Everynight
night Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim went
went there;
there;
and either standing or kneeling, with hands raised to heaven,
and either standing or kneeling, with hands raised to heaven, he inces-­he inces

22 There
Thereisisaalegend
legendthat that Fr. Seraphim, having
Fr.Seraphim, having refused
refused promotion,
promotion, for foraamoment
moment succumbed
succumbed
tototemptation
temptation and and regretted
regretted it.it.But
Butthe
thesaints
saints not
notonly
only fought
fought with
with sinful
sinful actions;
actions; they
they also
also
considered
considered thethe mere
meredesires
desires aano nolesser
lesserevil.
evil. (Matt.
(Matt. 5:22 - 28) Perceiving
5:22-28) Perceiving within
within himself
himself this
this
shadow
shadow of of egoism,
egoism, the the Saint
Saint decided
decided toto uproot
uproot every
every attachment
attachment toto this
this world;
world; for
for "he
"he
who
whoisissick
sickwith
with passion
passion and and aims
aims atatquiet"
quiet" runs
runs aarisk
riskofofdestroying
destroying allallhis
hislabour
labour (Bishop
(Bishop
Theophan).
Theophan). That That isiswhy
whyhe heundertook
undertook an anextraordinary
extraordinary labourlabour ininorder
order totobeseech
beseech God's
God's
forgiveness
forgiveness andand conquer
conquer the the temptation
temptation of ofthe
the enemy.
enemy.

59
 A n I‘ ,, , \ , P

santly
santly cried:
cried: "God,
"God, be be merciful
merciful to me,
to me, a sin n er!
a sinner!" " And
And the the Saint
Saint dragged
dragged
another
another stone
stone intointo
his his
cellcell
andand prayed
prayed there
there by byday,day,
so so as not
as not to be
to be seenseen
by by people.
people. In such
In such tremendous
tremendous labour
labour he he remained
remained for for a thousand
a thousand days
days
andand a thousand
a thousand nights,
nights, interrupting
interrupting it only
it only for for necessary
necessary restrest
andand
for for
strengthening
strengthening him self
himself withwith food.
food.
A thousand
A thousand days
days andand a thousand
a thousand nights!
nights! WeWe have
have readread
andand heard
heard about
about
it. But
it. But have
have we we stopped
stopped to think
to think what
what it means?
it means? AndAndis itispossible
it possible to un ­
to un-
derstand that which we have not experientially lived through
derstand that which we have not experientially lived through and which and which

we we cannot
cannot eveneven imagine
imagine properly?
properly? ThisThis
is aisfeat
a feat which
which exceeds
exceeds human
human
strength.
strength. LetLet us stand
us stand in thought
in thought nearnear
the the ascetic
ascetic andand secretly
secretly watch
watch him.
him.
It isItaisdark
a dark night.
night. Ordinary
Ordinary people
people would
would be be scared.
scared. ButBut
the the kneeling
kneeling
hermthinks
hermit it thinks o f nothing;
of nothing; he he only
only unceasingly
unceasingly raises
raises to heaven
to heaven a cry
a cry for for
mercy:
mercy: God,
God, be merciful,
be merciful, be merciful
be merciful to me,
to me, a sinner!
a sinner! WildWild beasts
beasts approach.
approach.
Death
Death threatens
threatens him.
him. ButBut
he he is not
is not afraid.
afraid. Perhaps
Perhaps eveneven he would
he would wish
wish to to
be be
torntorn to pieces
to pieces for for
the the expiation
expiation o f his
of his sins.
sins. ButBut
the the beasts
beasts go go away
away from
from
a man
a man whowho does
does notnot
eveneven
paypay attention
attention to them.
to them. AndAndhe he continues
continues to sigh:
to sigh:
God,
God, be merciful
be merciful to me
to me a sinner...
a sinner a sinner...
... a sinner a sinner.
... a sinner. Autumn
Autumn hashas come
come andand
with
with it rains,
it rains, mud,
mud, cold.
cold. TheThe forest
forest rustles.
rustles. He He is wet
is wet through.
through. WhoWho would
would
notnot wish
wish for for a warm
a warm corner?
corner? ButBut
the the Saint
Saint raises
raises his his
wetwet hands
hands andand warms
warms
his his
soulsoul with
with the the warmth
warmth of repentance:
of repentance: God,God, be merciful!
be merciful! HaveHave mercy!
mercy! I I
have
have sinned;
sinned; forgive!
forgive! Punish
Punish me,me, have
have mercy.
mercy. I have
I have angered
angered Thee;
Thee; restore
restore ThyThy
mercy!
mercy! I have
I have defiled
defiled my my soul;
soul; cleanse
cleanse me!me! Without
Without purity,
purity, I doI do
not not
see see Thee!
Thee!
NowNow it isitwinter,
is winter, with
with bitter
bitter frost.
frost. TheThe
pinepine trees
trees are are cracking.
cracking. Hands
Hands
andand
feetfeet
are are numb.
numb. TheThe bones
bones acheache
fromfrom
the the intense
intense cold.
cold. ButBut
he he
maymay
not,not,
he hehashasnotnot
the the right,
right, to step
to step down
down from
from the the stone
stone o f repentance.
of repentance. AndAnd
he he
stillstill cries
cries to God:
to God: HaveHave mercy
mercy on on
me,me, O God!
0 God! Have
Have mercy
mercy on on
me!me! Sleep,
Sleep, wea ­
wea-
riness,
riness, seize
seize his his whole
whole being.
being. A freezing
A freezing manman always
always especially
especially wants
wants to to
sleep.
sleep. ButBut
the the ascetic
ascetic overcomes
overcomes thisthis
lawlaw o f nature
of nature andand
he he stretches
stretches his his
hands
hands stillstill harder;
harder; he he
getsgets
up up from
from his his knees
knees andand cries
cries stillstill louder:
louder: God,
God,
be merciful
be merciful to me,
to me, a sinner!
a sinner!
AndAnd
whatwhat horrors
horrors diddid
notnot come
come fromfrom
the the devils?
devils? Could
Could the the devil
devil leave
leave
his his adversary
adversary at such
at such a time?
a time? Of O f course
course not.not.
ButBut what
what were
were his his threats
threats
andand terrors
terrors beside
beside the the torturing
torturing thought
thought of the
of the Saint
Saint whose
whose oneone
fearfear
waswas

60
 i D i, : \ \! fir I( I 1.\

that
that the
the Lord
Lord should
should abandon
abandon him
him on
on account
account ooff his
his sins!
sins! His
His legs
legs ache.
ache.
They
They are
are covered
covered with
with wounds.
wounds. His
His bloodless
bloodless hands
hands are
are numb.
numb. But
But he
he
must
must plead
plead for
for mercy:
mercy: he
he has
has sinned.
sinned.
This
This isis difficult
difficult to
to imagine.
imagine. But
But then
then what
what was
was itit in
in reality?
reality? And
And soso itit
went
went on for a thousand nights.
on for a thousand nights. And
And inin the
the cell
cell for
for aa thousand
thousand days.days. ItIt isis
inconceivable!
inconceivable!
The
The Saint
Saint was
was silent
silent about
about this
this labour.
labour. But
Butstill
still rumors
rumors of
of ititreached
reached the
the
Bishop o f Tambov, and later on he asked Abbot Niphont for
Bishop of Tarnbov, and later on he asked Abbot Niphont for information.inform ation.
The
The latter
latter replied: We know
replied: ""We know about
about the
the labours
labours and
and life
life ooff Fr.
Fr.Seraphim;
Seraphim;
but
but as
as to
to any
any secret
secret actions
actions or
or about
about his
his standing
standing one
one thousand
thousand days
days and
and
nights
nights on
on aa stone,
stone, nobody
nobody knows.
knows.""
Before
Before his
his end
end the
the Saint
Saint him self told
himself told some
some ooff the
the brethren
brethren about
about his
his
temptation and contest. One of them said in astonishment: " This
temptation and contest. One of them said in astonishment: "This is aboveis above
human
human strength.
strength.""
St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim replied: St. Sim
replied: ""St. eon the
Simeon the Stylite
Stylite stood
stood for
for forty -seven
forty-seven
years
years onon aa pillar.
pillar. Are
Are my
my labours
labours comparable
comparable toto his?
his?""
His
His visitor
visitor observed
observed that
that this
this was
was probably
probably because
because grace
grace helped
helped him.
him.
Yes," answered the
""Yes,"answered the Elder, otherwise human
Elder, ""otherwise human strength
strength would
would not
not have
have
been
been sufficient.
sufficient."" Then
Then he
he added: When there
added: ""When there isis contrition
contrition in
in the
the heart,
heart,
then
then God
God isis also
also with
with us.
us."" By
Bythis
this labour
labour and
and by
by grace -given contrition
grace-given contrition
the
the Saint
Saint overcame
overcame the
the devil
devil ooff vanity
vanity and
and despondency
despondency and
and ascended
ascended
to an extraordinary
to an extraordinary height
height of the spirit of prayer. And so the Lord turned
of the spirit of prayer. And so the Lord turned
evil
evil itself
itself into
into good
good for
for his
his sake,
sake, according
according to
to the
the word
word ooff Scripture:
Scripture: All
All
things work together for good to those who love God.
things work together for good to those who love God. (Rom. 8:28) (Rom. 8:28)
Not
Not long
long before
before his
his end
end the
the holy
holy Elder
Elder entrusted
entrusted thethe novice
novice John
John
with the errand o f finding this stone in the forest, telling him the special
with the errand of finding this stone in the forest, telling him the special
marks
marks ooff the
the place.
place. Only
Only with
with great
great difficulty
difficulty did
did he
he find
find it.
it. Leaves
Leaves and
and
dust
dust had
had covered
covered itit up.
up. Later
Later the
the admirers
admirers oofFr.
f Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim began
began to
to chop
chop
off
off small
small bits
bits ooff itit and
and carried
carried them
them away
away not
not only
only as
as mementos
mementos ooff his
his
contest but also for miraculous help. And in this way these bits
contest but also for miraculous help. And in this way these bits spread spread
all
all over
over Russia,
Russia, and
and can
can be
be found
found even
even abroad.
abroad. We
We kiss
kiss them
them in
in the
the same
same
way
way as we do an ikon. And sometimes they are put into water which isis
as we do an ikon. And sometimes they are put into water which
afterwards
afterwards drunk
drunk for
for healing
healing purposes.
purposes. The
The remains
remains ooff the
the forest
forest stone
stone

61
 A n Extraordinary P eaci:
A\ ["IH:\('II\ ,\\R Pi\, f

were kept in Sarov and Diveyev. And the day —or cell —stone was trans ­
were kept in Sarov and Diveyev. And the day-or cell-stone was trans-
ferred whole to the Diveyev Convent.
ferred whole to the Diveyev Convent.
Having overcome and conquered the temptation, and having received
Having overcome and conquered the temptation, and having received
from God a token o f pardon, St. Seraphim returned again to his former
from God a token of pardon, St. Seraphim returned again to his former
ordinary spiritual life, though interiorly it became still more intense.
ordinary spiritual life, though interiorly it became still more intense.
But now for all the rest o f his life his health became noticeably weak ­
But now for all the rest of his life his health became noticeably weak-
er. He felt especially pain in his legs. And perhaps this was an outward
er. He felt especially pain in his legs. And perhaps this was an outward
motive for the ascetic to stop the thousand days of prayer on the stones;
motive for the ascetic to stop the thousand days of prayer on the stones;
the Saint saw that his enfeebled " friend," the body, would be completely
the Saint saw that his enfeebled "friend," the body, would be completely
exhausted and would refuse to serve the spirit.
exhausted and would refuse to serve the spirit.
Nevertheless, the temptation o f promotion was renewed again after
Nevertheless, the temptation of promotion was renewed again after
the great struggle. St. Seraphim was offered a second tim e the position
the great struggle. St. Seraphim was offered a second time the position
o f Superior in the Krasno Slobodsky Spassky Monastery. But he who has
of Superior in the Krasno Slobodsky Spassky Monastery. But he who has
once been tempted becom es experienced. (James 1:3 - 4) And the Saint
once been tempted becomes experienced. (James 1:3-4) And the Saint
declined the new offer calmly and decisively, as though it did not concern
declined the new offer calmly and decisively, as though it did not concern
him at all. Then the enemy turned to other means of assault.
him at all. Then the enemy turned to other means of assault.
St. Seraphim set aside simply and easily the common m onastic tem p ­
St. Seraphim set aside simply and easily the common monastic temp-
tation coming through the encounter with people, especially women.3
tation coming through the encounter with people, especially women."
In general he received almost nobody in his hermitage; even very few of
In general he received almost nobody in his hermitage; even very few of
the monks came to him ; only Mark the Silent, Fr. Isaiah, Hierodeacon
the monks came to him; only Mark the Silent, Fr. Isaiah, Hierodeacon
Alexander, and later Fr. Tikhon. As to the brethren, he talked to them
Alexander, and later Fr. Tikhon. As to the brethren, he talked to them
only on feast days, receiving them in the monastery between the Liturgy
only on feast days, receiving them in the monastery between the Liturgy
and Vespers. Knowing this custom o f his in accordance with the blessing
and Vespers. Knowing this custom of his in accordance with the blessing
o f the abbot, the monks did not trouble him in the forest. But lay people,
of the abbot, the monks did not trouble him in the forest. But lay people,
and especially women, drawn by rumors about the herm it and urged by
and especially women, drawn by rumors about the hermit and urged by
their sorrows, soon found the way to him, and began to infringe upon
their sorrows, soon found the way to him, and began to infringe upon
his solitude for the sake of which, exclusively, he had left the monastery.
his solitude for the sake of which, exclusively, he had left the monastery.
In order to protect him self from them, Fr. Seraphim decided to receive
In order to protect himself from them, Fr. Seraphim decided to receive
nobody at all, and especially women. But at first he fervently prayed to
nobody at all, and especially women. But at first he fervently prayed to
the Lord and to the Most Holy Mother o f God, whether it were the will
the Lord and to the Most Holy Mother of God, whether it were the will
of God that people should be left without edification and comfort. To
of God that people should be left without edification and comfort. To
3 For male monastics, women in particular can pose a greater temptation, due to the
3 For male monastics, women in particular can pose a greater temptation, due to the
inherent passions of human nature. — ed.
inherent passions of human nature. -ed.

62
 T
T hIie1 DDrsi s tT aj\ nxrt Hll er rR m\i iI tT a,\ gCeJ
be quite sure, he boldly asked for a sign: if this decision were pleasing to
be quite sure, he boldly asked for a sign: if this decision were pleasing to
God, let the trees bar the way to his cell.
God, let the trees bar the way to his cell.
Just at that time, a feast was approaching. Fr. Seraphim went accord ­
Just at that time, a feast was approaching. Fr. Seraphim went accord-
ing to his custom to the monastery. And at the descent o f his own "Mount
ing to his custom to the monastery. And at the descent of his own "Mount
Athos"4 he saw that some pine trees were bent and were blocking the path.
Athos'" he saw that some pine trees were bent and were blocking the path.
Fr. Seraphim fell on his knees in gratitude to God for the wonderful sign
Fr. Seraphim fell on his knees in gratitude to God for the wonderful sign
and hastened to the monastery and to the Liturgy. Fr. Isaiah was celebrat­
and hastened to the monastery and to the Liturgy. Fr. Isaiah was celebrat-
ing with other priests. Fr. Seraphim stood in the sanctuary.
ing with other priests. Fr. Seraphim stood in the sanctuary.
After the Song o f the Cherubim, he reverently went up to his spiritual
After the Song of the Cherubim, he reverently went up to his spiritual
father: " Father Abbot," said he meekly, "give your blessing that women
father: "Father Abbot," said he meekly, "give your blessing that women
should not be allowed to come to the m ountain on which I now live."
should not be allowed to come to the mountain on which I now live."
Fr. Isaiah, who was just preparing to read the secret prayer of oblation,
Fr. Isaiah, who was just preparing to read the secret prayer of oblation,
answered in a tone of displeasure: "At such a m oment and with such a
answered in a tone of displeasure: "At such a moment and with such a
request have you come, Fr. Seraphim ! "
request have you come, Fr. Seraphim!"
" Even now bless me, Father," continued the Saint, not in the least
"Even now bless me, Father," continued the Saint, not in the least
offended.
offended.
But how
""But how can
can I,I, at
at aa distance
distance ooff five
five versts,5
versts, 5 ensure
ensure that
that women
women are
are not
not
allowed to com e? " retorted Fr. Isaiah.
allowed to come?" retorted Fr. Isaiah.
" Only bless me, Father," St. Seraphim insisted humbly but firmly," and
"Only bless me, Father," St. Seraphim insisted humbly but firmly," and
not one o f them will go up my mountain."
not one of them will go up my mountain."
Then the abbot ordered him to be given the ikon o f the Mother o f
Then the abbot ordered him to be given the ikon of the Mother of
God The Blessed
God ""The Blessed Womb,
Womb,"" and
and blessing
blessing him,
him, said:
said: "I
"I bless
bless you
you not
not to
to al
al-­
low
low women
women toto visit
visit your
your m ountain; but
mountain; but guard
guard it
it you rself! "
yourself!"
Fr. Seraphim kissed the holy ikon and returned to his place. After
Fr. Seraphim kissed the holy ikon and returned to his place. After
partaking o f the Holy Mysteries, he went back to his hermitage and bar ­
partaking of the Holy Mysteries, he went back to his hermitage and bar-
ricaded the path with tree stumps. Now the way to him was closed, but Fr.
ricaded the path with tree stumps. Now the way to him was closed, but Fr.
Seraphim still received men from time to time. Defeated here, the tempter
Seraphim still received men from time to time. Defeated here, the tempter
assailed
assailed him
him in
in other
other ways.
ways. To
To aa layman
layman Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim said, The enemy
said, ""The enemy is
is
4 Mount Athos is a peninsula in Greece which has been a completely enclosed monastic
4 Mount Athos is a peninsula in Greece which has been a completely enclosed monastic
area for men since the 8th - 9th century, boasting dozens of Orthodox monasteries from
area for men since the 8th-9th century, boasting dozens of Orthodox monasteries from
many countries in the present day. Women are not allowed to visit at all and men must have
many countries in the present day. Women are not allowed to visit at all and men must have
permission to visit by the authorities. In Orthodox oral history, the Mother of God visited
permission to visit by the authorities. In Orthodox oral history, the Mother of God visited
Mt. Athos during her lifetime and it was consecrated to her. To this day, the monks call it
Mt, Athas during her lifetime and it was consecrated to her. To this day, the monks call it
"The Garden of the Theotokos" and consider themselves under her special protection. — ed.
"The Garden of the Theotokos" and consider themselves under her special protection. -ed.
5 3.3 miles or 5.3 km
5 3.3 miles or 5.3 km

63
 A n E x t r a o r d in a r y P eace
!\\ E\Ti(,\URi)INt\I~\ PlilCE

everywhere with y o u ! " How then could that enemy leave him free o f his
everywhere with yOU!" How then could that enemy leave him free of his
wiles? To some visiting monks, St. Seraphim said that those who lived in
wiles? To some visiting monks, St. Seraphim said that those who lived in
the the monastery
monastery werewere fighting
fighting withwith
the the
evil evil powers
powers as with
as with doves,
doves, but but
that that
those who lived in solitude fought as with lions and leopards.
those who lived in solitude fought as with lions and leopards.
A layman, in the simplicity o f his heart, put the following question
A layman, in the simplicity of his heart, put the following question
to Fr. Seraphim: "Father, have you seen evil spirits? "
to Fr. Seraphim: "Father, have you seen evil spirits?"
The Elder answered with a smile: "They are foul. As it is impossible
The Elder answered with a smile: "They are foul. As it is impossible
for a sinner to gaze upon the light o f an angel, so it is awful to see devils,
for a sinner to gaze upon the light of an angel, so it is awful to see devils,
for they are foul."
for they are foul."
Sister
Sister Aquilian
Aquilian Malyshev
Malyshev laterlater related:
related:
He led me through the forest, past his stone and the place where Mark
He led me through the forest, past his stone and the place where Mark
the hermit lived and told me everything: how the foes tempted him
the hermit lived and told me everything: how the foes tempted him
here, how he fought with them there.
here, how he fought with them there.
But we have little detailed inform ation about this conflict. This is
But we have little detailed information about this conflict. This is
what the author o f the Diveyev Chronicle writes about the temptations
what the author of the Diveyev Chronicle writes about the temptations
o f the enemy:
of the enemy:
According to his cunning, he begins with the lightest temptations
According to his cunning, he begins with the lightest temptations
and at first assails the ascetic with fears. So, according to the narrative
and at first assails the ascetic with fears. So, according to the narrative
of a hieromonk of the Sarov hermitage, who lived to a venerable old
of a hieromonk of the Sarov hermitage, who lived to a venerable old
age, he once suddenly heard during prayer behind the walls of his cell
age, he once suddenly heard during prayer behind the walls of his cell
the howling of a beast; then it was just as if a crowd of people began
the howling of a beast; then it was just as if a crowd of people began
to break the door of his cell; they battered the frame of the door and
to break the door of his cell; they battered the frame of the door and
threw at the feet o f the praying monk a huge beam, which was after­
threw at the feet of the praying monk a huge beam, which was after-
wards carried away with great difficulty by eight men.
wards carried away with great difficulty by eight men.
At other times, by day, and especially at night, while standing at prayer
At other times, by day, and especially at night, while standing at prayer
suddenly it seemed to him that his cell was tumbling down in four di­
suddenly it seemed to him that his cell was tumbling down in four di-
rections and that from all sides frightful beasts were rushing at him
rections and that from all sides frightful beasts were rushing at him
with an angry and wild roar. Sometimes there would suddenly appear
with an angry and wild roar. Sometimes there would suddenly appear
before him an open coffin, from which a dead man would rise.
before him an open coffin, from which a dead man would rise.
As the elder did not succumb to fear, the devil raised against him the
As the elder did not succumb to fear, the devil raised against him the
mostmost
cruelcruel assaults. So, by God's permission, he would lift him into
assaults. So, by God's permission, he would lift him into
the air and from there would hurl him with such force to the ground
the air and from there would hurl him with such force to the ground
that if his angel guardian had not been present, his very bones would
that ifhis angel guardian had not been present, his very bones would
have been broken from such blows. But even in this way he could not
have been broken from such blows. But even in this way he could not
overcome the Elder.
overcome the Elder.

64
 Til i [),. "" 1I iii (I
All visions, temptations and assaults of the enemy Fr. Seraphim con ­
All visions, temptations and assaults of the enemy Fr.Seraphim con-
quered by the power of the holy cross and by prayers. Thereafter he
quered by the power of the holy cross and by prayers.Thereafter he
would long remain peacefully in his hermitage, thanking the Lord.
would long remain peacefully in his hermitage, thanking the Lord.
""The
The temptations
temptations of
of the
the devil,
devil."" he
he boldly
boldly said
said afterwards,
afterwards, ""are
are like
like aa
cobweb; there is only need to blow at it, and it will be destroyed; so it is
cobweb; there is only need to blow at it, and it will be destroyed; so it is
with the devilish foe. There is only need to shield oneself with the sign
with the devilish foe. There is only need to shie ld oneself with the sign
ooff the
the holy
holy cross,
cross, and
and all
all his
his wiles
wiles will
will completely
completely disappear.
disappear.""
But the wily enemy is inexhaustible in his m alicious plans against as ­
But the wily enemy is inexhaustible in his malicious plans against as-
cetics. As he had not overcome the holy combatant by inner temptations
cetics. As he had not overcome the holy combatant by inner temptations
and
and fears,
fears, he
he assailed
assailed him
him outwardly.
outwardly. This
This happened
happened after
after ten
ten years
years of
of
life in solitude on the 12th o f September, 1804.
life in solitude on the 12th of September, 1804.
Once Fr. Seraphim was cutting wood in the forest. Three unknown
Once Fr. Seraphim was cutting wood in the forest. Three unknown
peasants
peasants went
went up
up to
to him
him and
and began
began arrogantly
arrogantly to
to ask
ask for
for money: Lay
money: ""Lay
people come to you and bring you m oney! "
people come to you and bring you money!"
"I do not take anything from anyone," answered the Elder. But they
"I do not take anything from anyone," answered the Elder. But they
did not believe him and assaulted him. Fr. Seraphim possessed great
did not believe him and assaulted him. Fr. Seraphim possessed great
bodily strength, and besides he had an axe and could defend himself.
bodily strength, and besides he had an axe and could defend himself.
This thought, as he afterwards said, even flashed through his mind, but
This thought, as he afterwards said, even flashed through his mind, but
he at once remembered the words o f the Saviour: "All who take the sword
he at once remembered the words of the Saviour: "Allwho take the sword
will perish by the sword." (Matt. 26:52) And the holy ascetic calmly put
will perish by the sword." (Matt. 26:52) And the holy ascetic calmly put
down
down the
the axe
axe and
and said: Do what
said: ""Do what you
you want.
want.""
Then one o f the robbers raised his own axe and with the shaft gave the
Then one of the robbers raised his own axe and with the shaft gave the
hermit a blow on the head. The blood poured from Fr. Seraphim 's mouth
hermit a blow on the head. The blood poured from Fr. Seraphim's mouth
and ears, and he fell unconscious to the ground. But the evildoers went
and ears, and he fell unconscious to the ground. But the evildoers went
on beating him and dragged him to his cell, hoping that he would there
on beating him and dragged him to his cell, hoping that he would there
regain consciousness and show them the money himself. In the anteroom
regain consciousness and show them the money himself. In the anteroom
they
they bound
bound him
him hand
hand and
and foot
foot and
and began
began toto search
search the
the hermitage;
hermitage; they
they
even broke the stove. They broke the floor and found nothing. Suddenly
even broke the stove. They broke the floor and found nothing. Suddenly
they were assailed by fear and ran away in terror.
they were assailed by fear and ran away in terror.
Fr. Seraphim regained consciousness and untied h im self with dif ­
Fr. Seraphim regained consciousness and untied himself with dif-
ficulty. First o f all, he thanked God for granting him to bear sufferings,
ficulty. First of all. he thanked God for granting him to bear sufferings,
though
though innocent,
innocent, and
and prayed
prayed for
for the
the forgiveness
forgiveness ooff the
the criminals.
criminals. On
On the
the
next day he reached the monastery with tremendous effort. The Liturgy
next day he reached the monastery with tremendous effort. The Liturgy

65
 was being celebrated. The brethren were terrified at the dreadful appear­
was being celebrated. The brethren were terrified at the dreadful appear-
ance o f the Saint. His clothes and both his head and beard were covered
ance of the Saint. His clothes and both his head and beard were covered
with blood and dust; his face and hands bore numerous wounds; blood
with blood and dust; his face and hands bore numerous wounds; blood
had clotted in his ears and mouth; his teeth had been partly broken. On
had clotted in his ears and mouth; his teeth had been partly broken. On
being questioned by the monks, Fr. Seraphim remained silent. But after
being questioned by the monks, Fr. Seraphim remained silent. But after
the service he revealed everything to Fr. Isaiah and the confessor o f the
the service he revealed everything to Fr. Isaiah and the confessor of the
monastery. He was kept in the monastery. For eight days the patient suf­
monastery. He was kept in the monastery. For eight days the patient suf-
fered unbearably, without sleeping or taking either food or drink.
fered unbearably, without sleeping or taking either food or drink.
The Father Superior, fearing for his life, sent to Arzamas for medical
The Father Superior, fearing for his life, sent to Arzamas for medical
help; three doctors and three assistants arrived. Having exam ined the
help; three doctors and three assistants arrived. Having examined the
patient they found the following: his head was broken, his ribs smashed,
patient they found the following: his head was broken, his ribs smashed,
his chest stamped in, and the body also bore some mortal wounds. They
his chest stamped in, and the body also bore some mortal wounds. They
were astonished that a man could remain alive after all that. At the be ­
were astonished that a man could remain alive after all that. At the be-
ginning o f the exam ination Fr. Seraphim was conscious, but towards the
ginning of the examination Fr. Seraphim was conscious, but towards the
end of it he fell into a coma and was granted a wonderful vision.
end of it he fell into a coma and was granted a wonderful vision.
At the right side of his bed appeared the Most Holy Mother o f God
At the right side of his bed appeared the Most Holy Mother of God
with the same Apostles as on her first visit, Peter and John. Pointing with
with the same Apostles as on her first visit, Peter and John. Pointing with
the finger o f her right hand at the sufferer, she turned to the side where
the finger of her right hand at the sufferer, she turned to the side where
the doctors stood and said: "Why do you trouble yourselves? " Then she
the doctors stood and said: "Why do you trouble yourselves?" Then she
looked at St. Seraphim and again repeated to the Apostles her previous
looked at St. Seraphim and again repeated to the Apostles her previous
words: " This is one of our kind."
words: "This is one of our kind."
The vision ended. At that m oment the Father Superior entered. The
The vision ended. At that moment the Father Superior entered. The
doctor proposed to him and to the patient to " let blood, " 6 to wash the
doctor proposed to him and to the patient to "let blood." to wash the
wounds with alcohol, and to apply plasters. But Fr. Seraphim declined all
wounds with alcohol, and to apply plasters. But Fr. Seraphim declined all
this, surrendering him self to the will o f God and the Most Holy Mother
this, surrendering himself to the will of God and the Most Holy Mother
o f God. And he was suddenly filled with unutterable joy which lasted for
of God. And he was suddenly filled with unutterable joy which lasted for
about four hours. Towards evening he rose from his bed to the am aze ­
about four hours. Towards evening he rose from his bed to the amaze-
ment of all, and at the ninth hour he asked for some bread and salt cab ­
ment of all, and at the ninth hour he asked for some bread and salt cab-
bage and strengthened himself. And he gradually began to recover. But
bage and strengthened himself. And he gradually began to recover. But
the traces o f this onslaught remained on his body for the rest o f his life.
the traces of this onslaught remained on his body for the rest of his life.
Even before, he had a stoop, having been crushed while cutting down a
Even before, he had a stoop, having been crushed while cutting down a
6 Bloodletting, or purposeful cutting/puncture of the patient's skin to cause bleeding
6 Bloodletting,
in sometimesor purposeful
copious cutting/puncture
amounts, was a popularofmedical
the patient's skin during
technique to cause bleeding
this time.— ed.
in sometimes copious amounts, was a popular medical technique during this time.-ed.

66
 rED is! ! II F Ii \1 t !

tree, but now he was quite bent. And from that tim e Fr. Seraphim walked
tree, but now he was quite bent. And from that time Fr. Seraphim walked
leaning upon an axe or a hoe.
leaning upon an axe or a hoe.
The ascetic spent five m onths in the monastery. Fr. Isaiah and the
The ascetic spent five months in the monastery. Fr. Isaiah and the
brethren advised him to stay there for good, but he obtained the bless ­
brethren advised him to stay there for good, but he obtained the bless-
ing to return again to his beloved solitude. Soon after this the evildoers
ing to return again to his beloved solitude. Soon after this the evildoers
were found: they turned out to be peasants (serfs) from the village o f
were found: they turned out to be peasants (serfs) from the village of
Kremenky. They were to have been tried; but learning this, Fr. Seraphim
Kremenky. They were to have been tried; but learning this, Fr. Seraphim
begged Fr. Isaiah and their master, the landowner Tatischaoff, to forgive
begged Fr. Isaiah and their master, the landowner Tatischaoff, to forgive
them. " Otherwise," he declared to the superior, "I shall leave the Sarov
them. "Otherwise," he declared to the superior, "I shall leave the Sarov
monastery and go to another place."
monastery and go to another place."
His request was granted. But God punished the evildoers Himself:
His request was granted. But God punished the evildoers Himself:
their houses were burnt. Then they came to the Saint and offered repen ­
their houses were burnt. Then they came to the Saint and offered repen-
tance with tears, asking for his forgiveness and prayers.
tance with tears, asking for his forgiveness and prayers.
Fr. Seraphim forgave them and took up again the life o f a hermit. But
Fr. Seraphim forgave them and took up again the life of a hermit. But
it was not spent only in labours and sufferings. Not only did the Saint
it was not spent only in labours and sufferings. Not only did the Saint
grow spiritually and attain to dispassion —the aim o f hesychasm —but
grow spiritually and attain to dispassion-the aim of hesychasm-but
at the same tim e the Lord rewarded His servant with unutterable conso ­
at the same time the Lord rewarded His servant with unutterable conso-
lations, and also glorified him with extraordinary miracles. Let us here
lations, and also glorified him with extraordinary miracles. Let us here
give a brief account of the wonderful subjection in which he held wild
give a brief account of the wonderful subjection in which he held wild
beasts and reptiles.
beasts and reptiles.
Having fallen from God, man has been deprived o f his royal sover­
Having fallen from God, man has been deprived of his royal sover-
eignty over the world; but when he returns to his original state, he receives
eignty over the world; but when he returns to his original state, he receives
again power over creatures. And so it happened to St. Seraphim. There is
again power over creatures. And so it happened to St. Seraphim. There is
a legend that to his cell, as to the cell of St. Blasius, various beasts came
a legend that to his cell, as to the cell of St. Blasius, various beasts came
at night, and snakes crept near; and he came out to them and fed them
at night, and snakes crept near; and he came out to them and fed them
from his meagre fare. One o f the brethren who was more intim ate with
from his meagre fare. One of the brethren who was more intimate with
him and visited his hermitage, the Hierodeacon Alexander, once even
him and visited his hermitage, the Hierodeacon Alexander, once even
asked how there was sufficient bread for the animals. The holy Elder re ­
asked how there was sufficient bread for the animals. The holy Elder re-
plied that he always found in the sieve as much as was needed for them.
plied that he always found in the sieve as much as was needed for them.
But the most noteworthy and touching records are those o f how the
But the most noteworthy and touching records are those of how the
Saint fed bears. W ho has not heard o f this am azing miracle? Its cer ­
Saint fed bears. Who has not heard of this amazing miracle? Its cer-
tainty has been testified by many eyewitnesses. It was related by this
tainty has been testified by many eyewitnesses. It was related by this
same Hieromonk Alexander; by the monk Peter; by a woman who after ­
same Hierornonk Alexander; by the monk Peter; by a woman who after-

67
A A
E xn 1 i{E .\x \)t rI{ an o1 "r d\ I:i nY a Pr Ly ,\ CP Le a c e

wardswards became
became Mother
Mother Matrona
Matrona o f Diveyev;
of Diveyev; by Superior
by the the Superior
of theo f Lyskov
the Lyskov
Community,
Community, Alexandra;
Alexandra; by Mother
by Mother Anna;Anna;
and and others.
others. This This
is theis account
the account
o f Sarov
of the the Sarov
MonkMonk
Peter:Peter:

BoundBound
with with
ties ofties of affection
affection to Fr.toSeraphim,
Fr. Seraphim,I onceI once
wentwent
to histodis-
his dis ­

tant hermitage in order to profit by the soul-saving counsels of theof the

tant hermitage in order to profit by the soul - saving counsels

man man of God.

of God. As I drew
As I drew near,near,
I sawI that
saw that Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim was sitting
was sitting on theon the
trunk of a tree and feeding a bear that was standing
trunk of a tree and feeding a bear that was standing in front of him in front of him

with with dry bread,

dry bread, whichwhich he took
he took fromfrom his cell.
his cell. Struck Struck by wonderful
by this this wonderful
and strange sight, I stopped behind a big
and strange sight, I stopped behind a big tree and began to praytree and began to pray
men-men ­
tally to Fr. Seraphim that he might deliver me from fear. And I sawI at
tally to Fr. Seraphim that he might deliver me from fear. And saw at

once that the bear left the Elder and went into the forest in the oppo-oppo ­
once that the bear left the Elder and went into the forest in the
site direction
site direction from from me. Then
me. Then I plucked
I plucked up courage
up courage and approached
and approached Fr. Fr.
Seraphim. The Elder welcomed me joyfully and said that since I hadI had
Seraphim. The Elder welcomed me joyfully and said that since

been been deemed

deemed worthyworthy
to seetothis
see wild
this wild
beastbeast
near near
him, him, I should
I should keep keep
it it
secret until his death. After this I have always marveled at the purity of of
secret until his death. After this I have always marveled at the purity

soul soul and

and at theatfaith
the faith
of thisof righteous
this righteous Elder,Elder,
whom whom
even even the dumb
the dumb ani- ani ­
mals obeyed, while we were scared at the
mals obeyed, while we were scared at the very sight of them. very sight of them.

Further
Further on shall
on we we shall
hear hear o f still
of still moremore touching
touching and and edifying
edifying
occurrences.
occurrences.
ThusThus twelve
twelve yearsyears
of hiso flife
his as
lifea hermit
as a herm it went
went by.Isaiah
by. Fr. Fr. Isaiah
gave gave up his
up his
post post as superior
as superior owingowing
to histo failing
his failing strength
strength and and retired
retired to rest,
to rest, wishing
wishing
to prepare
to prepare himfor
himself selfhis
fordeparture
his departure to theto other
the other life. The
life. The brethren
brethren decided
decided
to elect
to elect Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim in hisin place.
his place.

This was the third offer mademade

This was the third offer to him.
to him. Besides
Besides at Alateer,
at Alateer. they they
had had
also also wanted
wanted to make
to make him him the Superior
the Superior of theo f Krassno-Sobodsky
the Krassno - Sobodsky Spassky
Spassky
Monastery.
Monastery. But But
after after his feat
his feat on stone,
on the the stone, the herm
the hermit it now
now firmlyfirmly
and and
calm
calmly ly rejected
rejected such such offers.
offers. The The brethren
brethren chosechose the bursar
the bursar of theo f monas-
the m onas ­

tery, tery, Fr. Niphont,

Fr. Niphont, as theas abbot
the abbot o f Sarov.
of Sarov.
Fr. Isaiah,
Fr. Isaiah, who whohad had a deep
a deep love love
and and esteem
esteem forSeraphim,
for Fr. Fr. Seraphim, former ­
former-
ly used
ly used to visit
to visit him, him,
as heasdelighted
he delighted
in hisin conversations
his conversations and and
was was
ben- ben ­
efitedefited by spiritual
by the the spiritual experience
experience of hisof own
his own spiritual
spiritual son. son. But now
But now he he
had had
grown grown
weak;weak;
and and so brethren
so the the brethren
used used to take
to take him him
in a in a small
small cart cart
to to
the distant hermitage. Thus, the teacher had become the pupil. To what what
the distant hermitage. Thus, the teacher had become the pupil. To
heights
heights the herm
the hermit hadit had attained!
attained! Consequently,
Consequently, what what
great great
profitprofit he de­
he de-

68
 Til i DIs r \ NT II E R \1 I r \ c: i
rived
rivedfrom
fromsolitude!
solitude!
The
Thenext
nextyear,
year,1807,
1807,Fr.
Fr.Isaiah
Isaiahpeacefully
peacefully departed.
departed. Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim held
held
him
himall
allhis
hislife
lifeinindeep
deepesteem
esteemasaswell
wellasashis
hisother
otherelders
eldersand
andfriends
friendswhom
whom
he
heregarded
regarded asasmen
menpleasing
pleasingtotoGod.
God.
" When
"Whenyou
youcome
cometotome, " he
me," heafterwards
afterwards instructed
instructed the
theabbess
abbess oof
f the
the
Ardatov Community, Mother Evdoxia, and many others, " visit the
Ardatov Community, Mother Evdoxia, and many others, "visit the graves,graves,
make
makethree
three bows
bowsand
andpray
praytotoGod
Godthat
that the
thesouls
souls ofofHis
Hisservants
servants Isaiah,
Isaiah,
Pachomius,
Pachomius, Mark
Markand
andothers,
others, may
mayrest
restininpeace;
peace;and andthen
then fall
falldown
down b be-
e­
fore
forethe
thegrave
graveand
and say
saymentally:
mentally: Forgive
Forgiveme,me, holy
holyfathers,
fathers, and
and pray
prayfofor
r me.
me.
They
Theyare
are'fiery
'fierypillars
pillars from
fromearth
earth totoheaven/ " And
heaven.'" Andhe
hehimself,
himself, when
when hehe
went
wenttotothe
themonastery,
monastery, used
usedtotogogofirst
firsttotothe
thegraves
gravesoof
f his
hisbeloved
belovedfathers.
fathers.
And
Andsosohis
hisclose
closefriends
friends departed
departed totoeternity.
eternity. He
Hefelt
feltlike
likean
anorphan.
orphan.
The
Thenew
newsuperior
superior was
wasspiritually
spiritually distant
distant from
fromhim . They
him. Theywere
werequite
quite un ­
un-
like
likeone
oneanother
another ininspirit.
spirit.
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimwanted
wantedtotoprofit
profitby
bythe
thedeath
deathoofFr.
f Fr. Isaiah,
Isaiah,asashehehad
hadprof ­
prof-
ited
itedby
bythe
thedeath
death oof
f Fr.
Fr.Pachomius.
Pachomius. Then
Thenhe
hehad
hadretired
retired from
fromthe
themmonas-
onas ­
tery
teryinto
intothe
thewilderness;
wilderness; now
nowhehechose
chosea anew,
new,further
further penance —silence,
penance-silence,
after
afterthe
theexample
example oof
f St.
St.Arsenius
Arseniusthe
theGreat
Greatand
andJohn
Johnthe
theSilent.
Silent.
He
Hestopped
stopped going
goingout
outaltogether
altogether even
eventotoreceive
receivethose
thosefew
fewvisitors
visitorswho
who
still
stilloccasionally
occasionally made
madetheir
theirway
waytotohim.
him.And
Andififhe
he happened
happened totomeet
meetany ­
any-
one
oneininthe
theforest,
forest,the
theSaint
Saintfell
fellprone
proneon
onthe
theground
ground and
andsilently
silentlylay
laythere
there
until
until the
theperson
person went
wentaway.
away.He
Healso
alsobegan
began tototurn
turn up
upless
lessfrequently
frequently atat
the
themonastery;
monastery; hehedid
didnot
notalways
alwaysgogothere,
there,even
evenon
onfeast
feastdays.
days.
Food
Foodwas
wasbrought
brought totohim
himonce
oncea aweek
weekfrom
fromthe
themonastery.
monastery. Stepping
Stepping
into
intothe
theanteroom,
anteroom, the
thenovice
novicewould
would say
saythe
thecustomary
customary monastic
monastic prayer:
prayer:
By
Bythe
theprayers
prayerso of
f our
ourHoly
HolyFather,
Father,O0Lord
LordJesus
JesusChrist
Christ our
ourGod,
God,have
havemercy
mercyonon
us.The
us. TheElder
Elderwould
wouldsay: Amen, from
say:Amen, fromwithin
within and
andopen
openhis
hiscell.
cell.With
Withhands
hands
crossed
crossedon
onhis
hisbreast
breastand
andface
facecast
castdownwards,
downwards, hehestood
stood atatthe
thedoor
doorwwith-
ith ­
out
outeven
evenblessing
blessingthe
thecaller.
caller.The
Thenovice
novicebowed
boweddown
down totohim
him and
andput
putthe
the
food
foodononthe
thetable
tableininthe
theanteroom.
anteroom. And
AndthetheSaint
Saintput
putthere
there some
somebread
bread
ororcabbage,
cabbage, which was meant to indicate what he needed further. The
which was meant to indicate what he needed further. The
brother
brother again
againbowed
bowed down
down totohim,
him, asked
askedhim
him for
forhis
hisprayers
prayers and
andwent
went
away
awaywithout
without having
havingheard
hearda asingle
singleword
wordexcept
except"Amen. "
"Amen."

69
 A N E X T R A. 0 R. D i N A R Y P E A C K
:\" Ex : I~ RD i" \ R P I. 1\ C I
Fr. Seraphim remained in this penance for three years. This silence for
Fr. Seraphim remained in this penance for three years. This silence for
him was only the culm ination of his solitude. Therefore all that had hith ­
him was only the culmination of his solitude. Therefore all that had hith-
erto constituted the Saint's interior life was now only strengthened and
erto constituted the Saint's interior life was now only strengthened and
deepened. He went completely w ithin him self and away from the world.
deepened. He went completely within himself and away from the world.
" Silence is the sacrament o f the future life," he used to say in the words
"Silence is the sacrament of the future life," he used to say in the words
o f the Fathers. Therefore let us also venerate this penance o f his by our
of the Fathers. Therefore let us also venerate this penance of his by our
silence; let us not dare to enter w ithin the tabernacle of his soul with our
silence; let us not dare to enter within the tabernacle of his soul with our
inexperienced minds and our impure thoughts: that is, a place only for
inexperienced minds and our impure thoughts: that is, a place only for
the Most Pure Spirit o f God. Let us only repeat from his instructions the
the Most Pure Spirit of God. Let us only repeat from his instructions the
words o f St. Barsonuphius the Great:
words of St. Barsonuphius the Great:
Perfect silence is a cross on which a man must crucify himself with all
Perfect silence is a cross on which a man must crucify himself with all
his passions and lusts. But think how many rebukes and offenses did
his passions and lusts. But think how many rebukes and offenses did
Christ our Master suffer first, and only then did He ascend the cross.
Christ our Master suffer first, and only then did He ascend the cross.
So neither can we attain perfect silence and hope for holy perfection
So neither can we attain perfect silence and hope for holy perfection
unless we suffer with Christ. For, as the Apostle says: If we suffer with
unless we suffer with Christ. For, as the Apostle says: If we suffer with
Him, we shall also be glorified with Him. (Rom. 8:17) There is no oth ­
Him, we shall also be glorified with Him. (Rom. 8:17) There is no oth-
er way.
erway.

And this was the way chosen by the great Saint o f our time, and he
And this was the way chosen by the great Saint of our time, and he
followed it to the end.
followed it to the end.
Glorification awaits him ahead; but he will still carry the cross o f si­
Glorification awaits him ahead; but he will still carry the cross of si-
lence, only in another place and under other, more difficult conditions —as
lence, only in another place and under other, more difficult conditions-as
a recluse in the monastery. Sixteen years previously he had gone away to
a recluse in the monastery. Sixteen years previously he had gone away to
the wilderness; now by Divine Providence he comes back again to the
the wilderness; now by Divine Providence he comes back again to the
monastery.
monastery.
The cycle o f his labours in the wilderness had been completed.
The cycle of his labours in the wilderness had been completed.

70
 C J ijf / ie r 6

R eclusion
RECLUSION

he term " reclusion " or " recluse " frequently conveys the idea that

T HE term "reclusion" or "recluse" frequently conveys the idea that

Fr. Seraphim rose to the highest degree o f asceticism —solitude. But
Fr. Seraphim rose to the highest degree of asceticism-solitude. But
one may think otherwise. His solitude in the forest or life as a herm it re ­
one may think otherwise. His solitude in the forest or life as a hermit re-
ally ended with his apparent reclusion;1the Saint's m inistry to the world
ally ended with his apparent reclusion;' the Saint's ministry to the world
had already begun. Even though he spent the first years of this penance
had already begun. Even though he spent the first years of this penance
still in silence, they were rather a preparation for his new obedience: the
still in silence, they were rather a preparation for his new obedience: the
salvation o f men.
salvation of men.
In fact, his abandonm ent o f the wilderness and return to a crowded
In fact his abandonment of the wilderness and return to a crowded
monastery, even though in reclusion, is already a kind o f intercourse with
monastery, even though in reclusion, is already a kind of intercourse with
the world. And his life there was a living, visible sermon both to monks
the world. And his life there was a living, visible sermon both to monks
and pilgrims. By his reclusion and silence Fr. Seraphim taught them the
and pilgrims. By his reclusion and silence Fr. Seraphim taught them the
way o f salvation, penance and love of God no less than bywords. In any
way of salvation, penance and love of God no less than by words. In any
case, his example here, in sight of all, was more effectual and edifying
case, his example here, in sight of all, was more effectual and edifying
than in the far hermitage, where he was cut o ff from dealings with people
than in the far hermitage, where he was cut off from dealings with people
with few exceptions.
with few exceptions.
And after another five years the spiritually mature Seraphim would
And after another five years the spiritually mature Seraphim would
leave his solitude for good and openly commence his apostolic labour of
leave his solitude for good and openly commence his apostolic labour of
m inistry to people. And so, his life in the distant hermitage and the sec­
ministry to people. And so, his life in the distant hermitage and the sec-
ond period of his life also came to an end. We can now see the outline
ond period of his life also came to an end. We can now see the outline
of three periods in his life: the first, the worldly period —lasting until his
of three periods in his life: the first the worldly period -lasting until his
pilgrimage to Kiev; the second, the monastic period —from Dositheos ' cell
pilgrimage to Kiev; the second, the monastic period-from Dositheos' cell
to his leaving the hermitage; and the third, the apostolic period —from
to his leaving the hermitage; and the third, the apostolic period - from
his reclusion till his death.
his reclusion till his death.
The Saint him self in his hum ility would not have dared to have left
The Saint himself in his humility would not have dared to have left
1 That is, his period of ascetic silence.— ed.
1 That is, his period of ascetic silence.-ed.

71
 An i 1 ,
P■ t: . :\ ?
r\ '" I, \: : \i, ;.\.\ I·: 'I" (::

his hermitage to go forth as a preacher, teacher and minister. He would

his hermitage to go forth as a preacher, teacher and minister. He would
not have wanted to give up the sweet silence o f the wilderness so beloved
not have wanted to give up the sweet silence of the wilderness so beloved
by him. But God 's providence guides His saints.
by him. But God's providence guides His saints,
"I know a man," said a great solitary o f ancient times, Macarius the
"I know a man," said a great solitary of ancient times, Macarius the
Great, probably speaking of himself, "who would like nothing better than
Great, probably speaking of himself, "who would like nothing better than
to sit in a corner of his cave and delight in blessed contemplation. But
to sit in a corner of his cave and delight in blessed contemplation, But
God H im self abandons him from tim e to tim e in order that at least in
God Himself abandons him from time to time in order that at least in
this way he should come back to his ordinary state and still minister to
this way he should come back to his ordinary state and still minister to
his brethren."
his brethren,"
That is what happened with St. Seraphim; the ripe fruit o f the wilder­
That is what happened with S1,Seraphim; the ripe fruit of the wilder-
ness was plucked from the tree o f solitude and placed before the eyes of
ness was plucked from the tree of solitude and placed before the eyes of
men. It was given some tim e to mature completely in order that it should
men. It was given some time to mature completely in order that it should
be quite mellow and attain its utmost sweetness, so as to be wholly pleas ­
be quite mellow and attain its utmost sweetness, so as to be wholly pleas-
ing to the Lord and pleasant to men.
ing to the Lord and pleasant to men,
Thus, reclusion was in one sense the clim ax of his solitude; yet still
Thus, reclusion was in one sense the climax of his solitude; yet still
more it was the preparation and the beginning of a new period of life, the
more it was the preparation and the beginning of a new period of life, the
second half of his monasticism. But in order that the transition from soli ­
second half of his monasticism. But in order that the transition from soli-
tude to service should not be too sudden, the Lord led His lover of silence
tude to service should not be too sudden, the Lord led His lover of silence
from the wilderness into the monastery, where for some time he apparently
from the wilderness into the monastery, where for some time he apparently
still continued his former life, but in reality he began his new ministry.
still continued his former life, but in reality he began his new ministry.
This is how it happened. As we have seen, after his retirement into
This is how it happened. As we have seen, after his retirement into
solitude Fr. Seraphim began to visit the monastery less and less frequently,
solitude Fr. Seraphim began to visit the monastery less and less frequently,
and and seldom ever partook of the Holy Mysteries.
seldom ever partook of the Holy Mysteries.
To one who knows the life o f solitaries, there is nothing astonishing
To one who knows the life of solitaries, there is nothing astonishing
in this. Many of them acted in sim ilar manner. St. Mary of Egypt did not
in this. Many of them acted in similar manner. St. Mary of Egypt did not
even once communicate during the forty -seven years of her life in soli ­
even once communicate during the forty-seven years of her life in soli-
tude, after she had left the Jordan m onastery of St. John the Baptist; and
tude, after she had left the Jordan monastery of S1,John the Baptist; and
it was only one hour before her death that she was granted the favor of
it was only one hour before her death that she was granted the favor of
receiving the life giving Sacrament from the Elder Zosimus.
-
receiving the life-giving Sacrament from the Elder Zosimus.
W hether it is that the Lord grants them the saving sweetness of com ­
Whether it is that the Lord grants them the saving sweetness of com-
munion with H im self through prayer and contemplation, or whether in a
munion with Himself through prayer and contemplation, or whether in a
certain "
­
invisible m anner they are granted communion through an angel
certain "invisible manner they are granted communion through an angel
o f God,"
­as Fr. Seraphim said to the widow Eropkin, this is beyond our
of God," as Fr. Seraphim said to the widow Eropkin, this is beyond our

72
ordinary knowledge and experience.
ordinary knowledge and experience.
And so, it is not surprising that the brethren o f the monastery began
And so, it is not surprising that the brethren of the monastery began
to be offended. People are often perplexed and even indignant when oth ­
to be offended. People are often perplexed and even indignant when oth-
ers do not act just as they do. The new Abbot Niphont also sided with the
ers do not act just as they do. The new Abbot Niphont also sided with the
brethren. It has already been mentioned that he was o f quite a different
brethren. It has already been mentioned that he was of quite a different
spirit from Fr. Seraphim. He was remarkable for his administrative abili ­
spirit from Fr. Seraphim. He was remarkable for his administrative abili-
ties and his experience in money matters. He insisted on the strict ob ­
ties and his experience in money matters. He insisted on the strict ob-
servance of the rules and rubrics; during his lifetim e the memorial lists
servance of the rules and rubrics; during his lifetime the memorial lists
o f the living and departed were read unremittingly at the proskomidia2
of the living and departed were read unremittingly at the proskomidia 2

before the reading o f the Hours. He is remembered as an able builder and

before the reading of the Hours. He is remembered as an able builder and
decorator of the monastery. He kept the fasts strictly. He was industrious,
decorator of the monastery. He kept the fasts strictly. He was industrious,
unselfish, genial with visitors to the monastery, well-read, and eloquent.
unselfish, genial with visitors to the monastery, well-read, and eloquent.
Yet certain facts lead us to think that he was not o f one mind with
Yet certain facts lead us to think that he was not of one mind with
Fr. Seraphim. Nor was he alone. The well - known pilgrim and writer
Fr. Seraphim. Nor was he alone. The well-known pilgrim and writer
Muravyov who visited Sarov soon after the death o f the Saint, reverently
Muravyov who visited Sarov soon after the death of the Saint, reverently
asked the brothers about him. What was his am azem ent when he was
asked the brothers about him. What was his amazement when he was
told with levity and impudence: "Here, we are all Seraphims."
told with levity and impudence: "Here, we are all Seraphims."
In order to understand this, it is necessary to acquire a deep knowledge
In order to understand this, it is necessary to acquire a deep knowledge
o f the teaching o f the Saint —or rather of the Church or the Holy Spirit
of the teaching of the Saint-or rather of the Church or the Holy Spirit
H im self —as to the essence o f Christianity and the m eaning not only of
Himself-as to the essence of Christianity and the meaning not only of
ascetic labours, but also of the virtues, and to put this teaching into prac­
ascetic labours, but also of the virtues, and to put this teaching into prac-
tise. And the reader will see it for him self in the wonderful, illum inating
tise. And the reader will see it for himself in the wonderful, illuminating
conversation between Fr. Seraphim and N.A. Motovilov.
conversation between Fr. Seraphim and N.A. Motovilov.
Possibly, also, the demon o f envy was troubling the abbot. He had
Possibly, also, the demon of envy was troubling the abbot. He had
come to the m onastery twenty years after the Saint, in 1787, and had
come to the monastery twenty years after the Saint, in 1787, and had
been chosen superior only after Fr. Seraphim had refused that office.
been chosen superior only after Fr. Seraphim had refused that office.
God know s! Certainly Fr. Niphont shows no joy at being in contact with
God knows! Certainly Fr. Niphont shows no joy at being in contact with
the wonder of Sarov, and even of the whole world —for that is what St.
the wonder of Sarov, and even of the whole world - for that is what St.
Seraphim was. Not one kindness, not a single loving word or act showing
Seraphim was. Not one kindness, not a single loving word or act showing
his sympathy has been recorded.
his sympathy has been recorded.
And this is not due to chance. His predecessor, Fr. Isaiah, so tenderly
And this is not due to chance. His predecessor, Fr. Isaiah, so tenderly
loved the Saint and reverenced him, that he was even brought in a cart to
loved the Saint and reverenced him, that he was even brought in a cart to
2 Preparatory prayers by the priest before Communion.— ed.
2 Preparatory prayers by the priest before Communion.-ed.

73
A \ 1\ i r: ,\ ,\ H \ P L (.!

see the man of God. But here we see something quite different. And yet
see the man of God. But here we see something quite different. And yet
the Saint lived twenty-five years (1807 - 1832) under his rule, and those
the Saint lived twenty-five years (1807-1832) under his rule, and those
were the years o f his most glorious labours, his miracles, his spiritual
were the years of his most glorious labours, his miracles, his spiritual
insight. His fame was already spreading all over Russia; yet in his own
insight. His fame was already spreading all over Russia; yet in his own
hom e —according to the word o f Scripture —few considered him a prophet.
home-according to the word of Scripture- few considered him a prophet.
(Matt. 1 3 :5 7 )3
(Matt. 13:57)3
But the Lord makes "all things work together for good to those who
But the Lord makes "all things work together for good to those who
love God." (Rom. 8:28) That is what happened here. The strict and law-
love God." (Rom. 8:28) That is what happened here. The strict and law-
abiding abbot took counsel with the senior brethren o f the monastery
abiding abbot took counsel with the senior brethren of the monastery
concerning the extraordinary life o f the hermit, and they decided to offer
concerning the extraordinary life of the hermit, and they decided to offer
Fr. Seraphim, if he were healthy and strong on his legs, to come as before
Fr. Seraphim, ifhe were healthy and strong on his legs, to come as before
on Sundays and holidays and partake of Holy Com munion, but if his
on Sundays and holidays and partake of Holy Communion, but if his
legs refused to serve him, to return to the monastery and live in his cell.
legs refused to serve him, to return to the monastery and live in his cell.
The brother who used to take him his food had to transmit that de ­
The brother who used to take him his food had to transmit that de-
cision on his first visit to the hermitage. Fr. Seraphim listened to him
cision on his first visit to the hermitage. Fr. Seraphim listened to him
in silence and then dismissed him without uttering a single word. The
in silence and then dismissed him without uttering a single word. The
decision of the council of the monastery was so unexpected that it took
decision of the council of the monastery was so unexpected that it took
the solitary unawares. He was used to obedience but was this the will
the solitary unawares. He was used to obedience but was this the will
of God? Was he to give up holy silence, when he had undertaken it with
of God? Was he to give up holy silence, when he had undertaken it with
the blessing of his spiritual fathers —Joseph, Pachomius, Isaiah? It was
the blessing of his spiritual fathers-Joseph, Pachornius, Isaiah? It was
no easy thing for him now, after sixteen years, to tear him self away from
no easy thing for him now, after sixteen years, to tear himself away from
sweet solitude and return to the community.
sweet solitude and return to the community.
The later solitary and recluse St. Theophan writes:
The later solitary and recluse St. Theophan writes:
He who has developed a "drawing within " and "rapture to God," and
He who has developed a "drawing within" and "rapture to God," and
especially he in whom perfect surrender to God and ceaseless prayer
especially he in whom perfect surrender to God and ceaseless prayer
have begun to act, cannot be kept in a comm unity in intercourse with
have begun to act, cannot be kept in a community in intercourse with
others.
others.
Those who have come to love blessed silence pass to the activity of the
Those who have come to love blessed silence pass to the activity of the
holy angels and imitate their mode of life. They never weary of prais ­
holy angels and imitate their mode of life. They never weary of prais-

3 Later, Fr. Niphont spread his opinion further. Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow wrote to
3 Later, Fr. Niphont
his friend spread father,
and spiritual his opinion further. Metropolitan
Archimandrite Philaret
Antony, a former of of
pupil Moscow wrote to"The
Fr. Seraphim:
his friend
abbot and spiritual
of Sarov father, sinned
evidently Archimandrite
when he Antony,
wrote toaMetropolitan
former pupil ofFr.
JonahSeraphim: "The
his dark thoughts "
abbotabout
of Sarov evidently
the Saint. And sinned when hePhilaret
Metropolitan wrote to Metropolitan
was an extremelylonah his dark
discreet judge.thoughts"
about the Saint. And Metropolitan Philaret was an extremely discreet judge.

74
 R ( iO
ing the Creator, even to all eternity. So too, he who has ascended to the
ing the Creator, even to all eternity. So too, he who has ascended to the
heaven of solitude will not weary of hymning the Creator.
heaven of solitude will not weary of hymning the Creator.
Therefore the whole occupation of the solitary is to be with the Lord,
Therefore the whole occupation of the solitary is to be with the Lord,
alone with Whom he converses face to face, just as the favorites of a
alone with Whom he converses faceto face, just as the favorites of a
king speak into his ear.
king speak into his ear.
At the same tim e such an interior silent "activity is kept and guarded
At the same time such an interior silent "activity is kept and guarded
by another on e —the keeping o f the thoughts undisturbed." 4
by another one- the keeping of the thoughts undisturbed."
And so now Fr. Seraphim was asked to leave this " blessed solitude."
And so now Fr. Seraphim was asked to leave this "blessed solitude."
They wanted to force him to return to " intercourse with others." He was
They wanted to force him to return to "intercourse with others." He was
to be placed again amid the noise o f a crowded monastery which was
to be placed again amid the noise of a crowded monastery which was
visited by thousands o f pilgrims.
visited by thousands of pilgrims.
What a crisis in his life! This was an even more important and decisive
What a crisis in his life! This was an even more important and decisive
step than leaving his home and his beloved mother thirty - two years pre ­
step than leaving his home and his beloved mother thirty-two years pre-
viously. Then, all that was bright and attractive lay ahead; now it seems
viously. Then, all that was bright and attractive lay ahead; now it seems
he is to be drawn back to a lower state through which he had passed and
he is to be drawn back to a lower state through which he had passed and
which he had almost forgotten after his sixteen years of solitude. What
which he had almost forgotten after his sixteen years of solitude. What
was he to do?
was he to do?
The behavior o f the holy solitary is now easy to understand. He si­
The behavior of the holy solitary is now easy to understand. He si-
lently listened to the brothers message, and he silently dismissed him
lently listened to the brother's message, and he silently dismissed him
without uttering a single word. It meant that there was not as yet any word
without uttering a single word. It meant that there was not as yet any word
o f response in his soul.
of response in his soul.
The novice went away in perplexity. And the Elder undoubtedly had
The novice went away in perplexity. And the Elder undoubtedly had
recourse to God " face to face, just as the favorites o f a king speak into his
recourse to God" face to face, just as the favorites of a king speak into his
ear." A whole week passed in this way.
ear." A whole week passed in this way.
To one accustomed as he was to complete obedience, disobedience was
To one accustomed as he was to complete obedience, disobedience was
out of the question. But still less could St. Seraphim abandon " blessed qui ­
out of the question. But still less could St. Seraphim abandon "blessed qui-
etude." Like St. Gregory the Theologian, he found the solution in choosing
etude." Like St. Gregory the Theologian, he found the solution in choosing
the middle way. He decided to live in the monastery as in a herm itage —to
the middle way. He decided to live in the monastery as in a hermitage- to
be with people bodily, but to be quiet in spirit. In this way, he combined
be with people bodily, but to be quiet in spirit. In this way, he combined
outward obedience with inward solitude. This would only make his toil
outward obedience with inward solitude. This would only make his toil
all the harder, for it would be more difficult to preserve quiet o f spirit in
all the harder, for it would be more difficult to preserve quiet of spirit in
4 St. Theophan the Recluse, The Way to Salvation.
4 St. Theophan the Recluse, The Way to Salvation.

75
A \ Ex
the monastery,
the monastery, eveneven though
though in reclusion.
in reclusion.
One One writer
writer says:says:
ThereThere
is an isexterior
an exterior quietude, when a man cuts himself off from ev ­
quietude, when a man cuts himself off from ev-
eryone and lives alone; and there is an interior quietude, when a man
eryone and lives alone; and there is an interior quietude, when a man
remains alone with God in spirit, but without exertion, as freely as the
remains alone with God in spirit, but without exertion, as freely as the
chest breathes and the eye sees. .. .The cell of the solitary is the con ­
chest breathes and the eye sees .... The cell of the solitary is the con-
fines fines
of hisofbody,
his body, and his interior is a shrine of knowledge.5
and his interior is a shrine of knowledge,"

And And St. Theophan

St. Theophan writes:
writes:
Solitude is not always a solitary mode of life; but it is essentially a state
Solitude is not always a solitary mode of life; but it is essentially a state
in which the spirit is collected and immersed within, and by the fire of
in which the spirit is collected and immersed within, and by the fire of
the Divine Spirit it is raised to seraphic purity and ardor for God and
the Divine Spirit it is raised to seraphic purity and ardor for God and
in God.
in God.
Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim had had already
already reached
reached that that
state;state;
and and therefore
therefore he could
he could
safelysafely
returnreturn to monastery
to the the m onastery
and and go further
go further alongalong the way
the way o f living
of living
com m union
communion with with
God.God.
And And it seemed
it seemed as if as
no iffundamental
no fundamental change
change had had
been been
made.made. But God
But God had had planned
planned something
something better.
better.
The brother
The brother bringing
bringing the Saint
the Saint's 's food
food alongalong
with with the message
the message related
related
how how Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim had received
had received him. him. Perhaps
Perhaps the Father
the Father Superior
Superior saw in
saw in
this this silence
silence a sign
a sign o f self-will,
of self-will, and and he told
he told the novice
the novice to repeat
to repeat the de ­
the de-
cisioncision
of theof council
the council on following
on the the following Sunday.
Sunday. This This
time time Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim
blessed
blessed the brother
the brother and and returned
returned to theto monastery
the monastery
with with
him. him.
This This
was was
the of
the 8th 8th of May,
May, 1810,1810, onday
on the the of
daytheofSeer
the Seer and Apostle
and Apostle of Love,
of Love, St. John
St. John
the Theologian, and on the eve o f the great wonderworker St. Nicholas.
the Theologian, and on the eve of the great wonderworker St. Nicholas.
The The former
former united
united the loftiest
the loftiest contemplation
contemplation with with the most
the most tender
tender love love
for "little
for his his " little children.
children." " (John
(John 2:1; 4:4,
2:1; 4:4, 21)for
21) As AsSt.
forNicholas,
St. Nicholas,
whenwhen
he he
wanted
wanted to gotoaway
go away
into into the desert,
the desert, he heard
he heard the voice
the voice o f God
of God saying:
saying: "Go "Go
into into the world
the world and thou
and thou wilt wilt
save save thy soul."
thy soul."
W ithout
Without goinggoing
to histocell,
his cell, Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim directed
directed his steps
his steps to theto hos-
the hos ­

pital;pital; and when

and when the bells
the bells rang rang for all-night
for the the all- night
Vigil,Vigil, he went
he went to church.
to church.
The The
newsnews quickly
quickly spread
spread among
among the brethren.
the brethren. TheyThey
were were surprised,
surprised, and and
at theat same
the same
time tim e they
they werewere
glad glad
that that Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim had had decided
decided to live
to live

5 St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Paradise (or, The Ladder of Divine Ascent) 27.12.
5 St. John Clirnacus. The Ladder of Paradise(or, The Ladder of Divine Ascent) 27.12.

76
 RREFC(, !,1,Uti sS\ r0o N

among them once more.

among them once more.
On the following day the Saint, according to his custom, partook of
On the following day the Saint, according to his custom, partook of
Holy
HolyCommunion
Communion ininthe
the hospital
hospital church;
church; and
and then
then he
hewent
went to
to Fr.
Fr.Niphont
Niphont
and received his blessing to live as a recluse in his cell in the monastery.
and received his blessing to live as a recluse in his cell in the monastery.
So
Sohe
he started
started on
on his
his new
new monastic
monastic labour
labour-a—a third
third period
period which
which also
also
lasted nearly sixteen years. The first five o f this period were spent in reclu
lasted nearly sixteen years. The first five of this period were spent in reclu-­
sion
sion in
in the
the full
full sense
sense oof
f the
the word;
word; then
then Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim gradually
gradually relaxed
relaxed in
in
order
order to
to minister
minister to
to people.
people.
Outwardly
Outwardly and inwardly he
and inwardly heled
ledabout
about the
the same
same life
lifeas
asin
inthe
the hermitage.
hermitage.
The
The only
only difference
difference was
was that
that he
hereceived
received absolutely
absolutely no
no one,
one, and
and spoke
spoke to
to
no one. Also he could no longer do physical work in the same way and he
no one. Also he could no longer do physical work in the same way and he
allowed
allowed very
verylittle
little time
time for
forit.it.And
And so,
so,he
hegave
gavehim self up
himself up wholly
wholly and
and unre
unre-­
servedly
servedly to
toprayer,
prayer, contemplation,
contemplation, reading
reading the
the Word
Word ofofGod
God and
and works
works ooff
the
the Holy
Holy Fathers,
Fathers, having
having freed
freed him self from
himself from all
all other
other cares
cares and
and solicitude.
solicitude.
A small hair
""Asmall hair disturbs
disturbs the
the eye,
eye,and
and aasmall
small care
care destroys
destroys silence, " says
silence," says
one
one oof
f the
the Holy
Holy Fathers.
Fathers. And
And this care -freedom " was
this ""care-freedom" was granted
granted to
to the
the re ­
re-
cluse.
cluse. In
In his
his cell
cell there
there was
was nothing
nothing but
but an
an ikon
ikon and
and the
the stump
stump oof
f aa tree.
tree.
He
He did
did not
not even
even use
use fire
firefor
for himself.
himself. His
His only
only drink
drink was
was water.
water. For
Forfood
food
he used oatm eal and salted cabbage. This was brought to him by
he used oatmeal and salted cabbage. This was brought to him by a monk a monk
who
who lived
lived in
in the
the next
next cell,
cell, Fr.
Fr.Paul.
Paul.
The
The author
author oof
f the
the Diveyev
Diveyev Chronicle
Chronicle writes:
writes:
The recluse covered himself with a big cloth, so that no one should see
The recluse covered himself with a big cloth, so that no one should see
him; then he took the plate kneeling as if receiving the food from the
him; then he took the plate kneeling as if receiving the food from the
hands of God, and carried it into his cell. There, having strengthened
hands of God, and carried it into his cell. There, having strengthened
himself with food, he would put the plate back in its place, again hid ­
himself with food, he would put the plate back in its place, again hid-
ing his face under the cloth.
ing his face under the cloth.
The
Theveil
veilthrown
thrown over
overthe
the face
faceisisexampled
exampled by bythe
the ancient
ancient desert
desert dwell
dwell-­
ers
erswho
who hid
hid their
their face
facewith
with aahood
hood soso as
asto
to keep
keep their
their eyes
eyes ""from
from behold
behold-­
ing
ingvanity. " (Ps.
vanity." (Ps. 118:37)
118:37) Sometimes
Sometimes the
the Elder
Elder would
would not
not appear
appear at
at all
all to
to
the brother, and he would have to take the food back to the kitchen.
the brother, and he would have to take the food back to the kitchen. On On
such
such days
days the
the Saint
Saint would
would go gowithout
without food
food entirely.
entirely.
Subsequently,
Subsequently, when Fr. Seraphim somewhat relaxed
when Fr. Seraphim somewhat relaxed from
from the
the strict
strict-­
ness
ness oof
f reclusion
reclusion and
and sometimes
sometimes even
even secretly
secretly went
went toto the
the forest,
forest, he
he atat

77
 An i
tim eslived
times livedonly
onlyononherbs.
herbs.This
Thiswas
wasrelated
relatedlater,
later,after
afterhis
hisreclusion,
reclusion,toto
theDiveyev
the DiveyevSister
SisterPraskovia
PraskoviaIvanovna,
Ivanovna,who
whoafter
afterher
herprofession
professionbecame
became
MotherSeraphima.
Mother Seraphima.
Havingonly
Having onlyjust
justcome
cometotothe
theconvent,
convent,she
shereceived
receivedononthe
the2nd
2ndofof
February,ononthe
February, theday
dayofofthe
theMeeting
Meetingofothe
f theLord
Lordininthe
theTemple,
Temple,her
herfirst
first
obediencefrom
obedience fromFr.Fr.Seraphim:
Seraphim:totocome
cometotohim
himtwice
twiceininone
oneday
dayfrom
from
DiveyevtotoSarov
Diveyev Sarovand
andback.
back.This
Thiswas
wasabout
aboutfifty
fiftyversts."
versts.6 Thesister
The sister wasatat
was
first
first troubled;but
troubled; butononbeing
beingurged
urgedbyby
thetheElder,
Elder,she
sheacted
actedaccording
according
totohishis
order.Meeting
order. Meetingher
herfor
forthe
thefirst
firsttime
tim eafter
afterthe
theearly
earlyLiturgy,
Liturgy,the
theElder
Elderjoy-
joy ­
fullyopened
fully openedhishisdoor
doortotoher
her withthe
with the words:"My
words: "My joy."
joy." Thenhehemade
Then madeher
her

sitsitdown,
down,strengthened
strengthenedher
herwith
withbits
bitsofoprosphora
f prosphoraand
andholy
holywater,
water,and
and
senther
sent herback
backwith
witha big
a bigbag
bagofooatmeal
f oatmealand
anddried
driedbread
breadforforthe
theconvent.
convent.
Shecame
She cameforforthe
thesecond
secondtime
tim eat at Vespers.
Vespers.
" Comein,in,come
"Come comein,in,my
myjoy'
joy"! Fr.
" Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimenthusiastically
enthusiastically welcomed
welcomed
her."See,
her. "See,1will
I willfeed
feedyou
youwith
withmy
my ownfood."
own food."
Andheheput
And putbefore
beforeher
hera abig
bigdish
dishofostewed
f stewedcabbage
cabbagewith
withthe
thejuice.
juice.
Whenshe
When shebegan
begantotoeat,
eat,she
shefound
foundit ituncommonly
uncom m onlytasty.
tasty.OnOnanother
anotheroc-
oc­
casionhehetold
casion toldher
hertotowork
workininthe
thewoods
woodsand
andgather
gatherfuel.
fuel.About
Aboutthree
three
o 'clock,asasis istold
o'clock, toldininthe
theDiveyev
Diveyev Chronicle,hehe
Chronicle, wanted
wanted totoeateatsomething
something
him self
himself andandsaid:
said:
" Gototothe
"Go thehermitage,
hermitage,mother.
mother.There
There1 have
I havea apiece
pieceofobread
f breadhang-
hang ­
ingonona astring;
ing string;bring
bringit."
it.The
" Thesister
sisterbrought
broughtit.it.Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimsalted
saltedthe
the
bread,soaked
bread, soakedit itinincold
cold water
water andbegan
and begantotoeat.
eat.HeHeleft
left a shareforfor
a share Sister
Sister
Praskovia;but
Praskovia; but she
she couldnot
could not manage
manage totochew
chewit it
-- --it it
waswas
sosodry
dry and
and stale.
stale.
And
And she
she thought:"What
thought: " What privations
privations Father
Father puts
puts upup w ith !But
with!" " But
heheread
read
herher
thoughts
thoughts and
and said:
said:
" Thisis isat atleast
"This leastdaily
dailybread,
bread,mother!
mother!But
But when1 lived
when I livedininreclusion,
reclusion,I I

fedfedononherbs.
herbs.1 poured
I pouredsome
somehot
hot water
water over
over a kindofoherb
a kind f herbcalled
calledsneer"
sneet7
andateateit it
and like
like that.
that. Thatis is
That desert
desert food.
food. You
You shouldeateat
should it ittoo."
too."
Not
Not long
long before
before hishisdeath
death
thetheSaint
Saint gave
gave further
further details
details about
about hishisfast-
fast ­
ing."I "Iprepared
ing. preparedmy
myown
ownfood
foodfrom
fromsneet.
sneet.1 gathered
I gatheredit,it,and
andput
putit itinina a

6 6 About
About3333 miles,
miles. or or
5555 km.
km.
7 7A common
A common edible
edible green
green or or herb.
herb. — ed.
-ed.

78
 RI (I. U ') I \

little pot.
little pot. II used
used to
to pour
pour some
some water
water on
on itit and
and put
put itit in
in the
the oven.
oven. It
It turned
turned
out to
out to be
be aa glorious
glorious meal."
meal."
From the
From the Diveyev
Diveyev Chronicles
Chronicles aa disciple
disciple continues:
continues:

II asked
asked him whether what he had told me about sneet was to be taken
him whether what he had told me about sneet was to be taken
as a parable or reality He replied:
as a parable or reality. He replied:
" What kind of a person are you? Don 't you know the herb sneet? I am
"What kind of a person are you? Don't you know the herb sneet? I am
telling you about myself. I used to prepare this dish for myself."
telling you about myself. I used to prepare this dish for myself."

II asked
asked him how he ate it in winter and where he got it from. He re­
him how he ate it in winter and where he got it from. He re-
plied: " What kind of person are you? I dried sneet for the winter and
plied: "What kind of person are you? I dried sneet for the winter and
lived only on that. The brothers used to wonder what I lived on. But I
lived only on that. The brothers used to wonder what I lived on. But I
was eating sneet. I did not tell the brethren, though I have told you."
was eating sneet. I did not tell the brethren, though I have told you."
The Saint
The Saint also
also bore
bore other
other penances.
penances. He He slept
slept but
but little.
little. How
How long
long he
he
slept exactly,
slept exactly, we
we do
do not
not know;
know; but
but certainly
certainly not
not more
more than
than was
was neces-
neces ­
sary so
sary so as
as not
not to
to harm
harm his
his "friend"
" friend " the
the flesh,
flesh, in
in its
its service
service of
of the
the spirit.
spirit. If
If
he said
he said that
that even
even at
at the
the beginning
beginning of
o f his
his monastic
m onastic life
life he
he slept
slept only
only four
four
hours at
at night
night (from
(from 10 p. m . to 2 a . m . ) , he now surely gave still less time
10 P.M.
hours to 2 A.M.), he now surely gave still less time
to sleep,
to sleep, just
just enough
enough so
so as
as "not
"not to
to injure
injure his
his head."
head." All
All this
this is,
is, unfortu-
unfortu ­
nately, wrapped
nately, wrapped in
in mystery.
mystery.
W hether the
Whether the Saint
Saint practised
practised any
any other
other extraordinary
extraordinary kinds
kinds of
o f priva-
priva ­
tions and
tions and mortifications
mortifications of
o f the
the body
body is
is unknown.
unknown. There
There is
is aa legend
legend which
which
is related
is related in
in the
the Diveyev
Diveyev edition
edition of
o f his
his "Life,"
"Life," according
according to
to which
which he
he se-
se ­
cretly wore
cretly wore chains
chains of
o f twenty
twenty pounds
pounds on
on his
his chest
chest and
and of
o f eight
eight pounds
pounds on
on
his back,
his back, and
and an
an iron
iron belt,
belt, which
which still
still further
further bent
bent his
his stooping
stooping figure.
figure.
And apparently
And apparently during
during the
the frosty
frosty period
period he
he used
used to
to put
put aa sock
sock or
or aa piece
piece
of rag
of rag under
under the
the iron.
iron.
But this
But this has
has not
not been
been verified.
verified. No
No such
such chains
chains have
have been
been found.
found.
According to
According to the
the Sarov
Sarov elders,
elders, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim wore
wore on
on his
his chest
chest aa big
big cross
cross
nine inches
nine inches long
long on
on aa cord.
cord. Probably
Probably this
this led
led people
people to
to talk
talk about
about chains.
chains.
Anyway, it
Anyway, it is
is certain
certain that
that subsequently
subsequently he
he did
did not
not advise
advise others
others to
to prac-
prac­
tise excessive
tise excessive exterior
exterior labours.
labours. In
In their
their stead
stead he
he commanded
commanded aa spiritual
spiritual
struggle with
struggle with oneself
oneself and
and with
with one's
o n es passions.
passions.
O nce —this was
Once-this was many
many years
years later-a
later —a barefooted
barefooted pilgrim
pilgrim from
from Kiev,
Kiev,
accompanied by
accompanied by aa Sarov
Sarov novice,
novice, came
came to
to the
the Saint.
Saint. The
The Elder
Elder was
was at
at the
the

79
 A n E

m oment reaping reed-grass with his bare hands. He at once ordered the
moment reaping reed-grass with his bare hands. He at once ordered the
pilgrim to be brought to him. Having blessed him and made him sit down,
pilgrim to be brought to him. Having blessed him and made him sit down,
the clairvoyant at once began to advise his barefooted visitor to give up
the clairvoyant at once began to advise his barefooted visitor to give up
the way he had chosen: to abandon pilgrimage, put on shoes and take
the way he had chosen: to abandon pilgrimage, put on shoes and take
off his chains, which however could not be seen at all under the pilgrim s
off his chains, which however could not be seen at all under the pilgrim's
clothes. And he should go home; his wife, mother and children were anx ­
clothes. And he should go home; his wife, mother and children were anx-
iously waiting for him there.
iously waiting for him there.
"I think, " added Fr. Seraphim, "that it would be very good to be a grain-
"I think," added Fr. Seraphim, "that it would be very good to be a grain-
dealer. I even know a merchant in Yeletz. You need only go to him, greet
dealer. 1even know a merchant in Yeletz. You need only go to him, greet
him and say that you have been sent to him by poor Seraphim and he
him and say that you have been sent to him by poor Seraphim and he
will take you as a clerk." Having given further advice to the pilgrim, the
will take you as a clerk." Having given further advice to the pilgrim, the
Saint dismissed him lovingly.
Saint dismissed him lovingly.
On his way back to the monastery the pilgrim revealed to the novice
On his way back to the monastery the pilgrim revealed to the novice
that everything was exactly as the clairvoyant Elder had said. Formerly,
that everything was exactly as the clairvoyant Elder had said. Formerly,
he had been in the grain trade; then, out o f love for God, but without a
he had been in the grain trade; then, out of love for God, but without a
blessing, he decided to leave his family, managed to obtain a passport
blessing, he decided to leave his family, managed to obtain a passport
for a year, put on chains, took o ff his shoes and began to travel barefoot
for a year, put on chains, took off his shoes and began to travel barefoot
from one monastery to another, thinking to please God in this way. Now
from one monastery to another, thinking to please God in this way. Now
he had clearly seen his error and was going to obey the directions o f the
he had clearly seen his error and was going to obey the directions of the
holy Elder.
holy Elder.
The novice John (Tikhonov) said that he had long dreamt o f wearing
The novice John (Tikhonov) said that he had long dreamt of wearing
chains and a hair - shirt for m ortification o f his body, and that at last he
chains and a hair-shirt for mortification of his body, and that at last he
got them ; but first he went to Fr. Seraphim. The great Elder, on seeing him,
got them; but first he went to Fr. Seraphim. The great Elder, on seeing him,
read the vainglorious intention of the inexperienced bookworm, whose
read the vainglorious intention of the inexperienced bookworm, whose
head was crammed with lives o f saints; and before the novice could open
head was crammed with lives of saints; and before the novice could open
his mouth he said smilingly: " Look here! The Diveyev infants come to
his mouth he said smilingly: "Look here! The Diveyev infants come to
me and ask my advice and my blessing, one to wear chains and others
me and ask my advice and my blessing, one to wear chains and others
hair shirts. Now what do you think: is their way the right way? Tell m e ! "
hair shirts. Now what do you think: is their way the right way? Tell me!"
The novice could not understand what he was driving at, and replied:
The novice could not understand what he was driving at, and replied:
"I do not know, Father."
"I do not know, Father."
Fr. Seraphim repeated his question. Only then did the novice guess
Fr. Seraphim repeated his question. Only then did the novice guess
that the clairvoyant was referring to him; and he asked the blessing to
that the clairvoyant was referring to him; and he asked the blessing to
wear chains.
wear chains.

80
 "How is it you don 't understand? This is just what I am talking to you
"How is it you don't understand? This is just what I am talking to you
about," said Fr. Seraphim. And he further explained to him the folly and
about," said Fr. Seraphim. And he further explained to him the folly and
futility o f wearing chains for such undisciplined people as he. Then, all
futility of wearing chains for such undisciplined people as he. Then, all
o f a sudden the Elder struck at the novice with his right hand, as if he
of a sudden the Elder struck at the novice with his right hand, as if he
were going to hit him in the face with all his strength. But he did not hit
were going to hit him in the face with all his strength. But he did not hit
him ; he only touched him lightly on the ear and said: " Look, if anyone
him; he only touched him lightly on the ear and said: "Look, if anyone
gives you a box on the ears like th a t —that is the spiritual and heaviest
gives you a box on the ears like that-that is the spiritual and heaviest
kind o f chain."
kind of chain."
Then, collecting saliva in his mouth, he made a movement as if he
Then, collecting saliva in his mouth, he made a movement as if he
were going to blind him with it, and said: "And if anyone spits in your
were going to blind him with it, and said: "And if anyone spits in your
eyes like that —that is the spiritual and most salutary hair - shirt. Only you
eyes like that-that is the spiritual and most salutary hair-shirt. Onlyyou
must wear them with gratitude. These spiritual chains and hair shirts are
must wear them with gratitude. These spiritual chains and hair shirts are
higher than the ones you are thinking o f and wish to wear. True, many
higher than the ones you are thinking of and wish to wear. True, many
of the Holy Fathers wore chains and a hair - shirt; but they were wise and
of the Holy Fathers wore chains and a hair-shirt; but they were wise and
perfect men, and they did it all out of love for God, in order to m ortify
perfect men, and they did it all out of love for God, in order to mortify
their flesh and passions completely and make them subservient to their
their flesh and passions completely and make them subservient to their
spirit. But it cannot be done by babes in whose bodies the passions reign
spirit. But it cannot be done by babes in whose bodies the passions reign
and oppose the will o f God and His law. What if we put on chains and
and oppose the will of God and His law. What if we put on chains and
a hair - shirt, but sleep and drink and eat as much as we like? We cannot
a hair-shirt, but sleep and drink and eat as much as we like? We cannot
bear the least offence from a brother patiently. A word or a rebuke from
bear the least offence from a brother patiently. A word or a rebuke from
a superior casts us into utter despondency and despair, so that we even
a superior casts us into utter despondency and despair, so that we even
think o f going to another monastery; and as we point with envy at some
think of going to another monastery; and as we point with envy at some
other brethren who enjoy the favor and trust o f the abbot, we accept all
other brethren who enjoy the favor and trust of the abbot, we accept all
his orders as wrongs or injuries due to oversight and anim osity towards
his orders as wrongs or injuries due to oversight and animosity towards
us. From this you can judge for yourself how little (if any) foundation for
us. From this you can judge for yourself how little (if any) foundation for
monastic life there is in us! And all this is because we hardly ever think
monastic life there is in us! And all this is because we hardly ever think
o f it or attend to it."
of it or attend to it."
Thus rebuked, the novice gave up the idea o f wearing chains; but nev ­
Thus rebuked, the novice gave up the idea of wearing chains; but nev-
ertheless he left the Sarov monastery afterwards. There proved to be no
ertheless he left the Sarov monastery afterwards. There proved to be no
foundation —that is, no obedience.
foundation-that is, no obedience.
Yet we know o f a case when Fr. Seraphim blessed the anchoress
Yet we know of a case when Fr. Seraphim blessed the anchoress
Anastasia Logatchev, in m onastic life Athanasia, to wear chains in or ­
Anastasia Logatchev, in monastic life Athanasia, to wear chains in or-
der to subdue fleshly lust, when she was hardly twenty -three years old.
der to subdue fleshly lust, when she was hardly twenty-three years old.

81
 Sheafterwards
She afterwardsbecame
becam ethe
thefoundress
foundressofo fthe
theKurihina
Kurihinasisterhood
sisterhoodininthe
the
Provinceofo fNijny-Novgorod.
Province Nijny -Novgorod.
Butusually
But usuallyFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimadvised
advisedhis
hisclients,
clients,instead
insteadofo fexterior
exteriorpen-
pen ­
ances,totoforce
ances, forcethemselves
themselvesto,
to,and
andtototrain
trainthemselves
themselvesin,
in,good
gooddeeds.
deeds.
Thisisiswhat
This whathe
hesaid
saidtotoaalayman
laymanwho
whosecretly
secretlythought
thoughtofofundertaking
undertaking

a apilgrimage
pilgrimagetotoKiev:
Kiev:"If
" Ifyou
youare
arerebuked,
rebuked,do
donot
notrebuke;
rebuke;ififyou
youare
areperse-
perse ­
cuted,endure
cuted, endurepatiently;
patiently;condemn
condemnyourself,
yourself,sosothat
thatGod
Godwill
willnot
notcondemn
condemn
you;subdue
you; subdueyour
yourwill
willtotothe
thewill
willofofGod;
God;never
neverflatter;
flatter;love
loveyou
youneigh-
neigh ­
b o r —yourneighbor
bor-your neighborisisyour
yourown
ownflesh.
flesh.IfIfyou
youlive
liveaccording
accordingtotothe
theflesh,
flesh,
youwill
you willruin
ruinboth
bothsoul
souland
andbody;
body;but
butififyou
youlive
liveaccording
accordingtotoGod,
God,you
you
willsave
will saveboth.
both.These
Theseare
aregreater
greaterworks
worksthan
thangoing
goingtotoKiev
Kievororeven
evenfurther."
further."
Thestudy
The studyofo fthe
theWord
WordofofGod
Godduring
duringhis
hisreclusion
reclusionwas
wasnaturally
naturallyaug-
aug­
mented;asasititwas
mented; wasimpossible
impossiblefor
forhim
himtotowork,
work,there
thereremained
remainedmore
moretime
time
freeoutside
free outsideofo fprayer.
prayer.
"Asfor
"As forme,
me,poor
poorSeraphim,"
Seraphim,"he
heafterwards
afterwardstold
toldcertain
certainpeople,
people,"I"Igo
go
throughthe
through theGospel
Gospeldaily:
daily:on
onMonday
MondayI Iread
readMatthew
Matthewfrom
frombeginning
beginningtoto
end;on
end; onTuesday,
Tuesday,Mark;
Mark;on
onWednesday,
Wednesday,Luke;
Luke;on
onThursday,
Thursday,John;
John;and
andI I
dividethe
divide theActs
Actsand
andEpistles
Epistlesamong
amongthe
thelast
lastdays;
days;and
andnot
nota asingle
singleday
daydo
do

I Iomit
om itreading
readingthe
thedaily
dailyGospel
Gospeland
andEpistle,
Epistle,asaswell
wellasasthose
thoseappointed
appointed
forthe
for thesaint
saintofofthe
theday.
day.Through
Throughthis
thisnot
notonly
onlymy
mysoul,
soul,but
buteven
evenmy
mybody
body
itselfisissweetened
itself sweetenedand
andquickened,
quickened,for
forI converse
I conversewith
withthe
theLord
Lordand
andkeep
keepinin
mymemory
my memoryHis
Hislife
lifeand
andpassion.
passion.And
Andday
dayand
andnight
nightI glorify,
I glorify,praise
praiseand
and
givethanks
give thankstotomy
myRedeemer
Redeemerfor
forallallHis
Hismercies
merciespoured
pouredout
outon
onthe
thehuman
human
raceand
race andononme,
me,unworthy
unworthyasasI Iam."
am."He
Hesubsequently
subsequentlyalso
alsokept
keptthis
thisrule.
rule.
W henreading
When readingthe
theHoly
HolyScriptures,
Scriptures,Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimsometimes
sometimescomment-
comment ­

ededaloud
aloudononthe
theGospel
Gospeland
andthe
theEpistles.
Epistles.He
Hecould
couldeven
evenbebeheard
heardthrough
through
thedoor;
the door;and
andthen
thenthe
thebrethren
brethrenand
andthe
thepilgrims
pilgrimswould
wouldcome
comeand
andlisten
listen
delightedlytotohis
delightedly hisexpositions.
expositions.
Butsometimes
But sometimesthere
therewould
wouldbebea asudden
suddensilence;
silence;not
noteven
eventhe
theturning
turning
overofo pages
over f pagescould
couldbebeheard.
heard.The
Theholy
holyrecluse
reclusehad
hadbecome
becomeimmersed
immersedinin
thecontemplation
the contemplationofo what
f whathehehad
hadread.
read.

ItItwas
wasononananoccasion
occasionofofthis
thiskind
kindthat
thathehewas
wasgranted
grantedananextraordi-
extraordi­
naryrapture,
nary rapture,exactly
exactlylike
likethe
theone
onedescribed
describedbybythe
theApostle
ApostlePaul.
Paul.(2(2Cor.
Cor.

82
 R i ',i (1\

12:1 - 5) Fr.
12:1-5) Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim told
told several
several people
people about
about this
this grace.
grace. This
This isis how
how itit
was recorded
was recorded by
bythe
the novice
novice John
John (Tikhonov):
(Tikhonov):

At first the Saint spoke at length about the holy prophets, apostles,
At first the Saint spoke at length about the holy prophets, apostles,
martyrs and saints, about their faith, ascetic labours, cross - bearing
martyrs and saints, about their faith, ascetic labours, cross-bearing
and miracles, and of how they had obtained the grace of the Holy
and miracles, and of how they had obtained the grace of the Holy
Spirit through carrying out the commandments.
Spirit through carrying out the commandments.
"And the fulfilling of Christ's comm andments," he said, "is an easy
"And the fulfilling of Christ's commandments," he said, "is an easy
burden, as our Saviour said Himself; it is only necessary to keep them
burden, as our Saviour said Himself; it is only necessary to keep them
always in memory; and to this end we must have in our mind and
always in memory; and to this end we must have in our mind and
on our lips the Prayer of Jesus, and meditate upon the life and pas ­
on our lips the Prayer of Jesus, and meditate upon the life and pas-
sion of our Lord Jesus Christ, W ho out of love for the human race suf­
sion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who out of love for the human race suf-
fered even death on a cross. At the same time it is necessary to cleanse
fered even death on a cross. At the same time it is necessary to cleanse
our conscience through the confession of our sins and through the
our conscience through the confession of our sins and through the
Communion of the most pure Mysteries of the Body and Blood of
Communion of the most pure Mysteries of the Body and Blood of
Christ."
Christ."
Then he turned to me and, wishing to prepare my spirit to accept this
Then he turned to me and, wishing to prepare my spirit to accept this
miracle, he said: "My joy! I implore you to acquire a peaceful spirit! "
miracle, he said: "My joy! I implore you to acquire a peaceful spirit!"
And he went on to explain that to acquire peace of soul, we must bring
And he went on to explain that to acquire peace of soul, we must bring
ourselves to such a state of detachment from earthly things and crea ­
ourselves to such a state of detachment from earthly things and crea-
tures generally, that nothing can disturb us. We must be like a dead
tures generally, that nothing can disturb us. We must be like a dead
man, completely deaf and blind to all troubles, calumnies, scandals
man, completely deaf and blind to all troubles, calumnies, scandals
and persecutions which are the inevitable lot of all who wish to follow
and persecutions which are the inevitable lot of all who wish to follow
Christ, and that " through many sufferings we must enter the Kingdom
Christ. and that "through many sufferings we must enter the Kingdom
of God." (Acts 14:22)
of God." (Acts 14:22)
And he further explained that, in order to give our spirit freedom and
And he further explained that, in order to give our spirit freedom and
enable it to rise from the earth and be strengthened by sweet converse
enable it to rise from the earth and be strengthened by sweet converse
with the Lord, we must humble ourselves by constant vigils, prayer
with the Lord, we must humble ourselves by constant vigils, prayer
and the
and the remembrance
remembrance of ofGod.
God. And
Andheherelated
related how,
how, in
inorder
orderto
to do
do this,
this,
he read through the whole New Testament every week, and that not
he read through the whole New Testament every week, and that not
only his spirit but even his body was invigorated and received fresh vi ­
only his spirit but even his body was invigorated and received fresh vi-
tality in
tality in this
thisway
wayand
and shared
shared his
hissoul's
soul'sdelight
delight "that
"thatIIconverse
conversewith
with the
the
Lord, hold in my memory His life and sufferings, and day and night
Lord, hold in my memory His life and sufferings, and day and night
glorify, praise and thank my Redeemer for all His mercies lavished
glorify, praise and thank my Redeemer for all His mercies lavished
upon the human race and upon me, unworthy as I am."
upon the human race and upon me, unworthy as I am."
Then he said: "My joy! I implore you, acquire a peaceful spirit, and
Then he said: "My joy! I implore you, acquire a peaceful spirit, and
then thousands of souls will be saved around you."
then thousands of souls will be saved around you."

83
A"A n E xtraordinary
EXT R ;\ U " \, "" i{ Y P PE e\ a\.: c!e
Thenheheadvised
Then advisedthe
thedisciple
discipletotobear
bearsorrows
sorrowsfor forthe
thesake
sakeofo fthe
the
HeavenlyKingdom.
Heavenly Kingdom."Without
" W ithoutsorrows
sorrowsthere
thereisisnot
notsalvation,"
salvation,"heheused
usedtoto
say."On
say. " Onthe
theother
otherhand
handthe theKingdom
Kingdomofo fGod
Godawaits
awaitsthose
thosewho
whohave
havepa-pa ­
tientlyendured.
tiently endured.And Andallallthe
theglory
gloryofothe
f theworld
worldisisnothing
nothinginincomparison."
comparison."
Andagain
And againheherepeated:
repeated:"My
"Myioy'
joy!I implore
I imploreyou,
you,acquire
acquirea apeaceful
peacefulspirit."
spirit."
Thereupon,with
Thereupon, withinexpressible
inexpressiblejoy joythe
theSaint
Sainttold
toldBrother
BrotherJohn
Johnofo his
f his
wonderfulvision.
wonderful vision."Listen!
" Listen!I Iam
amgoing
goingtototelltellyou
yousomething
somethingabout
aboutpoor
poor
Seraphim!Once,"
Seraphim! Once,-one
" —onemay maythink
thinkthat
thatit ithappened
happenedatatthetheperiod
periodofofhis
his
reclusion- —
reclusion " whileI was
"while I wasreading
readingininthe
theGospel
GospelofSt.
of St.John
Johnthe
thewords
wordsofothe
f the
Saviour:'InTnMy
Saviour: MyFather's
Fathershouse
houseare
aremany
manymansions,'
mansions/(14:2)
(14:2)I, I,poor
poorcreature
creature

asasI Iam,
am,stayed
stayedmymythought
thoughtononthem
themand anddesired
desiredtotosee
seethose
thoseheavenly
heavenly
dwellings.Five
dwellings. Fivedays
daysand
andnights
nightsI spent
I spentininvigil
vigiland
andprayer,
prayer,asking
askingthe
theLord
Lord
forthe
for thegrace
graceofo that
f thatvision.
vision.And
Andindeed
indeedthe
theLord,
Lord,ininHis
Hisgreat
greatmercy,
mercy,did
did
notdeprive
not deprivememeofofconsolation
consolationaccording
accordingtotomymyfaith;
faith;for
forHe
Heshowed
showedme me
thoseeternal
those eternalmansions
mansionswhere
whereI, I,poor
poorearthly
earthlypilgrim,
pilgrim,was
wascaught
caughtupupforfora a
moment(whether
moment (whetherininthe
thebody
bodyororoutoutofothe
f thebody,
body,I do
I donot
notknow)
know)andandsaw saw
theunutterable
the unutterableheavenly
heavenlybeauty
beautyandandthose
thosewho
whodwell
dwellthere:
there:the
theLord's
Lords
GreatForerunner
Great Forerunnerand
andBaptist
BaptistJohn,
John,the
theApostles,
Apostles,holy
holyhierarchs,
hierarchs,mar-
mar­
tyrsand
tyrs andour
ourHoly
HolyFathers-Antony
Fathers —AntonythetheGreat,
Great,Paul PaulofoThebes,
f Thebes,St.St.Sabbas,
Sabbas,
Onuphriusthe
Onuphrius theGreat,
Great,Mark
MarkofThrace
o f Thraceand
andallallthe
thesaints
saintsshining
shiningwithwithun-
un ­
speakableglory
speakable gloryand
andioy,
joy,which
whicheyeeyehas
hasnotnotseenseennornorear
earheard,
heard,neither
neither
hasentered
has enteredinto
intothe
theheart
heartofo man,
f man,(Is.
(Is.64:4;
6 4 :4 ;1 1Cor.
Cor.2:9)
2:9)but
butwhich
whichGod
God
hasprepared
has preparedfor
forthem
themthat
thatlove
lovehim/Tikhonov
him . " Tikhonovwrites:
writes:

With these words, Fr. Seraphim became silent. At the same time he
With these words, Fr. Seraphim became silent. At the same time he
leaned forwarda alittle,
leaned forward little,his
hishead
head(with
(withclosed
closedeyes)
eyes)bent
bentdown,
down,andand
with the extended palm of his right hand he evenly (rhythmically) and
with the extended palm of his right hand he evenly (rhythmically) and
gentlystroked
gently strokedover
overhis hisheart.
heart.His
Hisface
facegradually
graduallychanged
changedand
andgave
gaveout
out
a wonderful light, and at last it became so radiant that it was im pos ­
a wonderful light, and at last it became so radiant that it was impos-
sible to look at him. His mouth and his whole appearance expressed
sible to look at him. His mouth and his whole appearance expressed
such
such joy joyand
andsuch
suchheavenly
heavenlyecstasy
ecstasythat
thatatatthis
thismoment
mom enthehemight
mighthave
have
been truly called an earthly angel and a heavenly man. During his
been truly called an earthly angel and a heavenly man. During his
mysterious silence, he seemed to be contemplating something with
mysterious silence, he seemed to be contemplating something with
tender emotion and to be listening to something with wonder. But
tender emotion and to be listening to something with wonder. But
what it was exactly that enraptured and delighted the soul of that just
what it was exactly that enraptured and delighted the soul of that just

84
 R!.( 1.11 \ 1(1

man, God alone knows.

man, God alone knows.
After rather a long silence Fr. Seraphim spoke again. Sighing from the
After rather a long silence Fr. Seraphim spoke again. Sighing from the
depth of his heart, he said to me with a feeling of unutterable joy: "Oh!
depth of his heart, he said to me with a feeling of unutterable joy: "Oh!
IfIfonly
only you knew what joy, what sweetness awaits the just soul in heav ­
you knew what joy, what sweetness awaits the just soul in heav-
en, you would resolve to bear thankfully in this temporal life all m an ­
en, you would resolve to bear thankfully in this temporal life all man-
nerof ofsorrows,
sorrows, persecutions
persecutions and andslander.
slander. And
Andeven
even though
though this
thisvery
very
ner
cell of ours were full of worms and though these worms
cell of ours were full of worms and though these worms were to eat were to eat
our flesh during the whole of this temporal life, we ought to consent
our flesh during the whole of this temporal life, we ought to consent
toto ititwith
with the utmost longing, so as not to lose that heavenly joy which
the utmost longing, so as not to lose that heavenly joy which
God has prepared for those who love Him. There is no pain, no sorrow,
God has prepared for those who love Him. There is no pain, no sorrow,
nono sighing
sighingthere;
there; there,
there, all
all isisunutterable
unutterablesweetness
sweetness and
and joy;
joy; there,
there, the
the
just will shine like the sun. But if that heavenly glory and joy could not
just will shine like the sun. But if that heavenly glory and joy could not
be described even by our dear little father the Apostle Paul, what other
be described even by our dear little father the Apostle Paul. what other
human
human tongue tonguecan
can describe
describe the thebeauty
beautyofofthe
the heavenly
heavenlycity,
city, where
where the
the
souls of the righteous dwell?
souls of the righteous dwell?
"As foryou
"Asfor you my joy," continued the Elder, "for the sake of such future
my joy," continued the Elder, "for the sake of such future
happiness,
happiness, you you and
and ourourbrethren
brethren mustmustacquire
acquirechastity
chastityand
andguard
guardyour
your
virginity, for the virgin who keeps his virginity for the sake
virginity. for the virgin who keeps his virginity for the sake of the love of the love
of Christ has a part with the angels, and his soul is the bride of Christ.
of Christ has a part with the angels, and his soul is the bride of Christ.
Christ isisher
Christ herbridegroom
bridegroomwho who leads
leads her
herinto
into His
Hisheavenly
heavenlypalace.
palace. But
But

the soul who remains in sin is like the idle widow who in her lust isis
the soul who remains in sin is like the idle widow who in her lust
dead while
dead while alive."
alive." (J(ITim
Tim 5:5,15)
5:5 ,1 5 )

Hetold
He told the
thesame
samething
thingto
to Mrs.
Mrs.A.P.
A.P. Eropkin.
Eropkin, reminding
remindingher
herof
ofthe
theholy
holy
women martyrs,
women martyrs, of
ofthe
the beauty
beauty of
o fSt.
St. Fevronia
Fevronia and
and many
many others
others who
who are
are
shining in
shining inunutterable
unutterableglory.
glory. "Ah,
"Ah, my
myjoy,"
joy," he
hewould
wouldthen
then exclaim,
exclaim, "there
"there

isis such
such beatitude
beatitude there
there as
as isis impossible
impossible to
to describe."
describe."
"His face,"
"His face," as
as she
she afterwards
afterwards wrote,
wrote, "was
"was extraordinary.
extraordinary. The
The light
light of
of
graceshone
grace shonethrough
through his
hisskin.
skin.While
W hile in
inhis
hiseyes
eyesthere
therewas
wasan
anexpression
expressionatat
once of
once o fpeace
peaceand
and of
ofaaspecial
special kind
kind of
o fspiritual
spiritual rapture."
rapture." Even
Even during
duringthe
the
description of
description o fhis
his visions
visions "he
" he was
wasprobably
probablyoutside
outside the
thevisible
visibleworld-in
world —in
the heavenly
the heavenly mansions."
mansions."
This wonderful
This wonderful and
and supernatural
supernatural ecstasy
ecstasywas
was only
onlythe
the summit
summitof
o fhis
his
lights or
lights or illuminations.
illum inations. But
But to
to aa lesser
lesser degree
degree he
he experienced
experienced this
this eleva-
eleva ­
tion of
tion o fthe
the spirit
spirit to
to God
God not
not merely
merelyfrequently,
frequently, but
but almost
almost continually.
continually.
His greatest
His greatestconsolation
consolation was
was Holy
Holy Communion.
Com m union. On
On all
allSundays
Sundays and
and

85
 A n i . .

feastdays
feast daysthe
theHoly
HolyMysteries
Mysterieswere
werebrought
broughttotohim
himafter
afterthe
theearly
earlyLiturgy
Liturgy
bybythe
theministering
m inisteringpriest
priestfrom
fromthe
thehospital
hospitalchurch
churchtotohis
hiscell
cellsosoasasnot
nottoto
interrupthis
interrupt hisreclusion.
reclusion.Then
Thenthe
theSaint
Saintput
putononhis
hismantle
mantle(mantia)
(mantia)over
over
hisusual
his usualwhite
whitesmock,
smock,a alinen
linenstole
stole(epitrachelion)
(epitrachelion)and
andcuffs.
cuffs.On
Onthe
the
appearanceofo the
appearance f theHoly
HolyMysteries,
Mysteries,hehefell
felldown
downand
andcommunicated
communicatedwith
with
tremulousjoy.
tremulous joy.On
Onthe
theother
otherdays
daysthey
theybrought
broughthim
hima apiece
pieceofo antidoron"
f antidoron8
whichhad
which hadbeen
beenset
setaside
asideespecially
especiallyfor
forhim.
him.
InInhis
hishermitage,
hermitage,Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimhad
hadalso
alsodevoted
devotedsome
someofo his
f histime
timetoto
work.InInthe
work. thecell,
cell,the
thework
workwas
wasreplaced
replacedbybyprostrations,
prostrations,and
andGod
Godalone
alone
knowshow
knows howmany
manyhehemade.
made.But
Butsometimes
sometimesheheallowed
allowedhimself
him selftotogogoout
out
ofo his
f hiscell
cellsecretly
secretlyatatnight
nightininorder
ordertotowork
workininthe
thefresh
freshair.
air.
Oncea abrother
Once brotherwho
whohad
hadthe
theobedience
obediencetotowake
wakethe
themonks,
monks,having
having
risenbefore
risen beforeMatins,
Matins,was
waswalking
walkingnear
nearthe
thecathedral,
cathedral,where
wherethe
theremains
remainsofof
thefathers
the fathersand
andhermits
hermitsofofSarov
Sarovrest.
rest.And
Andfrom
fromthere
therehehesaw
sawininthe
thedark
dark
a aman
manwho
whowas
wasquickly
quicklymoving
movingtotoand
andfro.
fro.Making
Makingthe
thesign
signofofthe
thecross,
cross,
thebrother
the brotherwent
wentininthat
thatdirection
directionand
andsaw
sawthe
thehermit
herm ithimself.
himself.Saying
Sayingthe
the
Prayerofo Jesus
Prayer f Jesusunder
underhis
hisbreath
breathhehewas
wasquietly
quietlybut
butquickly
quicklycarrying
carryinglogs
logs
fromone
from oneplace
placetotoanother,
another,near
nearhis
hiscell.
cell.Overjoyed
Overjoyedatatthe
thesight
sightofothe
f theholy
holy
Elder,the
Elder, thenovice
novicethrew
threwhimself
him selfatathis
hisfeet
feetand,
and,kissing
kissingthem,
them,asked
askedfor
fora a
blessing."Protect
blessing. " Protectyourself
yourselfwith
withsilence
silenceand
andattend
attendtotoyourself!"
you rself! "said
saidthe
the
Saint.And
Saint. Andhaving
havingblessed
blessedthe
thehappy
happyobserver,
observer,hehehid
hidhimself
him selfininhis
hiscell.
cell.
Fr.Seraphim
Fr. Seraphimalso
alsoprepared
preparedfor
forhimself
him selfwith
withhis
hisown
ownhands
handsa acoffin
coffin
witha alid.
with lid.He
Hecut
cutititout
outofo fa awhole
wholeoak.
oak.And
Andititalways
alwaysstood
stoodininhis
hisante-
ante ­
roomininorder
room ordertotoremind
remindhim
himand
andothers
othersofo the
f thehour
hourofo death.
f death.The
TheSaint
Saint
wouldoften
would oftenpray
praybefore
beforeit,it,especially
especiallyjust
justbefore
beforehis
hisdeath.
death.And
Andafter
afterhis
his
reclusionhehewould
reclusion wouldoften
oftenask
askthe
themonks:
monks:"When
" W henI Iam
amdead
deadI Ibeg
begyou,
you,
brethren,totobury
brethren, buryme
meininmy
mycoffin!"
co ffin ! This
" Thiswas
wasactually
actuallydone
doneafterwards.
afterwards.
InInsuch
suchstrict
strictreclusion
reclusionSt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphimspent
spentfive
fiveyears,
years,without
withoutreceiv-
receiv­
ingpeople
ing peopleorortalking
talkingtotoanyone;
anyone;heheopened
openedhis
hiscell
cellonly
onlytotoreceive
receivethe
the
Breadofo Heaven
Bread f Heavenand-though
and —thoughnot
notalways-earthly
always —earthlyfood.
food.
Towardsthe
Towards theend
endofofthis
thisperiod
periodBishop
BishopJonah,
Jonah,who
wholater
laterbecame
becameExarch
Exarch
ofo fGeorgia,
Georgia,came
cametotothe
themonastery
monasteryfor
forthe
theDormition
Dorm itionofo fthe
theMother
Motherofof
8 8 Bread
Breadblessed
blessedduring
duringLiturgy,
Liturgy,but
butnot
notthat
thatwhich
whichisisused
usedininCommunion.-ed.
Communion.— ed.

86
 RI <J M ')!!) \

God which
God which was
was the
the dedication
dedication feast
feast of
o f the
the monastery
monastery church.
church. Wishing
Wishing
to see the
to the hermit
herm it whose
whose fame
fame had
had reached
reached his
his distant
distant episcopal
episcopal palace
palace of
of
Tambov, he
Tarnbov, he went
went to
to the
the cell of
o f Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim with
with Fr. Niphont
Niphont and
and some
some
others. They
others. They knocked
knocked at the
the door,
door, but
but as usual
usual there
there was
was no
no response.
response.
They told
They told him
him through
through the
the door
door that
that Vladyka?
Vladyka9 wanted
wanted to
to see the
the Elder;
but Fr. Seraphim
but Seraphim remained
remained silent
silent as usual.
usual.
Then Fr. Niphont
Then Niphont offered
offered to
to take
take the
the door
door from
from its hinges
hinges and
and in this
this
way see the
way the hermit
hermit against
against his
his will.
will. But the
the Bishop
Bishop thought
thought it better
better to give
up his wish,
up wish, and
and added
added with
with fear: "Beware
"Beware lest we should
should sin!"
sin ! " And
And leaving
leaving
the Elder
the Elder in peace,
peace, the
the visitors
visitors took
took their
their departure
departure from
from the
the monastery.
monastery.
Fearing man-pleasing,
Fearing man -pleasing, (Gal.l:lO)
(G al.1:10) the
the hermit
herm it did
did not
not modify
modify his
his vow
vow
even for
even for a bishop.
bishop. And
And perhaps
perhaps his
his insight
insight saw
saw the
the defects
defects in the
the bishop's
bishops
character and
character and a law of
o f faith
faith in the
the grace
grace of
o f Cod.'?
God.10 But how
how wonderful
wonderful are
are
the works
the works of
o f God!
God! Only
Only a few days
days later
later the
the same
same door
door was
was to open,
open, not
not
monks at
to monks at first, but
but to lay people.
people. The
The hermit
herm it was
was to
to undertake
undertake a higher
higher
labour; — higher than
labour;-higher than any
any other
other on
on earth-the
earth —the labour
labour of
o f love. (I Cor. 13)

title of
9 A title of love and
and respect,
respect, often
often used
used to address
address the
the head
head administrative
administrative bishop.
bishop. -ed.
— ed.
Apparently Bishop
10 Apparently Bishop Jonah
Jonah had
had not
not much
much confidence
confidence in
in the
the sanctity
sanctity of
of Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim.
It is well
It well known,
known, forfor instance,
instance, that
that when
when hehe was
was a member
member ofof the
the Synod,
Synod, he
he opposed
opposed the
the
edition of
edition of the
the first
first Life of
of St. Seraphim
Seraphim in in spite
spite of
of the
the fact that
that Metropolitan
Metropolitan Philaret
Philaret of
of
himself advocated
Moscow himself advocated it. (See his
his letters
letters to Archimandrite
Archimandrite Antony,
Antony, Part
Part 1,
1, page 383.)

87
88
 Chapter 7
7
T he H eight O f P e r f e c t io n
THE HEIGHT OF PERFECTION

he fruit of such long and excessive labours as the Saint had practised

T HE fruit of such long and excessive labours as the Saint had practised
was dispassion, which in its turn is the way that leads to the indwell­
was dispassion, which in its turn is the way that leads to the indwell-
ing o f the Holy Spirit in the heart.
ing of the Holy Spirit in the heart.
Bishop Theophan the Recluse of Vishensky writes:
Bishop Theophan the Recluse of Vishen sky writes:
He who has been granted this disposition that is dispassion, though
He who has been granted this disposition that is dispassion, though
he be still clad with corruptible flesh, has become the temple of the
he be still clad with corruptible flesh, has become the temple of the
living God, Who guides and instructs him in all his words, deeds and
living God, Who guides and instructs him in all his words, deeds and
thoughts; and on account of this inner enlightenment, he will know
thoughts; and on account of this inner enlightenment, he will know
the will of the Lord as if he were hearing some voice.
the will of the Lord as if he were hearing some voice.
Communion with God and the indwelling of God, the final aim of the
Communion with God and the indwelling of God, the final aim of the
human spirit, has been attained when the man is in God and God in
human spirit, has been attained when the man is in God and God in
him. At last the will of God has been fulfilled as well as His prayer that,
him. At last the will of God has been fulfilled as well as His prayer that,
just as "He is in the Father and the Father in Him, so may every believ ­
just as "He is in the Father and the Father in Him, so may every believ-
er be one in Him." (John 17:21) Such souls are the "temple of God," (I
er be one in Him." (John 17:21) Such souls are the "temple of God," (1
Cor 3:16) and "the Spirit of God dwells in them." (Rom. 8 :9 )
Cor 3:16) and "the Spirit of God dwells in them." (Rom. 8:9)
Those who have reached this are mystics of God and their state is the
Those who have reached this are mystics of God and their state is the
same as the state of the Apostles.
same as the state of the Apostles.

The m anifestation o f God is the source o f a multitude o f other gifts o f

The manifestation of God is the source of a multitude of other gifts of
grace, and first o f all " flaming love which makes them boldly say: 'Who
grace, and first of all "flaming love which makes them boldly say: 'Who
shall separate us from God? '" (Rom. 8:35)
shall separate us from God?'" (Rom. 8:35)
And love is the source of prophecies, the cause of miracles, a depth of
And love is the source of prophecies, the cause of miracles, a depth of
enlightenment, the fountain of divine fire.
enlightenment, the fountain of divine fire.
Since such a state is the fruit of quietude if it is practised with discern ­
Since such a state is the fruit of quietude if it is practised with discern-
ment, not all solitaries remain in solitude forever. Those who have at­
ment, not all solitaries remain in solitude forever. Those who have at-
tained dispassion through quietude and have been granted thereby the
tained dispassion through quietude and have been granted thereby the

89
A n E xt ra o : i \.\
\ ^ y \P P
e aLc e(i

most
mostintimate
intimate comm
com union
munion with withGodGodandandthe
theindwelling
indwelling ofof
God,
God,areare
led
ledout
outfrom
fromthis
thisstate
stateforforthe
theservice
serviceofof
those
thosewhowhoseek
seeksalvation
salvation and
and
they
theyminister
minister to tothem
thembybyenlightening
enlightening them,
them,guiding
guidingthem
themandandwork ­
work-
ing
ingmiracles.
miracles.AsAs totoJohn
Johnininthe
thedesert,
desert,soso
to toAntony
AntonythetheGreat
Greatcame
camea a
voice
voiceininhishissolitude
solitudewhich
whichled ledhim
himoutoutto tothe
thelabour
labourofofdirecting
directing oth ­
oth-
ersersininthe
theway
wayofofsalvation;
salvation; and
andthethefruits
fruitsofoftheir
theirlabours
laboursareareknown
knownto to
all.all.And
Andit it
hashasbeen
beenthe
thesame
samewith
withmany
manyothers.
others.

This
Thisweweshall
shallalso
alsosee
seerealized
realizedininthe
thecase
caseo fofSt.St.Seraphim.
Seraphim. AsAs
weweread
read
these
thesewords
wordso fofTheophan
Theophan the
theRecluse,
Recluse,weweseem
seemtotosee
seea vivid
a vividportrait
portrait ofof
the
theSaint
Sainthimself,
himself, and
andyet
yetthey
theyhave
havebeen
beentaken
takenfrom
fromthe
theworks
workso fofthe
the
great
greatascetics:
ascetics:St.St.John
Johno fofthe
theLadder
Ladder(The
(TheLadder
Laddero fofDivine Ascent Ch.
DivineAscent Ch.2929
and
and3 030),
), St.St.Isaac
Isaacthe
theSyrian
Syrianand
andThe Philokalia.This
ThePhilokalia. Thiswonderful
wonderful unity
unityis is
not
notonly
onlyananevident
evidenttestimony
testimony o fofthe
theOne
OneMost
MostHoly
HolySpirit
Spirito fofGod
GodWho
Who
inspires
inspiresthe
thesaints,
saints,but
butit it
is is
also
alsoa clear
a clearproof
proofthat
thatFr.Fr.
Seraphim s spiritual
Seraphim's spiritual
way
waywas
wasright.
right."We
"Wedodonot
notknow
knowanything
anything ononearth
earthhigher
higherthan
thanthis
thisapap-
­
ostolic
ostolicstate.
state.This
Thisis is
the
thehighest
highestdegree
degreeo fofthe
thespiritual
spiritual life. "
life."
" Father " was
"Father" wasnow
nowcalled
calledtotothis
thisfinal
finaldegree
degreeo fofperfection.
perfection. And
Andit itis is
clear
clearwhy
whyfrom
fromthis
thisperiod
periodthe
thesweet
sweetand
andtender
tender name
nameo fof"Father, " ofofa a
"Father,"
true
trueand
andloving
lovingfather,
father,was
wasspecially
specially applied
applied totohim.
him.His
Hispaternal
paternal spiri ­
spiri-
tual
tualdirection
direction had
hadbegun.
begun.
The
Thedoors
doorso fofhis
hishermitage
hermitage were
wereopened
opened forforthe
thefirst
firsttime
timealmost
almostimim-
­
mediately
mediately after
afterthe
theSaint 's refusal
Saint's refusaltotoreceive
receiveBishop
BishopJonah
Jonahwho
whomay
maynot
not
have
haveeven
evenhad
hadtim e totoreturn
time return totohis
hisepiscopal
episcopal city
cityo fofTambov
Tambovwhen
whenthe
the
governor
governor o fofthe
theprovince,
province, Alexander
Alexander MMikhailovitch
ikhailovitch Bezobrazov,
Bezobrazov, setsetout
out
from
fromthe
thesame
sametown
townwith
withhis
hiswife,
wife,for
forSarov.
Sarov.
It It
waswasininSeptember,
September, 1813.
1813.On
Ontheir
theirarrival
arrivalatatthe
themonastery
monastery and
andafaf-
­
tertera prayer
a prayerininthe
thechurch,
church,husband
husband and
andwife
wifewent
wenttotothe
thecell
cello fof
the
theSaint.
Saint.
The
Themonks
monkswho
whoaccompanied
accompanied the
thegovernor
governor and
andhis
hiswife
wifehad
hadnonohope
hopeofof
their
theirseeing
seeingthe
theElder,
Elder,asasthey
theywere
werelay
laypeople.
people.Had
Hadhehenot
notlately
latelygiven
givena a
silent
silentrefusal
refusaltotoa monk,
a monk,his
hisbishop?
bishop?But
Butnow
nowthe
theunexpected
unexpected happened.
happened.
When
Whenthe
thevisitors
visitorscame
carnetotoFr.Fr.
Seraphim s cell,
Seraphim's cell,heheopened
openedthe
thedoor
doortotothem
them
him self and
himself andsilently
silentlyblessed
blessedthem.
them.
The
Theperiod
periodo fofstrict
strictreclusion
reclusionwas
wasover.
over.Why
Whythe
theSaint
Saintbehaved
behaved ininthis
this
way
wayremains
remains a mystery.
a mystery.It It
is is
certain
certainonly
onlythat
thatheheacted
actedininthis
thisway
wayaccord ­
accord-

90
 I '! II ! i 0 Pi

inging
to to
thethe will
will of oGod
f God which
which hehe discerned
discerned with
with hishis inner
inner sight.
sight.
Bishop
Bishop Theophan
Theophan thethe Recluse
Recluse writes:
writes:
Those
Those whowho have
have reached
reached perfection
perfection hear
hear thethe voice
voice of ofGodGod clearly
clearly in in
their
their soul.
soul. In In them
them thethe word
word of of
thethe Lord
Lord begins
begins to to
bebe fulfilled:
fulfilled: "When
"When
He,He,
thethe Spirit
Spirit of of Truth,
Truth, comes,
comes, HeHe will
will guide
guide youyouintointoallall truth.(John
truth." " (John
16:13)
16:13) And
And thethe Apostle
Apostle John
John also
also writes:
writes: "The
"The anointing
anointing (of(of
thethe Spirit)
Spirit)
remains
remains in in you,
you, andandyouyoudodonotnot need
need anyanymanman to to teach
teach you;
you; butbutas asHisHis
anointing
anointing teaches
teaches youyou about
about everything,
everything, andand is true
is true andand is no
is no lie,lie,
so so
remain
remain in in
HimHim as as it has
it has taught
taught you.(1
you." " (1 John
John 2:2 7 )
2:27)

However,
However, in in
thethe Diveyev
Diveyev edition
edition of oThe
f The Life
Life of oSaint
f Saint it it
Seraphim
Seraphim is is said
said
that
that onon this
this occasionalso
occasion also
thethe Mother
Mother of of God
God appeared
appeared to to
St.St. Seraphim
Seraphim
accompanied
accompanied byby
St.St. Onuphrius
Onuphrius thethe Great
Great andand
St.St. Peter
Peter of of Athos,
Athos. andand that
that
sheshe commandedhim
commanded himnotnot
to tohide
hide
anyany longer,butbut
longer, to tominister
minister
to topeople.
people.
From
From this
this tim the
time e the doors
doors of of
thethe recluse
recluse were
were open
open to to
all.all.HisHis activity
activity as as
an an Elder
Elder hadhad begun.
begun.
Unfortunately,most
Unfortunately, mostof othe
f the writtenrecords
written records date
date from1825
from 1825when
whenhehe
hadhad quite
quite given
given upupreclusion.
reclusion.ButBut
it it
is is
notnot a matter
a matter of ogreat
f great importance,
importance,
andand
wewe shall
shall make
make a selection
a selection from
from hishis most
most valuable
valuable instructions
instructions given
given
byby himat at
him different
different times
times andand
in in different
different places.
places.
ButBut first
first of oall
f allletlet
us us describe
describe fromthethe
from evidence
evidence of oeyewitnesses
f eyewitnesses
thethe
interior
interior of ohis
f his
cellcell
andand
hishis manner
manner of of receiving
receiving visitors.
visitors. Here
Here is is a piece
a piece of of
informationfrom
information fromGeneral
General Otrostchenkoff,
Otrostchenkoff whowho visited
visited thethe Saint
Saint onon
hishis
way
way to to Moscow:
Moscow:

In In accordance
accordance with
with a reverent
a reverent frame
frame of of mind,
mind, partly
partly outout
of of curiosity,
curiosity,
andand especially
especially at at
thethe urgent
urgent request
request of of
mymy wife,
wife, Natalia
Natalia Mikhailovna,
Mikhailovna, I I
decided
decided to to
callcall
at at Sarov
Sarov andand pay
pay mymy respects
respects to to
thethe holy
holy recluse.
recluse. After
After
thethe early
early Liturgy
Liturgy mymy wife
wife and accompanied
and" I, accompanied byby a monk,
a monk went
went to to
Fr.Fr.
Seraphim's
Seraphim's cell. cell.

TheThekeykey
of of
thethe com m on
common door
door (of(of
thethe corridor)
corridor) waswas with
with thethe
monkmonk who
who
guided us, for the recluse never went anywhere
guided us, for the recluse never went anywhere out of his room, notout of his room, not
even
even to to church.
church. Having
Having opened
opened that
that door,
door, ourour guide
guide went
went to to
thethe door
door
of of
thethe recluse
recluse andand said
said thethe greeting
greeting prayer;
prayer; then
then hehe repeated
repeated it twice
it twice
andand added
added that
that some
some travelers
travelers wanted
wanted to to
seesee
Fr.Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. ButBut again
again hehe
gotgot
nono answer.
answer. Then
Then hehe said:
said: "Would
"Would youyou like
like to to speak
speak yourself? "
yourself?"

91
 II replied
replied that
that II did
did not
not know
know what
what to
to say.
say. "Say
"Say simply:
simply: 'Christ
'Christ isis risen,
risen,
Fr. Seraphim."
Fr. Seraphim.'" (It
(It was
was then
then the
the week
week of
of the
the holy
holy Resurrection).
Resurrection). IIwent
went
up to
up to the
the door
door and
and said
said this
this greeting;
greeting; but
but neither
neither did
did II get
get any
any re-
re­
sponse. II turned
sponse. turned to
to my
my wife
wife who
who was
was holding
holding some
some gifts
gifts in
in her
her hands
hands
(candles, oil
(candles, oil and
and red
red wine)
wine) and
and trembling
trembling with
with awe,
awe, coughing
coughing violent-
violent­
ly at
ly at the
the same
same time
time (she
(she was
was in
in the
the first
first half
half of
of her
her pregnancy).
pregnancy). She
She said
said
loudly: "Well,
loudly: "Well, my
my friend,
friend, we
we must
must have
have been
been very
very naughty,
naughty, since
since the
the
holy man
holy man will
will not
not receive
receive us.
us. Let
Let us
us leave
leave our
our gift
gift and
and regretfully con ­
regretfully con-
tinue our
tinue our journey."
journey." We
We were
were about
about to
to go
go when
when suddenly
suddenly the
the door
door of
of the
the
recluse opened
recluse opened and
and he
he stood
stood in
in aa white
white cassock
cassock and
and beckoned
beckoned to
to us
us
with his
with his finger
finger to
to come
come in.
in.

From my
From my first
first glance
glance atat him
him IIwas
was seized
seized with
with aa feeling
feeling of
of reverence
reverence for
for
him. He
him. He seemed
seemed to
to me
me an
an angel,
angel, aa heavenly
heavenly man;
man; his
his face
face was
was white
white
like clear
like clear wax,
wax, his
his eyes
eyes blue
blue as
as the
the sky,
sky, his
his hair
hair was
was white
white and
and hung
hung
down to
down to his
his shoulders.
shoulders. We
We came
came into
into his
his cell,
cell, and
and he
he closed
closed the
the door
door atat
once with
once with aa hook.
hook. At
At the
the entrance,
entrance, on
on the
the left
left side
side stood
stood aa jug
jug and
and bot-
bot­
tles of
tles ofvarious
various sizes,
sizes, some
some empty,
empty, some
some with
with oil
oil and
and wine;
wine; there
there was
was
also aa big
also big pewter
pewter cup
cup with
with aa spoon
spoon of
ofthe
the same
same metal.
metal. On
On the
the left
left side
side
near the
near the wall
wall were
were heaped
heaped up
up stones
stones of
ofdifferent
different sizes;
sizes; on
on the
the right
right side
side
were logs
were logs of
ofwood,
wood, and
and above
above them
them on
on aa peg
peg hung
hung all
all kinds
kinds of
ofold
old rags.
rags.
In the
In the front
front corner
corner on
on aa wooden
wooden shelf
shelfstood
stood an
an ikon
ikon of
ofthe
the Mother
Mother of
of
Cod.'
God,1and
and before
before itit burned
burned aa lamp.
lamp. The
The two
two windows
windows were
were double
double ones
ones
and filled
and filled with
with rubbish
rubbish up
up toto the
the top
top casements.
casements.

In spite
In spite of
ofthe
the crowded
crowdedness and untidiness,
ness and untidiness, the
the air
air in
in this
this small
small room
room
was perfectly
was perfectly pure.
pure. From
From the
the door
door to
to the
the ikon
ikon there
there was
was only
only aa small
small
passage. The
passage. The place
place where
where the
the recluse
recluse slept
slept was
was not
not to
to be
be seen.'
seen.2He
He
closed the
closed the door
door and
and said
said to
to us:
us: "Pray
"Pray to
to God
God!I And
And you,"
you," addressing
addressing my
my
wife, "light
wife, " light aacandle
candle and
and put
put itit before
before the
the ikon."
ikon." But
Butshe
she was
was trembling
trembling
so much
so much that
that she
she could
could not
not make
make the
the candle
candle stick.
stick. "Leave
"Leave it,
it, then;
then; I'll
I'll
do ititmyself,"
do myself," he
he said.
said.

After this
After this Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim took
took from
from under
under aabench
bench aabottle
bottle of
ofwine,
wine,
poured some
poured some into
into the
the cup,
cup, then
then poured
poured inin some
some water,
water, put
putsome
some dry
dry
bread into
bread into it,
it, took
took aa spoon
spoon and
and said:
said: "Repeat
"Repeat after
after me."
me." He
Hesaid
said the
the
prayerbefore
prayer before confession,
confession, and
and began
began toto feed
feed us
us inin turns
turns from
from the
the spoon.
spoon.
The wine
The wine was
was so
so sour
sour that
that the
the water
waterdid
did not
not temper
temper the
the acidity.
acidity.

1 "Our
"Our Lady
LadyofofCompunction"
Compunction " whose
whose feast
feast isison
on the
the 28th
28th ofofJuly,
July, the
theday
dayofofhis
hispatron
patron
Saint, Prochorus.
Saint, Prochorus.
22 lie
Heslept
slepton
onthe
thestones;
stones; he
healso
alsoslept
sleptsilting
sittingororkneeling
kneelingon
on the
the floor.
floor.

92
 TTil!he H i J G i r r 01
HLli;!11 O r Pi - rfkc:.tson
1'1.!;11111(1N

My
My wife whispered to
wife whispered to me
me that she could
that she could not
not take
take it
it because
because it was
was very
very
sour.
sour. I transmitted
transmitted her
her words,
words, adding:
adding: "She
"She is not
not well.
well.""

""II know,
know," " replied
replied the
the Elder, "that is why
Elder, "that why I am
am giving
giving it her —to make
her-to make her
her
well.
well.""

After giving us some

After giving some three
three times,
times, he
he said:
said: "Kiss
"Kiss one
one another.
another." " We
We did
did
so. Then
so. Then he
he turned
turned to
to me
me and
and said:
said: "You
"You are
are in
in difficult circumstanc- ­
difficult circumstanc
es, you
es, you are
are sad.
sad. But
But pray
pray to God and
to God don't't grieve;
and don grieve; He
He will
will soon com- ­
soon com
fort you."" Then
fort you. Then he
he wrapped
wrapped up
up some
some dry
dry bread
bread in
in a piece
piece of
of paper
paper and
and
gave
gave it to me.
me. But
But I said
said to
to him:
him: "Holy
"Holy Father!
Father! I have
have many
many friends
friends who
who
know
know you
you from
from hearsay;
hearsay; and
and they
they will
will be
be very
very glad
glad if
if I take
take them
them some
some
of
of the
the dry
dry bread
bread I have
have received.
received." " He
He smiled
smiled and
and added
added some
some more
more dry
dry
bread.
bread. Then
Then he
he thanked
thanked us
us for
for having
having visited
visited him,
him, and
and dismissed
dismissed us
us
with
with a blessing.
blessing.

W hat he
What he had
had said
said to me
me and
and my
my wife
wife came
came to pass.
pass. On
On the
the same
same day
day
her
her coughing
coughing and
and vomiting
vomiting stopped;
stopped; and
and on
on reaching
reaching the
the town
town of
of
Riazan,
Riazan. I received
received 55,000
,0 0 0 rubles
rubles which
which the
the Emperor
Emperor Alexander
Alexander I granted
granted
me
me for
for a military
military review
review near
near the
the town
town of
of Penza.
Penza.

another record, this time by General

Here is another General Galkin with new
-Vrassky, with
Calkin-Vrassky,
and touching
touching details:
details:
When
When I was
was an
an officer
officer I visited
visited the
the Sarov
Sarov monastery
monastery and
and after
after the
the ex
ex-­
ample
ample of
of the
the other
other pilgrims
pilgrims I went
went to receive
receive a blessing
blessing from
from the
the holy
holy
Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. In the
the corridor
corridor outside
outside his
his cell
cell the
the cold
cold was
was intense,
intense, and
and I
shivered
shivered in my
my thin
thin military
military coat.
coat. His
His neighbor
neighbor told
told me
me that
that there
there was
was
a monk
monk with
with Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim and
and that
that he
he was
was talking
talking to him.
him. Standing
Standing
in the
the corridor,
corridor, I prayed
prayed to
to the
the Most
Most Holy
Holy Mother
Mother of
of God.
God. The
The door
door
opened;
opened; the
the monk
monk went
went out.
out. And
And a few
few minutes
minutes later
later Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim
opened
opened his
his door
door and
and said: What joy
said: ""What joy God
God gives
gives m e ! " He led
me!" led me
me into
into
his
his cell,
celt but
but as
as it
it was
was crowded
crowded with
with different
different things,
things, he
he made
made me
me sit
sit on
on
the
the threshold
threshold of
of his
his cell,
cell, while
while he
he himself
himself sat
sat on
on the
the floor
floor before
before me
me
holding
holding my
my hand;
hand; and
and he
he talked
talked to me
me caressingly
caressingly and
and even
even kissed
kissed my
my
hand
hand repeatedly.
repeatedly. Such
Such was
was his
his love
love for
for his
his neighbor.
neighbor. II sat
sat opposite
opposite him
him
in
in aa kind
kind of
of extraordinary
extraordinary rapture.
rapture.

After a long
After long talk
talk the
the visitor
visitor mentioned
mentioned his illness
illness-a disease of the
—a disease
lungs. Fr.
lungs. Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim gave him
him some oil from his
his lamp to drink.
drink. The ill
ill-­
ness was
ness was cured
cured forever.
forever.

93
:\A \N l.I \! ’• ! ELl;
.\' , > \ .\•ri',
' Pij L \ r i

Here is another
Here another example.
exam ple. A landowner
landow ner of
o f Simbirsk,
Sim birsk, Elisabeth
Elisabeth
Nikolaievna Pasuhin,
Nikolaievna Pasuhin, called
called on
on Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim and
and wanted
wanted him
him to
to hear
hear her
her
confession, but
confession, but a monk
monk called
called Damascene
Damascene told
told her
her that
that it was
was impossible
impossible
on account
on account of
o f the
the crowds
crowds of
o f visitors.
visitors. Nevertheless
Nevertheless she
she prepared
prepared herself
herself all
all
night for confession
night confession with
with the
the Saint
Saint and
and asked
asked God
God to grant
grant it. She writes:
writes:

In the
In the morning
morning on on the
the following
following dayday II went
went toto him.
him. And
And when
when my my ser-
ser­
vant opened
vant opened thethe door
door ofof his
his anteroom,
anteroom, II saw
saw the
the Elder
Elder near
near hishis cof-
cof­
fin. Seeing
fin. Seeing me,
me, he
he rose
rose and
and led
led me
me into
into his
his cell.
cell. He
He commanded
commanded me me to
to
make the sign of the cross and three times gave me holy
make the sign of the cross and three times gave me holy water to drink, water to drink,
putting the
putting the cup
cup to
to my
my lips
lips himself.
himself. Then
Then hehe asked
asked for
for my
my handkerchief.
handkerchief.
II gave
gave him
him aa corner
corner ofof the
the shawl
shawl II was
was wearing
wearing andand he
he poured
poured in in aa
handful of
handful of dry
dry bread.
bread. Then
Then with
with fear
fear and
and reverence
reverence lest
lest II should
should offend
offend
the righteous Elder, I ventured to tell him of my wish to
the righteous Elder, I ventured to tell him of my wish to confess with confess with
him, and
him, and said:
said: "Holy
"Holy Father,
Father, allow
allow meme to
to say
say one
one word
word toto you."
you."

He answered:
He answered: "Please
"Please do,
do, mother."
mother."

And suddenly
And suddenly to to my
my unutterable
unutterable surprise
surprise and
and amazement,
amazem ent, as as well
well as
as to
to
my unspeakable joy, he took me by both hands
my unspeakable joy, he took me by both hands and began to read the and began to read the
prayer: "0
prayer: "O God,
God, absolve,
absolve, remit
remit and
and pardon
pardon me me mymy sins
sins which
which II have
have
committed...
committed ..."" II repeated
repeated this
this prayer
prayer after
after him,
him, sobbing
sobbing loudly;
loudly; then
then II
fell on
fell on mymy knees.
knees. And And hehe knelt
knelt beside
beside me,
me, and
and all
all through
through the
the prayer
prayer
he held
he held my my hands.
hands. AfterAfter the
the absolution
absolution and and dismissal
dismissal hehe gave
gave me
me his
his
copper cross to kiss, and taking my right hand, he
copper cross to kiss, and taking my right hand, he said: "The grace of said: "The grace of
our Lord
our Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ
Christ and
and love
love of
of God
God the
the Father
Father and
and the
the communion
communion
of the
of the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit be be with
with you
you all
all your
your life,
life, at
at your
your end
end and
and after
after your
your
d eath ! " I was beside myself with joy and
death!" I was beside myself with joy and kissed his hands. kissed his hands.

The events
The events described
described are
are to
to be
be referred
referred to
to aa later
later period
period in
in the
the Saint's
Saint's
life. At
life. At the
the beginning,
beginning, especially
especially during
during the
the first
first three
three years,
years, he
he still
still con-
con ­
tinued his
tinued his silence,
silence, though
though his
his door
door was
was open.
open. Everyone
Everyone could
could enter
enter and
and
look at
look at him,
him, but
but he
he behaved
behaved as
as if
if there
there were
were no
no one
one with
with him.
him. The
The visitors
visitors
would be
would be deeply
deeply impressed
impressed by
by such
such dispassion,
dispassion, would
would ask
ask for
for his
his bless-
bless ­
ing and
ing and depart
depart in
in silence.
silence. But
But gradually
gradually the
the Saint
Saint began
began to
to give
give instruc-
instruc ­
tions, advice,
tions, advice, and
and absolution
absolution of
o f sins;
sins; he
he would
would anoint
anoint with
with the
the oil
oil from
from
his lamp,
his lamp, give
give dry
dry bread,
bread, and
and so
so on.
on.
The pilgrims
The pilgrims brought
brought him
him gifts:
gifts: candles,
candles, oil,
oil, sometimes
sometimes wine
wine which
which
he gave
he gave his
his visitors
visitors from
from aa spoon.
spoon. He
He put
put the
the candles
candles before
before the
the ikons
ikons for
for

94
 I Ii I 1·1i. ; C I J i 0 I I) I. r; I I c I : (' "

those who
those who had
had brought
brought them.
them. N.A. Motovilov
Motovilov was
was once
once wondering
wondering what
what
good there
good there was
was in lighting
lighting those
those candles
candles and
and lamps.
lamps. The
The Saint
Saint read
read his
his
doubt and
doubt and said
said to
to him:
him:
"I have
have many
many people
people who
who are
are devoted
devoted to
to me
me and
and are
are benefactors
benefactors to
to
my mill
my mill orphans
orphans (the
(the Diveyev
Diveyev nuns).
nun s). They
They bring
bring me
me oil
oil and
and candles,
candles, and
and
pray for them.
ask me to pray them. So when
when I read
read my rule,
rule, I remember
remember them
them at
one by one.
first one one. But on
on account
account of the
the great
great number
number of names
names I cannot
cannot
repeat them at every
repeat them every place
place in the
the rule,
rule, as it is required,
required, for then
then I should
should
tim e for my rule,
have no time rule, and
and so I put
put all these
these candles
candles for them
them as an
an
offering to
offering to God-a
G od —a candle
candle for each
each one.
one. For some
some I put
put collectively
collectively one
one
big candle,
candle, for others
others I always
always keep a lamp
lamp burning, and where
burning, and where it is nec-
nec­
essary to remember
essary remember their
their names
names in the
the rule,
rule, I say: 'Lord, remember
remember all
these
these people,
people, Thy servants,
servants, for whose souls I have
whose souls have lighted
lighted these
these candles
candles
and lamps/
and lamps.' It is also said in the
the Bible that
that Moses heard
heard the
the voice of
o f the
the
Lord saying
saying to him:
him: 'Moses, Moses! Tell thy
thy brother
brother Aaron
Aaron to light
light a lamp
lamp
before
before Me by day and
and by night;
night; this
this is pleasing
pleasing in My sight
sight and
and it is an
acceptable
acceptable offering
offering to
to Me.3
MeY""'
At the
the same
same time
time the
the Saint
Saint observed
observed how
how the candles
candles burned. If any
burned. ""If any-­
one has faith
faith in me, poor
poor Seraphim,
Seraphim,"" he said, "I
"I keep a candle
candle burning
burning
for that
that person
person before
before the
the holy ikon. And if the
the candle
candle fell, it was a sign
to me that
that that
that person
person had fallen
fallen into mortal
mortal sin. Then
Then I bow my knees
knees
for him before God ' s compassion.
God's compassion." "
In such reclusion
reclusion the Saint spent
spent fifteen and a hhalf
alf years. The m em o ­
memo-
rable feast o
off the Presentation
Presentation ooff the Mother
Mother ooff God had passed
passed for the
forty - eighth tim
forty-eighth timee for the Saint in Sarov.
Sarov. It
It was the 25th ooff November
November
1825,
1825, the
the last
last day or ''octave'
octave ' of the feast. W ith this octave or end of the
With
festival his
his reclusion
reclusion also ended.
ended. The Mother
Mother ooff God
God appeared
appeared in a dream
dream
to
to St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim together
together with St.
St. Clement,
Clement, Pope ooff Rome, and St.
St. Peter,
Archbishop
Archbishop ooff Alexandria,
Alexandria, who
who are commemorated
commemorated on that
that day,
day, and al
al-­
lowed
lowed him
him to
to give
give up
up reclusion
reclusion completely.
completely.
Such
Such was
was God 's will
God's will now.
now. With
With the
the octave of
of the Presentation
Presentation the
the Saint
Saint
had
had completed
completed the
the circle
circle ooff his
his salvation,
salvation, and
and he
he now
now had
had to
to please
please God
God
33 We
We do
do not
not know
know to
to what
what passage
passage St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim is
is alluding.
alluding.

95
1\'\ FXTRAU!~Dl_\\ \ P \Ci

throughministering
through ministeringtotoothers.
others.But
Butmonastic
monasticconditions
conditionsarearenotnotalways
always
quitecongenial
quite congenialtotoit.it.Every
Everymonastery
m onasterylives
livesaccording
accordingto toitsitsfixed
fixedrule
rule
whichis ismost
which mostsuitable
suitableforforthethemajority
m ajorityofoordinary
f ordinarymonks.
monks.And
Andevery
every
exception, every infringement
exception, every infringement o f the rules and customs usually creates
of the rules and customs usually creates
a adisturbance
disturbancenotnotonlyonlyininthetheexterior
exteriorlife
lifeofothe
f themonastery,
monastery,butbutalsoalsoin in

thetheinterior
interiorspirit
spirit
ofothe
f themonks.
monks.Meanwhile,
Meanwhile,since sincethethedoor
door
ofothe
f therecluse
recluse
wasopen,
was open,Fr.Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'svisitors
visitorsincreased
increasedmore
moreandandmore;
more;sometimes
sometimes
there
there were
were asasmanymanyasasfrom
fromoneonethousand
thousandtototwo
twothousand
thousanddaily.
daily.All
Allthethe
courtyardofofthethemonastery
courtyard monasterywas wasfull
fullofofpeople
peopleeager
eagerjust
justtotolook
lookat atthethe
holyElder
holy Elder
oror
totoreceive
receive a blessingfrom
a blessing fromhim;
him;totohave
havea talk
a talk withhim
with himwas was
considereda special
considered a specialgift.
gift.
This is how N. Aksakova describes
This is how N. Aksakova describes thethescene
scene
ononFr.Fr. Seraphim 'leaving
Seraphim's s leaving
churchafter
church afterananearly
earlyLiturgy:
Liturgy:

AllAll
ofof
us,us,rich
rich and
and poor,
poor, were
were waiting
waiting forfor him,
him, crowding
crowding at at
thetheentrance
entrance
of the church. When he appeared at the church door,
of the church. When he appeared at the church door, everyone's eyes everyone's eyes
were
were fixed
fixed ononhim.
him.HeHe slowly
slowly came
came down
down thethesteps
steps
ofof
thetheporch
porch and
and
in spite of having a slight limp and being somewhat hunch-backed, hehe
in spite of having a slight limp and being somewhat hunch - backed,
seemed
seemed and and was
was supremely
supremely beautiful.
beautiful.

HeHe walked
walked in in silence,and
silence, and appeared
appeared tototake
takenononotice
noticeofof anyone.
anyone. TheThe
crowds of people standing like two walls hardly left him
crowds of people standing like two walls hardly left him room to pass room to pass
in complete silence; we were all wishing to have just a look
in complete silence; we were all wishing to have just a look at his gra- ­ at his gra
cious
cious face.
face. And
And only
only thenbegan
then began thethereception
reception ofof people
people ininhishiscell.
cell.

Anothervisitor
Another visitorwho
whowas wasafterwards
afterwardshishisdevoted
devotedspiritual
spiritualdaughter
daughter
andwhose
and whosename
namehashasalready
alreadybeen
beenmentioned,
mentioned,A.P.A.P.Eropkina,
Eropkina,describes
describes
whathappened
what happenedthere.there.Arriving
Arrivingforforthethefirst
firsttime
timein inthethemonastery,
monastery,she
she
wasstruck
was struckbybythethecrowd
crowdofof pilgrimswho
pilgrims whomovedmovedbetween
betweenthetheCathedral
Cathedral

ofofthetheDormition
Dorm itionand
andthethehouse
housewhere
whereFr.Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'scell
cellwas.
was.She
Sheaf-af­
terwardswrote:
terwards wrote:

I mixed
I mixed with
with a crowd
a crowd ofof people
people ofof bothsexes
both sexes andandofof
allallages
agesandand call ­
call-
ings.
ings. I worked
I worked mymy way
way throughit it
through totothetheporch
porch where
where allall were
were converg ­
converg-
ing. With the greatest difficulty I wriggled into the anteroom and gotgot
ing. With the greatest difficulty I wriggled into the anteroom and
through
through thetheopen
open door
door into
into thethecell
cell itself.Fr.Fr.
itself. Seraphim
Seraphim waswas thronged
thronged
by a dense crowd of worshippers. I tried to approach him as thetheothers
by a dense crowd of worshippers. I tried to approach him as others

96
 T he H eight Or P erfection
Til; !! L!(,III 01 PElilECTIC1\

did and reached out my hand for his blessing. On giving me his bless­
did and reached out my hand for his blessing, On giving me his bless-
ing and some bits of dry bread he said: "The servant of God Anna par­
ing and some bits of dry bread he said: "The servant of God Anna par-
takes of the grace of God."
takes of the grace of God."
What was my am azem ent when I heard my name mentioned in an
What was my amazement when I heard my name mentioned in an
unknown place! But when I looked Fr. Seraphim straight in the face, I
unknown place! But when I looked Fr. Seraphim straight in the face, I
recognised in him that same Elder who had warned me in my dream
recognised in him that same Elder who had warned me in my dream
against an unhappy marriage. But one could not stop near him even
against an unhappy marriage. But one could not stop near him even
for a minute, for the people behind me pushed me away in order to get
for a minute, for the people behind me pushed me away in order to get
a blessing themselves and hear something from his lips. I was hustled
a blessing themselves and hear something from his lips. I was hustled
out into the anteroom where with my feet I felt a few logs near the
out into the anteroom where with my feet I felt a few logs near the
wall; scrambling onto them, I began to gaze at Fr. Seraphim over the
wall; scrambling onto them, I began to gaze at Fr. Seraphim over the
heads of the people. I soon noticed that he apparently wanted to end
heads of the people. I soon noticed that he apparently wanted to end
the reception; for he began to dismiss everyone, saying meekly: "Go in
the reception; for he began to dismiss everyone, saying meekly: "Go in
peace." At the same time he made his way towards the open door near
peace." At the same time he made his way towards the open door near
which I was standing. He took hold of the padlock with one hand and
which I was standing. He took hold of the padlock with one hand and
unexpectedly for myself, he took my hand with the other and led me
unexpectedly for myself, he took my hand with the other and led me
into his cell; and without asking anything, he at once started talking
into his cell; and without asking anything, he at once started talking
to me.
to me.
"Why have you come to a poor sinner like me, my treasure? I know!
"Why have you come to a poor sinner like me, my treasure? I know!
Your sorrow is very great; but the Lord will help to bear it." After these
Your sorrow is very great; but the Lord will help to bear it," After these
and other consoling words he commanded me to prepare for Holy
and other consoling words he commanded me to prepare for Holy
Com munion with them, to confess with Fr. Hilarion, the confessor of
Communion with them, to confess with Fr. Hilarion, the confessor of
the monastery, and to partake of the Holy Mysteries.
the monastery, and to partake of the Holy Mysteries.

And this
And this went
went on
on day
day after
after day,
day, from
from the
the early
early Liturgy
Liturgy till
till eight
eight o'clock,
o 'clock,
and then
and then until
until midnight.
midnight.
Abbot Niphont
Abbot Niphont once
once said
said in
in doubt
doubt and
and perplexity:
perplexity: "When
"When Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim
lived in
lived in the
the desert,
desert, he
he barred
barred all
all access
access to
to himself
him self with
with trees,
trees, so
so that
that the
the
people should
people should not
not come;
come; but
but now
now hehe has
has begun
begun toto receive
receive everyone,
everyone, so
so that
that
it is
it is impossible
impossible for
for me
me to
to shut
shut the
the gates
gates of
o f the
the monastery
monastery until
until midnight."
midnight."
And one
And one can
can understand
understand that
that the
the superior
superior of
o f the
the monastery
monastery was
was dis-
dis ­
turbed by
turbed by the
the increasi
increasing crowds of
ng crowds o f people;
people; for
for he
he was
was responsible
responsible not
not only
only
for the
for the outward
outward discipline
discipline but
but also
also for
for the
the inner
inner peace
peace of
o f the
the brethren.
brethren.
Meanwhile, many
Meanwhile, many of
of them
them began
began to
to be
be offended.
offended. Some
Some were
were disturbed
disturbed by
by
the vanity
the vanity and
and idle
idle talk
talk of
o f the
the lay
lay people;
people; others
others were
were vexed
vexed by
by the
the pres-
pres­
ence of
ence of women
women who
who constantly
constantly crowded
crowded the
the courtyard
courtyard and
and the
the corridor
corridor

97
ofofthe
themonastery.
monastery.Others
Otherswere
wereperplexed
perplexedby
bythe
thebehavior
behaviorofofthe
therecluse
recluse
who
whodid
didnot
notgogototochurch,
church,but
butwas
wasininhis
hiscell
cellwith
withthe
thepeople.
people.Some
Somewere
were
irritated
irritatedbybythe
theteaching
teachingitself,
itself,and
andperhaps
perhapswere
werejealous
jealousofo the
f theSaint.
Saint.
AAmonk
m onksaid
saidtotoFr.
Fr.Seraphim:
Seraphim:"You
"Youare
areworried
worriedbybypeople
peopleofo fboth
both
sexes;
sexes;and
andyou
youletletthem
themallallininwithout
withoutdistinction."
distinction. "InInhis
hisanswer
answertotohim
him
the
thehumble
humbleElder
Elderreferred
referredtotothe
theexample
exampleofo fSt.
St.Hilarion
Hilarionthe
theGreat
Greatwho
who
ordered
orderedthe
thegates
gatestotobebekept
keptopen
openfor
forthe
thesake
sakeofo fthe
thepilgrims,
pilgrims,and
andhehe
added:
added:"Suppose
" SupposeI Iclose
closethe
thedoor
doorofo my
f mycell.
cell.Those
Thosewho
whocome
comeininneed
needofof
a aword
wordofo fcomfort
com fortwill
willbeg
begme
metotoopen
openthe
thedoor
doorfor
forGod's
God 'ssake
sakeand
andonon
receiving
receivingnonoanswer
answerfrom
fromme
mewill
willgogohome
homeininsadness.
sadness.What
Whatjustification
justification
shall
shallI Ithen
thenoffer
offertotoGod
GodatatHis
Hisawful
awfuljudgment?"
judgment? "
Formerly
Formerlythe
thehermit
herm ithad
hadsolved
solvedthis
thisdoubt
doubtininquite
quitea adifferent
differentway,
way,
when
whenhehehad
hadasked
askedFr.
Fr.Isaiah's
Isaiah sblessing
blessingtotoforbid
forbidwomen
womenaccess
accesstotohis
his
"Mount
" MountAthos."
Athos."But
Butthen
thenhehehad
hadbeen
beenstill
stillononhis
hisway
wayofo ascension
f ascensiontotodis-
dis-
passion.
passion.Now
Nowthe
thetime
tim ehad
hadcome
cometotoradiate
radiatethe
thegrace
gracehehehad
hadacquired.
acquired.
But
Butwhat
whatwas
wasclear
cleartotothe
theSaint
Saintcould
couldnot
notbebeeasily
easilyunderstood
understoodand
andac-
ac­
cepted
ceptedbybyordinary
ordinarymonks
monkswho
whohad
hadcome
cometotothe
themonastery
monasteryononpurpose
purpose
totorenounce
renouncethe
theworld.
world.And
Andnow
nowthe
theworld
worlditself
itselfwas
wasrushing
rushingafter
afterFr.
Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphiminto
intothe
thedesert.
desert.
"Some
" Someare
areoffended
offendedbecause
becauseofofyou,"
you,"they
theysaid
saidtotohim.
him.
"I"Iam
amnot
notoffended
offendedififmany
manyderive
derivebenefit
benefitand
andothers
othersare
areoffended,"
offended,"
calmly
calm lyreplied
repliedthe
theElder.
Elder.
He
Hewas
waseven
evenrebuked
rebukedfor
foranointing
anointingwith
withoil
oilfrom
froma alamp.
lamp.To
Tosuch
suchthe
the
Saint
Saintwould
wouldsay:
say:"We
"Weread
readininScripture
Scripturethat
thatthe
theApostles
Apostlesanointed
anointedwith
with
oil,
oil,and
andmany
manysick
sickpeople
peoplewere
werehealed
healedbybyit.it.Who
Whoare
arewe
wetotofollow
followififnot
not
the
theApostles?"
Apostles? "
But
Butpeople
peoplebecame
becameespecially
especiallyoffended
offendedbybyFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimwhen
whenhehetook
took
ononhimself
him selfthe
thecare
careofo fthe
theDiveyev
DiveyevConvent.
Convent.They
Theyeven
evenbegan
begantototrack
track
him.
him.The
Thenun
nunEupraxia
Eupraxiarelates
relatesthe
thefollowing:
following:

Everyone
Everyoneknows
knowshowhowthe
theSarov
Sarovmonks
monksdisliked
dislikedFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimononac-ac­
count
countofofus;
us;they
theyeven
evenharassed
harassedhim himand andpersecuted
persecutedhimhimcontinually
continually
for
forour
oursakes
sakesand
andcaused
causedhim
hima alot
lotofofannoyance
annoyanceand andtrouble!
trouble!But
Buthe,
he,
our
ourown
ownFather,
Father,bore
boreeverything
everythingserenely.
serenelyHe Heeven
evenlaughed;
laughed;and
andknow-
know -

98
 I II [ II i! !! I 0 f P f L( ! ! ('

ing it,
ing it, he
he would
would often
often play
playaa trick
trick on
on us.
us. Once
Once II came
came to
to Father.
Father. During
During
his life
his life he
he fed
fed us
us and
and provided
provided for
for us
us himself
himself and
and always
always asked
asked us
us with
with
aa fatherly
fatherly solicitude:
solicitude: ""Have you everything?
Have you everything? Don
Don't't you
you need
need anything?
anything?""
With me
With me and
and with
with Xenia
Xenia Vassilievna
Vassilievna (M
(Mother Kapitolina) he
other Kapitolina) he would
would
send honey
send honey, linen,
linen, oil,
oil, candles,
candles, incense
incense and
and red
red wine
wine for
for the
the service.
service.

And
And so
so itit was
was this
this time.
time. II came.
came. He
He had
had filled
filled aa big
big bag,
bag, such
such aa load
load
he could
he could hardly
hardly lift
lift itit himself
himself from
from the
the coffin.
coffin. He
He even
even grunted
grunted as
as he
he
picked itit up,
picked up, and
and said:
said: ""There, carry it,
There, carry it, mother,
mother, and
and go
go straight
straight through
through
the holy
the holy gate.
gate. Don
Don't't be
be afraid
afraid of
of an
anyone!" At that
yone! " At that time
time there
there were
were sol
sol-­
diers in
diers in Sarov
Sarov and
and they
they always
always stood
stood on
on guard
guard at
at the
the gate.
gate. The
The abbot
abbot of
of
Sarov
Sarov and
and the
the bursar
bursar with
with the
the brethren
brethren were
were extremely
extremely angry
angry with
with Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim for
for always
always giving
giving or
or sending
sending us
us things.
things. And
And they
they ordered
ordered the
the
soldiers to
soldiers to be
be always
always on
on the
the lookout
lookout for
for us
us and
and to
to catch
catch us;
us; II had
had been
been
especially pointed
especially pointed out
out to
to them.
them. And
And so
so II approached
approached the
the gate
gate and
and said
said
the
the prayer.
prayer.

Two
Two soldiers
soldiers immediately
immediately took
took me
me and
and brought
brought me
me to
to the
the abbot
abbot who
who
was in
was in his
his anteroom.
anteroom. His
His name
name was
was Niphont
Niphont and
and he
he was
was very
very strict;
strict;
he
he did
did not
not like
like Fr.
Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, and
and he
he liked
liked us
us still
still less.
less. He
He ordered
ordered me
me
harshly
harshly to
to untie
untie the
the bag.
bag. II did
did so,
so, but
but my
my hands
hands were
were shaking,
shaking, shak
shak-­
ing uncontrollably
ing uncontrollably while
while he
he looked
looked on.
on. At
At last
last II untied
untied itit and
and began
began to
to
take out
take out everything.
everything. But
But there
there were
were only
only old
old birch
birch shoes,
shoes, broken
broken bread
bread
crusts,
crusts, bits
bits of
of wood
wood and
and stones
stones of
of different
different kinds.
kinds. ItIt was
was all
all firmly
firmly
pressed down.
pressed down.

""Oh
Oh! l Seraphim,
Seraphim, Seraphim
Seraphim!"! " cried
cried Niphont.
Niphont. "Just
"Just look
look at
at it.
it. W
What
hat aa
person
person he
he is!
is! Not
Not only
only does
does he
he torment
torment himself,
himself, but
but he
he torments
torments the
the
Diveyev sister
Diveyev sister as
as well.
well."" And
And he
he let
let me
me go.
go.
Once
Once even
even the
the Father
Father Abbot
Abbot deemed
deemed itit expedient
expedient to
to speak
speak openly
openly
to the
to the Saint
Saint concerning
concerning these
these scandals.
scandals. This
This is
is how
how itit happened.
happened. As
As the
the
Saint was
Saint was going
going from
from his
his hermitage
hermitage to
to the
the monastery,
monastery, he
he was
was met
met by
by
Fr. Niphont
Fr. Niphont who
who began
began to
to tell
tell him
him that
that he
he was
was aa cause
cause ooff offense
offense to
to the
the
brethren. ""They
brethren. are especially
They are especially offended
offended at
at your
your loving
loving care
care ooff the
the Diveyev
Diveyev
orphans,"" he
orphans, he said.
said.
On hearing
On hearing this,
this, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim fell
fell at
at his
his feet,
feet, and
and then
then said
said to
to him
him
humbly though
humbly though with
with authority:
authority: ""You are aa pastor.
You are pastor. Do
Do not
not allow
allow everyone
everyone
to disturb
to disturb you
you and
and your
your companions
companions on
on the
the way
way to
to eternity
eternity by
by vain
vain talk.
talk.

99
A"A n E E\ TX TII R,\ A(J 0I! RD I.)l\,\i N Al\ YR Y P!P E\ AC Ci E
Foryour
For yourword
wordisispowerful
powerfuland
andyour
yourstaff
s ta ffisisterrible
terribleasasa awhip."
whip."
Fr.Niphont
Fr. Niphontkept
keptsilent
silentand
andleft
leftthings
thingsasasthey
theywere.
were.However,
However,later
later
on,following
on, followingsome
someslanderous
slanderousreports
reportsagainst
againstthe
theSaint,
Saint,the
theconsistory
consistory
ofo fTambov
Tambovordered
orderedananinvestigation
investigationofo fthe
thecase
casetotobebemade.
made.ItItwas
wasen-
en ­
trustedtotothe
trusted thethen
thenbursar
bursarwho
wholater
laterbecame
becamethe
theabbot
abbotofo the
f themonastery,
monastery,
Fr.Isaiah
Fr. IsaiahII.II.Of
O fcourse
coursethey
theycould
couldnot
notfind
findanything
anythingcriminal.
crim inal.But
Butthey
they
couldnot
could notunderstand
understandthe
theSaint's
Saint'slofty
loftydispassion.
dispassion.We
Wesinners
sinnerscannot
cannotrise
rise
totosuch
suchheights.
heights.
" Hewho
"He whoisisdispassionate
dispassionatetowards
towardsall
allthe
theobjects
objectswhich
whichrouse
rouseour
ourpas-
pas ­
sions,"writes
sions," writesSt.
St.Theophan
Theophanthe
theRecluse,
Recluse,"has
" hasbecome
becom esosoimpassible
impassible(lit.
(lit.
insensible)that
insensible) thatthey
theydo
donot
notexert
exertany
anyinfluence
influenceon
onhim,
him,even
eventhough
thoughthey
they
arebefore
are beforehis
hiseyes.
eyes.This
Thisisisbecause
becauseheheisiscompletely
completelyunited
unitedtotoGod.
God.Even
Even
ififheheenters
entersa abrothel,
brothel,hehewill
willnot
notonly
onlynot
notfeel
feelthe
thestir
stirofo passion,
f passion,but
butwill
will
evenlead
even leada asinner
sinnertotoa apure
pureand
andascetic
asceticlife."
life."
Howare
How arewe
wetotounderstand
understandthis,
this,we
wewho
whoare
arepassionate?
passionate?Everyone
Everyone
looksout
looks outofo fthe
thewindow
windowofo fhis
hisown
ownsinful
sinfulnature
natureand
andhehesees
seesininothers
others
whatheheexperiences
what experienceshimself.
himself.
Thepeasant
The peasantEuphemius
EuphemiusVassiliev
Vassilievofo fLikhatchovo
Likhatchovoworked
workedininSarov.
Sarov.
Once,asashehewas
Once, wasapproaching
approachingthe
thehermitage,
hermitage,hehesaw
sawFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimtalking
talking
totoa awell-dressed
well-dressedsixteen-year-old
sixteen -year -oldgirl
girland
andthought:
thought:"What
" Whathas
hasthe
theFather
Father
totosay
saytotoher?
her?What
W hatkind
kindofo finstruction
instructiondoes
doesone
onesosoyoung
youngneed?"
need? "
W henhehecame
When camenearer,
nearer,the
theclairvoyant
clairvoyantcalmly
calmlysaid
saidtotohim:
him :"I"Iam
amdead
dead
totoall;
all;and
andwhat
whatare
areyou
youthinking?"
thinking? "The
Thetempted
temptedpeasant
peasantfell
fellatathis
hisfeet
feet
andasked
and askedforgiveness.
forgiveness.
"Be
"Beatatpeace,"
peace,"said
saidthe
theFather,
Father,"and
"anddon't
don 'tdodoititagain."
again."
Hewas
He wasalready
alreadytruly
trulydead,
dead,but
butthe
theliving
livingcould
couldnot
notrealise
realiseit.it.Fr.
Fr.
Seraphimunderstood
Seraphim understoodthis
thisand,
and,ininaccordance
accordancewith
withthe
thedirection
directionofo fthe
the
M otherofo fGod,
Mother God,he
hedecided
decidedtotoabandon
abandonreclusion
reclusionsosoasastotobe
befree
freetotowork
work
forthe
for thesalvation
salvationofo fsouls,
souls,and
andininparticular
particularfor
forthe
theorganization
organizationofo f"Our
" Our
LadysHeritage"
Lady's Heritage "- —Diveyev.Besides,
Diveyev. Besides,heheneeded
neededthe
thehermitage
hermitagehimself
him selfasas
a aresting
restingplace
placefrom
fromthe
thecountless
countlessvisitors
visitorsand
andfor
forsolitary
solitaryprayer.
prayer.
th of
InInthe
themorning
m orningofo fthe
the25
25th o fNovember
November1825,
1825,Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimleft
lefthis
his
4 4 That
Thatis,is,his
hisauthority
authorityasasananabbot.
abbot.

100
 I n h! H
Hrn.u 0
i;icii r O f PPi!
e r f e c(!t i o,:\
n

cell and
and went
went to the
the abbot
abbot for a blessing
blessing to go away
away as in former
former times
times to
his distant
distant hermitage.
hermitage. Fr. Niphont
Niphont blessed
blessed him,
him, and
and the
the Elder
Elder directed
directed
his steps
steps towards
towards the
the forest.
forest.
About
About two
two versts
versts from
from the
the monastery
monastery there
there was a spring
spring called the
called ""the
Theologians
Theologian's Spring
Spring"" after
after St. John
John the
the Theologian
Theologian whose
whose ikon
ikon stood
stood over
over
it. And
And a quarter
quarter of an h ou rs walk
hour's walk from
from it stood
stood the
the cell o
off the
the hermit
hermit
Dorotheus
Dorotheus who
who had
had died
died but
but two
two months
months previously.
previously. On
On the
the way
way there,
there, St.
Seraphim
Seraphim had
had a wonderful
wonderful vision
vision which
which has
has been
been related
related in Motovilov
Motovilov's's
diary:
diary:

On
On the
the 2255thth of
of November
November 1825, as Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim himself
himself told
told me, as
well
well as many
many others,
others, he
he was
was threading
threading his
his way
way to the
the hermitage
hermitage
through
through a thicket
thicket along
along the
the bank
bank of
of the
the river
river Sarovka
Sarovka when
when he
he saw
saw the
the
Mother
Mother of
of God
God who
who appeared
appeared to him
him below
below the
the Theologians
Theologian's Spring
Spring
almost
almost by the
the bank
bank of
of the
the Sarovka.
Sarovka. Behind
Behind her
her on
on a hillock
hillock stood
stood two
two
Apostles,
Apostles, St. Peter
Peter and
and St. John
John the
the Evangelist.
Evangelist. And
And the
the Mother
Mother of
of God
God
struck
struck the
the ground
ground with
with her
her staff
staff so that
that a spring
spring spurted
spurted out
out from
from the
the
earth
earth-a—a fountain
fountain of clear
clear water.
water.

And
And then
then she gave him
him instructions
instructions regarding
regarding the
the organization
organization o
off the
the
Diveyev
Diveyev Convent,
Convent, which
which will
will be related
related further
further on.
on.
On
On the
the place
place where
where her
her most
most pure
pure feet had
had stood
stood and
and where
where a healing
healing
spring
spring spurted
spurted out
out upon
upon her
her striking
striking the
the ground
ground with
with her
her staff,
staff, as a m e­
me-
morial
morial for future
future generations
generations Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim decided
decided to dig
dig a well.
He returned
returned to the
the monastery,
monastery, fetched
fetched the
the necessary
necessary tools
tools and
and for two
two
weeks
weeks was
was engaged
engaged in digging
digging the
the ground,
ground, building
building the
the walls
walls and
and consoli
consoli- ­
dating
dating them
them with
with stones.
stones. That
That is why
why this
this well
well is called Seraphim s Well.
called ""Seraphim's Well.""
Afterwards
Afterwards the
the Saint
Saint him self told
himself told the
the m onk Anastasius
monk Anastasius that
that he had
had
prayed
prayed that the water
that ""the water of this
this well
well should
should have
have the
the property
property o
off healing
healing
diseases.
diseases. And
And the
the Mother
Mother o
off God,
God,"" he added, promised to give these
added, ""promised these wa
wa-­
ters a greater
greater blessing
blessing that
that that
that which
which had
had rested
rested on the
the pool
pool ooff Bethesda
Bethesda
in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem." "
Actually,
Actually, a great
great num ber ooff miracles
number miracles were
were performed
performed by means
means o
off
this
this holy
holy water.
water. The
The first
first cure
cure was
was two
two weeks
weeks later,
later, on December 6th. On
December 6th. On
that
that day
day Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim was
was visited
visited by two
two sisters
sisters from
from Diveyev
Diveyev- —Paraskeva
Paraskeva

101
A:\A n r:!\ i I( I) I: D i \ \ i: \ . P I' .\ ( i

Stepanovna
Stepanovnaand
andMaria
MariaSernyonovna.
Semyonovna,who
whowas
wasstill
stillaachild.
child.He
Hewent
wentwith
with
them
themtotothe
thedistant
distanthermitage.
hermitage.On
Onthe
theway
waythe
theSaint
Saintexplained
explainedtotothem
them
that
thathe
hehad
hadalready
alreadyabandoned
abandonedreclusion
reclusiontwelve
twelveyears
yearspreviously
previouslyfor
forthe
the
sake
sakeofo fthe
thepeople
peoplewho
whocame
cametotohim,
him,but
buthe
hehad
hadnot
notyet
yetvisited
visitedthe
theplac-
plac­
esesdear
deartotohim.
him.They
Theycame
cametotothe
thewell,
well,and
andFather
Fathertold
toldthem
themits
itshistory.
history.
Paraskeva
ParaskevaStepanovna
Stepanovnawas
wasillilland
andkept
keptcoughing.
coughing.
"Why
" Whyare
areyou
youcoughing?
coughing?Stop!
Stop!It's
It'sunnecessary,"
unnecessary,"said
saidthe
theSaint.
Saint.
"I"Ican't
can 'thelp
helpit,it,Father!"
Father! "she
shereplied.
replied.
Then
ThenFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimdipped
dippedup
upsome
somewater
waterwith
withhis
hisleathern
leathernglove
gloveand
and
gave
gavesome
sometotothe
thesister
sistertotodrink.
drink.The
Thedisease
diseasevanished
vanishedatatonce
onceand
andfor
forever.
ever.
Then
Thenthey
theywent
wenton
ontotothe
thedistant
distanthermitage.
hermitage.But
Butunfortunately
unfortunatelyititwas
was
too
toofar
faraway
awayfor
forthe
theweak
weakand
andvaricose
varicoselegs
legsofo fthe
thevery
veryold
oldman,
man,and
andsosohe
he
settled
settleddown
downatatfirst
firstininthe
thevacant
vacantcell
cellofo fFather
FatherDorotheus,
Dorotheus.InInthe
thespring
spring
ofof1829
1829he
heresumed
resumedhis
hiswork
workininthe
thekitchen
kitchengarden
gardennear
nearthe
the"Theologian's
" Theologian 's
Well."
Well."AAsmall
smallwooden
woodenhut
huthad
hadbeen
beenbuilt
builtfor
forhim
himthere, 2-73yards
there,2-1/3 yardslong
long
and 1-72yards
andV/2 yardswide.
wide.ItIthad
hadneither
neitherwindows
windowsnor
nordoors,
doors,so
sothat
thatone
onehad
hadtoto
climb
clim bthrough
throughaahole
holeininthe
theground
groundunder
underthe
thewall.
wall.There
Therethe
theSaint
Sainttook
took
refuge
refugefrom
frompeople
peopleand
andbad
badweather.
weather.AAyear
yearlater
lateraanew
newcell
cellwas
wasbuilt
builtfor
for
him
himwith
withaadoor
doorbut
butwithout
withoutwindows.
windows.There
Therewas
wasaastove
stoveinside.
inside.Between
Between
the
thestove
stoveand
andthe
thewall
wallthere
therewas
wasaanarrow
narrowspace
spacewith
withstanding
standingroom
roomonly
only
for
forone
oneperson.
person.InInaacorner
cornerofo fthe
thecell
celland
andbehind
behindthe
thestove
stovehung
hungikons
ikons
with
withlamps
lampswhich
whichillumined
illuminedthe
thedarkness.
darkness.This
Thiswas
wasthe
the"near
"nearhermitage"
hermitage "
ofo fthe
theSaint
Saintwhich
whichbecame
becamehis
hischief
ch ieftrysting-place
trysting -placewith
withvisitors.
visitors.
At
Atabout
aboutfour
fourininthe
themorning,
morning,and
andsometimes
sometimesasasearly
earlyasastwo
twoatatnight,
night,
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimleft
leftthe
themonastery
monasteryand
andwent
wenttotohis
hisnew
newdwelling
dwellingplace,
place,where
where
hehespent
spenthis
histime
tim etill
till7-8
7 -8ininthe
theevening,
evening,when
whenhe
hereturned
returnedtotothe
themonas-
monas ­
tery.
tery.On
OnSundays
Sundaysand
andholidays
holidayshe
hestill
stillhad
hadHoly
HolyCommunion
Com m unionininhis
hiscell
cell
ininthe
themonastery,
monastery,sosothat
thathe
hewas
wasthus
thusininsemi-reclusion.
semi - reclusion.But
Buthe
hesoon
soonhad
had
totogive
giveititup
upaltogether.
altogether.
The
Thebrethren
brethrenwere
werescandalized.
scandalized.They
Theywanted
wantedtotoknow
knowwhy
whythe
therecluse
recluse
received
receivedpeople
peopleboth
bothininhis
hiscell
celland
andininhis
hishermitage,
hermitage,but
butwould
wouldnot
notvisit
visit
their
theirchurch
churcheven
eventoto receive
receiveHoly
HolyCommunion.
Com m union.They
Theywrote
wrotetotoBishop
Bishop
Athanasius
Athanasius ofo fTambov
Tambovabout
aboutititall,
all, and
andhe
heordered
orderedthat
thatSt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphim

102
 '1' I i [ II i I (, II I () 1 P I,ll I L r. ti o '\

should in
should in future
future receive
receive the
the Holy
Holy Sacrament
Sacrament in
in church.
church. The
The Saint
Saint sub
sub-­
mitted to
mitted to this
this order
order unquestioningly,
unquestioningly, merely
merely remarking:
remarking: ""Even if II had
Even if had to
to
crawl on
crawl on my
my knees
knees in
in order
order to
to fulfill
fulfill my
my obedience,
obedience, still
still II would
would not
not give
give
up com
up communicating
m unicating ooff the
the life
life-giving Mysteries ooff the
-giving Mysteries the Body
Body and
and Blood
Blood
of Christ.
of Christ.""
Thus, the
Thus, the Providence
Providence ooff God
God was
was bringing
bringing him
him into
into closer
closer touch
touch with
with
the people
the people who
who needed
needed his
his word,
word, his
his blessing,
blessing, his
his com
comfort and even
fort and even just
just
aa look
look at
at his
his holy
holy face.
face. Now
Now the
the pilgrims
pilgrims could
could see
see him
him every
every holiday
holiday in
in
the church
the church ooff Saints
Saints Zosimos
Zosimos and
and Sabbatius,
Sabbatius, and
and thence
thence they
they could
could ac­
ac-
company him
company him to his cell.
to his cell.
But when
But when he
he spent
spent his
his tim
timee in
in the
the near
near hermitage,
hermitage, the
the people
people rushed
rushed
to him
to him there.
there. Only
Only the
the place
place was
was changed;
changed; the
the crowds
crowds were
were alm
almost as bad
ost as bad
as at
as at the
the monastery,
monastery, only
only there
there were
were fewer
fewer people.
people. Sometimes
Sometimes though,
though, the
the
Elder vanished
Elder vanished completely.
completely.
""At the hermitage
At the hermitage in
in the
the forest,
forest"" writes
writes aa pilgrim,
pilgrim, ""the Saint received
the Saint received
people sitting
people sitting on
on aa bench
bench adjoining
adjoining his
his log
log cabin.
cabin. He
He took
took some
some people
people
into his
into his cell
cell and
and prayed
prayed there
there with
with them
them before
before the
the image
image ooff the
the Mother
Mother
of God.
of God. He
He also
also prayed
prayed in
in the
the forest
forest before
before an
an image
image ooff the
the Mother
Mother of
of God
God
which he
which he had
had fixed
fixed on
on an
an aged
aged pine
pine tree.
tree. All
All the
the pilgrims
pilgrims knelt
knelt down
down to
to
pray with
pray with Fr.
Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. What
What aa wonderful
wonderful picture was!"
picture itit w as! "
""Standing in front
Standing in front ooff the
the door
door ooff his
his forest
forest hut,
hut,"" says
says N.
N. Aksakova,
Aksakova, ""the
the
Elder slowly
Elder slowly crossed
crossed him
himself while continuing
self while continuing his
his prayer,
prayer, his
his unceasing
unceasing
prayer .... . People
prayer... People did
did not
not disturb
disturb him,
him, just
just as
as his
his constant
constant conversation
conversation
with God
with God could
could not
not be
be disturbed
disturbed either
either by
by wood
wood-cutting or haymaking,
- cutting or haymaking,
heat or
heat or cold,
cold, day
day or
or night.
night. The
The people
people prayed,
prayed, too.
too.""
Here isis what
Here what another
another pilgrim
pilgrim who
who came
came with
with his
his wife
wife writes:
writes: ""We
We
found the
found the Elder
Elder at
at work;
work; he
he was
was loosening
loosening the
the earth
earth with
with aa hoe.
hoe. W
When we
hen we
approached him
approached him and
and bowed
bowed down
down to
to him,
him, he
he blessed
blessed us
us and,
and, putting
putting his
his
hand on
hand on my
my head,
head, read
read the
the Troparion
Troparion for
for the
the Dorm
Dormition
ition ooff the
the Mother
Mother of
of
God: ''In
God: giving birth
In giving birth thou
thou didst
didst preserve
preserve thy
thy virginity.
virginity.'' Then
Then he
he sat
sat down
down
on aa border
on border and
and bade
bade us
us sit
sit down
down too;
too; but
but we
we involuntarily
involuntarily knelt
knelt down
down
before him,
before him, and
and in
in that
that position
position we
we listened
listened to
to his
his talk.
talk.""
Sometimes the
Sometimes the Saint
Saint went
went to
to his
his former
former distant
distant hermitage
hermitage in
in quest
quest of
of

103
i\ANN E Ex X1IF
Ii \ 0 "J\I 1.1IN"
’ v P PEE,I ACCI E
i\ > Y

greatersolitude,
greater solitude,but
butpeople
peoplefound
foundhim
himthere,
there,too.
too.Yet
Yethehesometimes
sometimestold
told
peopletotocome
people cometotothat
thatvery place. ItItwas
veryplace. wasatatthis
thistime
timethat
thatheheespecially
especially
begantototake
began takeininhand
handthe
theorganization
organizationofo fthe
the Diveyev
DiveyevConvent.
Convent.So
Soof-
of­
tenone
ten onecould
couldmeet
meetsome
someofo fthe
thesisters
sistersininhis
hishermitage.
hermitage.They
Theyfrequently
frequently
workedfor
worked forhim.
him.InInsome
somecases
casesthey
theyeven
evenstayed
stayedovernight
overnightininhis
hishermit-
herm it ­
age,asasheheused
age, usedtotogo
gototothe
themonastery.
monastery.This
Thiswas
wasalso
alsoa asource
sourceofo fscandal
scandal
totoweak
weaksouls.
souls.The
Theold
oldnun
nunXenia
XeniaKuzminishna
Kuzminishnatells
tellsthis
thisstory:
story:

Though
ThoughFI. Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimwas wasever
eversosoholy,
holy,a aSaint
SaintofofGod,
God,still
stillhe
hehad
hadtoto
suffer
sufferpersecution.
persecution.OnceOncewe wecame
cametotoFather,
Father,aagroup
groupofofseven
sevensisters.
sisters.
WeWeworked
workedatathishisplace
placethethewhole
wholeday,day,and
andasaswewewere
weretired
tiredwe westayed
stayed
for
for the night at the hermitage. About ten o 'clock the sister in chargeofof
the night at the hermitage. About ten o'clock the sister in charge
usussaw
sawfrom
fromthethewindow
windowthat thatpeople
peoplewerewerecoming
comingdowndownthe thepath
pathwith
with
three
threelanterns
lanternsstraight
straighttowards
towardsus. us.We
Weguessed
guessedthatthatititwas
wasthethebursar
bursar
Isaiah
Isaiahand
andwe wehastened
hastenedtotoopenopenthethedoor
doortotohim.
him.They
Theycame
camein, in,but
but
they
they did not scold us. No, they only looked at us searchingly, andsi-
did not scold us. No, they only looked at us searchingly, and si­
lently
lentlybegan
begantotolook
lookforforsomething.
something.ThenThentheytheyordered
orderedusustotodress
dressand
and
totogo
goaway
awayatatonce.
once.

Thesisters
The sisterswent
wenttotoSarov,
Sarov,totothe
thehostel
hostelofo fthe
themonastery.
monastery.

As
Assoon
soonasasthe
thebell
bellrang
rangfor
forMatins
Matinsatattwo
twoo-clock,
o - clock,the
thesister
sisterinincharge
charge
went
wenttotoFather's
Fatherscell
celland
andtold
toldhim
himeverything.
everything.Father
Fatherknew
knewititall
allhim-
him ­
self,
self,but
buthe
hedid
didnot
notshow
showit,it,and
andseemed
seemedevenevendispleased
displeasedwith
withus.us."This
"This
happened
happenedbecause
becauseyou
youdodonotnotbehave
behaveproperly,"
properly,"hehesaid.
said.

And
Andhehesent
sentususthere
thereand
andthen
thentotothe
theConvent
Convent(Diveyev).
(Diveyev).But
Butthough
though
Father
Fathertried
triedtotoexonerate
exoneratethem
them(the
(theSarov
Sarovmonks),
monks),everyone
everyoneknewknewthat
that
he
hehad
hadtotosuffer
suffera agreat
greatdeal
dealon
onallallsides
sidesfor
forbeing
beingkind
kindtotous.
us.

~A
Wehave
We havealready
alreadymentioned
mentionedmore
morethan
thanonce
oncethe
theregrettable
regrettableattitude
attitude
whichwas
which wasadopted
adoptedtowards
towardsthe
theSaint
Saintby
bysome
someofo fthe
theSarov
Sarovbrothers
brothersand
and
byAbbot
by AbbotNiphont
Niphonthimself.
himself.Intentionally,
Intentionally,we
wehave
havenot
nothushed
hushedup
upthese
these
temptations
temptationswhich
whichare
areunavoidable
unavoidableinina asaint's
saint'scareer.
career.
However,we
However, wedid
didnot
notwrite
writeabout
aboutthis
thistotocensure
censurethose
thosewho
whowere
weretempt-
tempt­
ed.Such
ed. Suchmisgivings
misgivingsare
areeasy
easytotounderstand.
understand.On
Onthe
thecontrary,
contrary,the
thesaints
saints
themselvescannot
themselves cannotbebegrasped
graspedby
byour
ourmind.
mind. Long
Longafter
afterFr.
Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim s

104
 Til r It Fr (. 1!.1 0 I P!. P f I. T I () "

death, rumours
death, rumours ooff the
the incom
incompatibility and misunderstandings
patibility and misunderstandings between
between
the Sarov
the Sarov people
people and
and St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim were
were still
still aa floating
floating tradition.
tradition. In
In 1848
1848
the famous
the famous pilgrim
pilgrim and
and author
author A.N.
A.N. Muravyov
Muravyov visited
visited the
the monastery.
monastery. He
He
. was
was astonished
astonished to
to learn
learn ooff this,
this, and
and applied
applied to
to the
the then
then Abbot
Abbot Isaiah
Isaiah IIII
for an
for an explanation
explanation ooff the
the strange
strange attitude
attitude towards
towards the
the Saint.
Saint.
""According to G
According to God's permissive will,
o d s permissive will, misunderstandings
misunderstandings may
may occur
occur
among the
among the most
most holy
holy men,
men, as
as we
we read
read in
in their
their lives,"
lives," said
said the
the Father
Father Abbot.
Abbot.
""But
But II know
know that
that my
my predecessor
predecessor (Abbot
(Abbot Niphont)
Niphont) was
was filled
filled towards
towards him
him
(Fr. Seraphim)
(Fr. Seraphim) with
with sincere
sincere and
and deep
deep esteem.
esteem.""
ItIt was
was not
not quite
quite clear
clear to
to all
all at
at the
the time
time that
that not
not only
only esteem
esteem but
but deep
deep-­
est reverence
est reverence was
was required
required with
with regard
regard to
to one
one ooff G
God's greatest saints
od s greatest saints who
who
was wonderful
was wonderful even
even among
among the
the saints
saints ooff the
the whole
whole world.
world. All
All this
this has
has
only gradually
only gradually been
been revealed
revealed in
in the
the course
course ooff aa whole
whole century.
century.
Therefore, let
Therefore, let us
us not
not judge
judge too
too strictly
strictly those
those who
who could
could not
not avoid
avoid aa
worldly opinion
worldly opinion ooff their
their contemporary.
contemporary. Leave
Leave itit to
to God.
God. And
And let
let us
us m
men-
en ­
tion their
tion their names
names in
in our
our prayers
prayers among
among the
the names
names ooff the
the fathers,
fathers, brethren
brethren
and friends
and friends ooff the
the Saint:
Saint: Pachomius,
Pachomius, Isaiah
Isaiah I,L Joseph,
Joseph, Mark
Mark the
the Silent,
Silent, his
his
confessor Hilarion,
confessor Hilarion, Bishop
Bishop Antony
Antony ooff Voronezh,
Voronezh, and
and aa host
host ooff Diveyev
Diveyev
ascetics (both
ascetics (both male
male and
and female).
female). By
By their
their prayers,
prayers, O
0 Lord,
Lord, have
have mercy
mercy on
on
us sinners.
us sinners.

But notwithstanding
But notwithstanding all
all this,
this, people
people kept
kept coming
coming to
to him
him in
in increas
increas-­
ing numbers
ing numbers from
from all
all directions.
directions. His
His fame
fame had
had already
already spread
spread throughout
throughout
Russia, and
Russia, and pilgrims
pilgrims ooff all
all conditions
conditions and
and callings
callings flocked
flocked to
to Sarov
Sarov and
and
to the
to the hermitages,
hermitages, rich
rich and
and poor,
poor, learned
learned and
and simple,
simple, monks
monks and
and priests,
priests,
grown-ups
grown and children
-ups and children-all were attracted
—all were attracted by
by the
the holy
holy monk.
monk. In
In 1826
1826
he received
he received among
among other
other visitors
visitors the
the Grand
Grand Duke
Duke Michael
Michael Pavlovitch.
Pavlovitch.
According to
According to tradition
tradition he
he also
also received
received about
about that
that tim
timee the
the visit
visit ooff the
the
Emperor Alexander
Emperor Alexander IIon his way
on his way to
to Siberia.
Siberia. He
He came
came as
as aa simple
simple pilgrim
pilgrim
and asked
and asked the
the Saint
Saint's blessing to
's blessing to live
live aa life
life ooff secret
secret penance
penance incognito,
incognito, in
in
which he
which he continued
continued until
until death
death under
under the
the name
name ooff ""Theodore
Theodore Kuzmitch.
Kuzrnitch." "
But Fr.
But Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim m
maintained the closest
aintained the closest relations
relations with
with his
his ""orphans,"
orphans,"

105
A"A nEXTE xRt,\r11a RoDr \"d i ,\n Ha Yr y
P! P\ eCaFc e
thetheDiveyev
Diveyev sisters.Moreover,
sisters. Moreover,it it
waswas they
they whohad
who had
thethe privilege
privilege of owit-
f wit­
nessing
nessing thethe wonderful
wonderful spectacle
spectacle of othe
f the holy
holy Elder
Elder with
with thethe bear.
bear. The
The oldold
nun
nun Matrona
Matrona Pescheyev
Pescheyev says:
says:
Once,
Once, I was
I was in in a state
a state of of great
great perplexity
perplexity andand despondency
despondency owing
owing to to
badbad health
health and andto to a temptation
a temptation from
from thethe devil.
devil. MyMy obedience
obedience (she
(she
worked
worked in in
thethe kitchen)
kitchen) seemed
seemed to to
memesoso difficult
difficult andand unbearable
unbearable that
that
I decided
I decided to to leave
leave thethe convent
convent forfor good
good secretly
secretly and
and without
without a bless­
a bless-
ing.
ing. Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim saw sawmymy temptation
temptation with
with hishis spirit
spirit and
and sent
sent forfor
meme to to
come
come to to
thethe monastery.
monastery.

In In obedience
obedience to to
hishis comm and
command I went
I went to to
himhim after
after lunch,
lunch, and
and wept
wept allall
thethe way.
way. It was
It was onon thethe third
third day
day after
after St.St. Peters
Peter's feast.
feast. Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim took
took
me by the hand and led me into his cell, saying: " There,
me by the hand and led me into his cell, saying: "There, my joy, I have my joy, I have
been
been waiting
waiting forfor
youyouallall day."
day."

Then
Then hehe wiped
wiped mymy tears
tears with
with hishis handkerchief
handkerchief saying:
saying: "Mother,
"Mother, your
your
tears
tears dodonotnot
fallfall
ononthethe ground
ground in in vain.And
vain." " And then
then heheledled
meme
to to
thethe
im-im ­
ageage
of of
thethe heavenly
heavenly Queen
Queen of of Tenderness,
Tenderness, and
and said:
said: "Kiss
"Kiss her,
her, mother;
mother;
thethe heavenly
heavenly Queen
Queen will
will comfort
comfort you."
you."

I kissed
I kissed thethe ikon,
ikon, andand
mymy soul
soul was
was filled
filled with
with suchsuchjoyjoy that
that I felt
I felt quite
quite
revived.
revived. Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim said,
said, "Well,
"Well, mother,
mother, now
now gogoto to
thethe hostel,
hostel, andand to-to ­
morrow come to the distant hermitage. " I did so.
morrow come to the distant hermitage." I did so. As I approached theAs I approached the
hermitage
hermitage I suddenly
I suddenly sawsaw that
that Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim was
was sitting
sitting onon a tree
a tree trunk
trunk
near
near hishis cell,
cell, and
and beside
beside himhim stood
stood a huge
a huge bear.
bear. I was
I was paralyzed
paralyzed with
with
fear,
fear, andand shouting
shouting with
with allall
mymy might:
might: "Father,
"Father, thisthis is my
is my d eath I! "fell
death!" I fell
down.
down.

OnOn hearing
hearing mymy voice,
voice, Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim hithitthethe
bearbearandand waved
waved hishis
handhandat at
him.
him. AndAnd thethe bear,
bear, as as though
though hehe were
were a rational
a rational being,
being, went
went at at once
once in in
thethe direction
direction pointed
pointed outoutto tohim him
bybythethe Elder,
Elder, into
into a thicket.
a thicket. Seeing
Seeing allall
this
this I was
I was shaking
shaking with
with fear,
fear, andand even
even when
when Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim came
came upupto to
me with the words: "Don't be scared, don't be afraid," I continued to to
me with the words: " Don ' t be scared, don ' t be afraid, " I continued
shout
shout as as before:
before: "This
"This is is
mymy d eathThe
death!" ! " The Elder
Elder said
said in in reply:
reply: "No,
"No, m oth ­
moth-
er,er,
thisthis
is is
notnot death;
death; death
death is isfarfar from
from you;
you; thisthis is joy."
is joy."

And
And then
then hehe
ledled
memeto to
thethe same
same tree
tree trunk
trunk and,and, having
having prayed,
prayed, made
made
meme sitsit down.
down. AndAndhehesatsat down
down himself.
himself. We We hadhad hardly
hardly hadhad time
time to to
sitsit
down
down whenwhen that
that same
same bear
bear came
came outout
of of
thethe thicket
thicket and
and laylay down
down at at
St.St. Seraphim's
Seraphim's feet.
feet. Finding
Finding myself
myself close
close to to such
such a terrible
a terrible beast
beast I was
I was
at at first
first trembling
trembling with
with terror,
terror, butbut afterwards
afterwards seeing
seeing that
that Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim

106
 I ' M - • 0' P ' - \\
treated
treated him
him as
as aa gentle
gentle lamb
lamb without
without any
any fear
fear and
and even
even fed
fed him
him with
with
his
his own
own hands
hands with
with bread
bread which
which he
he had
had brought
brought in
in his
his bag,
bag, little
little by
by
little
little my
my confidence
confidence revived.
revived. Then
Then the
the face
face ooff the
the great
great Elder
Elder seemed
seemed toto
me
me especially wonderful; it was as joyful and radiant as an angel's. At
especially wonderful; it was as joyful and radiant as an angel's. At
last,
last, when
when II had
had grown
grown quite
quite calm
calm and
and most
most of
of the
the bread
bread had
had been
been eat
eat-­
en,
en, the
the Elder
Elder gave
gave me
me the
the remaining
remaining bit
bit and
and bade
bade meme feed
feed the
the bear
bear my
my-­
self. But I replied: afraid, Father, he will bite off my hand, too.
self. But I replied: "I am afraid, Father, he will bite off my hand, too.""
"I am
And
And atat the
the same
same time
time II felt
felt glad
glad as
as IJ thought: If he
thought: ""If he bites
bites off
off my
my hand,
hand, II
shall not be able to cook then.
shall not be able to cook then." "

Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim looked
looked atat me,
me, smiled,
smiled, and
and said:
said: "No,
"No, mother,
mother, II believe
believe
that he won't bite off your hand.
that he won't bite off your hand." "

Then
Then II took
took the
the bread
bread he
he gave
gave me,
me, and
and the
the feeding
feeding gave
gave me
me such
such plea
plea-­
sure that I wished I could feed him longer, for the beast was gentle
sure that I wished I could feed him longer, for the beast was gentle
even
even with
with me
me aa sinner.
sinner. Seeing
Seeing me
me quiet,
quiet, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim said
said to
to me:
me:
Do you
""Do you remember, mother, how a lion served St. Gerasimus on the
remember, mother, how a lion served St. Gerasimus on the
Jordan?
Jordan? As
As for
for poor
poor Seraphim,
Seraphim, aa bear
bear serves
serves him.
him. You
You see,
see, even
even the
the
beasts
beasts obey
obey us!
us! And
And you,
you, mother,
mother, feel
feel despondent.
despondent. Why
Why should
should wewe be
be
despondent?
despondent? IfIf II had
had taken
taken aa pair
pair of
of scissors
scissors with
with me,
me, II would
would have
have cut
cut
off some of his hair as a proof. I beg you in the name of God, mother,
off some of his hair as a proof. I beg you in the name of God, mother,
never
never and
and on
on no
no account
account lose
lose hope,
hope, but
but always
always imitate
imitate the
the humility
humility of
of
St.
St. Isidora.
Isidora. In
In her
her convent
convent she
she was
was last
last in
in the
the eyes
eyes of
of all,
all, but
but with
with God
God
she
she was
was first,
first, because
because she
she loathed
loathed no
no obedience.
obedience." "

II was
was just
just thinking
thinking toto myself: Now II am
myself: ""Now am going
going to
to tell
tell the
the sisters
sisters about
about
this
this amazing
amazing m iracle! " But
miracle!" But Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim answered
answered mymy thought:
thought: "No,
"No,
mother,
mother, tell
tell no
no one
one until
until eleven
eleven years
years after
after my
my death;
death; and
and then
then God
God
will
will make
make it
it clear
clear to
to you
you whom
whom to
to tell.
tell.""
In
In course
course of
of time,
time, exactly
exactly eleven
eleven years
years later,
later, Sister
Sister Matrona
Matrona told
told this
this
for
for the
the first
first tim
timee to
to the
the peasant
peasant Euphemius
Euphemius Vassiliev
Vassiliev who
who at
at that
that time
time was
was
already engaged in painting a portrait of Fr. Seraphim.
already engaged in painting a portrait ofFr. Seraphim.
Another
Another timtimee the
the Abbess
Abbess Alexandra
Alexandra with
with aa sister
sister named
named Anna
Anna wit
wit-­
nessed
nessed aa sim ilar miracle.
similar miracle. She
She writes:
writes:
Without
Without stopping
stopping at
at the
the monastery
monastery wewe went
went straight
straight to
to the
the distant
distant her
her-­
mitage, and on approaching it we saw Father sitting on a log. Suddenly
mitage, and on approaching it we saw Father sitting on a log. Suddenly
an
an enormous
enormous bear
bear walked
walked out
out of
of the
the wood
wood on
on its
its hind
hind legs.
legs. Our
Our hands
hands
became
became clammy;
clammy; our
our eyes
eyes grew
grew dim.
dim.

107
 ThenFather
Then Father said,"Misha."
said, "Misha,5why
why dodo you
you frighten
frighten mymy orphans?Better
orphans? Better gogo
back
back andbring
and bringusus some
some kind
kind of of consolation,as as
consolation, I have
I have nothing
nothing to to offer
offer
them.The
them." " The bear
bear turnedround
turned round and
and went
went offoff into
into thethe forest.
forest.

About
About twohours
two hourshad
had passed
passed in in sweet
sweet converse
converse withFr.Fr.
with Seraphimin in
Seraphim hishis
cell
cell whenthat
when that same
same bear
bear suddenly
suddenly appeared
appeared again,scrambled
again, scrambled clum ­
clum-
sily
sily intothethecell
into cell and
and roared.
roared. The
The Elder
Elder went
went upup
to to
it it
andand said:"Well,
said: "Well,
well, Misha, show me what you have brought us." The bear rose ononitsits
well, Misha, show me what you have brought us. " The bear rose
hindlegs
hind legs and
and gave
gave Fr.Fr. Seraphimsomething
Seraphim something wrapped
wrapped upupin in leaves
leaves and
and
somehow
somehow tangledtogether.
tangled together. The
The contents
contents of of
thethe parcel
parcel proved
proved to to
bebea a
freshhoneycomb
fresh honeycomb of of pure
pure honey.
honey. The
The elder
elder took
took thethehoney
honey and
and silently
silently
pointedat at
pointed thethe door.
door. The
The beast
beast seemed
seemed to tomake
make a bow
a bow and
and thethe Elder,
Elder,
taking
taking a bit
a bit ofof bread
bread outout
of of
hishis bag,
bag, gave
gave it it
to tohim.
him. Then
Then thethe bear
bear went
went
offoff intothetheforest.
into forest.

Thesisters
The sisterswere
werealso
alsowitnesses
witnessesofo other
f otherevents.
events.The
Theauthor
authorofo the
f the
DiveyevChronicle
Diveyev Chroniclesays:
says:

Great
Great was
was thethe
sisters' ' faith
sistersfaith in in
thethe power
power of ofFr.Fr. Seraphim's
Seraphim's prayers,and
prayers, and
many
many contemporaries
contemporaries were
were astonished
astonished at at
it. it.
TheThe sick
sick Mother
Mother Callista
Callista
reported
reported thethefollowing
following case.
case. They
They once
once went
went to to
thethe Sarov
Sarov mill.
mill. AllAll
at at
once
once thethehorse
horse stumbled,fell
stumbled, fell
andand dislocateditsits
dislocated leg,soso
leg, that
that it it could
could notnot
get up. The sisters were afraid; they did not know what to do with thethe
get up. The sisters were afraid; they did not know what to do with
cart
cart andhow
and how
to toreturn
returnhome.
home.

They
They startedto to
started weep
weep andto to
and cry:"Fr.
cry: "Fr. Seraphim,help
Seraphim, help u s !Hearing
us!" " Hearing their
their
weeping
weeping andcrying,
and crying,some
somemonks
monks came
came and
and one
one of of themstruck
them struck
thethe
horse;it it
horse; jumped
jumped up,up,itsits
legleg cracked,
cracked, thethe joint
joint came
came intoitsits
into place,and
place, and
in a second all had passed. Another monk who had
in a second all had passed. Another monk who had seen what hap- ­ seen what hap
penedsaid:
pened said:"Well,
"Well,brethren,
brethren, wewe have
have notnot such
such faithas as
faith thethe nuns
nuns have.
have.
AsAs soonasas
soon they
they cried:'Fr.
cried: 'Fr. Seraphimhelp
Seraphim help u s he
us!' ! ' he worked
worked a miracle
a miracle and
and
helped
helped themaccording
them according
to to their
their faith."
faith."

Muchthat
Much thatis isextraordinary,
extraordinary,striking,
striking,almost
almostincredible
incredibletotothethehuman
human
mindhappened
mind happenedthrough
throughthetheman
manofoGod
f Godduring
duringthetheorganization
organizationofothe
f the
DiveyevConvent.
Diveyev Convent.But
Butweweshall
shallrelate
relateit itfurther
furtheron.on.And
Andnow
nowletletususonly
only
m entionthetheshort
mention shortbutbutvery
veryimportant
im portantinformation
inform ationofothe
f theDiveyev
DiveyevSister
Sister
Barbarawhich
Barbara whichbears
bearswitness
witnesstotothetheperfection
perfectionand
andholiness
holinessofothe
f theSaint.
Saint.

5 5 "Misha"
"Misha"
is is
thethe diminutive
diminutive of of "Michael."
"Michael."

108
 1111 II I I lOP RiLl 1(\\

She
She relates:
relates:
Once
Once II came
came to
to Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim in
in his
his hermitage
hermitage and
and there
there were
were flies
flies on
on
his
his face,
face, so
so that
that blood
blood was
was trickling
trickling down
down his
his cheeks.
cheeks. II felt
felt sorry
sorry for
for
him
him and
and wanted
wanted to
to drive
drive them
them away
away, but
but he
he said: Don 't touch
said: ""Don't touch them,
them,
my
my joy;
joy; let
let every
every breath
breath praise
praise the
the Lord.
Lord."" (Ps.
(Ps. 1150:5)
5 0 :5 ) He
He is
is so
so patient!
patient!

Yet
Yet itit was
was not
not patience
patience that
that mattered
mattered so
so much
much as
as loving
loving pity
pity for
for ev
ev-­
ery
ery creature
creature ooff God
God which,
which, according
according to
to St.
St. Isaac
Isaac the
the Syrian,
Syrian, isis aa sign
sign of
of
perfection.
perfection. However,
However, though
though he
he had
had attained
attained to
to such
such heights
heights and
and such
such
dispassion,
dispassion, the
the Saint
Saint did
did not
not cease
cease his
his labours.
labours. On
On his
his return
return from
from the
the
near
near hermitage
hermitage to
to the
the monastery
monastery he
he used
used to
to take
take aa little
little food,
food, but
but only
only
once
once aa day.
day.
One
One ooff his
his biographers
biographers writes:
writes:
As
As to
to sleep,
sleep, itit was
was always
always brief,
brief, and
and during
during the
the last
last years
years ooff his
his life
life Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim especially
especially struggled
struggled against
against the
the night 's rest.
night's rest. The
The monks
monks who
who
came
came to
to visit
visit the
the holy
holy ascetic
ascetic sometimes
sometimes found
found him
him sleeping
sleeping either
either in
in his
his
cell
cell or
or in
in the
the ante - room in
ante-room in different
different attitudes:
attitudes: sometimes
sometimes he
he slept
slept on
on the
the
floor
floor with
with his
his back
back against
against the
the wall
wall and
and with
with outstretched
outstretched feet;
feet; sometimes
sometimes
he
he leant
leant his
his head
head on
on aa log
log or
or aa stone;
stone; at
at other
other times
times he
he stretched
stretched him self
himself
out
out on
on the
the logs
logs and
and bags
bags with
with bricks
bricks and
and sand
sand which
which were
were in
in his
his cell.
cell. As
As
death
death drew
drew near,
near, the
the Saint
Saint began
began to
to sleep
sleep in
in such
such an
an inconvenient
inconvenient atti
atti-­
tude
tude that
that itit isis terrible
terrible even
even to
to think
think ooff it,
it and
and itit was
was impossible
impossible to
to witness
witness
itit without
without awe:
awe: he
he knelt
knelt down
down and
and slept
slept with
with his
his face
face and
and elbows
elbows on
on the
the
floor,
floor, supporting
supporting his
his head
head with
with his
his hands.
hands. One
One cannot
cannot but
but feel
feel amazed
amazed
at
at such
such extraordinary
extraordinary asceticism.
asceticism.
St.
St. Seraphim tormented the
Seraphim ""tormented the torm entor " even
tormentor" even when
when his
his human
human pow
pow-­
ers
ers were
were failing.
failing. G o d s saints
God's saints are
are truly
truly amazing
amazing and
and incomprehensible!
incomprehensible!
One
One can
can only
only wonder
wonder and
and worship
worship and
and glorify
glorify God
God Who
Who gives
gives such
such abun
abun-­
dant
dant grace
grace to
to men.
men.

109
110
 Chapter
Chapter 8 8

A AWONDERFUL
W o n d e r f u lREVELATION
R evelation
TOt oTHE W orld
t h eWORLD

BB UT u

amazing
amazing
t the
the
tion-or
most
most wonderful,
wonderful,
tio n —rather
or rather
conversation
conversation withwith
most
most
Divine
Divine
N.A.
N.A.
striking
striking andand
revelation-was
revelation —was
M otovilov1.
Motovilov ThisThis
truly
truly
given
supernatural
supernatural
by Fr.
given by Seraphim
revelation
revelation
instruc ­
instruc-
in his
Fr. Seraphim in his
is undoubt ­
is undoubt- I.

edlyedly
of world-wide significance.
o f world -wide True,
significance. there
True, is nothing
there essentially
is nothing newnew
essentially in in
it, for
it, for the the
fullfull revelation
revelation waswas given
given to the
to the Apostles
Apostles from
from the the
veryvery
dayday
of of
Pentecost.
Pentecost. ButBut
nownow
thatthat people
people have
have forgotten
forgotten the the fundam ental
fundamental truths
truths of o f
the the
Christian religion
Christian andand
religion are are
immersed in the
immersed darkness
in the of materialism
darkness or or
o f materialism
the the exterior
exterior andand routine
routine performance
performance o f "ascetic
of "ascetic labours,
labours," Fr. Fr. Seraphim s
" Seraphim's
revelation
revelation is truly
is truly extraordinary,
extraordinary, as indeed
as indeed he h im self
he himself regarded
regarded it. it.
"It "isIt not
is not given
given to you
to you alone
alone to understand
to understand this,
this," " said
said Fr. Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim
at the
at the endend o f the
of the revelation,
revelation, "but" but through
through youyou
it isitfor
is for
the the whole
whole w orld! "
world!"
LikeLike a flash
a flash o f lightning
oflightning did did
thisthis wonderful
wonderful conversation
conversation illum ine
illumine the the
whole
whole world
world which
which waswas already
already immersed
immersed in spiritual
in spiritual lethargy
lethargy andand death,
death,
lessless
thanthan a century
a century before
before the the struggle
struggle against
against Christianity
Christianity in Russia
in Russia andand
at aattime when
a tim Christian
e when faithfaith
Christian waswas
at aatlow ebbebb
a low in the West.
in the Here
West. God's
Here God 's
Saint appears
Saint before
appears us as
before usin
asno
in way inferior
no way to the
inferior great
to the prophets
great through
prophets through
whom the the
whom Holy Spirit
Holy Himself
Spirit spoke.
H im self spoke.

1 The1 The
veryvery discovery
discovery of Motovilov's
of Motovilov's manuscript
manuscript is a great
is a great miracle.
miracle. For about
For about seventy
seventy years,years,
this this
mostmost valuable
valuable manuscript
manuscript lay buried
lay buried in complete
in complete oblivion
oblivion and and
was was in danger
in danger of being
of being
destroyed,
destroyed, for itforhad
it had already
already beenbeen thrown
thrown awayaway
and and
was was
lyinglying
in a in a heap
heap of rubbish
of rubbish in anin an
atticattic
underunder a layer
a layer of bird-droppings.
of bird-droppings. HereHere it was
it was miraculously
miraculously foundfound by S.A.
by S.A. Nilus,
Nilus, the the
famous
famous author
author of theof the
bookbook Multum
Multum in Parvo.
in Parvo. Reverently
Reverently searching
searching for scraps
for scraps of the
of the greatgreat
Seraphim's
Seraphim's life, life,
NilusNilus
was was rummaging
rummaging amongamongoddsodds
and and
endsends in the
in the atticattic
and and
was was already
already
beginning
beginning to lose
to lose hopehope of finding
of finding anything
anything whenwhen an exercise
an exercise bookbook which
which was was
veryvery
dis- dis­
tinctly
tinctly written
written attracted
attracted his attention.
his attention. ThisThis proved
proved to beto the
be the memoirs
memoirs of Motovilov,
of Motovilov, and and
that that
is howis how
theytheycamecame to beto given
be given to the
to the world.
world. The The memoirs
memoirs werewere
foundfound in 1902
in 1902 and and
printed
printed in the
in the "Moscow"Moscow News"News in "1903;
in 1903; almost
almost simultaneously
simultaneously the the exposition
exposition of the
of the rel- rel­
icsSt.
ics of ofSeraphim
St. Seraphim tooktook place.
place.

111
A A E!
n E Rx tA r y iP
\) aR o)) rJ d i nI, aY r P ,\e a c e

WeWe record
record everything
everything word
word forfor word
word without
without anyany interpretations
interpretations of o f
ourour own.
own.

JOURNAL l E n t r FROM
J o u r n a ENTRY y from N . A MOTOVILOV
N.A. . M o to vilo v

It was
It was Thursday;
Thursday; thethe
dayday
waswas gloomy.
gloomy. TheThe snow
snow laylay eight
eight inches
inches deep
deep
on on
thethe ground;
ground; andand
dry,dry, crisp
crisp snowflakes
snowflakes were
were falling
falling thickly
thickly from
from thethe
skysky when
when Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim began
began hishis conversation
conversation with
with meme
in in a field
a field adjoin ­
adjoin-
inging
hishis near
near hermitage,
hermitage, opposite
opposite thethe River
River Sarovka,
Sarovka, at the
at the footfoot o f the
of the hillhill
which
which slopes
slopes down
down to to
thethe river
river bank.
bank. HeHe
sat sat
meme
on on
thethe stump
stump of oa ftree
a tree
which
which he he
hadhad
justjust felled,
felled, andand
he he him self
himself squatted
squatted opposite
opposite me.me.
"The
"The Lord
Lord hashas revealed
revealed to to me,
me," " said
said thethe great
great Elder,
Elder, " that
"that in your
in your child ­
child-
hood
hood youyou
hadhad a great
a great desire
desire to to know
know thethe
aimaim
of oour
f our Christian
Christian life,life,
andand
thatthat
youyou continually
continually asked
asked many
many great
great spiritual
spiritual persons
persons about
about it."it."
I must
I must saysay here
here thatthat from
from thethe
ageage o f twelve
of twelve thisthis thought
thought hadhad constantly
constantly
troubled
troubled me.me. I had,
I had, in in fact,
fact, approached
approached many
many clergy
clergy about
about it; it;
butbut their
their
answers
answers hadhad
notnot satisfied
satisfied me.me. This
This waswas
notnot known
known to to
thethe Elder.
Elder.
"But
"But no no one,
one," " continued
continued Fr.Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, " has
"has given
given youyou a precise
a precise answer.
answer.
They
They have
have saidsaid to you:
to you: 'Go'Go to church,
to church, pray
pray to God,
to God, do do
thethe commandments
commandments
of oGod,
f God,
do do good —that
good-that is the
is the aimaim
of othe
f the Christian
Christian life/
life.' Some
Some were
were even
even
indignant
indignant with
with youyou
forfor being
being occupied
occupied with
with profane
profane curiosity
curiosity andand
saidsaid
to you:
to you: 'Do'Do
notnot seek
seek things
things thatthat
areare beyond
beyond you/
you.' ButBut they
they diddid
notnot speak
speak
as they
as they should.
should. AndAnd now
now poor
poor Seraphim
Seraphim willwill explain
explain to you
to you in what
in what thisthis
aimaim really
really consists.
consists.
"Prayer,
"Prayer, fasting,
fasting, vigil
vigil andand
all all other
other Christian
Christian activities,
activities, however
however good
good
they
they maymay
be be in themselves,
in themselves, do do
notnot constitute
constitute thethe
aimaim o f our
of our Christian
Christian life,life,
although
although they
they serve
serve as the
as the indispensable
indispensable means
means o f reaching
of reaching thisthis end.
end. TheThe
truetrue
aimaim o f our
of our Christian
Christian lifelife consists
consists in acquisition
in acquisition o f the
of the Floly
Holy Spirit
Spirit of of
God.
God. As As
forfor fasts,
fasts, andand vigils,
vigils, andand prayer,
prayer, andand almsgiving,
almsgiving, andand every
every good
good
deed
deed done
done forfor Christsake,
Christ's 's sake, they
they areare only
only means
means of oacquiring
f acquiring
thethe Holy
Holy
Spirit
Spirit of oGod.
f God.
ButBut mark,
mark, mymy
son,son, only
only thethe good
good deed
deed done
done forfor Christ's
Christ's
sake
sake brings
brings us us
thethe fruits
fruits of the
of the Holy
Holy Spirit.
Spirit. AllAll
thatthat is not
is not done
done forfor Christ's
Christ's
sake,
sake, even
even though
though it be
it be good,
good, brings
brings neither
neither reward
reward in the
in the future
future lifelife
nornor
thethe grace
grace of oGod
f God in this.
in this. That
That is why
is why ourour Lord
Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ
Christ said:
said: 'He'He
whowho

112
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0\ ill liF , *v
WUHLJ1

gathers
gathers not
not with
with me
me scatters.
scatters.' ' (Luke
(Luke 11:
11: 23)
23) Not
Not that
that aa good
good deed
deed can
can be
be
called anything but gathering, since even though it is not done for Christ's
called anything but gathering, since even though it is not done for Christ's
sake,
sake, yet
yet itit is
is good.
good. Scripture
Scripture says: In every
says: ''In every nation
nation he
he who
who fears
fears God
God and
and
works
works righteousness
righteousness is
is acceptable
acceptable to
to Him.
Him.'' (Acts
(Acts 10:
10: 35)
35)
As we see
""Aswe see from
from the
the sacred
sacred narrative,
narrative, the
the man
man who
who works
works righteousness
righteousness
is
is so
so pleasing
pleasing to
to God
God that
that the
the angel
angel ooff the
the Lord
Lord appeared
appeared at
at the
the hour
hour ooff
prayer
prayer toto Cornelius,
Cornelius, the
the God - fearing and
God-fearing and righteous
righteous centurion,
centurion, and
and said:
said:
Send to
''Send to Joppa
Joppa to
to Simon
Simon the
the Tanner;
Tanner; there
there shalt
shalt thou
thou find
find Peter
Peter and
and he
he will
will
tell
tell thee
thee the
the words
words ooff eternal
eternal life,
life, whereby
whereby thou
thou shalt
shalt be
be saved
saved and
and all
all thy
thy
house.
house." Thus the Lord uses all His divine means to give such a man in
' 2 Thus the Lord uses all His divine means to give such a man in
return
return for
for his
his good
good works
works the
the opportunity
opportunity not
not to
to lose
lose his
his reward
reward in
in the
the
future
future life.
life. But
But to
to this
this end
end we
we must
must begin
begin here
here with
with aa right
right faith
faith in
in our
our
Lord
Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ,
Christ, the
the Son
Son ooff God,
God, Who
Who came
came into
into the
the world
world to
to save
save sin
sin-­
ners
ners and
and Who,
Who, through
through our
our acquiring
acquiring for
for ourselves
ourselves the
the grace
grace ooff the
the Holy
Holy
Spirit,
Spirit, brings
brings into
into our
our hearts
hearts the
the Kingdom
Kingdom ooff God
God and
and opens
opens the
the way
way for
for
us
us to
to win
win the
the blessings
blessings ooff the
the future
future life.
life. But
But the
the acceptability
acceptability to
to God
God ooff
good
good deeds
deeds not
not done
done for
for Christ
Christ's's sake
sake is
is limited
limited to
to this:
this: the
the Creator
Creator gives
gives
the
the means
means toto make
make them
them living.
living. (Heb.
(Heb. 6:1)
6:1) ItIt rests
rests with
with manman to
to make
make
them
them living or not. That is why the Lord said to the Jews: 'If you had been
living or not. That is why the Lord said to the Jews: ' If you had been
blind,
blind, you
you would
would have
have had
had no
no sin.
sin. But
But now
now you
you say, We see,
say, ""We see,"" and
and your
your
sin
sin remains
remains on
on you.
you.'' (John
(John 9:41)
9:41) If
If aa man
man like
like Cornelius
Cornelius enjoys
enjoys the
the favor
favor
of
of God
God for
for his
his deeds,
deeds, though
though not
not done
done for
for Christ
Christ's's sake,
sake, and
and then
then believes
believes
in
in His
His Son,
Son, such
such deeds
deeds will
will be
be imputed
imputed toto him
him as
as done
done forfor Christ
Christ's's sake
sake
merely
merely for
for faith
faith in
in Him.
Him. But
But in
in the
the opposite
opposite event
event aa man
man has
has no
no right
right
to
to complain
complain that
that his
his good
good has
has been
been nono use.
use. It
It never
never is,
is, except
except when
when it it is
is
done
done for
for Christ
Christ's's sake,
sake, since
since good
good done
done for
for Him
Him not
not only
only merits
merits aa crown
crown
of
of righteousness
righteousness inin the
the world
world to
to come,
come, but
but also
also in
in this
this present
present life
life fills
fills us
us
with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, as it is said: ' God gives
with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, as it is said: 'God gives not not
the
the Spirit
Spirit by
by measure.
measure. The
The Father
Father loves
loves the
the Son,
Son, and
and has
has given
given all
all things
things
into
into His
His hand.
hand.' ' (John
(John 33:34-36)
:34 - 36)

22 St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim is
is giving
giving the
the sense
sense of
of Acts
Acts 10:5
10:5 and
and not
not quoting
quoting literally.
literally.

113
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"That'sit,it,your
"That's yourGodliness."
Godliness.3InInacquiring
acquiringthe
theSpirit
SpiritofoGod
f Godconsists
consiststhethe
trueaim
true aimofoour
f ourChristian
Christianlife,
life,while
whileprayer,
prayer,vigil,
vigil,fasting,
fasting,almsgiving
almsgivingand
and
othergood
other goodworks
worksdone
doneforforChrist's
C hristssake
sakearearemerely
merelymeans
meansforforacquiring
acquiring
theSpirit
the SpiritofofGod."
God."
" Whatdodoyou
"What youmean
meanbybyacquiring?"
acquiring? "I asked
I askedFr.Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim."Somehow
" Somehow
I don 'understand
I don't t understandthat."
that."
"Acquiringis isthe
"Acquiring thesame
sameasasobtaining,"
obtaining, "hehereplied.
replied."You
"Youunderstand,
understand,ofof
course,what
course, whatacquiring
acquiringmoney
moneymeans?
means?Acquiring
AcquiringthetheSpirit
SpiritofoGod
f Godis isex-
ex ­
actlythe
actly thesame.
same.You
Youknow
knowwell
wellenough
enoughwhat
whatit itmeans
meansinina worldly
a worldlysense,
sense,
yourGodliness,
your Godliness,totoacquire.
acquire.The
Theaim
aimininlife
lifeofoordinary
f ordinaryworldly
worldlypeople
peopleis is
totoacquire
acquireorormake
makemoney,
money,and
andforfor
thethenobility
nobilityit itis isininaddition
additiontotoreceive
receive
honours,distinctions
honours, distinctionsand
andother
otherrewards
rewardsforfortheir
theirservices
servicestotothethegovern-
govern ­
ment.The
ment. Theacquisition
acquisitionofoGod's
f God 'Spirit
s Spiritis isalso
alsocapital,
capital,but
butgrace-giving
grace -givingand
and
eternal,and
eternal, andit itis isobtained
obtainedininvery
verysimilar
sim ilarways,
ways,almost
almostthethesame
sameasasmon-
m on ­
etary,social
etary, socialand
andtemporal
temporalcapital.
capital.
" Godthe
"God theWord,
Word,the
theGod-Man,
God -Man,our
ourLord
LordJesus
JesusChrist,
Christ,compares
comparesour
our
lifewith
life witha amarket,
market,and
andthe
thework
workofoour
f ourlife
lifeononearth
earthHeHecalls
callstrading,
trading,and
and
saystotoususall:
says all:'Trade
'TradetilltillI come:
I come,(Luke
' (Luke19:13)
19:13)'redeeming
'redeemingthethetime,
time,be-
be ­
causethe
cause thedays
daysare
areevil.'
evil.(Eph.
' (Eph.5:5:16) Thatis istotosay,
16) That say,make
makethe
themost
mostofoyour
f your
tim eforforgetting
time gettingheavenly
heavenlyblessing
blessingthrough
throughearthly
earthlygoods.
goods.Earthly
Earthlygoods
goods
aregood
are goodworks"
works4 doneforforChrist's
done Christ 'ssake
sakeand
andconferring
conferringononususthe
thegrace
graceofof
theAll-Holy
the All-HolySpirit.
Spirit.
" Inthe
"In theparable
parableofof thewise
the wiseand
andfoolish
foolishvirgins,
virgins,when
whenthe
thefoolish
foolishones
ones
lackedoil,
lacked oil,it itwas
wassaid:
said:'Go
'Goand
andbuy
buyininthe
themarket:
market.But
' Butwhen
whenthey
theyhad
had
bought,the
bought, thedoor
doorofothe
f thebride-chamber
bride - cham berwas
wasalready
alreadyshut
shutand
andthey
theycould
could
notget
not getin.in.Some
Somesay
say that
that thelack
the lackofooil
f oilininthe
thelalamps
mps ofothe
f thefoolish
foolishvirgins
virgins
meansa alack
means lackofogood
f gooddeeds
deedsinintheir
theirlifetime.
lifetime.Such
Suchananinterpretation
interpretationis is
notquite
not quitecorrect.
correct.Why
Whyshould
shouldthey
theybebelacking
lackinginingood
gooddeeds
deedsif ifthey
theyareare
calledvirgins,
called virgins,even
eventhough
thoughfoolish
foolishones?
ones?Virginity
Virginityis isthethesupreme
supreme virtue,
virtue,
ananangelic
angelicstate,
state,and
andit itwould
wouldtake
takethetheplace
placeofoall
f allother
othergood
goodworks.
works.

3 3 Literally:
Literally: "Your
"Your God-lovingness,"
God-lovingness," corresponding
corresponding to to
thethe English
English idioms
idioms "Your
"Your Worship,"
Worship,"
"Your
"Your Excellency,"
Excellency," etc.etc.
4 4 "Good
"Good works"
works" is is
oneone word
word with
with two
two meanings
meanings in in Russian,
Russian, andand may
may also
also be be translated
translated
as as "virtue."
"virtue." St.St. Augustine
Augustine says:"Wisdom's
says: "Wisdom's labours
labours areare virtues."
virtues."

114
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""I
I thin
thinkk that
that what
what they
they were
were lacking
lacking was
was the
the grace
grace ooff the
the All -Holy
All-Holy
Spirit
Spirit ooff God.
God. These
These virgins
virgins practised
practised the
the virtues,
virtues, but
but in
in their
their spiritual
spiritual
ignorance
ignorance they
they supposed
supposed that
that the
the Christian
Christian life
life consisted
consisted merely
merely in
in doing
doing
good
good works.
works. By
Bydoing
doing aa good
good deed
deed they
they thought
thought they
they were
were doing
doing the
the work
work
ooff God,
God, but
but they
they little
little cared
cared whether
whether they
they acquired
acquired thereby
thereby the
the grace
grace ooff
G od s Spirit.
God's Spirit. Such
Such ways
ways ooff life
life based
based merely
merely on
on doing
doing good
good without
without care
care-­
fully
fully testing
testing whether
whether they
they bring
bring grace
grace of
of the
the Spirit
Spirit ooff God,
God, are
are mentioned
mentioned
in
in the
the patristic
patristic books:
books: 'There
There is
is another
another way
way which
which is
is deemed
deemed good
good at
at the
the
beginning,
beginning, but
but itit ends
ends at
at the
the bottom
bottom ooff hell/
hell.'
Antony the
""Antony the Great
Great in
in his
his letters
letters to
to monks
monks says
says ooff such
such virgins: Many
virgins: ''Many
monks
monks and
and virgins
virgins have
have no
no idea
idea ooff the
the different
different kinds
kinds ooff will
will which
which act
act
in
in man,
man, and
and they
they do
do not
not know
know that
that we
we are
are influenced
influenced by
by three
three wills:
wills: the
the
first
first isis God 's all
God's - perfect and
all-perfect and all -saving will;
all-saving will; the
the second
second is
is our
our own
own human
human
will
will which,
which, ifif not
not destructive,
destructive, yet
yet neither
neither is
is itit saving;
saving; and
and the
the third
third is
is the
the
devil's
devil 'sw ill —wholly
will- wholly destructive.
destructive.' ' And
And this
this third
third will
will ooff the
the enemy
enemy teaches
teaches
man
man either
either not
not to
to do
do any
any good
good deeds,
deeds, or
or to
to do
do them
them out
out ooff vanity,
vanity, or
or to
to
do
do them
them merely
merely for
for virtue
virtue's's sake
sake and
and not
not for
for Christ
Christ's's sake.
sake. The
The second,
second,
our
our own
own will,
will, teaches
teaches us
us to
to do
do everything
everything to
to flatter
flatter our
our passions,
passions, or
or else
else
itit teaches
teaches us
us like
like the
the enemy
enemy to
to do
do good
good for
for the
the sake
sake ooff good
good and
and not
not care
care
for
for the
the grace
grace which
which isis acquired
acquired by
by it.
it. But
But the
the first,
first, God 's all
God's -saving will,
all-saving will,
consists
consists in
in doing
doing good
good solely
solely to
to acquire
acquire the
the Holy
Holy Spirit,
Spirit, as
as an
an eternal,
eternal, in
in-­
exhaustible
exhaustible treasure
treasure which
which cannot
cannot be
be rightly
rightly valued.
valued. The
The acquisition
acquisition ooff
the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit is,
is, so
so to
to say,
say, the
the oil
oil which
which the
the foolish
foolish virgins
virgins lacked.
lacked. They
They
were
were called
called foolish
foolish just
just because
because they
they had
had forgotten
forgotten the
the necessary
necessary fruit
fruit ooff
virtue,
virtue, the
the grace
grace ooff the
the Holy
Holy Spirit,
Spirit, without
without which
which no
no one
one is
is or
or can
can be
be
saved,
saved, for:
for: 'Every
'Every soul
soul isis quickened
quickened by
by the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit and
and exalted
exalted by
by pu
pu-­
rity
rity and
and mystically
mystically illum ined by
illumined by this
this Triple
Triple Unity.
Unity."'5
This is
""This is the
the oil
oil in
in the
the lamps
lamps ooff the
the wise
wise virgins
virgins which
which could
could burn
burn long
long
and
and brightly,
brightly, and
and these
these virgins
virgins with
with their
their burning
burning lamps
lamps were
were able
able to
to
meet
meet the
the Bridegroom
Bridegroom W ho came
Who came at
at midnight,
midnight, and
and could
could enter
enter the
the bride
bride--
cham ber ooff joy
chamber joy with
with Him.
Him. But
But the
the foolish
foolish ones,
ones, though
though they
they went
went to
to
market
market to
to buy
buy some
some oil
oil when
when they
they saw
saw their
their lamps
lamps going
going out,
out, were
were un
un-­
55 From
From the
the Antiphon
Antiphon of
of Degrees
Degrees in
in Matins. — ed.
Matins.-ed.

115
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FA C h

able
abletotoreturn
return inintime,
time, for
forthe
the door
door was
wasalready
already shut.
shut. The
Themarket
market isisour
our
life;
life;the
thedoor
dooro of
f the
thebride - cham ber which
bride-chamber which was
wasshut
shutand
andwhich
which barred
barred the
the
way
waytotothe
theBridegroom
Bridegroom isishuman
human death;
death; the
thewise
wiseand
and foolish
foolish virgins
virgins are
are
Christian
Christian souls;
souls; the
the oil
oilisisnot
notgood
good deeds
deeds but
but the
the grace
graceo of
f the
theAll -Holy
All-Holy
Spirit
Spirito of
f God
Godwhich
which isisobtained
obtained through
through them
them and
andwhich
which changes
changes souls
souls
from
fromone
onestate
statetotoanother
another —-that
thatis,is,from
fromcorruption
corruption totoincorruption,
incorruption, from
from
spiritual
spiritual death
death totospiritual
spiritual life,
life,from
fromdarkness
darkness totolight,
light,from
fromthe
thestable
stable ofof
our
ourbeing
being (where
(where the
thepassions
passions are
aretied
tied up
uplike
likedumb
dumb anim als and
animals and wild
wild
beasts)
beasts) into
into a atemple
temple ofofthe
theDivinity,
Divinity, into
into the
theshining
shining bride - chamber ofof
bride-chamber
eternal
eternal joy
joyininChrist
Christ Jesus
Jesusour
ourLord,
Lord,the
theCreator
Creator and
and Redeemer
Redeemer and
and eter ­
eter-
nal
nalBridegroom
Bridegroom o of
f our
oursouls.
souls.
"How
"Howgreat
great isisGGod's
od s compassion
compassion totoour
our misery,
misery, that
that isistotosay,
say,our
our inin-
­
attention
attention totoHis
Hiscare
carefor
forus,
us,when
when God
Godsays:
says:'Behold,
'Behold, I Istand
stand atatthe
thedoor
door
and
and knock/
knock,' (Rev.
(Rev.3:20)
3:20) meaning
meaning by
by" door " the
"door" thecourse
course ofofour
ourlife
lifewhich
which
has
hasnot
notyet
yetbeen
been closed
closed by
bydeath!
death! Oh,
Oh,how
howI wish,
I wish, your
your Godliness,
Godliness, that
that
ininthis
thislife
lifeyou
youmay
mayalways
alwaysbebeininthe
theSpirit
Spirito of
f God!
God! 'In
'Inwhatsoever
whatsoever I Ifind
find
you,
you,ininthat
thatwill
willI judge
I judgeyou, '6 says
you," saysthe
theLord.
Lord.
" Woe
"WoetotoususififHe
Hefinds
findsususovercharged
overcharged with
with cares
caresand
and sorrows
sorrows o of
f this
this
life!
life!For
Forwho
whowill
willbebeable
abletotobear
bearHis
Hisanger,
anger,who
whowill
willwithstand
withstand the
thewrath
wrath
o of
f His
Hiscountenance?
countenance? That
Thatisiswhy
whyitithas
hasbeen
been said:
said: 'Watch
'Watch and
and pray,
pray,lest
lest
you
youenter
enter into
intotemptation,
temptation,' ' (Mark
(Mark 14:38)
14:38)that
that is,is,lest
lestyou
youbebedeprived
deprived ofof
the
theSpirit
Spirito of
f God,
God,for
forwatching
watching and
andprayers
prayers bring
bring ususHis
Hisgrace.
grace.
"O f course,
"Of course, every
everygood
gooddeed
deeddone
donefor
forChrist 's sake
Christ's sakegives
givesususthe
thegrace
graceofof
the
theHoly
HolySpirit,
Spirit,but
butprayer
prayergives
givesititmost
mosto of
f all,
all,for
forititisisalways
alwaysatathand,
hand, sosototo
speak,
speak, asasan
aninstrum ent for
instrument foracquiring
acquiring the
thegrace
graceo of
f the
theSpirit.
Spirit.For
Forinstance,
instance,
you
youwould
would like
liketotogogototochurch,
church, but
butthere
there isisno
nochurch
church ororthe
the service
service isis
over;
over;you
youwould
would like
liketotogive
givealms
alms totoa abeggar,
beggar, but
butthere
there isn 't one,
isn't one,ororyou
you
have
havenothing
nothing totogive;
give;you
youwould
would like
liketotopreserve
preserve your
yourvirginity,7
virginity," but
butyou
you
have
havenot
notthe
thestrength
strength totodo
dososobecause
because o of
f your
yourtemperament,
temperament, ororbecause
because
o of
f the
theviolence
violence o of
f the
thewiles
wiles o of
f the
theenemy
enemy which
which on
onaccount
account o of
f your
your hu ­
hu-
man
man weakness
weakness you
youcannot
cannot withstand;
withstand; you
youwould
would like
liketotodo
dosome
some other
other

6 6 St.St.Justin
Justin(Dialogue
(Dialogue47)
47)records
recordsthis
this"unwritten
"unwritten saying"
saying"ofofChrist.
Christ.
7 7 That
Thatis,is,you
youwould
wouldlike
liketotoremain
remainunmarried.
unmarried.

116
 A AW\l\J)Li;r
W o n d e r f u, l REIE! W orld
l a t i o n ru t or ut rh eWOHL!)
R e v e II!U\

gooddeed
good deedforfor Christ'sake,
Christ's s sake,but
buteither
either youhave
you havenot
not
thethestrength
strengthoror
thethe
opportunityis is
opportunity lacking.
lacking. Thiscertainly
This certainly doesnot
does not apply
apply totoprayer.
prayer.Prayer
Prayer
is is
alwayspossible
always possibleforforeveryone,
everyone,rich
richand
andpoor,
poor,noble
nobleand
andhumble,
humble,strong
strong
and
and weak,healthy
weak, healthy andsick,
and sick,righteous
righteousand
andsinful.
sinful.
"Youmay
"You may judgehow
judge how great
great thethepower
power
ofoprayer
f prayer
is iseven
eveninina sinful
a sinfulper-
per­
son,when
son, whenit it
is isoffered
offered whole -heartedly,byby
whole-heartedly, following
following thetheexample
examplefrom
from
Holy
Holy Tradition.
Tradition. When
When at at
thetherequest
request
ofoaf desperate
a desperate m other
mother who
who had
had been
been
deprivedbybydeath
deprived deathofoher
f heronly
onlyson,
son,a harlot
a harlot whomshe
whom shechanced
chancedto tomeet,
meet,
still
still uncleanfrom
unclean from
herher last
last sin,
sin, and
and who
who was
was touched
touched byby
thethemother's
mother 'deep
s deep
sorrow,cried
sorrow, criedtotothetheLord:
Lord:'Not
'Not
forforthethesake
sakeofoaf wretched
a wretchedsinner
sinner likeme,
like me,
butbut
forfor
thethesake
sake
ofof
thethetears
tears
ofoaf mother
a mother sorrowing
sorrowing forfor
herher son
son and
and firmly
firmly
trustinginin
trusting Thyloving
Thy lovingkindness
kindnessand
and Thinealmighty
Thine almightypower,
power,Christ
ChristGod,
God,
raise
raise upupher
her son,0 OLord!'
son, Lord!And
' And
thetheLord
Lordraised
raisedhim
himup.
up.
"Yousee,
"You see,your
yourGodliness!
Godliness!Great
Greatis isthethepower
power
ofoprayer,
f prayer,and
andit it brings
brings
mostofoall
most f allthetheSpirit
SpiritofoGod,
f God,and
andis ismost
mosteasily
easilypractised
practisedbybyeveryone.
everyone.
We
We shall
shall bebeblessed
blessedif if
thetheLord
Lord God
God finds
finds usus watchful
watchful and
and filled
filled with
with thethe
gifts
gifts ofoHis
f His Holy
Holy Spirit.
Spirit. Then
Then wewemay
may boldly
boldly hope
hope totobebecaught
caught
upup'in'inthethe
cloudstotomeet
clouds meetthetheLord
Lordininthetheair:
air,(I
' (I Thess.4:17)
Thess. 4:17)Who
Whois iscoming
coming with
with
greatpower
great powerand
andglory
glory(Mark
(Mark13:26)
13:26)totojudge
judge
thetheliving
livingand
andthethedead
dead(I (I
Pet.4:5)
Pet. 4:5 and
) and
totoreward
reward every
every manaccording
man according
totohishisworks.
works.(Matt.
(Matt.16:27)
16:27)
"YourGodliness
"Your Godlinessdeigns
deignstotothink
thinkit ita great
a greathappiness
happinessto totalk
talkto topoor
poor
Seraphim,believing
Seraphim, believingthat
thateven
evenheheis isnot
notbereft
bereftofothe
f thegrace
graceofothe
f theLord.
Lord.
What
What thenshall
then shallwewesay
say
ofothe
f theLord
LordHimself,
Himself,thethenever-failing
never -failingsource
sourceofof
every
every kindofoblessing
kind f blessing bothheavenly
both heavenly and
and earthly?
earthly? Truly
Truly ininprayer
prayer
wewe
areare
granted
granted totoconverse
converse withHim,
with Him,our
our all -graciousand
all-gracious andlife-giving
life -givingGod
Godand
and
SaviourHimself.
Saviour Himself.But
Buteven
evenhere
herewewemust
mustpray
prayonly
onlyuntil
untilGod
GodthetheHoly
Holy
Spirit
Spirit descendsononususininmeasures
descends measuresofoHis
f Hisheavenly
heavenly graceknown
grace knowntotoHim.
Him.
Andwhen
And whenHeHedeigns
deignstotovisit
visitus,us,wewemust
muststop
stoppraying.
praying.Why
Whyshould
shouldwewe
thenpray
then pray
totoHim,
Him,'Come
'Comeand
andabide
abideininususand
andcleanse
cleanseususfrom
fromallallimpu-
impu ­
rity
rity and
and save
save our
our souls,0 O
souls, Good
Good One,when
One: ' when
HeHe has
has already
already come
come totousus
to to
save
save ususwho
whotrust
trustininHim
Himand
andtruly
truly callononHis
call Hisholy
holyname,
name,that
that humbly
humbly
andwith
and withlove
lovewewemay
mayreceive
receiveHim,
Him,thetheComforter,
Comforter,ininthethemansions
mansionsofof
our
our soulshungering
souls hungering and
and thirsting
thirsting forforHis
Hiscoming?
coming?

117
A AN N E EX Tx Rr An 0\ oR II;)DI NJ A R\ YI; Y P PE AL C\ (E

"I"Iwill
willexplain
explainthis
thistotoyour
yourGodliness
Godliness bybyananexample.
example.Imagine
Imaginethat
thatyou
you
have
haveinvited
invitedme
metotopay
payyou
youa avisit,
visit,and
andatatyour
yourinvitation
invitation I Icome
cometotohave
have
a atalk
talkwith
withyou.
you.But
Butyou
youcontinue
continue totoinvite
inviteme,
me,saying:
saying:'Come
'Comein,in,please.
please.
Do
Docome
comeinin!
! ' Then
'Then I should
I shouldbebeobliged
obligedtotothink:
think: 'What
'Whatisisthe
thematter
matterwith
with
him?
him?IsIsheheout
outo of
f his
hismmind?'
ind? ' SoSoititisiswith
withregard
regardtotoour
ourLord
LordGod
Godthe
theHoly
Holy
Spirit.
Spirit.That
Thatisiswhy
whyititisissaid:
said:'Be
'Bestill
stilland
andrealize
realizethat
thatI Iam
amGod;
God;I shall
I shallbebe
exalted
exalted among
among the
theheathen,
heathen, I Ishall
shallbebeexalted
exalted ininthe
theearth/
earth.' (Ps. 45:10)
CPs.45:10)
That
Thatis,is,I Ishall
shallappear
appear and
andshall
shallcontinue
continue totoappear
appear totoeveryone
everyonewho
whobebe-
­
lieves
lievesininMe
Meand
andcalls
callsupon
upon Me,
Me,and
andI shall
I shallconverse
conversewith
withhim
himasasI Ionce
once
conversed
conversed with
withAdam
Adam ininParadise,
Paradise, with
withAbraham
Abraham and
andJacob
Jacoband
andother
other
servants
servants o of
f Mine,
Mine,with
withMoses
Mosesand
andJob,
Job,and
andthose
thoselike
likethem.
them.
"Many
"Manyexplain
explainthat
thatthis
thisstillness
stillnessrefers
refersonly
onlytotoworldly
worldlymatters;
matters;ininother
other
words,
words,that
thatduring
duringprayerful
prayerful converse
conversewith
withGod
Godyou
youmust
must" be
"bestill " with
still" with
regard
regardtotoworldly
worldlyaffairs.
affairs.But
ButI will
I willtell
tellyou
youininthe
thename
nameo of
f God
Godthat
thatnot
not
only
onlyisisititnecessary
necessarytotobebedead
deadtotothem
thematatprayer,
prayer,but
butwhen
whenbybythe
theom nipo ­
omnipo-
tent
tentpower
powero of
f faith
faithand
andprayer
prayerour
ourLord
LordGod
Godthe
theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritcondescends
condescends
totovisit
visitus,
us,and
andcomes
comestotoususininthe
theplenitude
plenitude o of
f his
hisunutterable
unutterable goodness,
goodness,
we
wemust
mustbebedead8
dead"totoprayer,
prayer,too.
too.
" The
"Thesoul
soulspeaks
speaksand
andconverses
conversesduring
duringprayer,
prayer,but
butatatthe
thedescent
descento of
f the
the
Holy
HolySpirit
Spiritwe
wemust
mustremain
remain inincomplete
complete silence,
silence,ininorder
ordertotohear
hearclearly
clearly
and
andintelligibly
intelligibly allallthe
thewords
wordso of
f eternal
eternal life
lifewhich
which He
Hewill
willthen
then deign
deigntoto
communicate.
communicate. Complete
Completesoberness
soberness o of
f both
bothsoul
souland
andspirit,
spirit,and
andchaste
chastepu ­
pu-
rity
rityo of
f body
bodyisisrequired
requiredatatthe
thesame
sametime.
time.The
Thesame
samedemands
demands were
weremade
madeatat
Mount
MountHoreb,
Horeb,when
whenthe
theIsraelites
Israeliteswere
weretold
toldnot
noteven
eventototouch
touchtheir
theirwives
wives
for
forthree
threedays
daysbefore
beforethe
theappearance
appearance o of
f God
Godon
onMount
MountSinai.
Sinai.For
Forour
ourGod
God
isisa afire
firewhich
whichconsumes
consumes everything
everything unclean,
unclean, and
andnonoone
onewho
whoisisdefiled
defiled
ininbody
bodyororspirit
spiritcan
canenter
enterinto
intocom m union with
communion withHim. "
Him."
"Yes, Father, but
"Yes,Father, butwhat
whatabout
aboutother
othergood
gooddeeds
deedsdone
donefor
forChrist 's sake
Christ's sakeinin
order
ordertotoacquire
acquirethe
thegrace
graceo of
f the
theHoly
HolySpirit?
Spirit?You
Youhave
haveonly
onlybeen
beenspeak ­
speak-
ing
ingabout
aboutprayer! "
prayer!"
"Acquire
"Acquirethe
thegrace
graceo of
f the
theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritalso
alsobybypracticing
practicing allallthe
theother
othervir ­
vir-
tues
tuesfor
forChrist 's sake.
Christ's sake.Trade
Tradespiritually
spirituallywith
withthem;
them;trade
tradewith
withthose
thosewhich
which
8 8 Literally,
Literally,toto"be
"bestill."
still."

118
 }\' \ 1'\ () I

give
give you
you thethe greatest
greatest profit.
profit. Accumulate
Accumulate capital
capital from
from thethe superabundance
superabundance
ofof God 'grace,
God's s grace,deposit
depositit it
in inGod's
God 'eternal
s eternalbank
bank whichwill
which willbring
bring youim-
you im ­
materialinterest,
material interest,notnotfour
fourororsixsixper
percent,
cent,butbutone
onehundred
hundredperpercent
centforfor
onespiritual
one spiritualruble,
ruble,and
andeven
eveninfinitely
infinitelymore
morethan
thanthat.
that.For
Forexample,
example,if if
prayerand
prayer andwatching
watchinggive
giveyou
youmore
moreofoGod's
f God 'sgrace,
grace,watch
watchand
andpray;
pray;if if
fasting
fasting gives
gives youmuch
you muchofothe
f theSpirit
SpiritofoGod,
f God,fast;
fast;if if almsgiving
almsgiving gives
gives you
you
more,
more, give
give alms.
alms. Weigh
Weigh every
every virtue
virtue done
done forfor C hristssake
Christ's sake
in in this
this manner.
manner.
"Now
"Now I will
I will telltell
youyou about
about myself,
myself, poor
poor Seraphim.
Seraphim. I come
I come ofoaf merchant
a merchant
family
family ininKursk.
Kursk.SoSo whenI was
when I wasnot
not
yetyet
inin
thethemonastery
monasterywewe used
used to to trade
trade
with
with thethe goods
goods whichbrought
which brought
usus
thethe greatest
greatest profit.
profit. Act
Act like
like that,my
that, my son.
son.
And
And just
just asas
inin business
business thethemain
mainpoint
point
is is not
not merely
merely to to trade,but
trade, but
to to
getget
asas
muchprofit
much profit
asas possible,sosoininthethebusiness
possible, businessofothe
f theChristian
Christianlife
lifethethemain
main
pointis isnotnotmerely
point merelyto topray
prayorortotododosome
someother
othergood
gooddeed.
deed.Though
Thoughthethe
Apostlesays:
Apostle says:Pray
Pray without
without ceasing,(I.(I.
ceasing, Thess.5:17)
Thess. 5:17)yet,
yet,asas youremember,
you remember,
hehe adds:I would
adds: I would rather
rather speak
speak five
five words
words withmymy
with understanding
understanding than
than tenten
thousandwords
thousand wordswith
withthethetongue.
tongue.(I (ICor.
Cor.14:13)
14:13)And
AndthetheLord
Lordsays:
says:Not
Not
everyone
everyone that
that says
says untome:
unto me:'Lord,
'Lord,Lord:
Lord,' shall
shall bebe saved,
saved, butbut
hehe whodoes
who does
thethewill
willofomy
f myFather;
Father;that
thatis,is,hehewho
whodoes
doesthethework
workofoGod
f Godand,
and,more-
more ­
over,does
over, doesit it withreverence,
with reverence,forforcursed
cursedis ishehewho
whodoes
doesthethework
workofoGod
f God
negligently.(Jer.
negligently. (Jer.48:10)
4 8:10)And
Andthethework
workofofGod
Godis:is:Believe
Believein inGod
Godand
andin in
Him
Him W homHeHe
Whom has
has sent,Jesus
sent, Jesus Christ.(John
Christ. (John14:1,
14:1,6:29)
6:29)Ifwe
If we understand
understand
thethe com m andm entsofoChrist
commandments f Christ andofof
and thethe Apostles
Apostles aright,our
aright, our businessasas
business
Christians
Christians consists
consists not
not inin increasing
increasing thethe number
number ofoour
f our good
good deeds
deeds which
which
areareonly
onlythethemeans
meansofofurthering
f furtheringthethepurpose
purposeofof ourChristian
our Christianlife,
life,but
but
ininderiving
derivingfrom
fromthem
themthetheutmost
utm ostprofit,
profit,that
thatis,is,ininacquiring
acquiringthethemost
most
abundant
abundant giftsofothe
gifts f theHoly
Holy Spirit.
Spirit.
"HowI wish,
"How I wish,your
your Godliness,that
Godliness, that you
you yourself
yourself may
may acquire
acquire thisinex-
this inex ­
haustible
haustible source
source ofof divine
divine grace,and
grace, and may
may always
always ask
ask yourself:
yourself: AmAm I in
I in thethe
Spirit
Spirit ofoGod
f Godoror not?
not? Andif if
And youyouareareinin
thetheSpirit,
Spirit,blessed
blessedbebeGod!
God!- — there
there
is is nothingtotogrieve
nothing grieveabout.
about.You
Youareare ready
ready totoappear
appear before
before thetheawful
awful judg ­
judg-
mentofoChrist
ment f Christimmediately.
immediately.For
For'In'Inwhatsoever
whatsoeverI find
I findyou,
you,in inthat
that willI I
will
judge
judge you.But
you.' ' Butif if
wewearearenot
notininthetheSpirit
Spiritwewemust
mustdiscover
discoverwhy
whyand
andforfor
what
what reasonour
reason our LordGod
Lord GodthetheHoly
Holy Spirit
Spirit has
has willedtotoabandon
willed abandonus;us;and
and

119
we
we must
must seek
seek Him
Him again,
again, and
and must
must go
go on
on searching
searching until
until our
our Lord
Lord God
God
the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit has
has been
been found
found and
and isis with
with us
us again
again through
through His
His good
good-­
ness.
ness. And
And we
we must
must attack
attack the
the enemies
enemies that
that drive
drive us
us away
away from
from Him
Him un
un-­
til
til even
even their
their dust
dust isis no
no more,
more, as
as has
has been
been said
said by
by the
the Prophet
Prophet David:
David: 'I'I
shall
shall pursue
pursue my
my enemies
enemies and
and overtake
overtake them;
them; and
and I 1shall
shall not
not turn
turn back
back
till
till they
they are
are destroyed.
destroyed. I1shall
shall harass
harass them
them,, and
and they
they will
will not
not be
be able
able to
to
stand;
stand; they
they will
will fall
fall under
under my
my feet.
feet.'' (Ps.
(Ps. 17:37 - 38)
17:37-38)
Thats it,it, my
""That's my son.
son. That
That isis how
how you
you must
must spiritually
spiritually trade
trade in
in virtue.
virtue.
Distribute
Distribute the
the Holy
Holy Spirit 's gifts
Spirit's gifts oof
f grace
grace to
to those
those in
in need
need oof
f them,
them, just
just as
as
aa lighted
lighted candle
candle burning
burning with
with earthly
earthly fire
fire shines
shines itself
itself and
and lights
lights other
other
candles
candles for
for the
the illum ining oof
illumining f all
all inin other
other places,
places, without
without dim inishing its
diminishing its
own
own light.
light. And
And ififititisisso
sowith
with regard
regard to
to earthly
earthly fire,
fire,what
what shall
shall we
wesay
say about
about
the
the fire
fire oof
f the
the grace
grace of
of the
the All -Holy Spirit
All-Holy Spirit oof
f God?
God? For
For earthly
earthly riches
riches de
de-­
crease
crease with
with distribution,
distribution, but
but the
the more
more the
the heavenly
heavenly riches
riches oof
f God 's grace
God's grace
are
are distributed,
distributed, the
the more
more they
they increase
increase in
in him
him who
who distributes
distributes them.
them. Thus
Thus
the
the Lord
Lord HHimself
im self was
was pleased
pleased to
to say
say to
to the
the Samaritan
Samaritan woman:
woman: 'Whoever
'Whoever
drinks
drinks of
ofthis
this water
water will
will thirst
thirst again.
again. But
But whoever
whoever drinks
drinks oof
f the
the water
water that
that
I 1shall
shall give
give him
him will
will never
never thirst;
thirst; but
but the
the water
water that
that I 1shall
shall give
give him
him will
will
be
be in
in him
him aawell
well oof
f water
water springing
springing up
up into
into eternal
eternal life. '" (John
life." (John 4:13 - 14)
4:13-14)
Father," said
""Father," said I,I, ""you
you speak
speak all
all the
the tim
timee oof
f the
the acquisition
acquisition ooff the
the grace
grace
oof
f the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit as
asthe
the aim
aim oof
f the
the Christian
Christian life.
life. But
But how
how and
and where
where can
can
I 1see
see it?
it?Good
Good deeds
deeds are
are visible,
visible, but
but can
can the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit be
be seen?
seen? How
How am
am
I 1to
to know
know whether
whether He
He isiswith
with me
me or
or nnot?"
ot? "
"At
"Atthe
the present
present time,
time,"" the
the Elder
Elder replied, owing to
replied, ""owing to our
our almost
almost universal
universal
coldness
coldness to
to our
our holy
holy faith
faith in
in our
our Lord
Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ,
Christ, and
and our
our inattention
inattention
to
to the
the working
working oof
f His
His Divine
Divine Providence
Providence in
in us,
us, and
and to
to the
the comm union
communion
oof
f man
man with
with God,
God, we
we have
have gone
gone so
so far
far that,
that, one
one may
may say,
say, we
we have
have almost
almost
abandoned
abandoned the
the true
true Christian
Christian life.
life. The
The testimonies
testimonies oof
f Holy
Holy Scripture
Scripture now
now
seem
seem strange
strange to
to us,
us, when,
when, for
forinstance,
instance, by
bythe
the lips
lips oof
f Moses
Moses the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit
says:
says: 'And
'And Adam
Adam saw
saw the
the Lord
Lord walking
walking in
in Paradise,
Paradise,' ' (Gen.
(Gen. 3:10)
3:10) or
or when
when
we
we read
read the
the words
words of
ofthe
the Apostle
Apostle Paul:
Paul: 'We
'We went
went to
to Achaia,
Achaia, and
and the
the Spirit
Spirit
oof
f God
God went
went not
not with
with us;
us; we
we returned
returned to
to Macedonia,
Macedonia, and
and the
the Spirit
Spirit of
of
God
God came
came with
with us.
us.'' More
More than
than once
once in
in other
other passages
passages oof
f Holy
Holy Scripture
Scripture

120
 A WoNDFRFLM. R ‘ * ! i * ■’ , ' » : Vv

the
theappearance
appearanceofo fGod
Godtotomen
menisismentioned.
mentioned.
"That
" Thatisiswhy
whysome
somepeople
peoplesay:
say:These
'Thesepassages
passagesare
areincomprehensible.
incomprehensible.
IsIsititreally
reallypossible
possiblefor
forpeople
peopletotosee
seeGod
Godsosoopenly?'
openly? 'But
Butthere
thereisisnoth-
noth ­
ing
ingincomprehensible
incomprehensiblehere.
here.This
Thisfailure
failuretotounderstand
understandhas
hascome
comeabout
about
becausewe
because wehave
havedeparted
departedfrom
fromthe
thesimplicity
simplicityofo fthe
theoriginal
originalChristian
Christian
knowledge.
knowledge.Under
Underthe
thepretext
pretextofo feducation,
education,we
wehave
havereached
reachedsuch
sucha adark-
dark ­
nessofo fignorance
ness ignorancethat
thatwhat
whatthe
theancients
ancientsunderstood
understoodsosoclearly
clearlyseems
seemstoto
ususalmost
almostinconceivable.
inconceivable.Even
Evenininordinary
ordinaryconversation,
conversation,the
theidea
ideaofo God's
f God 's
appearance
appearanceamong
amongmen
mendid
didnot
notseem
seemstrange
strangetotothem.
them.Thus,
Thus,when
whenfriends
friends
rebukedhim
rebuked himfor
forblaspheming
blasphemingGod,
God,Job
Jobanswered
answeredthem:
them :'How
'Howcan
canthat
that
bebewhen
whenI Ifeel
feelthe
theSpirit
Spiritofo fGod
Godininmy
mynostrils?'
nostrils? '(Job
(Job27:3)
27:3)That
Thatis,is,'How
'How
can
canI Iblaspheme
blasphemeGod
Godwhen
whenthe
theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritabides
abideswith
withme?
me?IfIfI Ihad
hadblas-
blas ­
phemedGod,
phemed God,the
theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritwould
wouldhave
havewithdrawn
withdrawnfrom
fromme;
me;but
but10,
lo,I I
feel
feelHis
Hisbreath
breathininmy
mynostrils.'
nostrils.'
"In
" Inexactly
exactlythe
thesame
sameway
wayititisissaid
saidofo Abraham
f Abrahamand
andJacob
Jacobthat
thatthey
theysaw
saw
the
theLord
Lordand
andconversed
conversedwith
withHim,
Him,and
andthat
thatJacob
Jacobeven
evenwrestled
wrestledwith
withHim.
Him.
Mosesand
Moses andall
allthe
thepeople
peoplewith
withhim
himsaw
sawGod
Godwhen
whenhe
hewas
wasgranted
grantedtotore-
re ­
ceive
ceivefrom
fromGod
Godthe
thetables
tablesofo fthe
thelaw
lawon
onMount
MountSinai.
Sinai.AApillar
pillarofo fcloud
cloud
and
anda apillar
pillarofo ffire,
fire,or,
or,ininother
otherwords,
words,the
theevident
evidentgrace
graceofo the
f theHoly
HolySpirit,
Spirit,
served
servedasasguides
guidestotothe
thepeople
peopleofo fGod
Godininthe
thedesert.
desert.People
Peoplesaw
sawGod
Godand
and
thegrace
the graceofo fHis
HisHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritnot
notininsleep
sleepororinindreams,
dreams,ororininthe
theexcitement
excitement
ofofa adisordered
disorderedimagination,
imagination,but
buttruly
trulyand
andopenly.
openly.
"We
"Wehave
havebecome
becom esosoinattentive
inattentivetotothe
thework
workofo four
oursalvation
salvationthat
thatwe
we
misinterpret
misinterpretmany
manyother
otherwords
wordsininHoly
HolyScripture
Scriptureasaswell,
well,all
allbecause
becausewe
we
dodonot
notseek
seekthe
thegrace
graceofo fGod
Godand
andininthe
thepride
prideofo four
ourminds
mindsdo
donot
notallow
allow
itittotodwell
dwellininour
oursouls.
souls.That
Thatisiswhy
whywe
weare
arewithout
withouttrue
trueenlightenment
enlightenm ent
from
fromthe
theLord,
Lord,which
whichHe
Hesends
sendsinto
intothe
thehearts
heartsofo fmen
menwho
whohunger
hungerand
and
thirst
thirstwholeheartedly
wholeheartedlyfor
forGod's
God 'srighteousness.
righteousness.
"Many
"Manyexplain
explainthat
thatwhen
whenititsays
saysininthe
theBible:
Bible:'God
'Godbreathed
breathedthe
thebreath
breath
ofoflife
lifeinto
intothe
theface
faceofo fAdam
Adamthe
thefirst-created,
first-created,who
whowas
wascreated
createdby
byHim
Him
from
fromthe
thedust
dustofo fthe
theground:
ground,'ititmust
mustmean
meanthat
thatuntil
untilthen
thenthere
therewas
wasnei-
nei ­
ther
therhuman
humansoul
soulnor
norspirit
spiritininAdam
Adambut
butonly
onlythe
theflesh
fleshcreated
createdfrom
fromthe
the
dust
dustofo the
f theground.
ground.This
Thisinterpretation
interpretationisiswrong,
wrong,for
forthe
theLord
LordGod
Godcreated
created

121
 p

Adam
Adam from
from the
the dust
dust ooff the
the ground
ground with
with the
the constitution
constitution which
which our
our dear
dear
little
little Father,
Father, the
the holy
holy Apostle
Apostle Paul,
Paul, describes:
describes: May
May your
your spirit
spirit and
and soul
soul
and
and body
body be
be preserved
preserved blameless
blameless at
at the
the coming
coming ooff our
our Lord
Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ.
Christ.
(I
(I Thess. 5:23) All these three parts of our nature were created from the
Thess. 5:2 3 ) All these three parts o f our nature were created from the
dust
dust ooff the
the ground,
ground, and
and Adam
Adam was
was not
not created
created dead,
dead, but
but an
an active
active living
living
being
being like all the other animate creatures of God living on earth. The
like all the other animate creatures o f God living on earth. The
point
point is,
is, that
that ifif the
the Lord
Lord God
God had
had not
not breathed
breathed afterwards
afterwards into
into his
his face
face
this
this breath
breath of
of life
life (that
(that is,
is, the
the grace
grace of
of our
our Lord
Lord God
God the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit Who
Who
proceeds
proceeds from
from the
the Father,
Father, and
and rests
rests in
in the
the Son
Son and
and is
is sent
sent into
into the
the world
world
for
for the
the Son
Son'ss sake),
sake), Adam
Adam would
would have
have remained
remained without
without having
having within
within
him
him the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit Who
Who raises
raises him
him to
to Godlike
Godlike dignity.
dignity.
However perfect
""However perfect he had been created and superior to
he had been created and superior to all
all the
the other
other
creatures
creatures of God, as the crown of creation on earth, he would have been
of God, as the crown of creation on earth, he would have been
just
just like
like all
all the
the other
other creatures
creatures which,
which, though
though they
they have
have aa body,
body, soul
soul and
and
spirit,
spirit, each
each according
according to
to its
its kind,
kind, yet
yet have
have not
not the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit within
within them.
them.
But
But when
when the
the Lord
Lord God
God breathed
breathed into
into Adam's
Adam's face
face the
the breath
breath ooflife,
f life, then,
then,
according
according to
to Moses
Moses'' word,
word, Adam
Adam became
became aa living
living soul,
soul. (Gen.
(Gen. 2:7)
2:7) that
that is,
is,
completely
completely and
and in
in every
every way
way like
like God,
God, and
and like
like Him,
Him, forever
forever immortal.
immortal.
Adam
Adam was
was immune
immune to
to the
the action
action ooff the
the elements
elements to
to such
such aa degree
degree that
that
water
water could
could not
not drown
drown him,
him, fire
fire could
could not
not burn
burn him,
him, the
the earth
earth could
could not
not
swallow him in its abysses, and the air could not harm him by any
swallow him in its abysses, and the air could not harm him by any kind kind
ooff action
action whatever.
whatever. Everything
Everything was
was subject
subject to
to him
him as
as the
the beloved
beloved ooff God,
God,
as
as the
the king
king and
and lord
lord ooff creation,
creation, and
and everything
everything looked
looked up
up to
to him,
him, as
as the
the
perfect
perfect crown
crown ooff God 's creatures.
God's creatures.
Adam was
""Adam was made
made so
so wise
wise by
by this
this breath
breath ooflife
f life which
which was
was breathed
breathed into
into
his
his face
face from
from the
the creative
creative lips
lips ooff God,
God, the
the Creator
Creator and
and Ruler
Ruler ooff all,
all, that
that
there
there never
never has
has been
been aa man
man on
on earth
earth wiser
wiser or
or more
more intelligent
intelligent than
than he,
he,
and
and itit is
is hardly
hardly likely
likely that
that there
there ever
ever will
will be.
be. When
When the
the Lord
Lord com m and ­
command-
ed
ed him
him to
to give
give names
names to
to all
all the
the creatures,
creatures, he
he gave
gave every
every creature
creature aa name
name
which
which completely
completely expressed
expressed all
all its
its qualities,
qualities, powers
powers and
and properties
properties given
given
to
to itit by
by God
God at
at its
its creation.
creation.
Owing to
""Owing to this
this very
very gift
gift ooff the
the supernatural
supernatural grace
grace ooff God
God which
which was
was
infused
infused into
into him
him by
by the
the breath
breath ooflife,
f life, Adam
Adam could
could see
see and
and understand
understand the
the
122
 A \ Wiv \ 1\<' U' I.s P* iii! ! ,1\ RI V * ' '
V I I. .\ T I (l \
. * ‘
I () T II i. \V (I i': .n I 5)

Lordwalking
Lord walkingininParadise
Paradiseand
andcomprehend
comprehendHis
Hiswords,
words,and
andthe
theconversa-
conversa ­
tionofothe
tion f theholy
holyangels,
angels,and
andthe
thelanguage
languageofoall
f allbeasts,
beasts,birds
birdsand
andreptiles
reptiles
andallallthat
and thatisisnow
nowhidden
hiddenfrom
fromususfallen
fallenand
andsinful
sinfulcreatures,
creatures,but
butwas
was

sosoclear
cleartotoAdam
Adambefore
beforehis
hisfall.
fall.To
ToEve
Evealso
alsothe
theLord
LordGod
Godgave
gavethe
thesame
same
wisdom,strength
wisdom, strengthand
andunlimited
unlim itedpower,
power,and
andallallthe
theother
othergood
goodand
andholy
holy
qualities.And
qualities. AndHe
Hecreated
createdher
hernot
notfrom
fromthe
thedust
dustofothe
f theground
groundbut
butfrom
from
Adam'srib
Adam's ribininthe
theEden
Edenofofdelight,
delight,ininthe
theParadise
Paradisewhich
whichHe
Hehad
hadplanted
planted

ininthe
themidst
midstofothe
f theearth.
earth.
"Inorder
"In orderthat
thatthey
theymight
mightalways
alwayseasily
easilymaintain
m aintainwithin
w ithinthemselves
themselves
theimmortal,
the im m ortal,divine?
divine9 andperfect
and perfectproperties
propertiesofo this
f thisbreath
breathofo life,
f life,God
God
plantedininthe
planted themidst
midstofothe
f thegarden
gardenthe
thetree
treeofolife
f lifeand
andendowed
endoweditsitsfruits
fruits
withallallthe
with theessence
essenceand
andfullness
fullnessofo fHis
Hisdivine
divinebreath.
breath.IfIfthey
theyhad
hadnot
not
sinned,Adam
sinned, Adamand
andEve
Evethemselves
themselvesasaswell
wellasasallalltheir
theirposterity
posteritycould
couldhave
have
alwayseaten
always eatenofofthe
thefruit
fruitofo the
f thetree
treeofo life
f lifeand
andsosowould
wouldhave
haveeternally
eternally
m aintainedthe
maintained thequickening
quickeningpower
powerofodivine
f divinegrace.
grace.
"Theycould
"They couldhave
havealso
alsomaintained
maintainedtotoallalleternity
eternitythe
thefull
fullpowers
powersofof their
their
body,soul
body, souland
andspirit
spiritinina astate
stateofoimmortality
f im m ortalityand
andeverlasting
everlastingyouth,
youth,and
and
theycould
they couldhave
havecontinued
continuedininthis
thisimmortal
im m ortaland
andblessed
blessedstate
stateofoftheirs
theirs

forforever.
ever.AtAtthe
thepresent
presenttime
tim ehowever,
however,it itisisdifficult
difficultfor
forususeven
eventotoimag-
imag ­
inesuch
ine suchgrace.
grace.
"Butwhen
"But whenthrough
throughthe
thetasting
tastingofo the
f thetree
treeofo the
f theknowledge
knowledgeofo good
f good
andevil-which
and ev il —whichwas
waspremature
prematureand
andcontrary
contrarytotothe
thecommandment
com m andm entofof
God
God -— theylearnt
they learntthe
thedifference
differencebetween
betweengood
goodand
andevil
eviland
andwere
weresubjected
subjected

totoallallthe
theafflictions
afflictionswhich
whichfollowed
followedthe
thetransgression
transgressionofothe
f thecommand-
com m and ­
mentofo God,
ment f God,then
thenthey
theylost
lostthis
thispriceless
pricelessgift
giftofo the
f thegrace
graceofo the
f theSpirit
Spirit

ofofGod,
God,sosothat,
that,until
untilthe
theactual
actualcoming
cominginto
intothe
theworld
worldofothe
f theGod-man
God - man
JesusChrist,
Jesus Christ,the
theSpirit
SpiritofoGod
f Godwas
wasnot
notyet
yetininthe
theworld
worldbecause
becauseJesus
Jesuswas
was
notyet
not yetglorified.
glorified.(John
(John7:39)
7:39)
"However,that
"However, thatdoes
doesnot
notmean
meanthat
thatthe
theSpirit
Spiritofo God
f Godwas
wasnot
notininthe
the
worldatatall,
world all,but
butHis
Hispresence
presencewas
wasnot
notsosoapparent'?
apparent1as
0 asininAdam
Adamororininusus
OrthodoxChristians.
Orthodox Christians.ItItwas
wasmanifested
manifestedonly
onlyexternally;
externally;yet
yetthe
thesigns
signsofof

9 9 Literally
Literally "God-gracious"or or
"God-gracious" "Divine-grace-given."
"Divine-grace-given."
1010 Literally
Literally "His
"His abiding
abiding (stay,sojourn,
(stay, sojourn,dwelling,
dwelling,residence)
residence) was
was notnot
so so full-measured."
full-measured."

123
1\A\ I:,··
IX :' ~{ :\ i.) k D11 '\ "\ ,!~\'*
.p1*::,,\ •(,',I:■

His presence
His presence inin the
the world
world were
were known
known toto mankind.
mankind. Thus,
Thus, for
for instance,
instance,
many mysteries
many mysteries inin connection
connection with
with the
the future
future salvation
salvation ofofthe
the human
human
racewere
race were revealed
revealed toto Adam
Adam asaswell
well asastoto Eve
Eveafter
afterthe
thefall.
fall. And
And for
forCain,
Cain,
inin spite
spite ofo fhis
his impiety
impiety and
and his
his transgression,
transgression, itit was
was easy
easytoto understand
understand
thevoice
the voicewhich
whichheld
heldthe
thegracious
graciousand
anddivine
divinethough
thoughconvicting
convictingconverse
converse
with him.
with him. Noah
Noah conversed
conversedwith
with God.
God.Abraham
Abraham saw
sawGod
God inin His
Hisday
dayand
and
wasglad.
was glad. (John
(John 8:56)
8:56)
"Thegrace
"The graceofo fthe
theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritacting
actingexternally
externallywas
wasalso
alsoreflected
reflectedininall
all
theOld
the OldTestament
Testamentprophets
prophetsand
andsaints
saintsofIsrael.
o f Israel.The
TheHebrews
Hebrewsafterwards
afterwards
establishedspecial
established specialprophetic
propheticschools
schoolswhere
wherethe
thesons
sonsofofthe
theprophets
prophetswere
were
taughttotodiscern
taught discernthe
thesigns
signsofofthe
themanifestations
m anifestationsofofGod
Godororofo fangels,
angels,and
and
totodistinguish
distinguishthe
theoperations
operationsofo fthe
theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritfrom
fromthe
theordinary
ordinarynatural
natural
phenomenaofofour
phenomena ourgraceless
gracelessearthly
earthlylife.
life.Simeon
Simeonwho
whoheld
heldGod
Godininhis
hisarms,
arms,
C hristsgrand-parents
Christ's grand -parentsIoakim
Joakimand
andAnna,
Anna,and
andcountless
countlessother
otherservants
servantsofof
Godcontinually
God continuallyhad
hadquite
quiteopenly
openlyvarious
variousdivine
divineapparitions,
apparitions,voices
voicesand
and
revelationswhich
revelations whichwere
werejustified!'
justified11by
byevident
evidentmiraculous
miraculousevents.
events.
" Though not
"Though notwith
withthe
thesame
samepower
powerasasininthe
thepeople
peopleofofGod,
God, neverthe-
neverthe ­
lessthe
less thepresence
presenceofo fthe
theSpirit
Spiritofo fGod
Godalso
alsoacted
actedininthe
thepagans
paganswho
whodid
didnot
not
knowthe
know the true
true God,
God, because
becauseeven
evenamong
amongthem
them God
God found
found for
forHimself
Him self
chosen people.
chosen people. Such,
Such, for
for instance,
instance, were
werethe
thevirgin-prophetesses
virgin -prophetesses called
called
Sibyls who
Sibyls who vowed
vowedvirginity
virginity toto an
an unknown
unknow n God,
God, but
butstill
still toto God
God the
the
Creatorofo fthe
Creator the universe,
universe, the
the all-powerful
all - powerful Ruler
Rulerofo fthe
theworld,
world, asas He
Hewas
was
conceivedby
conceived bythe
thepagans.
pagans.Though
Thoughthe
thepagan
paganphilosophers
philosophersalso
alsowandered
wandered
ininthe
thedarkness
darknessofo fignorance
ignoranceofo fGod,
God,yet
yetthey
theysought
soughtthe
thetruth
truthwhich
which isis
belovedby
beloved byGod,
God,and
andon
onaccount
accountofo fthis
thisGod-pleasing
God -pleasingseeking,
seeking,they
theycould
could
partakeofofthe
partake theSpirit
SpiritofofGod,
God,for
forititisissaid
saidthat
thatthe
thenations
nationswho
whodo
donot
notknow
know
Godpractise
God practiseby
bynature
naturethe
thedemands
demandsofo fthe
thelaw
lawand
anddo
dowhat
whatisispleasing
pleasing
totoGod.
God.(Rom.
(Rom.2:14)
2:14)The
TheLord
Lordsosopraises
praisestruth
truththat
thatHe
Hesays
saysofo fititHimself
Himself
bythe
by theHoly
HolySpirit:
Spirit:Truth
Truthhas
hassprung
sprungout
outofo fthe
theearth,
earth,and
andrighteousness
righteousness
haslooked
has lookeddown
downfrom
fromheaven.
heaven.(Ps.
(Ps.84:11)
84:11)
"Soyou
"So yousee,
see,your
yourGodliness,
Godliness,both
both ininthe
theholy
holyHebrew
Hebrewpeople,
people,aapeo-
peo ­
plebeloved
ple beloved by
byGod,
God, and
and ininthe
the pagans
paganswho
who did
did not
notknow
know God,
God, there
there
11 Or,"were
11 Or,"wereproved
provedtrue."
true."

124
 waspreserved
was preserveda aknowledge
knowledgeofo fGod-that
G od —thatis,is,my
myson,
son,a aclear
clearand
andrational
rational
comprehensionofo fhow
comprehension howour
ourLord
LordGod
Godthe
theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritacts
actsininman,
man,and
andby
by
meansofo fwhat
means whatinner
innerand
andouter
outerfeelings
feelingsone
onecan
canbebesure
surethat
thatthis
thisisisreally
really
theaction
the actionofo four
ourLord
LordGod
Godthe
theHoly
HolySpirit,
Spirit,and
andnot
nota adelusion
delusionofo fthe
theen-
en ­
emy.That
emy. Thatisishow
howititwas
wasfrom
fromAdam's
Adam sfall
falluntil
untilthe
thecoming
comingininthe
theflesh
fleshofo f
ourLord
our LordJesus
JesusChrist
Christinto
intothe
theworld.
world.
"Thisperceptible
"This perceptiblerealization
realization ofo fthe
theactions
actionsofo fthe
theHoly
HolySpirit
Spirithas
hasal-
al ­
waysbeen
ways beenpreserved
preservedininhuman
humannature.
nature.Without
W ithoutit,it,men
mencould
couldnot
notpossibly
possibly
haveknown
have knownfor
forcertain
certainwhether
whetherthe
thefruit
fruitofo fthe
theseed
seedofo fthe
thewoman
womanwho
who
hadbeen
had beenpromised
promisedtotoAdam
Adamand
andEve
Evehad
hadindeed
indeedcome
comeinto
intothe
theworld
worldtoto
bruisethe
bruise theserpent's
serpent 'shead.
head.(Gen.
(Gen.3:15)
3:15)
"Atlast
"At lastthe
theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritforetold
foretoldtotoSt.
St.Simeon,
Simeon,who
whowas
wasthen
thenininhis
his65th
65th
year,the
year, themystery
mysteryofo fthe
thevirginal
virginalconception
conceptionand
andbirth
birthofo fChrist
Christfrom
fromthe
the
mostpure
most pureEver-Virgin
Ever-VirginMary.
Mary.Afterwards,
Afterwards,having
havinglived
livedby
bythe
thegrace
graceofo fthe
the
All-HolySpirit
All-Holy Spiritofo fGod
Godfor
forthree
threehundred
hundredyears,
years,ininthe
the3G5th
365thyear
yearofo fhis
his
lifehe
life hesaid
saidopenly
openlyininthe
thetemple
templeofo fthe
theLord
Lordthat
thatheheknew
knewfor
forcertain"
certain12
throughthe
through thegift
giftofofthe
theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritthat
thatthis
thiswas
wasthe
thevery
veryChrist,
Christ,the
theSaviour
Saviour
ofofthe
theworld,
world,Whose
W hosesupernatural
supernaturalconception
conceptionand
andbirth
birth from
fromthe
theHoly
Holy
Spirithad
Spirit hadbeen
beenforetold
foretoldtotohim
himby
byananangel
angelthree
threehundred
hundredyears
yearspreviously.
previously.
"Andthere
"And therewas
wasalso
alsoSt.
St.Anna,
Anna,a aprophetess,
prophetess,the
thedaughter
daughterofo fPhanuel,
Phanuel,
whofrom
who fromher
herwidowhood
widowhoodhad
hadserved
servedthe
theLord
LordGod
Godininthe
thetemple
templeofo fGod
God
foreighty
for eightyyears,
years,and
andwho
whowas
wasknown
knowntotobebea arighteous
righteouswidow,
widow,a achaste
chaste
servantofo fGod,
servant God,from
fromthe
thespecial
specialgifts
giftsofo fgrace
graceshe
shehad
hadreceived.
received.She
Shetoo
too
announcedthat
announced thatHe
Hewas
wasactually
actuallythe
theMessiah
MessiahWho
Whohad
hadbeen
been promised
promised
totothe
theworld,
world,the
thetrue
trueChrist,
Christ,God
Godand
andMan,
Man,the
theKing
Kingofo fIsrael,
Israel,Who
Whohad
had
cometotosave
come saveAdam
Adamand
andmankind.
mankind.
"Butwhen
"But whenour
ourLord
LordJesus
JesusChrist
Christcondescended
condescendedtotoaccomplish
accomplishthe
thewhole
whole
workofo fsalvation,
work salvation, after
after His
Hisresurrection,
resurrection, He
Hebreathed
breathedon
onthe
theApostles,
Apostles,
restoredthe
restored thebreath
breathofo flife
lifelost
lostby
byAdam,
Adam,and
andgave
gavethem
themthe
thesame
samegrace
grace
ofofthe
theAll-Holy
All- HolySpirit
Spiritofo fGod
GodasasAdam
Adamhad
hadenjoyed.
enjoyed.But
Butthat
thatwas
wasnot
notall.
all.
Healso
He alsotold
toldthem
them that
thatititwas
wasexpedient
expedientfor
forthem
them that
thatHe
Heshould
shouldgo
gototo
theFather,
the Father,for
forififHe
Hedid
didnot
notgo,
go,the
theSpirit
Spiritofo fGod
Godwould
wouldnot
notcome
comeinto
into

1212 Literally:
Literally:"palpably
"palpablyrecognised"
recognised"oror"perceptibly
"perceptiblyrealized."
realized."

125
 AN f *’ M *\ V P

the world.
the world. But But if He,
if He, the the Christ,
Christ, wentwent to the
to the Father,
Father, He would
He would sendsend
HimHim
into into the world,
the world, and and
He, He,
the the Comforter,
Comforter, would
would guide
guide them,
them, and and all who
all who
followed
followed theirtheir teaching,
teaching, into into all truth
all truth and and would
would remind
remind themthem o f all
of all
that that He had
He had said said to them
to them whenwhen He was
He was still still in world.
in the the world.
WhatWhat
was was
thenthen
promised
promised was was grace
'grace uponupon grace/
grace: (John
(John 1:16)1:16)
" Then
"Then on the
on the day day o f Pentecost
of Pentecost He solemnly
He solemnly sent sent
downdown to them
to them in a in a
tempestuous
tempestuous windwind
the the
HolyHoly Spirit
Spirit in the
in the formform o f tongues
of tongues o f which
of fire fire which
alighted
alighted on each
on each o f them
of them and and entered
entered w ithin
within themthem
and and
filledfilled
themthem
withwith
the the
fieryfiery strength
strength o f divine
of divine gracegrace which
which breathes
breathes bedewingly
bedewingly and and
acts acts
gladdeningly
gladdeningly in the
in the soulssouls which
which partake
partake o f power
of its its power
and and operations.
operations.
(Acts(Acts 2:1And
2:1-4) - 4) And
this this
samesame fire - infusing
fire-infusing gracegrace o f the
of the HolyHoly Spirit
Spirit which
which is is
given
given to ustoall,
us the
all, faithful
the faithful of Christ,
of Christ, in Sacrament
in the the Sacrament o f Holy
of Holy Baptism,
Baptism, is is
sealed
sealed by Sacrament
by the the Sacrament o f Chrism ation
of Chrismation on chief
on the the chparts
ief parts o f our
of our bodybody
as as
appointed
appointed by the
by the HolyHoly Church,
Church, the eternal
the eternal keeper
keeper o f this
of this grace.
grace. It is It is said:
said:
'The'The
seal seal o f the
of the Gift Gift of the
of the HolyHoly Spirit/
Spirit: On what
On what do put
do we we put
our our
seals,seals,
youryour
Godliness,
Godliness, if not
if not on vessels
on vessels containing
containing somesome
veryvery precious
precious treasure?
treasure? But But
whatwhat on earth
on earth can can be higher
be higher and and
whatwhat
can can be more
be more precious
precious thanthan the gifts
the gifts
o f Holy
of the the Holy Spirit
Spirit which
which are sent
are sent downdown
to ustofrom
us from above
above in Sacrament
in the the Sacrament
o f Baptism?
of Baptism? ThisThis baptismal
baptismal gracegrace
is soisgreat
so great
and and so indispensable,
so indispensable, so vital
so vital
for man,
for man, that that
eveneven a heretic
a heretic is not
is not deprived
deprived of itountil
f it until his very
his very death;
death; that that
is, the
is, till till end
the end of period
of the the period appointed
appointed on high
on high by Providence
by the the Providence o f God
of God
as a as a lifelong
lifelong test test o f man
of man on earth,
on earth, in order
in order to what
to see see what he will
he will be able
be able to to
achieve
achieve (during
(during this this period
period given
given to him
to him by God)
by God) by means
by means o f power
of the the power
o f grace
of grace granted
granted him him
fromfrom on high.
on high.
"And"And
if weif were
we were never
never to after
to sin sin after
our our baptism,
baptism, we should
we should remain
remain for for
everever saints
saints of God,
of God, holy,holy, blameless
blameless and and
free free
fromfrom all impurity
all impurity of body
of body and and
spirit.
spirit. But But
the the trouble
trouble is that
is that we increase
we increase in stature,
in stature, but but do not
do not increase
increase
in grace
in grace and and in the
in the knowledge
knowledge o f God
of God as our
as our LordLord
JesusJesus Christ
Christ increased;
increased;
but but on the
on the contrary,
contrary, we gradually
we gradually become
become moremore
and and
moremore depraved
depraved and and
lose lose
the the
gracegrace of the
of the All-Holy
All-Holy Spirit
Spirit o f God
of God and and become
become sinful
sinful in vari­
in vari-
ous ous degrees,
degrees, and and
mostmost sinful
sinful people.
people. But But
if a if
mana man is stirred
is stirred by wis-
by the the wis ­
domdom o f God
of God which
which seeksseeks
our our salvation
salvation and and embraces
embraces everything,
everything, and and
he he
is resolved
is resolved forsake
for its its sake to devote
to devote the the
earlyearly hours
hours to God
to God and and to watch
to watch in in

126
 \,\ ‘
A\V‘(I .'\
•i! ,:i; , u i HR iv'. f,L .\ i■-i •U1" i. () s i it‘i. v\\V •( I";1. i

order
order toto find
find his
his eternal
eternal salvation/3
salvation." then,
then, inin obedience
obedience toto its
itsvoice,
voice, he
he
must
must hasten
hasten totooffer
offertrue
true repentance
repentance for
forall
allhis
hissins
sins and
and must
must practise
practise the
the
virtues
virtues which
which are
areopposite
opposite totothe
the sins
sins committed.
committed. Then
Then through
through the
the vir ­
vir-
tues
tues practised
practised for
forCChrist's
hrists sake
sake hehewill
will acquire
acquire the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit Who
Who acts
acts
within
within us
us and
and establishes
establishes ininus
usthe
the Kingdom
Kingdom ooff God.
God. The
The Word
Word oof
f God
God
does not say in vain: ' The Kingdom o f God is w ithin you, ' (Luke
does not say in vain: 'The Kingdom of God is within you,' (Luke 17:21) 17:21)
and
and itit'suffers
'suffers violence,
violence, but
but the
the violent
violent take
take ititby
by force. ' (Matt.
force.' (Matt. 11:13)1 4
11:13)14
This
This passage
passage means
means that
that people
people who,
who, ininspite
spite of
ofthe
the bonds
bonds of ofsin
sin which
which
fetter
fetterthem
them and
and (by
(bytheir
their violence
violence and
and by
byinciting
inciting them
them toto new
new sins)
sins) pre ­
pre-
vent
vent them
them from
from com ing toto Him,
coming Him, our
our Saviour,
Saviour, with
with perfect
perfect repentance
repentance
for
forreckoning
reckoning with
with Him,
Him, yet
yetthese
these people
people force
forcethemselves
themselves totobreak
break their
their
bonds,
bonds, despising all the strength of the fetters of sin. Such people atlast
despising all the strength o f the fetters o f sin. Such people at last
actually
actually appear
appear before
before the
the face
faceoof
f God
God made
made whiter
whiter than
than snow
snow by by His
His
grace. ' Come, says the Lord: Though your sins be as purple, I will
grace. 'Come, says the Lord: Though your sins be as purple, I will make make
them
them white
white asassnow.'
snow.' (Is.
(Is. 1:18)
1:18)
Such people
""Such people were
wereonce
onceseen
seen by
bythe
theholy
holySeer
SeerJohn
John the
the Divine
Divine 'clothed
'clothed
ininwhite
whiterobes
robes'' (that
(that is,is,ininrobes
robesof
ofjustification)
justification) with
with 'palms
'palms inintheir
their hands
hands''
(as
(asaasign
signoof
f victory),
victory) ,they
theywere
weresinging
singing totoGod
God aawonderful
wonderful song:
song:Alleluia.
Alleluia.
And
Andno
no one
one could
could imitate
imitate the
the beauty
beauty oof
f their
their song.
song. OOf
f them
them an
an angel
angel oof
f
God
God said:
said: 'These
'These are
are they
they who
who have
have come
come out
out oof
f great
great tribulation
tribulation and
and
have
havewashed
washed their
their robes,
robes, and
and have
have made
made them
them white
white ininthe
the blood
blood oof
f the
the
Lamb. ' (Rev.
Lamb.' (Rev.7:9 - 14) They
7:9-14) They were
were washed
washed with
with their
their sufferings
sufferings and
and made
made
white
white in the communion of the immaculate and life-giving Mysteries oof
in the com m union o f the immaculate and life - giving Mysteries f
the
theBody
Bodyand
and Blood
Blood oof
f the
the most
most pure
pure and
and spotless
spotless Lamb —C hrist —Who
Lamb-Christ-Who
was
wasslain
slain before
before all
all ages
agesby
by His
His own
own will
will for
forthe
the salvation
salvation oof
f the
the world
world
and
and W ho isiscontinually
Who continually being
being slain
slain and
and divided
divided until
until now
now but
but isisnever
never
exhausted.
exhausted. Through
Through the
the Holy
Holy Mysteries
Mysteries we
weare
are granted
granted our
our eternal
eternal and
and
unfailing
unfailing salvation
salvation asasaaviaticum
viaticum"15 totoeternal
eternal life,
life,asasan
anacceptable
acceptable answer
answer
atatHis
Hisawful
awful judgment
judgment and
and asasaaprecious
precious substitute
substitute beyond
beyond our
our compre
compre-­
1313 Wisdom
Wisdom 7:27,
7:27, 6:14 - 20
6:14-20
1414 Literally
Literally'The
The Kingdom
Kingdom ofofHeaven
Heaven isisforced,
forced,and
andthe theforceful
forceful seize
seizeit/
it:or,
or,'The
The Kingdom
Kingdom
ofofHeaven
Heaven isisstormed,
stormed, and
and the
thestormers
storrners capture
capture it.it.'
' 'Everyone
'Everyone forces
forceshimself
himself into
into it.'
it' Luke
Luke
16:16
16:16
1515 The
Thefinal
final Communion
Communion oror"Last
"LastRites"
Rites"given
given totoaadying
dying person. — ed.
person.s--ed.

127
\" Fx ;~ Pi'" .\ l( \ P L .\ C :
hension
hension for
for that
that fruit
fruit of
of the
the tree
tree ooff life
life ooff which
which the
the enemy
enemy of
of mankind,
mankind,
Lucifer,
Lucifer, who
who fell
fell from
from heaven,
heaven, would
would have
have liked
liked to
to deprive
deprive our
our human
human
race.
race. Though
Though the
the enemy
enemy and
and devil
devil seduced
seduced Eve,
Eve,and
and Adam
Adam fell
fell with
with her,
her,
yet
yet the
the Lord
Lord not
not only
only granted
granted them
them aa Redeemer
Redeemer in
in the
the fruit
fruit ooff the
the seed
seed
oof
f the
the woman,
woman, W ho trampled
Who trampled down
down death
death by
by death,
death, but
but also
also granted
granted
us all in the woman, the Ever-Virgin Mary Mother of God, who crushes
us all in the woman, the Ever-Virgin Mary Mother of God, who crushes
the
the head
head of
of the
the serpent
serpent in
in herself
herself and
and in
in all
all the
the human
human race,
race, aa constant
constant
mediatress
mediatress with
with her
her Son
Son and
and our
our God,
God, and
and an
an invincible
invincible and
and insistent
insistent
intercessor
intercessor even
even for
for the
the most
most desperate
desperate sinners.
sinners. That
That isis why
why the
the Mother
Mother
oof
f God
God isis called
called the Plague oof
the ""Plague f Demons,
Demons,"" for
for itit isis not
not possible
possible for
for aa devil
devil
to
to destroy
destroy man
man so
so long
long as
as the
the man
man him self has
himself has recourse
recourse to
to the
the help
help of
of
the
the Mother
Mother of
of God.
God.
And II must
""And must further
further explain,
explain, your
your Godliness,
Godliness, the
the difference
difference between
between
the
the operations
operations ooff the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit who
who dwells
dwells mystically
mystically in
in the
the hearts
hearts of
of
those
those who
who believe
believe in
in our
our Lord
Lord God
God and
and Saviour
Saviour Jesus
Jesus Christ
Christ and
and the
the op
op-­
erations
erations ooff the
the darkness
darkness ooff sin
sin which,
which, at
at the
the suggestion
suggestion and
and instigation
instigation
ooff the
the devil,
devil, acts
acts predatorily
predatorily in
in us.
us. The
The Spirit
Spirit of
of God
God reminds
reminds us
us ooff the
the
words
words of
of our
our Lord
Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ
Christ and
and always
always acts
acts triumphantly
triumphantly with
with Him,
Him,
gladdening
gladdening our
our hearts
hearts and
and guiding
guiding our
our steps
steps into
into the
the way
way ooff peace,
peace, while
while
the
the false,
false, diabolical
diabolical spirit
spirit reasons
reasons in
in the
the opposite
opposite way
way to
to Christ,
Christ, and
and its
its
actions
actions in
in us
us are
are rebellious,
rebellious, stubborn,
stubborn, and
and full
full ooff the
the lust
lust ooff the
the flesh,
flesh, the
the
lust
lust ooff the
the eyes
eyes and
and the
the pride
pride ooff life.
life.
And whoever
""And whoever lives
lives and
and believes
believes in
in Me
Me shall
shall not
not die
die for
for ever/
ever.' (John
(John
11:26)
11:26) He
He who
who hashas the
the grace
grace ooff the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit in
in reward
reward for
for right
right faith
faith in
in
Christ,
Christ, even
even ififon
on account
account ooff human
human frailty
frailty his
his soul
soul were
were to
to die
die from
from some
some
sin
sin or
or other,
other, yet
yet he
he will
will not
not die
die for
for ever,
ever, but
but he
he will
will be
be raised
raised by
by the
the grace
grace
ooff our
our Lord
Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ
Christ Who
Who 'takes
'takes away
away the
the sin
sin ooff the
the world
world'' (Jn
(Jn 1:29)
1:29)
and
and freely
freely gives
gives grace
grace upon
upon grace.
grace. O
Off this
this grace,
grace, which
which was
was manifested
manifested
to
to the
the whole
whole world
world and
and to
to our
our human
human race
race by
by the
the God - man, itit is
God-man, is said
said in
in
the
the Gospel: In Him
Gospel: ''In Him was
was life,
life, and
and the
the life
life was
was the
the light
light ooff m en; ' (John
men;' (John 1:4)
1:4)
and
and further:
further: 'And
'And the
the light
light shines
shines in
in the
the darkness;
darkness; and
and the
the darkness
darkness did
did
not
not overpower
overpower it.'
it.' (John
(John 1:5)
1:5) This
This means
means that
that the
the grace
grace ooff the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit
which
which is granted at baptism in the name of the Father and the Son and
is granted at baptism in the name o f the Father and the Son and
128
 :\ AWWCI"o n d!. e ir I!!f u l R RI.. \e vr if l\!:
at ion
I) to t h e Wo red

theHoly
the HolySpirit,
Spirit,ininspite
spiteofo men's
f m ensfalls
fallsinto
intosin,
sin,ininspite
spiteofo the
f thedarkness
darknesssur-
sur­
roundingour
rounding oursoul.
soul,nevertheless
neverthelessshines
shinesininthe
theheart
heartwith
withthe
thedivine
divinelight
light
(whichhas
(which hasexisted
existedfrom
fromtime
tim eimmemorial)
im m em orial)ofo the
f theinestimable
inestimablemerits
meritsofof
Christ.InInthe
Christ. theevent
eventofo af asinner's
sinnersimpenitence
impenitencethis
thislight
lightofo Christ
f Christcries
criestoto
theFather:
the Father:'Abba,
'Abba,Father!
Father!Be
Benot
notangry
angrywith
withthis
thisimpenitence
impenitencetotothe
theend
end
(ofhis
(of hislife).'
life).And
' Andthen,
then,atatthe
thesinner's
sinnersconversion
conversiontotothe
theway
wayofo repentance,
f repentance,

ititeffaces
effacescompletely
completelyallalltrace
traceofo fpast
pastsin
sinand
andclothes
clothesthe
theformer
formersinner
sinner
oncemore
once moreinina arobe
robeofo fincorruption
incorruptionwoven
wovenfrom
fromthe
thegrace
graceofo fthe
theHoly
Holy
Spirit,concerning
Spirit, concerningthe
theacquisition
acquisitionofofwhich,
which,asasthe
theaim
aimofo fthe
theChristian
Christian
life,I Ihave
life, havebeen
beenspeaking
speakingsosolong
longtotoyour
yourGodliness.
Godliness.

"I"Iwill
willtell
tellyou
yousomething
somethingelse,
else,sosothat
thatyou
youmay
mayunderstand
understandstill
stillmore
more
clearlywhat
clearly whatisismeant
meantbybythe
thegrace
graceofofGod,
God,how
howtotorecognise
recogniseititand
andhow
how

itsitsaction
actionisismanifested
manifestedparticularly
particularlyininthose
thosewho
whoare
areenlightened
enlightenedby
byit.it.
Thegrace
The graceofothe
f theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritisisthe
thelight
lightwhich
whichenlightens
enlightensman.
man.The
Thewhole
whole

ofofSacred
SacredScripture
Scripturespeaks
speaksabout
aboutthis.
this.Thus
Thusour
ourholy
holyFather
FatherDavid
Davidsaid:
said:
Thyword
Thy wordisisa alamp
lamptotomy
myfeet,
feet,and
anda alight
lighttotomy
mypath,
path,(Ps.
(Ps.118:105)
118:105)and:
and:
UnlessThy
Unless Thylaw
lawhad
hadbeen
beenmy
mymeditation
meditationI Ishould
shouldhave
havedied
diedininmy
myhu-
hu ­
miliation.(Ps.
miliation. (Ps.118:92)
118:92)InInother
otherwords,
words,the
thegrace
graceofo the
f theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritwhich
which

isisexpressed
expressedininthe
theLaw
Lawby
bythe
thewords
wordsofo the
f theLord's
Lord'scommandments
com mandmentsisismy
my
lampand
lamp andlight.
light.And
Andififthis
thisgrace
graceofo the
f theHoly
HolySpirit
Spirit(which
(whichI try
I trytotoacquire
acquire

sosocarefully
carefullyand
andzealously
zealouslythat
thatI Imeditate
meditateononThy
Thyrighteous
righteousjudgments
judgments
seventimes
seven timesa aday)
day)did
didnot
notenlighten
enlightenme
meamidst
amidstthe
thedarkness
darknessofo the
f thecares
cares
whichare
which areinseparable
inseparablefrom
fromthe
thehigh
highcalling
callingofofmy
myroyal
royalrank,
rank,whence
whence
shouldI get
should I geta aspark
sparkofo light
f lighttotoillumine
illum inemy
myway
wayononthe
thepath
pathofo life
f lifewhich
which

isisdarkened
darkenedby
bythe
theill-will
ill- willofofmy
myenemies?
enemies?
"Andininfact
"And factthe
theLord
Lordhas
hasfrequently
frequentlydemonstrated
demonstratedbefore
beforemany
manywit-
wit ­
nesseshow
nesses howthe
thegrace
graceofo the
f theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritacts
actsononpeople
peoplewhom
whomHe
Hehas
hassanc-
sanc ­
tifiedand
tified andillumined
illum inedby
byHis
Hisgreat
greatinspirations."
inspirations.16Remember
RememberMoses
Mosesafter
after
histalk
his talkwith
withGod
GodononMount
MountSinai.
Sinai.He
Hesososhone
shonewith
withananextraordinary
extraordinary
lightthat
light thatpeople
peoplewere
wereunable
unabletotolook
lookatathim.
him.He
Hewas
waseven
evenforced
forcedtotowear
wear

a aveil
veilwhen
whenheheappeared
appearedininpublic.
public.Remember
Rememberthe
theTransfiguration
Transfigurationofo the
f the
LordononMount
Lord MountTabor.
Tabor.AAgreat
greatlight
lightencircled
encircledHim,
Him,and
andHis
Hisraiment
raimentbe-
be­

1616 Literally:"
Literally: descents."
"descents."

129
A '\ A FK x TE xi( T\ (\R HA 0!' jR" D '\IN,I \.A RI)V [ .\P ':E !A C E
came
came shining
shining exceedingly
exceedingly white
white likelike snow,
snow, (Mark
(Mark 9:3)9:3)
andand
HisHis disciples
disciples
fellfell
on on their
their faces
faces from
from fear.fear.
ButBut when
when Moses
Moses andand Elias
Elias appeared
appeared to Him
to Him
in that
in that light,
light, a cloud
a cloud overshadowed
overshadowed them
them in order
in order to hide
to hide the the radiance
radiance of o f
the the light
light of the
of the divine
divine grace
grace which
which blinded
blinded the the
eyeseyes o f the
of the disciples.
disciples. Thus
Thus
the the grace
grace of the
of the All-Holy
All-Holy Spirit
Spirit o f God
of God appears
appears in an
in an ineffable
ineffable light
light to all
to all
to whom
to whom GodGod reveals
reveals its its action."
action."
"But
"But how,"
how," I asked
I asked Fr. Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, "can"can I know
I know thatthat I am
1 am in the
in the grace
grace of of
the the Holy
Holy Spirit? "
Spirit?"
"It "isIt very
is very simple,
simple, your
your Godliness,he" he
Godliness," replied.
replied. " That
"That is why
is why the the Lord
Lord
says:
says: 'AllAthings
ll things
are are simple
simple to those
to those whowho
findfind knowledge/
knowledge: TheThe trouble
trouble is is
thatthat
we we
do do
notnot
seekseek
thisthis divine
divine knowledge
knowledge which
which does
does notnot
puffpuff
up, up,
for for
it it
is not
is not of this
of this world.
world. ThisThis knowledge
knowledge which
which is full
is full o f love
of love for for
GodGod
andand
for for
ourour neighbour
neighbour builds
builds up up every
every manman
for for
his his salvation.
salvation. Of O f this
this knowledge
knowledge
the the Lord
Lord saidsaid
thatthat
GodGod wills
wills all all
menmen to be
to be saved,
saved, andand come
come to the
to the knowl­
knowl-
edge
edge of the
of the truth.1
truth." (17Tim.
(1 Tim.
2:4)2:4)
AndAnd o f the
of the lacklack o f this
of this knowledge
knowledge He He
saidsaid
to to
HisHis Apostles:
Apostles: 'AreAre
youyou
alsoalso
yet yet without
without understanding?
understanding?' ' (Matt.
(Matt. 15:16)
15:16)
Concerning
Concerning thisthis understanding1
understanding 'S it 8isit said
is said in the
in the Gospel
Gospel o f the
of the Apostles:
Apostles:
'Then
'Then opened
opened He He their
their understanding,(Luke
understanding.'!" '19 (Luke 24 :4 5and
24:45) ) and
the the Apostles
Apostles
always
always perceived
perceived whether
whether the the Spirit
Spirit o f God
of God waswas dwelling
dwelling in them
in them or not;
or not;
andand being
being filled
filled withwith understanding,
understanding, theythey
sawsaw
the the presence
presence o f the
of the Holy
Holy
Spirit
Spirit withwith them
them andand declared
declared positively
positively thatthat their
their work
work waswas
holyholy
andand
entirely
entirely pleasing
pleasing to the
to the Lord
Lord God.
God. That
That explains
explains whywhy in their
in their epistles
epistles theythey
wrote:
wrote: It seemed
It seemed good
good to the
to the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit andand to us.
to us. (Acts
(Acts 15:28)
15:28) Only
Only on on
those
those grounds
grounds did did
theythey offer
offer their
their epistles
epistles as as imm utable
immutable truth
truth for for
the the
benefit
benefit o f all
of all the the faithful.
faithful. ThusThus
the the
holyholy Apostles
Apostles were
were consciously
consciously aware
aware
of o f the
the presence
presence in themselves
in themselves o f the
of the Spirit
Spirit o f God.
of God. AndAnd
so so
youyou
see,see, your
your
Godliness,
Godliness, howhow simple
simple it is ! "
it is!"
" Nevertheless,1"replied,
"Nevertheless," I replied, "I do
"I do notnot understand
understand howhow I can
1 can be be certain
certain
thatthat I am
I am in in
the the Spirit
Spirit of of God.
God. HowHow
cancan I discern
1 discern for for m yself
myself HisHis
truetrue
m anifestation
manifestation in in me? "
me?"

17 17Greek
Greek
has has a more
a more complex
complex understanding
understanding of "knowledge",
of "knowledge", withwith three
three different
different words
words
to express
to express it, whereas
it, whereas Slavonic
Slavonic and and English
English havehave
onlyonly
one one word.
word.
"knowledge"
18 18"knowledge"
19 19"knowledge"
"knowledge"

130
 AA W
\Vo()n\ d iJh 1-r h'e ruUl I RReLv\ er.l ia -\T
ti o
j ()n \. n
t1o t1hHe F \V!]o rRl Ld U
W

Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim replied:
replied: "I"Ihave
have already
already told
told you,
you, your
your Godliness,
Godliness, that
that itit
isisvery
very simple,
simple, and
and IIhave
have related
related in
in detail
detail how
how people
people come
come to
to be
be in
in the
the
Spirit
Spirit ooff God
God and
and how
how we
we can
can recognise
recognise His
His presence
presence in
in us.
us. So
So what
what do
do
you
you want,
want, my
my son?
son?""
I want
""I want to
to understand
understand ititwell,
well,"" IIsaid.
said.
Then
Then Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim took
took me
mevery
very firmly
firmly by
bythe
the shoulders
shoulders and
and said: We
said: ""We
are
are both
both in
in the
the Spirit
Spirit ooff God
God now,
now, my
my son.
son. Why
Why don
don't't you
you look
look at
at m e? "
me?"
IIreplied:
replied: "I"I cannot
cannot look,
look, Father,
Father, because
because your
your eyes
eyes are
are flashing
flashing like
like
lightning.
lightning. Your
Yourface
facehas
has becom
becomee brighter
brighter than
than the
the sun,
sun, and
and my
my eyes
eyes ache
ache
with
with pain.
pain.""
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim said: Don 't be
said: ""Don't be alarmed,
alarmed, your
your GGodliness!
odliness! Now
Now you
you your
your-­
self
self have
have becom
becomee as
as bright
bright as
as II am.
am. You
You are
are now
now in
in the
the fullness
fullness ooff the
the
Spirit
Spirit ooff God
God yourself;
yourself; otherwise
otherwise you
you would
would not
not be
be able
able to
to see
see me
me as
as IIam.
am.""
Then,
Then, bending
bending his
his head
head towards
towards me,
me, he
he whispered
whispered softly
softly in
in my
my ear:
ear:
Thank the
""Thank the Lord
Lord God
God for
for His
His unutterable
unutterable mercy
mercy to
to us!
us! You
Yousaw
saw that
that IIdid
did
not
not even
even cross
cross myself;
myself; and
and only
only in
in my
my heart
heart II prayed
prayed m entally to
mentally to the
the
Lord
Lord God
God and
and said
said wwithin
ithin myself:
myself: 'Lord,
'Lord, grant
grant him
him to
to see
see clearly
clearly with
with his
his
bodily
bodily eyes
eyesthat
that descent
descent of
ofThy
Thy Spirit
Spirit which
which Thou
Thou grantest
grantest to
to Thy
Thy servants
servants
when
when Thou
Thou art
art pleased
pleased to
to appear
appear in
in the
the light
light ooff Thy
Thy magnificent
magnificent glory.'
glory.'
And
And you
you see,
see, my
my son,
son, the
the Lord
Lord instantly
instantly fulfilled
fulfilled the
the humble
humble prayer
prayer of
of
poor
poor Seraphim.
Seraphim. How
How then
then shall
shall we
we not
not thank
thank Him
Him for
for this
this unspeakable
unspeakable
gift
gift to
to us
us both?
both? Even
Even to
to the
the greatest
greatest hermits,
hermits, my
my son,
son, the
the Lord
Lord God
God does
does
not
not always
always show
show His
His mercy
mercy in
in this
this way.
way.This
This grace
grace ooff God,
God, like
like aa loving
loving
mother,
mother, has
has been
been pleased
pleased to
to com fort your
comfort your contrite
contrite heart
heart at
at the
the interces
interces-­
sion
sion ooff the
the Mother
Mother ooff God
God herself.
herself. But
Butwhy,
why, my
my son,
son, do
do you
you not
not look
look me
me
in
in the
the eyes?
eyes? Just
Just look,
look, and
and don
don't't be
be afraid!
afraid! The
The Lord
Lord isiswith
with uus!"
s !"
After
After these
these words
words II glanced
glanced at
at his
his face
face and
and there
there came
came over
over me
me an
an
even
even greater
greater reverent
reverent awe.
awe. Imagine
Imagine in
in the
the centre
centre ooff the
the sun,
sun, in
in the
the daz
daz-­
zling
zling light
light ooff its
its midday
midday rays,
rays, the
the face
faceooff aaman
man talking
talking to
to you.
you. You
Yousee
see the
the
movement
movement ooff his
his lips
lips and
and the
the changing
changing expression
expression ooff his
his eyes,
eyes, you
you hear
hear
his
his voice,
voice, you
you feel
feel someone
someone holding
holding your
your shoulders;
shoulders; yet
yet you
you do
do not
not see
see
his
his hands,
hands, you
you do
do not
not even
even see
seeyourself
yourself or
or his
his figure,
figure, but
but only
only aablinding
blinding
light
light spreading
spreading far
far around
around for
for several
several yards
yards and
and illum ining with
illumining with its
its glar
glar-­
131
AA n8 E Ex t Tr Ha ;\o()r Rd Di nj _\a i\r Hy V PPe Fa Ac Ce f

ing
ing sheen
sheen both
both the
the snow - blanket which
snow-blanket which covered
covered the
the forest
forest glade
glade and
and the
the
snowflakes
snowflakes which
which besprinkled
besprinkled me
me and
and the
the great
great Elder.
Elder. You
Youcan
can imagine
imagine
the
the state
state IIwas
was in!
in!
How do
""How do you
you feel
feel now? " Fr.
now?" Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim asked
asked me.
me.
Extraordinarily well,
""Extraordinarily " IIsaid.
well," said.
But in
""But in what
what way?
way?How
How exactly
exactly do
do you
you feel
feel wwell?"
ell? "
IIanswered: I feel
answered: ""I feelsuch
such calm ness and
calmness and peace
peace in
in my
my soul
soul that
that no
no words
words
can
can express
express it. "
it."
This, your
""This, your Godliness,
Godliness,"" said
said Fr.
Fr.Seraphim, is the
Seraphim, ""is the peace
peace oof
f which
which the
the
Lord
Lordsaid
said to
to His
Hisdisciples:
disciples: My
Mypeace
peace IIgive
giveunto
unto you;
you; not
not as
asthe
the world
world gives,
gives,
give
give IIunto
unto you.
you. (John
(John 14:21)
14:21) IfIfyou
you were
were oof
f the
the world,
world, the
the world
world would
would
love
love its
its own;
own; but
but because
because II have
have chosen
chosen you
you out
out oof
f the
the world,
world, therefore
therefore
the
the world
world hates
hates you.
you. (John
(John 15:19)
15:19) But
Butbe
be oof
f good
good cheer;
cheer; IIhave
have overcome
overcome
the
the world.
world. (lohn
(John 16:33)
16:33) And
And to
to those
those people
people whom
whom this
this world
world hates
hates but
but
who
who are
arechosen
chosen by
bythe
the Lord,
Lord,the
the Lord
Lordgives
givesthat
that peace
peace which
which you
you now
now feel
feel
within
within you,
you, the
the peace
peace which,
which, in
in the
the words
words oof
f the
the Apostle,
Apostle, passes
passes all
all un
un-­
derstanding.
derstanding. (Phil.
(Phil. 4:7)
4:7) The
TheApostle
Apostle describes
describes ititin
in this
this way,
way,because
because ititisis
impossible
impossible to
to express
express ininwords
words the
the spiritual
spiritual well - being which
well-being which ititproduces
produces
in
inthose
those into
into whose
whose hearts
hearts the
the Lord
Lord God
God has
has infused
infused it.it.Christ
Christ the
the Saviour
Saviour
calls
calls itit aapeace
peace which
which comes
comes from
from His
His own
own generosity
generosity and
and isisnot
not oof
f this
this
world,
world, for
forno
notemporary
temporary earthly
earthly prosperity
prosperity can
can give
giveititto
to the
the human
human heart;
heart;
ititisisgranted
granted from
from on
on high
high by
by the
the Lord
Lord God
God Himself,
Himself, and
and that
that isiswhy
why ititisis
called
called the
the peace
peace oof
f God.
God. What
What else
else do
do you
you feel? " Fr.
feel?" Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim asked
asked me.
me.
"An
"Anextraordinary
extraordinary sweetness,
sweetness,"" IIreplied.
replied.
And
And he
he continued: This isisthat
continued: ""This that sweetness
sweetness ooff which
which itit isissaid
said in
in Holy
Holy
Scripture:
Scripture: 'They
'They will
will be
be inebriated
inebriated with
with the
the fatness
fatness oof
f Thy
Thy house;
house; and
and
Thou
Thou shalt
shalt make
make them
them drink
drink oof
f the
the torrent
torrent oof
f Thy
Thy delight/20
delight."? (Ps.
(Ps. 35:8)
35:8)
And
And now
now this
this sweetness
sweetness isisflooding
flooding our
our hearts
hearts and
and coursing
coursing through
through our
our
veins
veins with
with unutterable
unutterable delight.
delight. From
From this
this sweetness
sweetness our
our hearts
hearts melt
melt as
as itit
were,
were, and
and both
both oof
f us
usare
are filled
filled with
with such
such happiness
happiness as
astongue
tongue cannot
cannot tell.
tell.
W hat else
What else do
do you
you feel? "
feel?"
"An
"Anextraordinary
extraordinary joy
joyin
in all
all my
my heart.
heart.""
20
20 The
The same
same word
word which
which in
in Slavonic
Slavonic means
means delight,
delight, in
in Russian
Russian means
means sweetness.
sweetness.

132
 A \VVv \«, \ ' 'II 'H H\1 \ > <‘ I !I • 'vV<.'Vv '

AndFr.
And Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimcontinued:
continued:"When
" Whenthe
theSpirit
Spiritofo God
f Godcomes
comesdown
down
totoman
manand
andovershadows
overshadowshim
himwith
withthe
thefullness
fullnessofoHis
f Hisinspiration."
inspiration,2then
1 then
thehuman
the humansoul
souloverflows
overflowswith
withunspeakable
unspeakablejoy,
joy,for
forthe
theSpirit
SpiritofoGod
f Godfills
fills
withjoy
with joywhatever
whateverHe
Hetouches.
touches.This
Thisisisthat
thatjoy
joyofofwhich
whichthe
theLord
Lordspeaks
speaks
ininHis
HisGospel:
Gospel:'AAwoman
womanwhen
whenshe
sheisisinintravail
travailhas
hassorrow,
sorrow,because
becauseher
her
hourisiscome;
hour come;but
butwhen
whenshe
sheisisdelivered
deliveredofothe
f thechild,
child,she
sheremembers
remembersnono
morethe
more theanguish,
anguish,for
forjoy
joythat
thata aman
manisisborn
borninto
intothe
theworld.
world.InInthe
theworld
world
youwill
you willbebesorrowful."
sorrowful;22 butwhen
but whenI see
I seeyou
youagain,
again,your
yourheart
heartshall
shallrejoice,
rejoice,
andyour
and yourjoy
joynonoone
onewill
willtake
takefrom
fromyou.'
you/(John
(John16:21-22)
16:21 - 22)Yet
Yethowever
however
comfortingmay
comforting maybebethis
thisjoy
joywhich
whichyou
younow
nowfeel
feelininyour
yourheart,
heart,it itisisnothing
nothing
comparedtotothat
compared thatofowhich
f whichthe
theLord
LordHimselfby
H im self bythe
themouth
mouthofoHis
f HisApostle
Apostle
spoke:that
spoke: thatjoy
joywhich
whicheye
eyehas
hasnot
notseen,
seen,nor
norear
earheard,
heard,nor
norhas
hasit itentered
entered
intothe
into theheart
heartofoman
f manwhat
whatGod
Godhas
hasprepared
preparedfor
forthem
themthat
thatlove
loveHim.
Him.(1(1
Cor.2:9)
Cor. 2:9)Foretastes
Foretastesofo that
f thatjoy
joyare
aregiven
giventotoususnow,
now,and
andififthey
theyfill
fillour
our
soulswith
souls withsuch
suchsweetness,
sweetness,well-being
well- beingand
andhappiness,
happiness,what
whatshall
shallwe
wesay
say
ofofthat
thatjoy
joywhich
whichhas
hasbeen
beenprepared
preparedininheaven
heavenfor
forthose
thosewho
whoweep
weephere
here
ononearth?
earth?And
Andyou,
you,my
myson,
son,have
havewept
weptenough
enoughininyour
yourlife
lifeononearth;
earth;yet
yet
seewith
see withwhat
whatjoy
joythe
theLord
Lordconsoles
consolesyou
youeven
evenininthis
thislife!
life!
"Nowit itisisupuptotous,
"Now us,my
myson,
son,totoadd
addlabours
labourstotolabours
laboursininorder
ordertotogogo
fromstrength
from strengthtotostrength,
strength,(Ps.
(Ps.83:7)
83:7)and
andtotocome
cometotothe
themeasure
measureofothe
f the
statureofothe
stature f thefullness
fullnessofofChrist,
Christ,(Eph.
(Eph.4:13)
4:13)sosothat
thatthe
thewords
wordsofothe
f theLord
Lord
maybebefulfilled
may fulfilledininus:
us:But
Butthey
theythat
thatwait
waitupon
uponthe
theLord
Lordshall
shallrenew
renewtheir
their
strength;they
strength; theyshall
shallgrow
growwings
wingslike
likeeagles;
eagles;and
andthey
theyshall
shallrun
runand
andnot
notbebe
weary;(Is.
weary; (Is.4040:31) theywill
:31) they willgogofrom
fromstrength
strengthtotostrength,
strength,and
andthe
theGod
Godofof
godswill
gods willappear
appeartotothem
themininthe
theSion
Sion(Ps.
(Ps.83:8)
8 3 :8 )ofo realization
f realizationand
andheav-
heav ­
enlyvisions.
enly visions.Only
Onlythen
thenwill
willour
ourpresent
presentjoy
joy(which
(whichnow
nowvisits
visitsususlittle
littleand
and
briefly)appear
briefly) appearininallallitsitsfullness,
fullness,and
andnonoone
onewill
willtake
takeit itfrom
fromus,
us,for
forwe
we
shallbebefilled
shall filledtotooverflowing
overflowingwith
withinexplicable
inexplicableheavenly
heavenlydelights.
delights.What
What
elsedodoyou
else youfeel,
feel,your
yourGodliness?"
Godliness? "
I answered:"An
I answered: "Anextraordinary
extraordinarywarmth."
warmth."

2121 Literally:"
Literally: descent."
"descent."Slavonic
Slavonic"naitie."
"naitie."
2222 ThisThisis isthetheSlavonic
Slavonicforfor"In"Inthetheworld
worldyou
youwill
willhave
havetribulation."
tribulation."(John
(John16:33)
16:33)
St.St.Seraphim
Seraphimhas has transposedit it
transposed totoitsits present
present context.
context.

133
:\ A nE\ E .. "i;D,,- \ P If

"How
"How can
can you
you feel
feel warmth,
warmth, mymy son?
son? Look,
Look, wewe
areare sitting
sitting in in
thethe forest.
forest.
It It
is is winter
winter out-of-doors,
out-of-doors, and
and snow
snow is is underfoot.
underfoot. There
There is is more
more thananan
than
inchof of
inch snow
snow ononus,us,and
and
thethesnowflakes
snowflakesareare still
still falling.
falling. What
What warmth
warmth
cancan there
there be? "
be?"
I answered:
I answered: "Such
"Such as as there
there is is
in in a bath - house
a bath-house when
when thethe water
water is poured
is poured
onon
thethe stone
stone and
and thethe steam
steam rises
rises in in clouds."
clouds."
"And
"And thethe
smell?" " he
sm ell?he asked
asked me,"Is"Is
me, it the
it the same
same as as
in in
thethe bath - house? "
bath-house?"
"No,I" replied.
"No," "There
I replied."There is is nothing
nothing ononearth
earthlike
like this
this fragrance.
fragrance. When
When
in inmymydear
dear m oth erslifetime
mother's lifetim eI was
I was fondof of
fond dancing
dancing and
and used
used to togogoto to
balls
balls andparties,
and parties,mymy m other
mother wouldsprinkle
would sprinklememe withthethe
with scent
scent which
which
sheshe bought
bought at at
thethebest
best shops
shops in inKazan.
Kazan.But
But those
those scents
scents diddidnotnot exhale
exhale
such
such fragrance."
fragrance."
And
And Fr.Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, smiling
smiling pleasantly,
pleasantly, said:"I "I
said: know
know it it myself
myself just
just as as
well
well as as
youyou
do,do,
mymy son,
son, butbut I am
I am asking
asking you
you onon purpose
purpose to to
seesee whether
whether you
you
feel
feel it in
it in thethe same
same way.
way. It is
It is absolutely
absolutely true,
true, your
your G odliness!
Godliness! TheThe sweetest
sweetest
earthly
earthly fragrance
fragrance cannot
cannot bebe compared
compared with
with thethe fragrance
fragrance which
which wewe now
now
feel,
feel, forfor
wewe
areare now
now enveloped
enveloped in in
thethe fragrance
fragrance of othe
f the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit of of God.
God.
W hat
What onon earth
earth cancan
bebe like
like it?it?
"Mark,
"Mark, your
your Godliness,
Godliness, you
you have
have told
told meme that
that around
around usus it is
it is warm
warm as as
in in a bath - house;
a bath-house; butbut look,
look, neither
neither onon you
you nornor
onon
meme does
does thethe snow
snow melt,
melt,
nornor does
does it it underfoot;
underfoot; therefore,
therefore, this
this warmth
warmth is is
notnot
in in
thetheairair
butbut
in in
us.us.
It It
is is that
that very
very warmth
warmth about
about which
which thethe Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit in in
thethe words
words of oprayer
f prayer
makes
makes usus
crycry
to to
thethe Lord:
Lord: 'Warm
'Warm meme with
with thethe warmth
warmth of oThy
f Thy Holy
Holy Sp irit! '
Spirit!'
ByBy it the
it the herm its
hermits of of both
both sexes
sexes were
were kept
kept warm
warm and
and diddid
notnot fear
fear thethe win ­
win-
terterfrost,
frost,being
being clad,as as
clad, in infurfur coats,in in
coats, thethegrace-given
grace -givenclothing
clothing woven
woven
byby
thetheHoly
Holy Spirit.
Spirit. And
And soso
it it must
must bebein in actual
actual fact,
fact, forfor
thethe grace
grace of oGod
f God
must
must dwell
dwell within
within us,us,
in in
ourour heart,
heart, because
because thethe Lord
Lord said:
said: 'The
'The Kingdom
Kingdom
ofoGod
f God
in in within
within you.(LukeI7:21)
you.' ' (Lukel7:21)
"By
"By thethe 'Kingdom
'Kingdom of oGod'
f Godthe
' the Lord
Lord meant
meant thethe grace
grace of othe
f the Holy
Holy Spirit.
Spirit.
This
This Kingdom
Kingdom of of
GodGod
is is
nownow within
within us,us,and
and
thethe grace
grace of othe
f the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit
shines
shines upon
upon usus and
and warms
warms usus from
from without
without as as well.
well. It It fills
fills thethe surround ­
surround-
ingingairairwith
withmany
many fragrant
fragrant odours,sweetens
odours, sweetens
ouroursenses
senses withheavenly
with heavenly
delight
delight and
and floods
floods ourourhearts
hearts withunutterable
with unutterable joy.Our
joy. Our present
present state
state is is
134
 A U <, { i n . K *r , ’ , r.*. ' . vv -tD
that
that ooff which
which the
the Apostle
Apostle says:
says: The
The Kingdom
Kingdom ooff God
God isis not
not food
food and
and drink,
drink,
but
but righteousness
righteousness and
and peace
peace and
and joy
joy in
in the
the Holy
Holy Spirit.
Spirit. (Rom.
(Rom. 14:17)
14:17) Our
Our
faith
faith consists
consists not
not in
in the
the plausible
plausible words
words ooff earthly
earthly wisdom,
wisdom, but
but in
in the
the
demonstration
demonstration ooff the
the Spirit
Spirit and
and power.
power. (I(I Cor.
Cor. 22:4)
:4 ) That
That isis just
just the
the state
state
that we are in now. O f this state the Lord said: There are some
that we are in now. Of this state the Lord said: There are some of those o f those
standing
standing here
here who
who shall
shall not
not taste
taste ooff death
death till
till they
they see
see the
the Kingdom
Kingdom of
of
God come in power. (Mark 9:1)
God come in power. (Mark 9:1)
See my
""See my son,
son, what
what unspeakable
unspeakable joy
joy the
the Lord
Lord God
God has
has now
now granted
granted
us!
us! This
This isis what
what itit means
means to
to be
be in
in the
the fullness
fullness ooff the
the Holy
Holy Spirit,
Spirit, about
about
which
which St.
St. Macarius
Macarius ooff Egypt
Egypt writes:
writes: 'I'I m yself was
myself was in
in the
the fullness
fullness ooff the
the
Holy
Holy Spirit/
Spirit.' With
With this
this fullness
fullness ooff His
His Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit the
the Lord
Lord has
has now
now filled
filled
us
us poor
poor creatures
creatures to
to overflowing.
overflowing. So
So there
there isis no
no need
need now,
now, your
your Godliness,
Godliness,
to ask how people come to be in the grace o f the Holy Spirit.
to ask how people come to be in the grace of the Holy Spirit. Will W ill you
you re
re-­
member
member this
this manifestation
manifestation of of God's
God's ineffable
ineffable mercy
mercy which
which has
has visited
visited uus?"
s? "
"I
"I don
don't't know,
know, Father,
Father,"" II said, whether the
said, ""whether the Lord
Lord will
will grant
grant meme to
to re
re-­
member
member this
this mercy
mercy ooff God
God always
always as
as vividly
vividly and
and clearly
clearly as
as II feel
feel itit now."
now."
"I
"I think,
think,"" Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim answered
answered me, that the
me, ""that the Lord
Lord will
will help
help you
you to
to
retain
retain itit in
in your
your memory
memory forever,
forever, or
or His
His goodness
goodness would
would never
never have
have in
in-­
stantly
stantly bowed
bowed in
in this
this way
way to
to my
my humble
humble prayer
prayer and
and so
so quickly
quickly anticipat
anticipat-­
ed
ed the
the request
request of
of poor
poor Seraphim;
Seraphim; all
all the
the more
more so,
so, because
because itit isis not
not given
given
to
to you
you alone
alone to
to understand
understand it,
it, but
but through
through you
you itit isis for
for the
the whole
whole world,
world,
in
in order
order that
that you
you yourself
yourself may
may bebe confirmed
confirmed in
in G o d s work
God's work and
and may
may be
be
useful to others. The fact that I am a monk and you are a layman
useful to others. The fact that I am a monk and you are a layman is ut-­ is ut
terly
terly beside
beside the
the point.
point.
What
What God
God requires
requires isis true
true faith
faith in
in H im self and
Himself and His
His only - begotten
only-begotten
Son.
Son. In
In return
return for
for that,
that, the
the grace
grace ooff the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit isis granted
granted abundantly
abundantly
from
from on
on high.
high. The
The Lord
Lord seeks
seeks aa heart
heart filled
filled to
to overflowing
overflowing with
with love
love for
for
God
God and
and our
our neighbour;
neighbour; this
this isis the
the throne
throne on
on which
which He
He loves
loves to
to sit
sit and
and
on
on which
which He
He appears
appears in
in the
the fullness
fullness of
of His
His heavenly
heavenly glory. Son, give
glory. ''Son, give me
me
thy
thy heart,
heart: ' He
He says,
says, 'and
'and all
all the
the rest
rest IIMyself
Myself will
will add
add toto thee,
thee:' (Prov.
(Prov. 23:26;
23:26;
Matt. 6 :33) for in the human heart the Kingdom o f God can
Matt. 6:33) for in the human heart the Kingdom of God can be contained. be contained.
The
The Lord
Lord commanded
commanded His
His disciples: Seek first
disciples: ''Seek first the
the Kingdom
Kingdom ooff God
God and
and
His
His righteousness,
righteousness, and
and all
all these
these things
things shall
shall be
be added
added to
to you;
you; for
for your
your
135
:\"AnF\! ’ ii.\ORill\AHY \ •rEI,(.!
p•* 1
heavenlyFather
heavenly Fatherknows
knowsthat
thatyou
youneed
needallallthese
thesethings.'
things/(Matt.
(Matt.6:32-33)
6:32 - 33)
" TheLord
"The Lorddoes
doesnot
notrebuke
rebukeususfor
forusing
usingearthly
earthlygoods,
goods,for
forHe
Hesays
says
H im selfthat,
Himself that,owing
owingtotothe
theconditions
conditionsofo four
ourearthly
earthlylife,
life,we
weneed
needallall
thesethings;
these things;that
thatis,is,allallthe
thethings
thingswhich
whichmake
makeour
ourhuman
humanlife
lifemore
more
peacefuland
peaceful andmake
makeour
ourway
waytotoour
ourheavenly
heavenlyhome
homelighter
lighterand
andeasier.
easier.That
That
isiswhy
whythe
theholy
holyApostle
ApostlePaul
Paulsaid
saidthat
thatininhis
hisopinion
opinionthere
therewas
wasnothing
nothing
betterononearth
better earththan
thanpiety
pietyand
andsufficiency.
sufficiency.(II(IICor.
Cor.9:8,
9:8,I Tim.
I Tim.6:6)
6:6)And
And
the
theHoly
HolyChurch
Churchprays
praysthat
thatthis
thismay
maybebegranted
grantedususbybythe
theLord
LordGod;
God;and
and
thoughtroubles,
though troubles,misfortunes
misfortunesand
andvarious
variousneeds
needsare
areinseparable
inseparablefrom
fromour
our
lifeononearth,
life earth,yet
yetthe
theLord
LordGod
Godneither
neitherwilled
willednor
norwills
willsthat
thatwe
weshould
should
havenothing
have nothingbut
buttroubles
troublesand
andadversities.
adversities.Therefore,
Therefore,He
Hecommands
commandsusus
throughthe
through theApostles
Apostlestotobear
bearone
oneanother's
another 'sburdens
burdensand
andsosofulfill
fulfillthe
thelaw
law
ofoChrist.
f Christ.(Gal.
(Gal.6:2)
6:2)The
TheLord
LordJesus
Jesuspersonally
personallygives
givesususthe
thecommandment
commandment
totolove
loveone
oneanother,
another,sosothat,
that,bybyconsoling
consolingone
oneanother
anotherwith
withthis
thismutual
mutual
love,we
love, wemay
maylighten
lightenthe
thesorrowful
sorrowfuland
andnarrow
narrowway
wayofoour
f ourjourney
journeytotothe
the
heavenlycountry.
heavenly country.Why
Whydid
didHe
Hedescend
descendtotoususfrom
fromheaven,
heaven,ififnot
notfor
forthe
the
purposeofotaking
purpose f takingupon
uponHimself
H im selfour
ourpoverty
povertyand
andofo making
f makingususrich
richwith
with
theriches
the richesofo fHis
Hisgoodness
goodnessand
andHis
Hisunutterable
unutterablegenerosity?
generosity?He
Hedid
didnot
not
come
cometotobebeserved
servedbybymen
menbut
buttotoserve
servethem
themHimself
H im selfand
andtotogive
giveHis
Hislife
life
forthe
for thesalvation
salvationofofmany.
many.
"Youdodothe
"You thesame,
same,your
yourGodliness,
Godliness,and
andhaving
havingseen
seenthe
themercy
mercyofoGod
f God
m anifestlyshown
manifestly showntotoyou,
you,tell
tellofoit
f ittotoallallwho
whodesire
desiresalvation.
salvation.The
Theharvest
harvest
trulyisisgreat,
truly great,says
saysthe
theLord,
Lord,but
butthe
thelabourers
labourersare
arefew.
few.(Luke
(LukelO:2)
10:2)The
The
LordGod
Lord Godhas
hasled
ledususout
outtotowork
workand
andhas
hasgiven
givenususthe
thegifts
giftsofofHis
Hisgrace
grace
ininorder
orderthat,
that,bybyreaping
reapingthe
theears
earsofofthe
thesalvation
salvationofo our
f ourfellow-men
fellow -menand
and
bringing
bringingasasmany
manyasaspossible
possibleinto
intothe
theKingdom
Kingdomofo God,
f God,we
wemay
maybring
bring
Himfruit-some
Him fru it —somethirtyfold,
thirtyfold,some
somesixtyfold
sixtyfoldand
andsome
somea ahundredfold.
hundredfold.Let
Let
ususbebewatchful
watchfulmy
myson,
son,ininorder
orderthat
thatwe
wemay
maynot
notbebecondemned
condemnedwith
withthat
that
wicked
wickedand
andslothful
slothfulservant
servantwho
whohid
hidhis
histalent
talentininthe
theearth,
earth,but
butletletusustry
try
totoimitate
imitatethose
thosegood
goodand
andfaithful
faithfulservants
servantsofothe
f theLord
Lordwho
whobrought
broughttheir
their
Master
Masterfour
fourtalents
talentsinstead
insteadofof
two,
two,and
andten
teninstead
insteadofoffive.
five.(Matt.
(Matt.25:14-30)
25:14 - 30)
"Of
" Othe
f themercy
mercyofothe
f theLord
LordGod
Godthere
thereisisnonoshadow
shadowofodoubt.
f doubt.You
Youhave
have
seenfor
seen foryourself,
yourself,your
yourGodliness,
Godliness,how
howthe
thewords
wordsofo the
f theLord
Lordspoken
spoken

136
 AA W
\V o\) n" d;; e, rI:f,ull;l RR efirv e eL,\
a t lin"
u o n t io() t If!
h e I. W
IN o(\ r!{l ld !l

through
through the
the Prophet
Prophet have
have been
been accomplished
accomplished in
in us:
us: T'I am
am not
not aa God
God far
far off,
off,
but
but aa God
God near
near at
at hand7
hand' (Jer.
[Ier. 223:23),
3 :2 3 ), and
and 'thy
'thy salvation
salvation isis at
at thy
thy mouth/
mouth.'
(Deut.
(Deut. 30:12 - 14, Rom
30:12-14, Rom 10:8 - 13) II had
10:8-13) had not
not tim
timee even
even to
to cross
cross myself,
myself, but
but
only
only wished
wished in
in my
my heart
heart that
that the
the Lord
Lord would
would grant
grant you
you to
to see
see His
His good
good-­
ness
ness in
in all
all its
its fullness,
fullness, and
and He
He was
was pleased
pleased to
to hasten
hasten to
to realize
realize my
my wish.
wish.
"I"Iam
am not
not boasting
boasting when
when II say
say this,
this, neither
neither do
do II say
say itit to
to show
show you
you my
my
importance
importance and
and lead
lead you
you to
to jealousy,
jealousy, or
or to
to make
make you
you think
think that
that II am
am aa
m onk and
monk and you
you only
only aa layman.
layman. No,
No, no,
no, your
your Godliness!
Godliness! The
The Lord
Lord isis nigh
nigh
unto
unto all
all them
them that
that call
call upon
upon Him
Him in
in truth,
truth, (Ps.
(Ps. 144:18)
144:18) and
and there
there isis no
no
partiality
partiality with
with Him.
Him. (Eph.
(Eph. 6:9)
6:9) For
For the
the Father
Father loves
loves the
the Son
Son and
and gives
gives
everything
everything into
into His
His hand.
hand. (John
(John 3:35)
3:35) IfIf only
only we
we ourselves
ourselves loved
loved Him,
Him,
our
our heavenly
heavenly Father,
Father, in
in aa truly
truly filial
filial way!
way! The
The Lord
Lord listens
listens equally
equally to
to the
the
monk
monk and
and the
the simple
simple Christian
Christian layman
layman provided
provided that
that both
both are
are Orthodox
Orthodox
believers,
believers, and
and both
both love
love God
God from
from the
the depth
depth ooff their
their souls,
souls, and
and both
both
have
have faith
faith in
in Him,
Him, ififonly
only as
as aa grain
grain ooff mustard
mustard seed;
seed; and
and they
they both
both shall
shall
move
move mountains.
mountains. 'One
'One shall
shall move
move thousands
thousands and
and two
two tens
tens ooff thousands.
thousands.' '
(Deut.
(Deut. 332:30)
2 :3 0 ) The
The Lord
Lord HHimself
im self says:
says: All
All things
things are
are possible
possible to
to him
him who
who
believes.
believes. (Mark
(Mark 9:2 3 ) And
9:23) And the
the holy
holy Apostle
Apostle Paul
Paul loudly
loudly exclaims:
exclaims: IIcan
can do
do
all
all things
things in
in Christ
Christ Who
Who strengthens
strengthens me.
me. (Phil.
(Phil. 4:13)
4:13) But
But our
our Lord
Lord Jesus
Jesus
Christ
Christ speaks
speaks even
even more
more wonderfully
wonderfully than
than this
this of
of those
those who
who believe
believe in
in
Him:
Him: He who believes
Hewho believes in
in Me,
Me,not
not only
only the
the works
works that
that IIdo,
do, but
but even
even greater
greater
than
than these
these shall
shall he
he do,
do, because
because IIam
am going
going to
to My
My Father.
Father. And
And IIwill
will pray
pray
for
foryou
you that
that your
your joy
joy may
may be
be full.
full. Hitherto
Hitherto you
you have
have asked
asked nothing
nothing in
in My
My
name.
name. But
But now
now ask...
ask .....(John
(John 14:12,16
14:12,16 && 16:24)
16:24)
Thus, my
""Thus, my son,
son, whatever
whatever you
you ask
ask ooff the
the Lord
Lord God
God you
you will
will receive,
receive, ifif
only
only itit isisfor
for the
the glory
glory ooff God
God or
or for
for the
the good
good ooff your
your neighbour,
neighbour, because
because
what
what we
we do
do for
forthe
the good
good ooff our
our neighbour
neighbour He
He refers
refers to
to His
His own
own glory.
glory. And
And
therefore
therefore He
He says:
says: 'All
'Allthat
that you
you have
have done
done unto
unto one
one ooff the
the least
least of
of these,
these,
you
you have
have done
done unto
unto Me.
Me.'' (Matt.
(Matt. 225:40)
5 :4 0 ) And
And so,
so, have
have no
no doubt
doubt that
that the
the
Lord
Lord God
God will
will fulfill
fulfill your
your petitions,
petitions, ififonly
only they
they concern
concern the
the glory
glory ooff God
God
or
or the
the benefit
benefit and
and edification
edification ooff your
your fellow
fellow men.
men. But,
But, even
even ififsomething
something
isis necessary
necessary for
for your
your own
own need
need or
or use
use or
or advantage,
advantage, just
just as
as quickly
quickly and
and
graciously
graciously will
will the
the Lord
Lord God
God be
be pleased
pleased to
to send
send you
you even
even that,
that, provided
provided

137
A n E x tr ao r d i n a r y P s • :

that
that extreme
extreme need
need and
and necessity
necessity require
require it.it.For
Forthe
the Lord
Lordloves
lovesthose
those who
who
love
love Him.
Him. The
The Lord
Lord isisgood
good toto all
all men;
men; He
Hegives
gives abundantly
abundantly toto those
those
who
who call
callupon
upon His
Hisname,
name, and
and His
Hisbounty
bounty isisininall
allHis
Hisworks.
works. He
Hewill
will do
do
the
the will
will oof
f them
them that
that fear
fearHim
Him and
and He
Hewill
will hear
hear their
their prayer,
prayer, and
and fulfill
fulfill
all
all their
their plans.
plans. The
The Lord
Lordwill
will fulfill
fulfill all
all thy
thy petitions.
petitions. (Ps.
(Ps. 144:19,
144:19, 19:4 -
19:4-
5)5) Only
Only beware,
beware, your
your Godliness,
Godliness, oof
f asking
asking the
the Lord
Lord for
for something
something for
for
which
which there
there isisno
no urgent
urgent need.
need. The
The Lord
Lordwill
will not
not refuse
refuse you
you even
even this
this inin
return
return for
foryour
your Orthodox
Orthodox faith
faith inin Christ
Christ the
the Saviour,
Saviour, for
forthe
the Lord
Lordwill
will
not
not give
giveup
upthe
the staff
staffoof
f the
the righteous
righteous totothe
the lot
lotoof
f sinners,
sinners, (Ps.
(Ps. 124:3)
124:3) and
and
He
Hewill
will speedily
speedily accomplish
accomplish the
the will
will oof
f His
His servant
servant David;
David; but
but He
Hewill
will
call
call him
him toto account
account for
forhaving
having troubled
troubled Him
Him without
without special
special need,
need, and
and
for
forhaving
having asked
asked Him
Him for
forsomething
something without
without which
which he
hecould
could have
have mman-
an ­
aged
agedvery
very easily.
easily.
"And
"Andso,
so,your
your Godliness,
Godliness, I Ihave
have now
now told
told you
you and
and given
given you
you aapracti
practi-­
cal
caldemonstration
demonstration of
ofall
allthat
that the
the Lord
Lordand
and the
the Mother
Mother oof
f God
God have
have been
been
pleased
pleased tototell
telland
and show
showyou
youthrough
through me,
me,poor
poor Seraphim.
Seraphim. Now
Nowgo
goininpeace.
peace.
The
The Lord
Lordand
and the
the Mother
Mother oof
f God
God be
bewith
with you
you always,
always, now
now and
and ever,
ever, and
and
to
tothe
the ages
agesoof
f ages.
ages.Amen.
Amen. Now
Now go
goinin peace. "
peace."
And
And during
during the
the whole
whole oof
f this
this tim e, from
time, from the
the mmoment
om ent when
when Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim 's face
Seraphim's facebecam e radiant,23
became radiant." this
this illum ination continued;
illumination continued; and
and all
all
that
that he
hetold
told me
mefrom
from the
the beginning
beginning oof
f the
the narrative
narrative till
till now,
now,he
hesaid
saidwhile
while
rem aining in
remaining in one
one and
and the
the same
same position.
position. The
The ineffable
ineffable glow
glow oof
f the
the light
light
which
which emanated
emanated from
from him
him IImmyself
yself saw
saw with
with my
my own
own eyes.
eyes. And
And IIam
am
ready
ready totovouch
vouch for
forititwith
with an
an oath. "
oath."

23
23 Or
Or""became
became illumined,"
illumined," "began
"began totoshine."
shine."

138
 Chapter 9

A r e THE
ARE T o r m e n t s OF
t h e TORMENTS H e l l Aa REALITY?
o f HELL R eality?

Alexandrovitch
AlexandrovitchMotovilov,
Motovilov,"Seraphim's
"Seraphim 'sservant"
servant "asasheheliked
liked
N
IKOLAS
ikolas

N
further
totocall
callhimself,
furtherprivilege
him self,had
hadbeen
privilegeofo seeing
beengranted
f seeingwith
granteda amiraculous
withhis
hisown
owneyes
miraculoushealing
eyesSt.
healingand
St.Seraphim's
andthe
the
Seraphim 'sillumination
illum ination
bybythe
thelight
lightofo fTabor,
Tabor,ororininother
otherwords,
words,by
bythe
thegrace
graceofo fthe
theHoly
HolySpirit.
Spirit.
Being
Beinga afervent
ferventand
andsincere
sincereman,
man,hehewanted
wantedtotoperpetuate
perpetuateFr.
Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim 's
memory.
memory.So
Sohehedecided
decidedtotovisit
visitKursk
Kursk(the
(theSaint's
Saint'sbirthplace)
birthplace)personally
personally
ininorder
ordertotocollect
collectinformation
inform ationabout
abouthis
hischildhood
childhoodand
andyouth;
youth;hehealso
also
wanted
wantedtotovisit
visitthe
theKiev-Florovsky
Kiev -FlorovskyMonastery.
Monastery.This
Thisjourney
journeyhad
hadvery
verysad
sad
consequences
consequencesfor
forNikolas
NikolasAlexandrovitch.
Alexandrovitch.Through
Throughthe
thepermissive
permissivewill
will
ofofGod,
God,the
theenemy
enemyinflicted
inflictedupon
uponhim
himananillness
illnessofo frevenge
revengefor
forhis
hisliter-
liter ­
ary
arylabours;
labours;for
forhis
hiswritings
writingsserved
servedtotoenhance
enhancethe
thefame
fameofo fone
oneofo fGod's
God 's
saints-Fr.
saints —Fr.Seraphim-to
Seraphim —toa avery
veryconsiderable
considerableeffect.
effect.
Certain
Certaincircumstances
circumstanceswhich
whichpreceded
precededN.
N.A.A.Motovilov's
Motovilov'sillness
illnessthrow
throw
light
lighton
onitsitsorigin.
origin.Once
Onceduring
duringa atalk
talkwith
withSt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphimthe
thequestion
question
somehow
somehowarose
aroseasastotothe
thereality
realityofo fdiabolic
diabolicassaults
assaultson
onmen.
men.Motovilov,
Motovilov,
who
whohad
hadhad
hada aworldly
worldlyupbringing,
upbringing,did
didnot
notfail,
fail,ofo fcourse,
course,totodoubt
doubtthe
the
existence
existenceofo fthe
theevil
evilpower.
power.Then
Thenthe
theSaint
Sainttold
toldhim
himofo fhis
histerrible
terriblefight
fight
with
withthe
thedevils
devilsfor
forone
onethousand
thousanddays
daysand
andnights,
nights,and
andby
bythe
thepower
powerofof
his
hisword,
word,by
bythe
theauthority
authorityofo fhis
hisholiness
holinesswhich
whichexcluded
excludedall
allpossibility
possibility
ofofeven
eventhe
theshadow
shadowofo fa alie
lieororexaggeration,
exaggeration,heheconvinced
convincedMotovilov
Motovilovofo f
the
theexistence
existenceofofdevils,
devils,not
notasasphantoms
phantomsororfigments
figmentsofo fthe
theimagination,
imagination,
but
butasasa astark
starkand
andbitter
bitterreality.
reality.
The
Theimpetuous
impetuousMotovilov
Motovilovwas
wassosostirred
stirredby
bythe
theElder's
Elder'stalk
talkthat
thathehe
cried
criedfrom
fromthe
thedepths
depthsofofhis
hissoul:
soul:"Father,
"Father,how
howI Ishould
shouldlike
liketotohave
havea a
bout
boutwith
withthe
thedevils! ""
d evils!

139
 A ' !'
Fr. Seraphim, in alarm, cut him short: " What on earth are you talking
Fr. Seraphim, in alarm, cut him short: "What on earth are you talking
about, your Godliness! You don 't know what you are saying. If you knew
about, your Godliness! You don't know what you are saying. If you knew
that the least o f them can turn the world upside down with its claw, you
that the least of them can turn the world upside down with its claw, you
would never challenge them to a fight."
would never challenge them to a fight."
"But Father, have the devils really got claws? "
"But Father, have the devils really got claws?"
"Ah, your Godliness, whatever do they teach you at the university?
"Ah, your Godliness, whatever do they teach you at the university?
Don 't you know that the devils have no claws? They have been represented
Don't you know that the devils have no claws? They have been represented
with hoofs, horns and tails because it is impossible for the human imagi­
with hoofs, horns and tails because it is impossible for the human imagi-
nation to conceive anything more hideous. And they really are hideous,
nation to conceive anything more hideous. And they really are hideous,
for their conscious desertion of God and their voluntary resistance to
for their conscious desertion of God and their voluntary resistance to
divine grace made them, who before the fall were angels o f light, angels
divine grace made them, who before the fall were angels of light, angels
o f such darkness and abom ination that they cannot be portrayed in any
of such darkness and abomination that they cannot be portrayed in any
human likeness. Still, some likeness is necessary; that is why they are rep ­
human likeness. Still, some likeness is necessary; that is why they are rep-
resented as black and ugly. But having been created with the power and
resented as black and ugly. But having been created with the power and
properties of angels, they possess such indom itable might against man
properties of angels, they possess such indomitable might against man
and everything earthly that, as I have told you already, the least of them
and everything earthly that, as I have told you already, the least of them
can turn the world upside down with its nail. Only the divine grace o f the
can turn the world upside down with its nail. Only the divine grace of the
Holy Spirit which has been given to us O rthodox Christians as a free gift
Holy Spirit which has been given to us Orthodox Christians as a free gift
through the divine merits o f the God - man, our Lord Jesus C hrist —only
through the divine merits of the God-man, our Lord Jesus Christ-only
this frustrates all the wiles and artifices of the enemy."
this frustrates all the wiles and artifices of the enemy."
An uncanny feeling crept over Motovilov. W hile he was still under the
An uncanny feel ing crept over Motovilov. While he was still under the
Saint's protection he could defy Satan's malice. But, in the permissive will
Saint's protection he could defy Satan's malice. But, in the permissive will
o f God, his reckless challenge did not remain unanswered. It was accepted.
of God, his reckless challenge did not remain unanswered. It was accepted.
W hen Motovilov went to Kursk after Fr. Seraphim 's death, he did not
When Motovilov went to Kursk after Fr. Seraphim's death, he did not
get much information about the childhood and youth of the Saint. O f the
get much information about the childhood and youth of the Saint. Of the
near relatives who had known Fr. Seraphim as a child, some were dead,
near relatives who had known Fr. Seraphim as a child, some were dead,
while others had forgotten the facts. Even the house where the Saint was
while others had forgotten the facts. Even the house where the Saint was
born and brought up had been destroyed, and new buildings had sprung
born and brought up had been destroyed, and new buildings had sprung
up in its place. However, one old man was found who was a contem po ­
up in its place. However, one old man was found who was a contempo-
rary o f Fr. Seraphim, and who supplied Motovilov with facts which have
rary of Fr. Seraphim, and who supplied Motovilov with facts which have
been included in all the editions o f the Saint's life. The actual journey to
been included in all the editions of the Saint's life. The actual journey to
Kursk and his stay there were without mishap. The storm broke out on
Kursk and his stay there were without mishap. The storm broke out on
his way back to Voronezh.
his way back to Voronezh.
140
 A R I:', T 11I;. 1. 0 r

Motovilov was
Motovilov was obliged
obliged to
to spend
spend aa night
night at
at one
one of
o f the
the post-stations
post- stations on
on
the road
the road from
from Kursk.
Kursk. As
As he
he was
was quite
quite alone
alone in
in the
the room
room forfor travelers,
travelers, he
he
took his manuscripts
took his manuscripts out out of
of his suitcase and
his suitcase and began
began to to sort
sort them
them out
out by
by
the dim light
the dim light of
o f aa single
single candle
candle which
which scarcely
scarcely lit
lit up
up the
the spacious
spacious room.
room.
One of
One o f the
the first
first records
records he
he discovered
discovered contained
contained aa description
description ofo f the
the cure
cure
of aa possessed
of possessed ladylady of
o f noble
noble parentage
parentage called
called Eropkin
Eropkin atat the shrine of
the shrine o f St.
St.
Metrophan of
Metrophan o f Voronezh.
Voronezh.
"I wondered/7
"I writes Motovilov,
wondered," writes Motovilov, "how
"how itit could
could happen
happen that
that an
an Orthodox
Orthodox
Christian who
Christian who partook
partook of
o f the
the most
most pure
pure and
and life-giving
life -giving Mysteries
Mysteries of
o f the
the
Lord could
Lord could suddenly
suddenly bebe possessed
possessed by
by aa devil,
devil, and
and moreover,
moreover, for
for such aa
such
long period
long period as
as over
over thirty years. And
thirty years. And II thought: Nonsense! It
thought: Nonsense! It is
is im pos ­
impos-
sible! II should
sible! should like
like to see how
to see the devil
how the devil would
would dare
dare to
to make
make his
his abode
abode in
in
me, especially
me, especially when
when II frequently
frequently have
have recourse
recourse to
to the
the Sacrament
Sacrament of
of Holy
Holy
Com munion."
Communion."
At
At that
that very m om ent he
very moment he was surrounded
was surrounded by by aa horrible,
horrible, cold,
cold, evil-
evil ­
smelling cloud
smelling cloud which
which began
began to make
to make its
its way
way into
into his
his mouth,
mouth, while
while he
he
made convulsive
made convulsive efforts
efforts to keep it
to keep it tightly
tightly shut.
shut. The
The unhappy
unhappy Motovilov
Motovilov
struggled desperately,
struggled desperately, trying
trying to protect himself
to protect him self from
from the
the stench
stench and
and icy
icy
cold of
cold o f the
the cloud which
cloud which was gradually creeping
was gradually creeping into
into him.
him. In
In spite
spite of
o f all
all
his efforts,
his efforts, it got
it got into
into him
him completely.
completely.
His hands became
His hands becam e exactly
exactly as
as if
if they
they were
were paralyzed,
paralyzed, and
and hehe could
could not
not
make the
make the sign
sign of
o f the cross; his
the cross; his mind
mind became
became frozen
frozen with
with terror
terror and
and he
he
could not
could not remember
remember the
the saving
saving name
name ofo f Jesus.
Jesus. Something
Som ething terrible
terrible and
and
repulsive had
repulsive had happened, and Nikolas
happened, and Nikolas Alexandrovitch
Alexandrovitch experienced
experienced aa time
time
of dreadful
of dreadful torture.
torture. A
A manuscript
manuscript inin his
his own
own handwriting
handwriting gives
gives us
us the
the
following description
following description of
of the
the torments
torments hehe experienced:
experienced:

The Lord
The Lord granted
granted meme to
to experience
experience in in my
my own
own body,
body andand not
not in
in aa
dream or apparition, the three torments of hell. The first
dream or apparition, the three torments of hell. The first was that of was that of
the fire which gives no light and which can be extinguished
the fire which gives no light and which can be extinguished only by only by
the grace
the grace ofof the
the Most
Most Holy
Holy Spirit.
Spirit. This
This agony
agony lasted
lasted for
for three
three days.
days. I[

felt myself burning, yet I was not consumed. Ten or eleven times aa
felt myself burning, yet I was not consumed. Ten or eleven times
day they
day they hadhad to
to scrape
scrape off
off the
the hellish
hellish soot
soot which
which covered
covered mymy whole
whole
body and
body and was
was visible
visible to
to all.
all. This
This torture
torture ceased
ceased only
only after
after Confession
Confession

141
 \ P \
and
and Holy
Holy Communion,
Communion, through
through thethe prayers
prayers of
ofArchbishop
Archbishop Antony
Antony
of
of Voronezh who ordered litanies to be said for the suffering servant
Voronezh who ordered litanies to be said for the suffering servant
of
ofGod
Cod Nikolas
Nikolas ininthe
the forty -seven churches
forty-seven churches and
and monasteries
monasteries of
ofhis
his
diocese.
diocese.

Then
Then I Iwas
was tormented
tormented forfortwo
two days
days by
bythe
the unbearable
unbearable cold
cold of Tartarus,
ofTartarus,
so
sothat
that fire
firecould
could neither
neither burn
burn nor
nor warm
warm me.
me. According
According totothe
the wish
wish
of
ofHis
His Grace,
Crace, Archbishop
Archbishop Antony
Antony ofofVoronezh,
Voronezh, I Iheld
held mymyhand
hand over
over aa
candle for about half an hour, and though it was thickly
candle for about half an hour, and though it was thickly coated with coated with
soot,
soot, ititdid
did not
not get
getwarm
warm ininthe
the least.
least. I Idescribed
described this
this experiment
experiment onon
aawhole
whole sheet
sheet of
ofpaper
paper and
and signed
signed ititby
bystamping
stamping ititwith
with mymysooty
sooty
hand.
hand. Both
Both these
these torments
torments were
were visible
visible toto all;
all;yet
yetwith
with the
the help
help of
ofHoly
Holy
Communion
Communion I Icould
could partake
partake of
offood,
food, drink
drink and
and sleep
sleep toto some
some extent.
extent.

But
Butthe
the third
third torment
torment of ofGehenna,
Cehenna, though
though ititwaswas still
still shorter
shorter by
byhalf
half aa
day, for it lasted only a day and a half (possibly a little more),
day, for it lasted only a day and a half (possibly a little more), caused caused
me
me the
the greatest
greatest terror
terror and
and suffering
suffering asasititwas
was something
something indescribable
indescribable
and
and incomprehensible.
incomprehensible. ItItisisaawonder
wonder I Iremained
remained alive!
alive! This
This torment
torment
also
also disappeared
disappeared after
after Confession
Confession and
and Holy
Holy Communion.
Communion. This This time
time
Archbishop
Archbishop Antony
Antony himself
himself administered
administered the
the Holy
Holy Sacrament
Sacrament toto me
me
with
with his own hands. This torment was the undying worm of
his own hands. This torment was the undying worm ofGehenna.
Gehenna.
The
The worm
worm ininthis
this case
case was
was visible
visible only
only totoArchbishop
Archbishop Antony
Antony and
and my ­
my-
self.
self. But
Butmy
mywhole
whole body
body was
was riddled
riddled with
with this
this pernicious
pernicious worm
worm which
which
crawled
crawled through
through the
the whole
whole ofofme
me and
and inin an
an indescribably
indescribably frightful
frightful
manner
manner gnawed at my vitals. Though it crawled out
gnawed at my vitals. Though it crawled out through
through my mynose,
nose,
mouth,
mouth, and
and ears,
ears, yet
yet ititwent
went back
back ininagain.
again. However,
However, God
Cod gave
gave me
me
some
some power over it, and I could take it into my hands and stretch itit
power over it, and I could take it into my hands and stretch
like
like rubber.
rubber.

I Ifeel
feel myself
myself compelled
compelled toto make
make this
this declaration,
declaration, for
forGod
Cod did
did not
not
grant
grant me this vision for nothing. Let no one think that I dare take the
me this vision for nothing. Let no one think that I dare take the
Lords
Lord's name
name ininvain.
vain. No!
No! On
On the
the day
day of
ofthe
the Lord's
Lord's awful
awful judgment,
judgment, He He
Himself —my God,
Himself-my Cod, mymy Helper
Helper and
and my
my Protector —will testify
Protector-will testify that
that I Idid
did
not
not lie
lieagainst
against Him,
Him, my
my Lord,
Lord, and
and against
against the
the operation
operation of
ofHis
His Divine
Divine
Providence which was accomplished
Providence which was accomplished in me. in me.

Soon
Soonafter
afterthis
thisterrible
terrible test
testwhich
which isisbeyond
beyond the
theexperience
experience of
ofordinary
ordinary
men,
men, Motovilov
Motovilov had
had aavision
vision oof
f his
his patron
patron St.
St.Seraphim
Seraphim who
who comforted
comforted
the sufferer with the promise that he would be cured at the exposition
the sufferer with the promise that he would be cured at the exposition
oof
f the
the relics
relics oof
f St.
St.Tikhon
Tikhon oof
f Zadonsk
Zadonsk and
and that
that until
until that
that time
time the
the devil
devil
residing
residing ininhim
him would
would not
not torm ent him
torment him sosocruelly.
cruelly.The
Theexposition
exposition of ofthe
the
142
 \ -’ T!
i\ i~I"~ i l.
!1 0 Ini
I~\\ i" \ i SOl
') II - * *R!'.,.\
1"1' L i l. :\
R . i *1'!. !l' ,? ;

relicsofoSt.
relics f St.Tikhon
Tikhonactually
actuallytook
tookplace
placethirty
thirtyyears
yearslater,
later,and
andMotovilov
Motovilov
livedtotosee
lived seeit it
andandwas
wasininfact
factcured
curedaccording
according
totohishisgreat
great faith.
faith.
OnOnthetheday
dayofothe
f theexposition
expositionofothe
f therelics
relicsofoSt.
f St.Tikhon
TikhonofoZadonsk
f Zadonsk
(1865),Motovilov
(1865), Motovilovwas
wasstanding
standingininthe
thesanctuary
sanctuarypraying
prayingand
andweeping
weeping
bitterly
bitterly becausethe
because theLord
Lordhad
hadnot
not grantedhim
granted himthe
thecure
cure
forfor whichhishistor-
which tor ­
tured
tured soul
soul was
was waiting
waiting according
according totothethepromise
promise
ofoSt.
f St.Seraphim
SeraphimofoSarov.
f Sarov.
Duringthe
During theSong
Songofothe
f theCherubim,
Cherubim,heheglanced
glancedat atthe
thebishop's
bishopsthrone
throneinin

thetheapse
apseand
andsaw
sawSt.St.Tikhon
Tikhonthere.
there.The
Theholy
holyprelate
prelateblessed
blessedthe
theweeping
weeping
Motovilov
Motovilov andvanished
and vanishedfrom
fromsight.
sight.Motovilov
Motovilov washealed
was healedinstantly.
instantly.

143
 Chapter
Chapter 10 10
S p i r i t u a lFATHER
SPIRITUAL Father and
AND E lder
ELDER

r . Seraphim was a wonderful director. What a pity that the records of

FF R.

theythey
Seraphim
his instructions
arenumerous
are so
was a wonderful director. What a pity that the records of
his instructions
so numerous
mostly
mostly referrefer
that that
theythey
to the
to the
cannot
cannot
last last
all be
yearsyears o f life.
of his
all included
be included
his life.

in a in
But But
eveneven
a short
short
so so
biogra ­
biogra-
phy.phy.
We We
shallshall select
select onlyonly
the the
mostmost important.
important.
Many
Many werewere amazed
amazed by Seraphim's
by Fr. Fr. Seraphim 's spiritual
spiritual insight
insight and and wisdom.
wisdom.
OnceOnce Archimandrite
Archimandrite Antony,
Antony, the the abbot
abbot o f Vysokogorsk,
of Vysokogorsk, and and a merchant
a merchant
o f Vladimir
of Vladimir entered
entered his cell
his cell together.
together. Father
Father asked
asked the abbot
the abbot to take
to take a seat
a seat
and and
wait,wait,
and and he began
he began to talk
to talk to the
to the merchant.
merchant.
"All"All
youryour difficulties
difficulties and and troubles
troubles are the
are the consequences
consequences of your
of your pas-pas­
sionate
sionate life. life.
GiveGive
it up;it up;
mendmend
youryour ways."
ways."
AndAnd
thenthen he meekly
he meekly and and tenderly
tenderly began
began to convict
to convict him him o fsins,
of his his sins,
but but
withwith
suchsuch warmth
warmth of heart
of heart that that
bothboth his hearers
his hearers weptwept copiously.
copiously. Finally
Finally
Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim told told the merchant
the merchant to prepare
to prepare for Holy
for Holy Com m union
Communion at Sarov,
at Sarov,
and and assured
assured him him
that that
if heifsincerely
he sincerely repented,
repented, the Lord
the Lord would
would not deprive
not deprive
him him o f His
of His gracegrace
and and mercy.
mercy. The The contrite
contrite merchant
merchant fell fell
down down at feet
at his his feet
promising
promising to carry
to carry out out all directions,
all his his directions,
and and departed
departed in tears
in tears but but
withwith
an unburdened
an unburdened soul.soul.
Fr. Antony
Fr. Antony was was astonished
astonished at spiritual
at the the spiritual insight
insight oftheo f Elder
the Elder
and and
said said
to him
to him later:later: "Father!
"Father! The The human
human soul soul is open
is open to you
to you like like a face
a face in a in a mir­
mir-
ror. ror. Before
Before my very
my very eyeseyes
you you
told told the pilgrim
the pilgrim everything
everything without
without waiting
waiting
to hear
to hear his spiritual
his spiritual needs
needs and and troubles."
troubles."
Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim did did
not not
say asay a word.
word.
The The abbot
abbot continued:
continued: "Now"Now
I see!I see!
YourYour
mindmind
is soispure
so pure
that that nothing
nothing
in the
in the heartheart o f your
of your neighbour
neighbour is hidden
is hidden fromfrom
it." it."
Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim put put his right
his right handhand on Archimandrite's
on the the Archimandrite 's mouth
mouth and and
144
 S!'!!!llil.'li F,\Tlll.l! A'\D EI,f)LI;

said:
said: ""You
You are
are not
not quite
quite right,
right, my
my joy.
joy.The
The human
human heart
heart isis open
open only
only to
to
the Lord, and God alone knows our hearts; but a man will come,
the Lord, and God alone knows our hearts; but a man will come, and the and the
heart
heart isisdeep."
deep." (Ps.
(Ps. 63:7)
63:7) Then
Then he
he told
told ooff how
how St.
St. Gregory
Gregory the
the Theologian
Theologian
had
had been
been rebuked
rebuked by
by certain
certain people
people for
forhaving
having shown
shown favour
favour to
to Maximus
Maximus
the
the Cynic.1
Cynic1 But
Butthe
the Saint
Saint said: God alone
said: ""God alone knows
knows the
the secrets
secrets ooff the
the human
human
heart.
heart. IIsaw
saw in
in him
him aaman
man who
who had
had turned
turned from
from paganism
paganism to
to Christianity,
Christianity,
which
which to
to me
me isis aa great
great thing.
thing.""
The
The abbot
abbot asked
asked again: But how
again: ""But how isisit,
it, Father,
Father, that
that you
you did
did not
not ask
ask the
the
merchant a single word, and told him all he needed?
merchant a single word, and told him all he needed?" "
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim thenthen explained
explained at
at some
some length: He came
length: ""He came toto me
me just
just as
as
others do, just as you came too, as to a servant o f God. I, sinful Seraphim,
others do, just as you came too, as to a servant of God. I, sinful Seraphim,
regard
regard m yself as
myself as aa sinful
sinful servant
servant ooff God.
God. W hat the
What the Lord
Lord tells
tells me,
me, II pass
pass
on
on to
to whoever
whoever seeks
seeks help.
help. The
The first
first thought
thought which
which comes
comes toto my
my m ind2 1I
mind-
accept
acceptas
as God 's guidance
God's guidance and
and speak
speak without
without knowing
knowing what
what isisin
in the
the other
other
person's
person's mind;
mind; IImerely
merely believe
believe that
that GGod's
o d s will
will isis made
made known
known to
to me
me in
in
this
thisway
wayfor
forhis
his benefit.
benefit. Sometimes
Sometimes people
people tell
tell me
me something,
something, and
and without
without
referring
referring to the will of God, I trust to my own knowledge, thinking that
to the will o f God, I trust to my own knowledge, thinking that
ititisispossible
possible to
to decide
decide ititwith
with my
my own
own mind,
mind, without
without having
having recourse
recourse to
to
God. In such cases mistakes are always
God. In such cases mistakes are always made." made. "
The
TheElder
Elder concluded
concluded this
this edifying
edifying and
and instructive
instructive talk
talk with
with the
the words:
words:
Like iron
""Like iron to
to the
the smith,
smith, IIhave
have surrendered
surrendered myself
myself and
and my
my own
own will
will to
to the
the
Lord
Lord God.
God. As
AsHe
He wills,
wills, so
so IIact.
act. IIhave
have no
no will
will of
of my
my own;
own; but
but what
what God
God
wills,
wills, IIpass
pass on.
on.""
That
That isis Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim's's own
own explanation
explanation ooff his
his counsels
counsels and
and instruc
instruc-­
tions.
tions. The
The all - knowing Lord
all-knowing Lord spoke
spoke through
through him.
him. That
That isiswhy
why he
he did
did not
not
take time to think, but usually answered immediately and undoubtingly,
take time to think, but usually answered immediately and undoubtingly,
or
oreven
even said
said things
things which
which had
had not
not occurred
occurred to
to his
his conversants,
conversants, but
but which
which
were revealed to him by the Holy Spirit.
were revealed to him by the Holy Spirit.
The
The layman
layman Bogdanov,
Bogdanov, who who had
had come
come to
to him
him with
with aa whole
whole batch
batch ooff
questions,
questions, said
said afterwards:
afterwards: "I"Ihad
had previously
previously written
written all
all my
myquestions
questions on
on aa
11 Maximus
Maximus atat first
first lived
lived with
with him
him atat his
his episcopal
episcopal house
house in in Constantinople,
Constantinople, but but after­
after-
wards
wards hehetried
tried to
to seize
seize his
his see
seeby
by fraudulent
fraudulent means.
means. Then
Then St.
St.Gregory
Gregory sent
sent him
him away,
away, and
and
to
tojustify
justify himself
himself said:
said: "He
"Hewhowho isishimself
himself trustworthy,
trustworthy, isismost
most trustful.
trustfu!'''"
22 Literally:
Literally: "appears
"appears in
in my
my soul."
soul."

145
t\:\i A.EN 11l.\OliIJI\\li\
E X T R A 0 R P i N A RPL\(I
Y P E AC E

sheet
sheet of paper
of paper for for memorysake,
memory's 's sake,
andand I had
I had scarcely
scarcely finished
finished reading
reading them
them
to the
to the Elder,
Elder, when
when I at Ionce
at once received
received the the answers.
answers. He He spoke
spoke extremely
extremely hur-hur­
riedly.
riedly. At the
At the same
same time,
time, during
during the the whole
whole o f our
of our talk,talk, Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim waswas
extraordinarily
extraordinarily cheerful.
cheerful. He He stood
stood leaning
leaning on on
an an oaken
oaken coffin
coffin which
which he he
hadhad prepared
prepared for for himself,
himself, andand
heldheld a lighted
a lighted wax -candle
wax-candle in his
in his hands.
hands. In In
replying
replying he he often
often addressed
addressed me me
withwith
the the words:
words: 'Your
'Your Godliness/
Godliness.' When
When
he bid
he bid me me farewell,
farewell, he thanked
he thanked me me
for for visiting
visiting such
such a poor
a poor creature
creature as he
as he
was,was, to use
to use his his
ownown expression.
expression. On On blessing
blessing me me
he he even
even wanted
wanted to kiss
to kiss
my my hands,
hands, andand repeatedly
repeatedly bowed
bowed down
down to the
to the ground
ground to me."
to me."
It isItalso
is also well-known
well-known thatthat he used
he used to give
to give answers
answers to letters
to letters without
without
opening
opening them,
them, andand would
would say:say: "This
"This is what
is what to say
to say from
from poorpoor Seraphim
Seraphim
... ". .and
." and so on.
so on. After
After his his death
death many
many unopened
unopened letters
letters werewere found
found in his
in his
cell,cell,
the the answers
answers to which
to which hadhad been
been received
received mostly
mostly by word
by word o f mouth
of mouth
through
through a messenger.
a messenger.
ThisThis
waswas a miraculous
a miraculous andand extraordinary
extraordinary giftgift o f the
of the Holy
Holy Spirit.
Spirit. ButBut
all all
his his
lifelife
hadhad been
been leading
leading up up to the
to the giftgift of insight
of insight andand discernment.
discernment.
Constant
Constant reading
reading o f Holy
of Holy Scripture
Scripture andand profound
profound meditation
meditation on on its con ­
its con-
tents,
tents, the the study
study o f the
of the works
works o f the
of the Holy
Holy Fathers
Fathers andand
the the Lives
Lives o f the
of the Saints,
Saints,
the the wide
wide experience
experience derived
derived from
from his his
ownown spiritual
spiritual life,life,
andand even
even his his natu ­
natu-
ral ral intellectual
intellectual giftsgifts
- all all this
—this hadhad prepared
prepared the the Saint
Saint for for
the the extraordinary
extraordinary
graces.
graces. ButBut above
above all, all,
his his asceticism
asceticism hadhad paved
paved the the way
way- —beginning
beginning withwith
obedience,
obedience, andand ending
ending withwith prayer
prayer andand contemplation.
contemplation.
"Why
"Why are are there
there no no
truetrue elders
elders nowthey
now?" ? " they once
once asked
asked an an ascetic.
ascetic.
"Because
"Because there
there is no
is no truetrue obedience,
obedience," " was
was the the answer.
answer.
St. Seraphim
St. Seraphim saidsaid
the the same
same thing:
thing: " One
"One must
must obey
obey onesuperior,
one's 's superior,
for for
he he
whowho is obedient
is obedient makes
makes much
much progress
progress to the
to the edification
edification of his
of his soul;
soul;
besides
besides he he acquires
acquires thereby
thereby an an understanding
understanding o f things
of things andand comes
comes to to
com punction."
compunction."
St. Seraphim
St. Seraphim hadhad
alsoalso trodden
trodden thisthis
wayway to perfection.
to perfection. HisHis instructions
instructions
to superiors
to superiors maymay
alsoalso be fully
be fully applied
applied to him self
to himself as aasdirector
a director
andand elder.
elder.
"The
"The superiorhe
superior", ", says,
he says,
"as "as a shepherd
a shepherd o f rational
of rational sheep,
sheep, must
must have
have the the
giftgift
o f discernment,
of discernment, so to
so as as be
to always
be always ready
ready to give
to give advice
advice to everyone
to everyone whowho
needs
needs his his direction.
direction." But" But
the the
giftgift o f discernm ent
of discernment is given
is given in various
in various ways.
ways.
146
 S piritual Father a n d E lder

""The
The superior
superior must
must be
be versed
versed in
in Holy
Holy Scripture;
Scripture; he
he must
must meditate
meditate on
on
the
the Law
Lawooff the
the Lord
Lord day
day and
and night.
night. Through
Through suchsuch exercises
exercises he
he will
will be
be able
able
to gain the gift o f discerning good and
to gain the gift of discerning good and evil."evil. "
He
He must
must be perfect in
be ""perfect in every
every virtue
virtue (Heb.
(Heb. 13:21)
13:21) and
and must
must have
have his
his
senses trained by long study and experience to discern good and
senses trained by long study and experience to discern good and evil." evil. "
(Heb. 5:14)
(Heb.5:14)
But
Butat
atthe
the same
same time,
time, discernment
discernment isisaagift
gift ooff God. Not everyone,
God. ""Not everyone,""— he
-he
isisquoting
quoting the
the words
words ooff St.
St.Peter
Peter ooff Damascus
Damascus —" can be
- "can be trusted
trusted to
to give
give ad
ad-­
vice
viceto
to those
those who
who seek
seek it;
it;but
but only
only he he who
who has
has received
received from
from God
God the
the gift
gift
of
of discernment
discernment and
and has
has acquired
acquired spiritual
spiritual insight —through long
insight-through long train
train-­
ing
ing in
in asceticism.
asceticism.""
W ithout this,
Without this, that
that isis ""before
before hehe can
can discern
discern good
good and
and evil,
evil, aa man
man isis
not
not capable
capable ooff feeding
feeding rational
rational sheep,
sheep, but
but only
only irrational
irrational ones;
ones; because
because
we
wecannot
cannot understand
understand the
the actions
actions ooff the
the evil
evil one
one without
without the
the knowledge
knowledge
of good and evil.
of good and evil." "
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim was
was speaking
speaking out
out ooff his
his own
own experience.
experience. Having
Having reached
reached
dispassion,
dispassion, he received revelations with his pure mind directly from the
he received revelations with his pure mind directly from the
Lord
Lordto
to W hom he
Whom he had
had surrendered
surrendered his
his whole
whole mind
mind and
and will.
will.
Let
Letusus take
take aa few
few more
more examples
examples ooff his
his spiritual
spiritual insight
insight and
and wise
wise di
di-­
rection.
rection.

OON
n GGOD
o d aAND u r AATTITUDE
n d oOUR o HHIM
t t i t u d e tTO im

The
The fathers
fathers wrote,
wrote, when
when asked:
asked: Seek
Seek the
the Lord,
Lord, but
but do
do not
not try
try to
to find
find
out where He lives.
out where He lives.
Where
Where God
God is,
is, there
there isis no
no evil.
evil. All
All that
that comes
comes from
from God
God isis peaceful
peaceful
and beneficial and leads man to hum ility and self - condemnation.
and beneficial and leads man to humility and self-condemnation.
When
When aam an receives
man receives something
something divine,
divine, he
he rejoices
rejoices in
in heart;
heart; but
but when
when
ititcomes
comes from
from the
the devil,
devil. he
he isistroubled.
troubled.
Having
Having received
received aa divine
divine gift,
gift, the
the Christian
Christian heart
heart does
does not
not need
need anan
assurance from outside as to whether it is truly from the Lord, but
assurance from outside as to whether it is truly from the Lord, but by itsby its
very
very action
action he
he isisconvinced
convinced that
that itit isisheavenly;
heavenly; for
for he
he feels
feels in
in him self the
himself the
spiritual fruits: love, joy, peace, and so on. (Gal. 5:22) On the
spiritual fruits: love, joy, peace, and so on. (Gal. 5:22) On the other hand,other hand,
even
even ififthe
the devil
devil transforms
transforms him self into
himself into an
an angel
angel ooff light
light (II
(II Cor.
Cor. 11:14)
11:14)
147
AN A Fn E! R.\OIZI)I'\.\IZ\
x t r a o r d i n a r Pllil
y P eace

or suggests
or suggests plausible
plausible thoughts,
thoughts, yetyet
thethe heart
heart feels
feels a certain
a certain diffidence
diffidence andand
thethe thoughts
thoughts areare troubled.
troubled.
He He
whowho loves
loves him self
himself cannot
cannot lovelove God.
God.
Faith
Faith is the
is the beginning
beginning o f our
of our union
union with
with God.
God.
True
True hope
hope seeks
seeks only
only thethe Kingdom
Kingdom of God
of God andand is sure
is sure thatthat everything
everything
earthly
earthly thatthat is necessary
is necessary for for
thisthis temporal
temporal lifelife
willwill undoubtedly
undoubtedly be be given.
given.
A man
A man who
who hashas made
made it his
it his aimaim to follow
to follow thethe
wayway o f inward
of inward attention,
attention,
must
must firstfirst o f all
of all havehave
thethe
fearfear o f God.
of God.
AllAll
ourour enemyendeavor
enemy's 's endeavor is to
is to avert
avert ourour thought
thought from
from thethe remem ­
remem-
brance
brance andand
fearfear
andand love
love o f God.
of God. (St. Macarius
CSt.Macarius thethe Great)
Great)
In order
In order to contemplate
to contemplate thethe Holy
Holy Trinity
Trinity we we should
should pray
pray for for
it toit Basil
to Basil

thethe Great,
Great, Gregory
Gregory thethe Theologian
Theologian andand John
John Chrysostom
Chrysostom whowho taught
taught
about
about thethe Trinity
Trinity andand whose
whose intercession
intercession maymay attract
attract to to a person
a person thethe
blessing
blessing o f the
of the Most
Most Holy
Holy Trinity.
Trinity. ButBut
we we must
must beware
beware o f contemplating
of contemplating
directly
directly o f our
of our ownown accord.
accord.
Reverent
Reverent carecare is needed
is needed here
here because
because thisthis
sea,sea,
thatthat is, the
is, the heart
heart with
with
its its thoughts
thoughts andand desires,
desires, is great
is great andand wide;
wide; there
there areare reptiles
reptiles without
without
number,
number, (Ps.
CPs. 103:25)
103:25) thatthat
is, is,
manymany vain,
vain, wrong
wrong andand impure
impure thoughts,
thoughts,
thethe progeny
progeny o f evil
of evil spirits.
spirits.
WeWe shall
shall alsoalso consider
consider here
here thethe question
question of oblasphemous
f blasphemous thoughts.
thoughts.
First
First of all,
of all, Fr. Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim points
points outout
thethe ordinary
ordinary general
general rulerule which
which re- re­
quires
quires us us
notnot
to to
be be disturbed
disturbed when
when theythey assail
assail us us
in in spite
spite o f ourselves
of ourselves
andand even
even against
against ourour will;
will; andif "we
and" if we
do do
notnot consent
consent to the
to the evilevil thoughts
thoughts
which
which areare suggested
suggested to us
to us by by
thethe devil
devil we we
do do well."
well."
St. St. Seraphim
Seraphim waswas
ableable
to to inspire
inspire with
with thethe spirit
spirit o f faith
of faith people
people whowho
were
were most
most indifferent
indifferent to religion.
to religion. Once,
Once, thethe Kreditzkys,
Kreditzkys, husband
husband andand wife,
wife,
came
came to see
to see him.
him. Father
Father toldtold them
them much
much about
about thethe future
future life,life,
thethe saints,
saints,
andand o f how
of how OurOur Lady
Lady takes
takes carecare o f us
of us sinners.
sinners.
TheThe husband
husband writes:
writes:
This
This talktalk
diddid
notnot
taketake
moremorethanthan
an an hour.
hour. ButBut
suchsuch an hour!
an hour! I never
I never
had anything like it in all my life. Throughout the talk I felt in mymy
had anything like it in all my life. Throughout the talk I felt in
heart
heart an an inexplicable
inexplicable heavenly
heavenly sweetness
sweetness which
which camecame
fromfromGodGod
knows
knows where,
where, andand
whichwhichcouldcould
notnot be compared
be compared withwith anything
anything on on

148
 s P ! H I I li;\ i F ;\ T u r ii ;\ \ P L I. ill H

earth.
earth. Even
Even till
till now
now II cannot
cannot recall
recall itit without
without tears
tears of
of compunction
compunction
and
and aa most
most vivid
vivid sense
sense of
of joy
joy in
in all
all my
my being.
being.
Up
Up to
to that
that time,
time, though
though II had
had not
not denied
denied anything
anything sacred,
sacred, yet
yet neither
neither
had
had II affirmed
affirmed anything;
anything; everything
everything inin the
the spiritual
spiritual world
world was
was the
the
same
same to me, and I was equally indifferent to everything. Fr. Seraphim
to me, and I was equally indifferent to everything. Fr. Seraphim
made
made me
me now
now feel
feel for
for the
the first
first time
time the
the almightiness
almightiness of
of the
the Lord
Lord God
God
and
and His
His inexhaustible
inexhaustible mercy
mercy and
and perfection.
perfection.
Previously,
Previously, on
on account
account ofof my
my coldness
coldness of
of soul
soul towards
towards everything
everything
holy
holy and
and because
because II liked
liked to
to make
make godless
godless jokes,
jokes, the
the righteous
righteous Lord
Lord al
al-­
lowed
lowed the
the foul
foul spirit
spirit of
of blasphemy
blasphemy to
to take
take possession
possession of
of my
my thoughts,
thoughts,
and
and these
these blasphemous
blasphemous thoughts
thoughts which
which until
until now
now II cannot
cannot remember
remember
without
without the
the greatest
greatest horror,
horror, continually
continually afflicted
afflicted me
me for
for three
three whole
whole
years,
years, especially
especially at
at prayer,
prayer, in
in church
church and,
and, most
most of
of all,
all, when
when II prayed
prayed
to
to the
the Queen
Queen of
of Heaven.
Heaven. II already
already thought
thought in
in despair
despair that
that no
no torments
torments
would
would be
be aa sufficient
sufficient punishment,
punishment, according
according to
to earthly
earthly judgment,
judgment, and
and
that
that only
only the
the eternal
eternal torments
torments of
of hell
hell would
would be
be aa just
just retribution
retribution for
for
my
my blasphemies.
blasphemies.
But
But Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim set
set my
my mind
mind completely
completely at
at rest
rest in
in his
his talk
talk by
by saying
saying
with
with the
the inexpressibly
inexpressibly joyful
joyful smile
smile which
which was
was peculiar
peculiar to
to him
him that
that II
ought
ought not
not to
to fear
fear this turmoil of
this ""turmoil of thought,
thought,"" that
that this
this was
was the
the result
result of
of
enemy
enemy action caused by envy and that I should always continue fear
action caused by envy and that I should always continue fear-­
lessly
lessly in
in prayer,
prayer, whatever
whatever foul
foul and
and blasphemous
blasphemous thought
thought the
the enemy
enemy
might
might suggest.
suggest. From
From that
that time
time this
this turmoil
turmoil of
of thoughts
thoughts really
really began
began to
to
disappear
disappear little
little by
by little,
little, and
and completely
completely ceased
ceased in
in less
less than
than aa month.
month.

But
But sometimes
sometimes this
this temptation
temptation ofof blasphemous
blasphemous thoughts
thoughts isis sent
sent for
for ex
ex-­
perience.
perience. Archimandrite
Archimandrite Nikon
Nikon writes
writes that
that while
while still
still in
in the
the seminary,
seminary, he he
went
went to
to the
the holy
holy Elder
Elder with
with aa question
question about
about monasticism.
monasticism. Father
Father blessed
blessed
him
him and
and gave
gave him
him instructions.
instructions. After
After the
the second
second visit
visit Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim said
said
to
to him
him:: ""Good-bye.
Good -bye. Come
Come to
to me
me in
in six
six days
days' ' time.
time."" Father
Father Nikon
Nikon writes:
writes:
This
This period
period was
was very
very troubled,
troubled, for
for blasphemous
blasphemous thoughts
thoughts assailed
assailed me
me
to
to such
such an
an extent
extent that
that II could
could not
not go
go to
to church.
church. II would
would have
have left
left the
the
monastery,
monastery, but
but was
was restrained
restrained by
by Fr.
Fr. Hilarion,
Hilarion, (the
(the confessor)
confessor) who
who
said: The Elder
said: ""The Elder knows
knows what
what he
he is
is doing.
doing."" At
At the
the end
end of
of nine
nine days
days II
was
was completely
completely exhausted
exhausted by by the
the enemy's
enemy's assaults,
assaults, and
and could
could hardly
hardly
drag
drag myself
myself to
to his
his cell.
cell. II came
came to
to the
the door
door and
and before
before II had
had time
time to
to say
say

149
AA NN EE Xx Tr RIi A 0() RIi Di)I !N A \ R[,YY PP |-I.A.\ CC HI
the
the prayer,
prayer, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim opened
opened the
the door,
door, and
and fell
fell at
at my
my feet
feet saying:
saying:
Forgive me
""Forgive me for
for the
the temptation
temptation from
from which
which you
you have
have suffered.
suffered. ItIt was
was to
to
let you know that you will have such afflictions on embracing monasti
let you know that you will have such afflictions on embracing monasti--
cism;
cism; but
but do
do not
not get
get despondent.
despondent.""
Then
Then he
he put
put on
on his
his stole,
stole, confessed
confessed me
me and
and ordered
ordered me
me to
to Holy
Holy
Communion
Communion at the late Liturgy. As soon as I had done so, all
at the late Liturgy. As soon as I had done so, all that
that was
was
dark
dark withdrew
withdrew from
from me
me into
into the
the darkness.
darkness.

""Without
W ithout God
God's's help,
help,"" said
said Fr.
Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, ""it
it is
is impossible
impossible to
to be
be saved.
saved.
W hen the Lord leaves a man to himself, then the devil is ready
When the Lord leaves a man to himself, then the devil is ready to grind to grind
him
him as
as aa m illstone grinds
millstone grinds aa grain
grain ooff wheat.
wheat.""

O n P rayer
ON PRAYER

Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim lived
lived him self in
himself in unceasing
unceasing prayer
prayer and
and instructed
instructed others
others
to do the same. " Through it, " he said, " if you keep peace
to do the same. "Through it," he said, "if you keep peace of conscience, o f conscience,
itit is
is possible
possible toto approach
approach GodGod andand to
to unite
unite with
with Him.
Him."" Therefore
Therefore he
he ad
ad-­
vised
vised people
people to
to train
train themselves
themselves in in the
the constant
constant remembrance
remembrance of
of G od s
God's
name
name and
and to
to say
say the
the Prayer
Prayer of
of Jesus.
Jesus.
Many
Many among
among the the simple
simple people
people told
told him
him that
that on
on account
account ooff their
their ilil-­
literacy
literacy or
or lack
lack ooff tim
timee they
they could
could not
not read
read the
the appointed
appointed rules
rules ooff prayer.
prayer.
To
To such
such people
people Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim gave
gave aa rule
rule which
which could
could be
be carried
carried out
out quite
quite
easily.
easily.
Let every
""Let every Christian
Christian onon rising
rising from
from sleep,
sleep, stand
stand before
before the
the ikons
ikons and
and
read the Lord ' s prayer Our Father three times in honour o f
read the Lord's prayer Our Father three times in honour of the Most Holy the Most Holy
Trinity,
Trinity, then
then the
the song
song to
to the
the Mother
Mother of of God
God H ail Virgin
Hail, Virgin Mother God also
Mother ooff God also
three
three times,
times, and
and finally
finally the
the Creed
Creed II believe
believe in
in one
one God...
God ... once.3
once.'
The above
""The prayers, explained Fr. Seraphim,
above prayers," explained Fr. Seraphim, ""are
" are the
the foundations
foundations
ooff Christianity.
Christianity. The
The first,
first, as
as the
the prayer
prayer given
given by
by the
the Lord
Lord Himself,
Himself, is
is the
the
model
model of every prayer; the second was brought down from Heaven
o f every prayer; the second was brought down from Heaven by
by an
an
Archangel
Archangel as
as aa salutation
salutation to to the
the Virgin
Virgin Mary,
Mary, the
the Mother
Mother ooff the
the Lord.
Lord. And
And
the
the Creed
Creed contains
contains in in brief
brief all
all the
the saving
saving dogmas
dogmas ooff the
the Christian
Christian faith.
faith.
Having performed
""Having performed thisthis rule,
rule, let
let every
every Christian
Christian go go to
to the
the work
work to
to
which he has been appointed or called. But during his work,
which he has been appointed or called. But during his work, at home, at home, or
or
33 See Simple Rule p. 327.— ed.
See Simple Rule p. 327.-ed.
150
 S i' i Ii i I U .\ L F.\ J 1I r H \ \ E iD L R

ononhishisway
waytotosome
someplace,
place,letlethim
himsay
say softly,Lord
softly, Lord JesusChrist,
Jesus Christ,Son
Sonof oGod,
f God,
havemercy
have mercyononmemea sinner. But
a sinner.But if if
heheis issurrounded
surroundedbyby people,
people, whiledoing
while doing
whateverhehehas
whatever hastotodo,
do,letlethim
himsay
saymentally
mentallyonly,
only,Lord,
Lord,have
havemercy! and
mercy!and
continuetilltilllunch-time.
continue lunch - time.
" Beforelunch
"Before lunchletlethim
himagain
againperform
performthe
theabove-mentioned
above - mentionedmorning
morning
rule(three
rule (threetimes).
tim es).
"Afterlunch
"After lunchletletevery
everyChristian
Christianwhile
whilegoing
goingabout
abouthishisbusiness
businesssay
say
softly:Most
softly: Most holy
holy Mother
Mother of oGod,
f God,save
save
memea sinner, andletlet
a sinner,and himcontinue
him continuethat
that
untilbedtime.
until bedtime.
"If" Ifhehehappens
happenstotospend
spendhishistime
tim ealone,
alone,letlethim
himsay:
say:Lord
Lord JesusChrist,
Jesus Christ,
throughthetheMother
through Motherof oGod,
f God,have
havemercy
mercyononmemea sinner.
a sinner.
"At bedtime
"Atbedtime letlet every
every Christianread
Christian read again
again thetheabove-mentioned
above - mentionedmorn-
m orn ­
ing
ing rule.
rule. Then
Then letlethim
himgogo
totosleep,
sleep,having
having protectedhimself
protected h im self withthe
with the sign
sign
ofof
thethecross.
cross.
" Bykeeping
"By keepingthis
thissimple
simplerule,"
rule,"said
saidFather,
Father,"it" itis ispossible
possibletotoreach
reacha a
measureofoChristian
measure f Christianperfection
perfectionand
anddivine
divinelove."
love."
Butif ifanyone
But anyonecannot
cannotkeep
keepeven
eventhis
thisrule
ruleforforgood
goodand
andvalid
validrea-
rea ­
sons —for
sons-for instance,a servant-St.
instance, a servant —St. Seraphimrecommended
Seraphim recommended that
that it it should
should
bebesaid
saidininany
anyposition
positionat atwork,
work,ononthe
themove,
move,ororeven
evenininbed-remem-
b ed —rem em ­
beringthe
bering thewords
wordsofothe
f theLord:
Lord:"Whoever
" Whoever shallcall
shall callupon
uponthe
thename
nameofothe
f the
Lord
Lord shallbebesaved."
shall saved."(Joel
(Joel2:32,
2:32,Rom.
Rom.10:13)
10:13)
Xenia
Xenia Vasilievna
Vasilievna writes:
writes:
Father
Father once
once asked
asked me,"Do
me, "Do you
you pray,
pray, mymy joy? "
joy?"
"Oh,
"Oh, after
after a fashion,
a fashion, Father,
Father, butbut what
what kind
kind ofof prayer
prayer is is
it!it!I am
I am a sinner!
a sinner!
Often there is really no time, " I replied.
Often there is really no time," I replied.
"Never
"Never m in d !said
mind!" " said Father."I "just
Father. I just wanted
wanted to totelltell
youyou notnotto to worry
worry about
about
that.
that. When
When youyou have
have time,
time, donbe
don't 't be idle,
idle, butbut keep
keep thethe whole
whole rule
rule and
and
pray.
pray. But But if you
if you haventime,
haven't 't time, mymy joy,
joy, saysay just
just thethesmall
small rulerulein in
thethe
morning,at at
morning, midday
midday andandat at night
night even
even while
while at at work.
work. If If possible,
possible, keep
keep
the other rule too.4 But if n ot — well, do as the
the other rule too." But if not-well, do as the Lord helps you. Only Lord helps you. Only
don fail
don't 't fail somehow
somehow oror other,
other, to tomake
make thetheprostrations
prostrations to tothethe Saviour
Saviour
and
and thethe Mother
Mother ofof God.
God. Make
Make them
them at at
allall costs,
costs, mother."
mother."

4 4That
That
is,is,
thethe rule
rule of of
thethe convent,
convent, as as explained
explained below.
below.

151
A\ A n E x t r a o r d i n a r y[>1.:,\([,
E\IRclOHIlI\\HY P eace

ToTo
thethe sisters
sisters of of
thethe Diveyev
Diveyev Mill
Mill Convent
Convent Father
Father even
even gave
gave a new
a new rulerule
of odaily
f daily services
services adapted
adapted to to
ourour feeble
feeble tim es
times andand
to to womanly
womanly weakness.
weakness.
Fr.Fr. Vasily
Vasily Sadovsky
Sadovsky writes:
writes:
Foreseeing
Foreseeing a period
a period of of slackness,
slackness, feeble
feeble strength
strength andand feeble
feeble people,
people, Fr.Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim advised
advised thethe Diveyev
Diveyev nuns
nuns to to give
give up up
thethe
rulerule
of of
thethe Sarov
Sarov
Monastery
Monastery which
which waswas beyond
beyond thethe strength
strength of of womanly
womanly frailty.
frailty.

"It "It is difficult

is difficult evenevenforfor a man
a man to to
keepkeepit" it,Fr.
" Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim saidsaid
to to
me.me.
"Therefore,
"Therefore, I have
I have given
given a new
a new andand easier
easier rulerule
to to
thisthis convent
convent according
according
to tothethe comm and
command of of
thethe Queen
Queen of of Heaven
Heaven herself
herself to to
me,me, poor
poor Seraphim.
Seraphim.
The following should be said three times a day:
The following should be said three times a day: It is truly meet once, It is truly meet once,
Our Father thrice, Virgin Mother of God thrice, the
Our Father thrice, Virgin Mother of God thrice, the Creed, then Lord Jesus Creed, then Lord Jesus
Christ,
Christ, havehave mercy
mercy on on
me me a sinner,
a sinner, twice,
twice, andand LordLord Jesus
Jesus Christ,
Christ, havehave mer­
mer-
cyancy on us sinners
us sinners once,
once, all all with
with bows
bows to to
thethe waist;
waist; then then Lord
Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ,
Christ,
through
through OurOur Lady,
Lady, Virgin
Virgin Mary,
Mary, Mother
Mother of God,
of God, havehave mercy
mercy on on
me,me, a sinner,
a sinner,
twice,
twice, andand
LordLord Jesus
Jesus Christ,
Christ, through
through OurOurLady,Lady, Virgin
Virgin Mary,
Mary, Mother
Mother of God,
of God,
have mercy on us sinners, once, also with bows to
have mercy on us sinners, once, also with bows to the waist; then twelve the waist; then twelve
timestimes Lord
Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ,
Christ, ourour God,
God, havehave mercy
mercy on on
us, us,
andand twelve
twelve times
times MyMy
Lady,
Lady, most
most holyholy Mother
Mother of God,
of God, savesave
us us sinners,
sinners, all all
withwithbowsbowsto to
thethe waist.
waist.
"Also
"Also thethe morning
morning andand evening
evening prayers,
prayers, andand
thethe intercession,5
intercession." with
with thethe
twelve
twelve select
select Psalms
Psalms of of
thethe Holy
Holy Fathers.
Fathers. Then
Then oneone hundred
hundred prostra ­
prostra-
tions
tions to to Jesus
Jesus andand
oneone hundred
hundred prostrations
prostrations to to
OurOur Lady.
Lady.
"This
"This is sufficient
is sufficient forfor them,said
them," " said
Fr.Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. If only
"If "only they
they keep
keep it, it,
they
they willwill
be be saved."
saved."
Such
Such waswas
hishis simple
simple rulerule of prayer
of prayer which
which waswas within
within everyone's
everyone's power.6
power."
"All
"All extra
extra services,
services, such
such as as
an an Akathist,
Akathist, must
must on on
no no account
account be be obligato ­
obligato-
ry for all under my direction, Father, but quite voluntary, " Fr. Seraphim
ry for all under my direction, Father, but quite voluntary," Fr. Seraphim
added.
added.
At At
thethe same
same timSt.
time e St. Seraphim
Seraphim valued
valued quite
quite rightly
rightly thethe spirit
spirit of o f prayer
prayer
rather
rather than
than thethe mere
mere formal
formal observance
observance of othe
f the
rulerule
of oprayer.
f prayer.
HeHe
hadhad
an an
important
important talktalk
on on
thisthis subject
subject with
with thethe novice,
novice, John
John Petrov who
Petrovwho waswas at that
at that
timprecentor?
time e precentor7
andand later,
later, master
master of oceremonies"
f ceremonies8
in in Sarov.
Sarov. Petrov
Petrov writes:
writes:

5 5Russian:
Russian: Pomyannik.
Pomyannik.
6 6Seefull
See full Diveyev
Diveyev RuleRule p. 332. — ed.
p. 332.-ed.
7 7Russian:
Russian: Kanonarch
Kanonarch
8 8Russian:
Russian: Ustavshtashik
Ustavshtashik

152
 S 1> I It ! f L! ;\ L F i\ THE!{ _-\-, [) E L Ll I- {{
Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim wanted
wanted exterior
exterior worship
worship to
to be
be combined
combined with
with interior,
interior,
spiritual
spiritual prayer;
prayer; because
because merely
merely outward
outward worship
worship alone
alone is
is not
not pleas
pleas-­
ing
ing to
to the
the Lord.
Lord. He
He said
said Himself
Himself that
that cursed
cursed is
is he
he who
who does
does the
the work
work
of
of the
the Lord
Lord negligently
negligently (Jer.
(Jer. 445:10)
5 :1 0 ) Then
Then he
he began
began to
to rebuke
rebuke meme gently
gently,
saying: " Some people apparently read well, but they don ' t understand
saying: "Some people apparently read well, but they don't understand
the
the meaning
meaning of
of what
what they
they are
are reading.
reading. Many
Many say
say that
that they
they have
have been
been
at
at the
the Liturgy,
Liturgy, or
or at
at Matins,
Matins, or
or at
at Vespers,
Vespers, and
and deceive
deceive themselves
themselves with
with
the
the false
false hope
hope that
that they
they really
really were
were there;
there; but
but in
in actual
actual fact,
fact, where
where was
was
their
their mind wandering at the time? They were only bodily in the
mind wandering at the time? They were only bodily in the temple
temple
of
of God.
God. But
But you
you have
have just
just been
been at
at the
the early
early Liturgy
Liturgy. W hat Apostle9
What Apostle? and
and
Gospel
Gospel were
were read?
read?""
Sometimes
Sometimes through
through inattention
inattention II could
could give
give no
no answer.
answer. Then
Then he
he usu
usu-­
ally
ally told
told me
me himself
himself exactly
exactly what
what had
had been
been read.
read.

On
On the
the other
other hand,
hand, taught
taught St.
St. Seraphim,
Seraphim, ""When
W hen the
the mind
mind andand heart
heart
are
are united
united inin prayer
prayer and
and thethe thoughts
thoughts ooff the
the soul
soul are
are not
not distracted,
distracted, thethe
heart
heart is
is kindled
kindled with
with aa spiritual
spiritual warmth
warmth outout ooff which
which shines
shines the
the light
light ooff
Christ
Christ filling
filling all
all the
the inner
inner man
man with
with peace
peace and
and joy.
joy.
But if
""But if during
during prayer
prayer your
your mind
mind is
is captured
captured and
and your
your thoughts
thoughts de
de-­
spoiled,
spoiled, then
then you
you must
must humble
humble yourself
yourself before
before the
the Lord
Lord God
God and
and ask
ask
forgiveness, saying: I have sinned, O Lord, in word, deed, thought and with
forgiveness, saying: I have sinned, 0 Lord, in word, deed, thought and with
all
all my
my senses."
senses."
To
To the
the future
future monk,
monk, Fr.
Fr. Nikon,
Nikon, he
he even
even gave
gave advice
advice concerning
concerning out
out-­
ward
ward methods
methods ooff the
the Prayer
Prayer ooff Jesus. Learn to
Jesus. ""Learn to say
say the
the prayer
prayer while
while breath
breath- ­
ing
ing through
through the
the nose
nose with
with closed
closed lips.
lips. This
This art
art is
is aa whip
whip against
against the
the flesh
flesh
and
and fleshly
fleshly desires.
desires.""
But
But the
the attention
attention should
should chiefly
chiefly be
be in
in the
the spirit.
spirit.
Mere exterior
""Mere exterior prayer
prayer is
is not
not sufficient,
sufficient," " Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim also
also said
said to
to him.
him.
"God
"God attends
attends to
to the
the mind,
mind, and
and therefore
therefore monks
monks who
who do
do not
not unite
unite exterior
exterior
prayer
prayer with
with interior,
interior, are
are not
not monks,
monks, but
but charred
charred logs.
logs.
Practise mental
""Practise mental prayer
prayer ooff the
the heart
heart as
as it
it is
is taught
taught by
by the
the Holy
Holy Fathers
Fathers
in
in The
The Philokalia, for the
Philokalia,for the Prayer
Prayer ooff Jesus
Jesus is
is aa lamp
lamp for
for our
our paths
paths and
and aa guid
guid- ­
ing
ing star
star to
to Heaven."
Heaven."

99 The
The reading
reading from
from the
the Acts
Acts of
of the
the Apostles and the
Apostles and Epistles is
the Epistles called the
is called the "Apostle."
"Apostle." The
The
Apocalypse
Apocalypse is
is never
never read
read in
in Church.
Church.

153
AA nN EEXT!(
x t r a\ o0 r[{dni InNa.\r[{yY P
P er«:
a c ef

""This
This is
is the valuable
valuable advice which
which was given to me by the inspired
inspired
Elder,
Elder,"" concluded
concluded Fr.
Fr. Nikon.
Nikon. ""It
It is my dearest
dearest treasure
treasure on earth.
earth.""
To
To the layman
layman Bogdanov, Fr. Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim gave advice in the words
words of
the Gospel: ""In
In praying
praying do not speak
speak m uch,10 for your
much.'? your Father
Father knows
knows what
what
you
you need before
before you
you ask Him. Pray then
then like this: Our Father, and
Our Father, and so on.
(Mat. 6:7 - 13) In the Lord
6:7-13) 's Prayer, is the Lord
Lord's 's grace. All that
Lord's that the Church
Church
has
has embraced
embraced and handed
handed down
down to us ought
ought to be dear
dear to the heart
heart of a
Christian.
Christian. Do not forget feast days, be temperate,
temperate, and go to Church
Church un
un-­
less
less you are unwell.
unwell. Pray for all. You
You will do much
much good in this
this way.
way. Give
candles,
candles, wine
wine and oil to the Church.
Church.""

O
ONn O rthodoxy
ORTHODOXY

The experience
experience ooff his own
own life and
and still more his knowledge
knowledge ooff the
Word of God, ooff the works ooff the Holy Fathers
Fathers and
and the Lives
Lives ooff Saints,
gave him an undoubting
undoubting confidence
confidence in the truth
truth ooff Orthodoxy.
Orthodoxy. This was
expressed
expressed very forcibly in his wonderful
wonderful conversation
conversation with
with N. A. Motovilov.
N.A.
But he spoke ooff it also on other
other occasions.
occasions.
Four old - ritualists1
old-ritualists" 1 once came to him in order
order to ask him about
about the
sign ooff the cross made with two fingers, and wanting
wanting a miracle as evidence
evidence
ooff the
the truth.
truth. They
They had
had hardly
hardly crossed
crossed the
the threshold
threshold ooff his
his cell,
cell, when
when Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim read
read their
their thoughts,
thoughts, took
took the first man
man by the hand,
hand, folded
folded his
fingers in the Orthodox
Orthodox way and, crossing
crossing him, said: ""This
This is the Christian
Christian
sign ooff the cross!
cross! Pray in this way and tell others
others to do so. This way of
making
making the
the sign
sign ooff the
the cross
cross has
has been
been handed
handed down
down to
to us
us by
by the
the holy
holy
Apostles;
Apostles; but the
the two -finger way
two-finger way is against
against holy tradition.
tradition.""
And he
he added
added with power: ""II beg and
and implore
implore you to go to the Greek
Greek--
Russian
Russian Church.
Church. It is
is in all the power
power and
and glory ooff God! Like a ship with
many
many masts, sails and a great helm,
helm, it is steered
steered by the Holy Spirit.

10
10 This
This is
is how
how the
the Slavonic
Slavonic renders
renders (unreadable
(unreadable Cyrillic
Cyrillic word).
word). St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim omits
omits the
the
next
next three
three clauses.
clauses. The
The Greek
Greek of
of Mat.
Mat. 6:7
6:7 may
may be
be translated:
translated: ""And
And in
in praying,
praying, do
do not
not jabber
jabber
like
like the
the heathen;
heathen; for
for they
they think
think that
that they
they will
will be
be heard
heard for
for their
their volubility."
volubility."
11
11 Also
Also known
known asas "Old
"Old Believers"
Believers"— those who
-those who opposed
opposed the
the reforms
reforms ofof Patriarch
Patriarch Nikon
Nikon
of
of Moscow
Moscow (1652)
(1652) and
and were
were eventually
eventually split
split from
from the
the hierarchy
hierarchy ofof the
the Russian
Russian Church.
Church.
Because
Because they
they kept
kept the
the older
older liturgical
liturgical practises,
practises, they
they were
were also
also called
called "old -ritualists."— ed.
"old-ritualists."-ed.

154
 S f' Ii! [ .\ L r.\ Iii [ R \ II E I. D ! H

"Itsgood
"Its goodhelmsmen
helm smenare
arethe
thedoctors
doctorsofo fthe
theChurch.
Church.The
Thearchpastors
archpastors
arethe
are thesuccessors
successorsofo fthe
theApostles.
Apostles.But
Butyour
yourchapel
chapelisislike
likea asmall
smallrowing-
rowing-
boatwithout
boat withoutrudder
rudderand
andoars;
oars;ititisissecured
securedtotothe
theship
shipofo four
ourChurch,
Church,and
and
floatsbehind
floats behindit.it.The
Thewaves
waveswash
washover
overit,it,and
andititwould
wouldhave
havecertainly
certainlygone
gone
downififitithad
down hadnot
notbeen
beensecured
securedtotothe
theship."
ship."
Anothertime
Another tim ean
anold-ritualist
old - ritualistasked
askedhim:
him: "Tell
"Tellme,
me,old
oldman
manofo fGod,
God,
whichfaith
which faithisisthe
thebest-the
best —thepresent
presentfaith
faithofo fthe
theChurch
Churchororthe
theold
oldone?"
on e? "
"Stopyour
"Stop yournonsense,"
nonsense,"replied
repliedFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimsharply,
sharply,contrary
contrarytotohis
his
wont."Our
wont. " Ourlife
lifeisisa asea,
sea,the
theHoly
HolyOrthodox
OrthodoxChurch
Churchisisour
ourship,
ship,and
andthe
the
Helmsmanisisthe
Helmsman theSaviour
SaviourHimself.
Himself.Ifwith
If withsuch
sucha aHelmsman,
Helmsman,on
onaccount
account
ofo ftheir
theirsinful
sinfulweakness
weaknesspeople
peoplecross
crossthe
thesea
seaofo flife
lifewith
withdifficulty
difficultyand
and
arenot
are notall
allsaved
savedfrom
fromdrowning,
drowning,where
wheredo
doyou
youexpect
expecttotoget
getwith
withyour
your
littledinghy?
little dinghy?And
Andhow
howcan
canyou
youhope
hopetotobe
besaved
savedwithout
withoutthe
theHelmsman?"
H elm sm an? "
Oncethey
Once theybrought
broughthim
hima awoman
womanwhose
whoselimbs
limbswere
weresosodistorted
distortedthat
that
herknees
her kneeswere
werebent
bentup
uptotoher
herbreast.
breast.She
Shehad
hadpreviously
previouslybeen
beenOrthodox,
Orthodox,
buthaving
but havingmarried
marriedan
anold-ritualist,
old - ritualist, she
shestopped
stoppedgoing
goingtotochurch.
church. St.
St.
Seraphimcured
Seraphim curedher
herininfront
frontofo fall
allthe
thepeople
peopleby
byanointing
anointingher
herbreast
breast
andhands
and handswith
withoil
oilfrom
fromhis
hisikon-lamp,
ikon -lamp,and
andthen
thenordered
orderedher
herand
andher
her
relationstotopray
relations prayininthe
theOrthodox
O rthodoxway.
way.
"Didsome
"Did someofo fyour
yournow-deceased
now -deceasedrelatives
relativespray
praywith
withthe
thetwo-finger
two -finger
signofo fthe
sign thecross?"
cross? "he
heasked.
asked.
"Tomy
"To mygreat
greatgrief,
grief,everyone
everyoneprayed
prayedlike
likethat
thatininour
ourfamily,"
family,"she
shereplied.
replied.
Fr.Seraphim
Fr. Seraphimreflected
reflectedaalittle,
little,and
andthen
thenremarked:
remarked:"Even
"Eventhough
thoughthey
they
werevirtuous
were virtuouspeople,
people,they
theywill
willbe
bebound;
bound;the
theHoly
HolyOrthodox
OrthodoxChurch
Church
doesnot
does notaccept
acceptthis
thissign
signofofthe
thecross."
cross."
Thenhe
Then heasked:
asked:"Do
" Doyou
youknow
knowtheir
theirgraves?
graves?Go,
Go,mother,
mother,tototheir
theirgraves,
graves,
makethree
make threeprostrations
prostrationsand
andpray
praytotothe
theLord
Lordthat
thatHe
Hemay
mayrelease
releasethem
them
inineternity."
eternity."
Herliving
Her livingrelatives
relativesafterwards
afterwardsobeyed
obeyedFr.
Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim sinstructions.
instructions.
Anotheredifying
Another edifyingcase
casewas
wasthat
thatofo faawoman
womanwho
whohad
hadbeen
beenadopted
adoptedasas
a athree-year-old
three -year-oldorphan
orphanby
byold-ritualists.
old -ritualists.After
Aftertheir
theirdeath
deathshe
shefirst
firstjoined
joined
theircommunity,
their community,but
butthen
thenshe
shestarted
starteda alife
lifeofo fpilgrimage
pilgrimageand
andwent
wentfrom
from
oneelder
one eldertotoanother.
another.She
Shewrites:
writes:

155
:\" A EXT
N E IIX .\T ()R AR 0U R! "D ,\!NH \A. RPY E P\ (E. tA C E

MyMy whole
whole object
object waswas to find
to find someone
someone whowho could
could teach
teach me,me, a sinner,
a sinner,
howhow to save
to save mymy soul.
soul. I also
I also hadhad a misgiving.
a misgiving. I was
I was in doubt
in doubt whether
whether
I could
I could have
have benefactors
benefactors prayed
prayed for for in the
in the O rthodox
Orthodox Church.
Church. At At
lastlast
I I
reached Sarov. Reports about Fr. Seraphim had already spread
reached Sarov. Reports about Fr. Seraphim had already spread through- ­ through
outout Russia.
Russia.
I saw
I saw a crowd
a crowd of people
of people preparing
preparing to goto go somewhere.
somewhere. I inquired
I inquired andand
waswas
toldtold
thatthat
theythey
werewere
goinggoing to Fr.
to Fr. Seraphim's
Seraphim's hermitage.
hermitage. Though
Though I was
I was
veryvery tired
tired fromfromthe the journey,
journey, yet yet I forgot
I forgot about
about restrest
andandwentwent
withwith them.
them.
I wanted
I wanted to see
to see the the
ElderElder as soon
as soon as possible.
as possible. Having
Having passed
passed the the
mon-m on ­
astery,
astery, we we
wentwent along
along a forest
a forest path.
path. WeWe hadhad walked
walked about
about twotwo versts;
versts;
those
those whowho were
were stronger
stronger were
were ahead,
ahead, butbut I was
I was lagging
lagging behind
behind andandfol-fol­
lowing
lowing slowly
slowly in the
in the rear.
rear. Suddenly
Suddenly I looked
I looked to one
to one sideside
andand
sawsaw an an
oldold
wizened
wizened man,man,withwith whitish -looking
whitish-looking hairhair
andand a bent
a bent back,
back, in ainwhite
a white
cassock,
cassock, gathering
gathering sticks.
sticks. I went
I went up up to him
to him andand asked
asked himhim whether
whether it it
waswasfar far to Fr.
to Fr. Seraphim's
Seraphim's hermitage.
hermitage.

TheThe Elder
Elder putput down
down his his faggot,
faggot, gave
gave me me a serene12
a serene look
12 look andand asked
asked soft­
soft-
ly: ly: " What
"What do do
youyou want
want with
with poor
poor Seraphim,
Seraphim, mymy joy? "
joy?"
Only
Only thenthen
diddid I realize
I realize thatthat I was
I was talking
talking to the
to the Elder
Elder himself,
himself, andand
threw
threw myself
myself at his
at his feet,feet,
andand began
began to ask
to ask himhim to pray
to pray for for
me,me, unwor ­
unwor-
thythy
as Iaswas.
I was. "Rise,
"Rise, daughter
daughter Irene!
Irene!" " said
said the the ascetic,
ascetic, andandhe he
bentbent down
down
to help
to help me meup up himself.
himself. "I was
"I was justjust waiting
waiting for for
you.you. I did
I did notnot
wantwant
youyou
to have
to have come
come herehere
for for nothing,
nothing, whenwhenyouyouare are so tired."
so tired."
I was
I was astonished
astonished to be
to be called
called by by
mymy name
name whenwhen
he he
hadhad never
never seenseen
me me
before, and I trembled all over with fear; neither could I say
before, and I trembled all over with fear; neither could I say a word, a word,
butbut
justjust
gazedgazed at his
at his angelic
angelic face.
face.

Fr. Fr. Seraphim

Seraphim folded
folded mymy fingers
fingers in the
in the O rthodox
Orthodox wayway
andand crossed
crossed me me
himself
himself with
with mymy hand.
hand. "Cross
"Cross yourself
yourself likelike that,
that," he" he repeated
repeated twice;
twice;
" that
"that is how
is how GodGod commands
commands us."us."

AndAnd after
after a short
a short silence
silence he he
wentwent
on:on:
"As"As
for for
youryour benefactors,
benefactors, if you
if you
happen
happen to have
to have a kopeck,
a kopeck, givegive it without
it without misgiving
misgiving for for them
them to beto be
commemorated
commemorated at the
at the proskomidia.13
proskornidia." It isItnot
is not a sin ! "
a sin!"
Having
Having blessed
blessed me,me,
he he
heldheld
the the copper
copper cross
cross which
which waswas hanging
hanging on on
his his
chest for me to kiss, and gave me some biscuits from his
chest for me to kiss, and gave me some biscuits from his bag. "Now," bag. "Now,"
he he said,
said, "go"go in God's
in God's nam e!
name!" " Then
Then he he hurried
hurried away
away intointo
the the forest.
forest. I I
12 12Clear,
Clear, cloudless,
cloudless, bright,
bright, cheerful,
cheerful, glad.
glad.
13 13TheThe preparatory
preparatory partpart of the
of the Liturgy.
Liturgy.

156
 S,Spi';
i rK i! tr uU.H
a l Ff-a \tThf!e Ir H a \ n'\ d D E,-: l11)[
d e rR

dragged
dragged mymy feet
feet slowly
slowly back
back to
to the
the m onastery As
monastery As for
for my
my fellow -travel-
fellow-travel-
ers,
ers, they walked for a long time, but did not see the Elder. They did
they walked for a long time, but did not see the Elder. They did not
not
believe
believe me,
me, when
when IItold
told them
them that
that IIhad
had seen
seen him.
him.

But
But ifif Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim spoke
spoke ooff the
the superiority
superiority ooff Orthodoxy
Orthodoxy to
to old -rit-
old-rit-
ualism, still more did he consider it superior to Roman Catholicism.
ualism, still more did he consider it superior to Roman Catholicism. We We
read
read in
in the
the Diveyev
Diveyev Chronicle:
Chronicle:
He
He urged
urged us
us to
to stand
stand firmly
firmly for
for the
the truth
truth of
of the
the dogmas
dogmas of
of the
the
Orthodox Church, giving as an
Orthodox Church, giving as an exampleexample St.
St. Mark
Mark of
of Ephesus
Ephesus who
who
showed
showed unshakable
unshakable zeal
zeal in
in defense
defense of
of the
the Eastern
Eastern O rthodox faith
Orthodox faith at
at
the
the Council
Council of
of Florence.14
Florence. 14 He
He himself
himself gave
gave various
various instructions
instructions on
on
Orthodoxy,
Orthodoxy, explaining
explaining its
its essence
essence and
and stressing
stressing that
that itit alone
alone contained
contained
the
the truth of Christ's faith in its integrity and purity He also
truth of Christ's faith in its integrity and purity He also gave
gave in
in-­
structions
structions as
as to
to how
how to
to defend
defend it.
it.
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim had
had aa special
special love
love and
and reverence
reverence for
for those
those saints
saints who
who
zealously
zealously defended
defended thethe O rthodox faith,
Orthodox faith, such
such as
as St.
SI. Clement,
Clement, Pope
Pope
of
of Rome,
Rome, St.
St. John
John Chrysostom,
Chrysostorn. St.
St. Basil
Basil the
the Great,
Great, St.
St. Gregory
Gregory the
the
Theologian,
Theologian, St.
St.Athanasius
Athanasius of
of Alexandria,
Alexandria, St.
St. Cyril
Cyril of
of Jerusalem,
Ierusalern, St.
St.
Epiphanius
Epiphanius of Cyprus, St. Ambrose of Milan, and those like
of Cyprus, St. Ambrose of Milan, and those like them,
them, and
and
he
he called
called them
them the
the pillars
pillars of
of the
the Church.
Church. He
He often
often referred
referred to
to their
their
lives
lives and
and labours
labours as
as examples
examples of firm and
offirm and resolute
resolute faith.
faith. He
He also
also loved
loved
to
to speak of the saints of our own Church-Peter, Alexis, Jonah, Philip,
speak of the saints of our own Church — Peter, Alexis, Jonah, Philip,
St.
St. Dimitry
Dimitry of
of Rostov,
Rostov, St.
St. Stephen
Stephen ofof Perm,
Perm, St.
St. Sergius
Sergi us of
of Radonezh
Radonezh andand
other
other Russian
Russian saints,
saints, and
and held
held up
up their
their lives
lives as
as models
models onon the
the way
way to
to
salvation.
salvation. He
He knew
knew the
the Lives
Livesof
of the
the Saints
Saints as
as related
related in
in the
the Menology
Menology
and
and in
in the
the works
works of
of many
many of
of the
the fathers
fathers of
of the
the Church
Church so
so well
well that
that he
he
could
could quote
quote whole
whole passages
passages by
by heart.
heart.

We
We shall
shall insert
insert here
here the
the account
account ooff an
an extraordinary
extraordinary vision
vision granted
granted to to
aa Protestant, in which the superiority of the O rthodox
Protestant, in which the superiority of the Orthodox Church Church isis testified
testified
to
to even
even by
by an
an ascetic
ascetic of
of the
the Western
Western Church.
Church.

14
14 The
The object
object ofof this
this Council
Council was
was toto conclude
conclude aa "union
"union"" between
between thethe Orthodox
Orthodox and and
Roman
Roman Catholic
Catholic Churches
Churches ororrather
rather to
tobring
bring about
about the
the subordination
subordination ofofthe
the former
former to
to the
the
latter.
latter. But
But this
this dead
dead work
work was
was accepted
accepted neither
neither by
by the
the Greek
Creek nor
nor the
the Russian
Russian Orthodox
Orthodox
peoples.
peoples.

157
A AN N E X T i\R (,A 0H DiN
EXT!I
RD !NA RY PEAC I
'\ !( Y P F ,\ C ,

S t .SERAPHIM
ST.
S e r a p h i m AND
a n d F r a n c is of A ssisi
FRANCIS OF ASSISI

The event which we relate below was communicated to us verbally in

The event which we relate below was communicated to us verbally in
August1931
August 1931bybyMr.
Mr.K.K.who
whoafterwards
afterwardswrote
wroteit ittotoususinina aletter.
letter.ItItisisthis
this
letterwhich
letter whichwe
weshall
shallmake
makeuse
useofo here.
f here.

ItItisiscommon
com m onknowledge
knowledgethatthatSt.St.Seraphim
Seraphimknew
knewexperientially
experientiallyand and
saidmore
said morethan
thanonce
oncethat
thatChristianity,
Christianitywas waspreserved
preservedininallallitsitsplenitude
plenitude
andpurity
and purityininthe
theOrthodox
O rthodoxChurch.
Church.And
Andwhat
whatisismost
moststriking
strikingand
andcon-
con ­
vincingisishis
vincing hisown
ownsublime
sublimevirtue
virtueand
andthe
thefullness
fullnessofograce
f gracewhich
whichdwelt
dwelt

ininhim
himwith
withsuch
such"power"
" power"(Mark
(Mark9:9:1)
1) asasit itseldom
seldomdid
dideven
evenininthe
theancient
ancient
saints.ItItisissufficient
saints. sufficienttotomention
m entionmerely
merelythe
thetalk
talkofo N.A.
f N.A.Motovilov
Motovilovwith
with
theSaint
the Saint(during
(duringwhich
whichhehewas
wasmiraculously
miraculouslytransfigured
transfiguredlike
likethe
theLord
Lord

ononMount
MountTabor)
Tabor)ininorder
ordertotoestablish
establishwithout
withoutthe
theslightest
slightestdoubt
doubtthat
that
Orthodoxystill
Orthodoxy stillretains
retainsininactual
actualfact
factitsitsoriginal
originalpurity,
purityvitality,
vitalityfullness
fullness
andperfection.
and perfection.But
Butletletususquote
quotehis
hisown
ownwords:
words:
"Wehave
"We havethe
theOrthodox
O rthodoxfaith
faithwhich
whichhas
hasnot
notthe
theslightest
slightestblemish."
blemish."

"I"Ipray
prayand
andbeseech
beseechyou,"
you,"hehesaid
saidononanother
anotheroccasion
occasiontotosome
someold-
old-
ritualists,"go
ritualists, "gototothe
theGreek-Russian
Greek -RussianChurch.
Church.It Itisisininallallthe
theglory
gloryand
andpower
power

ofo God.
f God.ItItisisdirected
directedbybythe
theHoly
HolySpirit."
Spirit."
Thishas
This hasalso
alsobeen
beentestified
testifiedtotobybya afollower
followerofo fanother
anotherconfession.
confession.
Hereare
Here arethe
thefacts.
facts.Mr.
Mr.K.K.writes:
writes:

AAfriend
friend of mine forwarded to me a letter written in French in which
of mine forwarded to me a letter written in French in which
an Alsatian lady asks him to send her something about the Russian
an Alsatian lady asks him to send her something about the Russian
O rthodox C hurch —a prayer-book or something of the kind. If I am not
Orthodox Church-a prayer-book or something of the kind. If I am not
mistaken it was in the year 1925. Something was sent to her in answer
mistaken it was in the year 1925. Something was sent to her in answer
totoher
her letter; and there the matter rested for some time.
letter; and there the matter rested for some time.

InIn1927
1927 I was in that place and tried to make her acquaintance; but she
I was in that place and tried to make her acquaintance; but she
was away for the summer holidays, and I only made the acquaintance
was away for the summer holidays, and I only made the acquaintance
ofoher
f her mother -in -law, an old lady of great Christian charity and purity
mother-in-law, an old lady of great Christian charity and purity
of heart.
of heart.
She told me that their family belonged to an ancient and noble line in
She told me that their family belonged to an ancient and noble line in
Alsace, the N. N.'s, and that they were Protestants. It must be said that
Alsace, the N. N.'s, and that they were Protestants. It must be said that
in this district of Alsace the villages are of mixed faith, one half being
in this district of Alsace the villages are of mixed faith, one half being
Roman Catholics and the other half Protestants. They share a common
Roman Catholics and the other half Protestants. They share a common
158
 S l' ! t, j r u ,\ L r,\T 11 L j( ,\ -, DEi. n I. i?
church, in which they perform their services in turns. At the end of
church, in which they perform their services in turns. At the end of
the church there is a Roman altar with statues and all appurtenances.
the church there is a Roman altar with statues and all appurtenances.
When the Protestants hold a service, they pull a curtain in front of the
When the Protestants hold a service, they pull a curtain in front of the
Catholic altar, roll their table out into the middle and pray.
Catholic altar, roll their table out into the middle and pray.
Recently there has been a movement in Alsace among the Protestants
Recently there has been a movement in Alsace among the Protestants
in favor of the veneration of the saints. This occurred after the appear ­
in favor of the veneration of the saints. This occurred after the appear-
ance of Sabatier's book on Francis of Assisi. Though a Protestant, he
ance of Sabatier's book on Francis of Assisi. Though a Protestant, he
was captivated by this Saints way of life after a visit to Assisi. The fam ­
was captivated by this Saint's way of life after a visit to Assisi. The fam-
ily of my friends also fell under the spell of this book. Though they re ­
ily of my friends also fell under the spell of this book. Though they re-
mained in Protestantism, they nevertheless felt dissatisfied with it and
mained in Protestantism, they nevertheless felt dissatisfied with it and
in particular they strove for a restoration of the Sacraments and the
in particular they strove for a restoration of the Sacraments and the
veneration of the saints. Moreover, it was typical of them that when
veneration of the saints. Moreover, it was typical of them that when
the pastor performed the marriage ceremony, they asked him not to
the pastor performed the marriage ceremony, they asked him not to
pull the curtain over the Catholic altar so that they might see at least
pull the curtain over the Catholic altar so that they might see at least
the statues of the saints. Their heart was seeking the true Church.
the statues of the saints. Their heart was seeking the true Church.
Once the wife was ill and was sitting in the garden, reading a life of
Once the wife was ill and was sitting in the garden, reading a life of
Francis of Assisi. The garden was in full bloom. The quiet of the coun ­
Francis of Assisi. The garden was in full bloom. The quiet of the coun-
tryside enfolded her. While reading the book, she fell into a light sleep.
tryside enfolded her. While reading the book, she fell into a light sleep.
"I don 't know myself how it was," she told me afterwards. "Suddenly I
"I don't know myself how it was," she told me afterwards. "Suddenly I
saw Francis himself coming towards me, and with him a little old man
saw Francis himself coming towards me, and with him a little old man
like a patriarch, bent, but radiant," she said, indicating thereby his old
like a patriarch, bent, but radiant," she said, indicating thereby his old
age and venerable appearance. He was all in white. She felt frightened,
age and venerable appearance. He was all in white. She felt frightened,
but they came quite near her and Francis said: "My daughter, you seek
but they came quite near her and Francis said: "My daughter, you seek
the true Church. It is there, where he is. It supports everyone, and does
the true Church. It is there, where he is. It supports everyone, and does
not require support from anyone."
not require support from anyone."
The white elder remained silent and only smiled approvingly at the
The white elder remained silent and only smiled approvingly at the
words of Francis. The vision ended. She came to herself, as it were.
words of Francis. The vision ended. She came to herself, as it were.
And somehow the thought came to her: "This is connected with the
And somehow the thought came to her: "This is connected with the
Russian Church." And peace descended on her soul.
Russian Church." And peace descended on her soul.
After this vision the letter was written which I mentioned at the be ­
After this vision the letter was written which I mentioned at the be-
ginning. Two months later I was again at their house, and this time I
ginning. Two months later I was again at their house, and this time I
learned from the visionary herself one more detail. They had hired a
learned from the visionary herself one more detail. They had hired a
Russian workman. When she visited his room to see whether he was
Russian workman. When she visited his room to see whether he was
comfortably settled, she saw there a small ikon and recognised in it the
comfortably settled, she saw there a small ikon and recognised in it the
elder whom she had seen in her light sleep with Francis. Astonished
elder whom she had seen in her light sleep with Francis. Astonished
and alarmed she asked: " Who is he, that little old m an? "
and alarmed she asked: "Who is he, that little old man?"

159
A\ AEXTI!,\()I{DI\,\\{y
N E X T R A 0 R. D I N A R Y P EAC E
PI,\(

"St. "St. Seraphim,

Seraphim, our our Orthodox
Orthodox Saint,
Saint," " answered
answered the the workman.
workman, ThenThen
she she
understood the meaning of the words ofSt. Francis about the truth be- be­
understood the meaning of the words of St. Francis about the truth
ing ing in the
in the Orthodox
Orthodox Church.
Church,

Certainly
Certainly Orthodoxy
Orthodoxy has has displayed
displayed itself
itself in its
in all all power
its power in the
in the saints,
saints,
but but
we we O rthodox
Orthodox have
have borne
borne thisthis great
great namename unworthily.
unworthily, OurOur
life life
has has
not not corresponded
corresponded withwith
the the loftiness
loftiness andand fullness
fullness o f our
of our faith.
faith, AndAnd
this,this,
by the
by the way,
way, tormented
tormented N.Motovilov,
N,A, A. Motovilov,
the the confidant
confidant o f Seraphim,
ofSt. St. Seraphim.
He He
writes
writes in his
in his remarkable
remarkable memoirs:
memoirs:
Once,
Once, I was
I was in great
in great sorrow,
sorrow, wondering
wondering whatwhat
would would become
become of ourof our
Orthodox
Orthodox Church
Church if theif the
evil evil of our
of our times
times werewere to spread
to spread moremore
and and
more.
more, For For I was
I was convinced
convinced that that
our our Church
Church was was in extreme
in extreme peril,peril,
bothboth
from the increasing corruption of the flesh, and equally, if not eveneven
from the increasing corruption of the flesh, and equally, if not
moremore so, from
so, from the the spiritual
spiritual impiety
impiety on account
on account of the
of the godless
godless sectssects
which
which werewere being
being spreadspread everywhere
everywhere by modern
by modern sophists.
sophists, I wanted
I wanted
very much to know what Fr. Seraphim would tell me about it. it.
very much to know what Fr. Seraphim would tell me about

During
During his long
his long and and detailed
detailed talk talk
aboutabout
the theholyholy Prophet
Prophet Elijah
Elijah (as I(as I
mentioned above) he said to me among other
mentioned above) he said to me among other things: "When Elijah things: " When Elijah
the the
Tishbite complained to the Lord about Israel,
Tishbite complained to the Lord about Israel, as if they had all bowedas if they had all bowed
theirtheir
kneesknees to Baal,
to Baal, and and
saidsaid
in hisin prayer
his prayer
that that he alone,
he alone, Elijah,
Elijah, had had
remained
remained faithful
faithful to the
to the Lord,Lord,
but but
that that
theytheywerewere already
already seeking
seeking to to
take his life, what did the Lord answer him? '
take his life, what did the Lord answer him? 'I have left seven thou-I have left seven thou ­
sandsand
menmen in Israel
in Israel whowho havehavenot not
bowedbowedthe the
kneeknee to Baal/
to Baal.' (III (III
Kings Kings
19:18)
19:18) AndAndso, weso, see
we see
that that
the the kingdom
kingdom of Israel
of Israel had hadfallenfallen
away away
fromfrom
the the kingdom
kingdom of ludah
of Iudah (that(that
had had remained
remained faithful
faithful to God),
to God), and and
in soin so
doing had reached utter corruption. Yet there were
doing had reached utter corruption, Yet there were still left seven thou- still left seven thou ­
sandsand
menmen whowho werewere faithful
faithful to the
to the Lord,Lord, so then
so then whatwhatshallshall we say
we say of of
Russia?
Russia? I think
I think that that in the
in the kingdom
kingdom of Israel
of Israel therethere
werewerethenthen
not not
moremore
thanthan
threethree million
million people.
people, AndAnd howhow many many are there
are there in Russia
in Russia now?' now? '

"About
"About sixtysixty million,
million," " I replied.
I replied,

AndAnd he continued:
he continued: "Twenty
"Twenty timestimes
more!more! So judge
So judge for yourself
for yourself nownow
howhow manymany we still
we still havehave
whowho are are faithful
faithful to God.
to God. Those
Those whomwhom He has
He has
foreknown,
foreknown, thesethese He has
He has alsoalso predestined;
predestined; thosethose
whom whom He has
He has predes ­
predes-
tined, these He also called; those whom He has called, these He will will
tined, these He also called; those whom He has called, these He
alsoalso
keep,keep,
thesethese He will
He will alsoalso glorify.
glorify. So why
So why should
should wedespondent?
we be be despondent?
GodGod is with
is with us. who
us. He He who trusts
trusts in the
in the LordLord is like
is like MountMount Zion.
Zion. He who
He who
liveslives in Jerusalem
in Jerusalem will will never
never be moved.
be moved. The The mountains
mountains are are round
round him,him,

160
 Sl'lRiil!\! F\lI!LR \\D EUl!R

and
and the
the Lord
Lordisisround
round His
Hispeople.
people. The
The Lord
Lordwill
will keep
keep thee.
thee. The
The Lord
Lordisis
thy
thyshield
shield upon
upon thy
thyright
right hand.
hand. The
TheLord
Lordwill
will preserve
preserve thy
thygoing
going out
out
and
and thy
thycoming
coming in,
in,henceforth
henceforth and
and forever.
forever. The
The Sun
Sunshall
shall not
notburn
burn
thee
thee by
byday
day,nor
northe
the moon
moon by
bynight."
night."

And
Andwhen
when I Iasked
asked him
him what
what he
hemeant,
meant, and
and why
whyhe
hesaid
said this
this totome,
me,Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim answered:
answered: "I"Iwanted
wanted totoshow
show you
youthat
that ininthis
this way
way,asasthe
the ap ­
ap-
ple
pleofofHis
Hiseye,
eye,the
the Lord
Lordkeeps
keeps His
Hispeople,
people, that
that is,is,Orthodox
Orthodox Christians
Christians
who
who love
loveHim
Him with
with all
alltheir
their heart
heart and
and all
alltheir
their mind,
mind, and
and who
who serve
serve
Him
Him day
dayand
and night
night by
byword
word and
and deed.
deed. Such
Such are
arethose
those who
who keep
keep all
allthe
the
rules,
rules, dogmas
dogmas and
and traditions
traditions ofofour
our Eastern
Eastern Universal
Universal Church,
Church, and
and
with
with their
their mouth
mouth confess
confess the
thepious
pious doctrine
doctrine which
which isishanded
handed down
down by
by
Her,
Her,and
and who
who ininall
allthe
thecircumstances
circumstances ofoftheir
their life
lifeact
actaccording
according totothe
the
holy
holy comm andments ofofour
commandments our Lord
LordJesus
JesusChrist.
Christ.""

InInconfirmation
confirmation ofofthe
thefact
factthat
that there
there still
still remain
remain ininRussia
Russia many
many
Orthodox
Orthodox people
people who
who are
arefaithful
faithful totoour
our Lord
LordJesus
Jesus Christ
Christ and
and live
livea a
pious
pious life,
life,Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim once
once said
said totoaafriend
friend ofofmine
mine (either
(either totoFr.
Fr.Gury,
Gury,
the
the former
former manager
manager ofofthe
the Sarov
Sarov hostel,
hostel, orortotoFr.
Fr.Simon,
Simon, who
who was
was inin
charge
charge ofofthe
theMaslischensk
Maslischensk farm)
farm) that
that being
being once
once ininthe
the spirit,
spirit, he
hesaw
saw
the
thewhole
whole land
land ofofRussia,
Russia, and
and ititwas
wasfilled
filled and,
and, asasititwere,
were, covered
covered with
with
the
thesmoke
smoke ofofthe
theprayers
prayers ofofthe
thefaithful
faithful praying
praying totothe
the Lord.
Lord.

161
 Chapter
Chapter 11
11

M onasticism
MONASTICISM a nd
AND tTHE
he W orld
WORLD

SS
c attered
CATTERED among
among Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim's's instructions
instructions there
there isis aa lot
lot ooff advice
advice
as
as to
to how
how to
to live
live in
in aa Christian
Christian way
way in
in the
the world.
world. True,
True, the
the flaming
flaming
Seraphim
Seraphim him self loved
himself loved and
and esteemed
esteemed incomparably
incomparably more
more (as
(as isis only
only
right)
right) angelic
angelic virginity,
virginity, and
and consequently
consequently monasticism,
monasticism, for
for the
the sake
sake of
of
which
which he
he had
had left
left the
the world.
world. And
And more
more than
than once
once in
in his
his talks
talks with
with monks
monks
he
he praised
praised with
with enthusiasm
enthusiasm the
the m onastic life.
monastic life.
Once
Once some
some Kursk
Kursk merchants
merchants visited
visited him
him in
in his
his hermitage
hermitage on
on their
their
way
way from
from the
the fair
fair of
ofNizhni -Novgorod. Before
Nizhni-Novgorod. Before taking
taking leave
leave they
they asked
asked Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim: What do
Seraphim: ""What do you
you wish
wish us
us to
to say
say to
to your
your brother
brother (Alexis)?
(Alexis)?""
The
The Saint
Saint replied: Tell him
replied: ""Tell him that
that IIam
am praying
praying for
for him
him to
to the
the Lord
Lord and
and
to
to His
His im maculate Mother
immaculate Mother day
day and
and night.
night.""
And
And when
when they
they had
had gone,
gone, the
the Saint
Saint raised
raised his
his hands
hands to
to heaven
heaven and
and
with
with rapture
rapture repeated
repeated several
several times
times in
in the
the presence
presence ooff the
the Diveyev
Diveyev sister
sister
Paraskeva
Paraskeva Ivanovna,
Ivanovna, who
who was
was there
there at
at the
the time,
time, this
this doxology
doxology to
to monas
monas-­
ticism: There isis nothing
ticism: ""There nothing better
better than
than the
the m onastic life!
monastic life! Nothing
Nothing bbetter!"
etter! "
On
On another
another occasion
occasion when
when an
an admirer
admirer of
ofthe
the Saint,
Saint, I.Y. Karataiev, was
LY.Karataiev, was
going
going to
to his
his native
native place
place ooff Kursk
Kursk and
and also
also asked
asked him
him whether
whether he
he had
had any
any
message
message to
to give
giveto
to his
his relatives,
relatives, St. Seraphim said,
S1.Seraphim said, pointing
pointing to
to the
the images
images
oof
f the
the Saviour
Saviour and
and of
of the
the Mother
Mother ooff God: Here are
God: ""Here are my
my relatives.
relatives. But
But for
for
my
my living
living relatives,
relatives, IIam
am aa living
living corpse.
corpse.""
And
And he
he loved
loved the
the monastery
monastery and
and the
the m onastic life
monastic life so
so much
much that
that he
he
never,
never, even
even in
in thought,
thought, regretted
regretted leaving
leaving the
the world
world or
or wanted
wanted to
to go
go back
back
to
to it.
it. And
And when
when Sister
Sister Paraskeva
Paraskeva was
was thinking
thinking ooff leaving
leaving the
the Diveyev
Diveyev
Convent
Convent in
in aafit
fitooff faint - heartedness,
faint-hearted ness, Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim foresaw
foresaw itit in
in spirit
spirit and
and
called
called her
her to
to his
his hermitage.
hermitage. He
He started
started to
to com fort her
comfort her and
and began
began to
to tell
tell

162
 M o n a s t i c !s m a n d t h e W orld

herabout
her abouthimself
h im selfand
andhis
hislife
lifeininthe
themonastery.
monastery.And
Andininthe
theend
endhe
headded:
added:
"I"Ihave
havegone
gonethrough
throughall
allthe
themonastic
monasticlife,
life,mother;
mother;and
andnever,
never,not
noteven
eveninin
thought,have
thought, haveI Ileft
leftthe
themonastery."
monastery."
" Duringhis
"During histalk,"
talk,"the
thesister
sisterrelated
relatedafterwards,
afterwards, "all
"allmy
mythoughts
thoughtswere
were
graduallycalmed;
gradually calmed;and
andwhen
whenFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimhad
hadfinished,
finished,I Ifelt
feltsuch
suchaarelief,
relief,
asasififaadiseased
diseasedlimb
limbhad
hadbeen
beencut
cutaway
awaywith
withaaknife."
knife."
Weshall
We shallsee
seefurther
furtheron
onwhat
whatlove
lovethe
theSaint
Saintshowed
showedfor
forhis
hisDiveyev
Diveyev
" orphans,"and
"orphans," andwith
withwhat
whattenderness
tendernesshe
hespoke
spokeofo fthem,
them ,even
eventotostrangers.
strangers.
Hehad
He hadmuch
muchtotosuffer
sufferon
ontheir
theiraccount.
account.
" Theycome
"They cometotome,
me,mother,"
mother,"he
hesaid
saidtotoSister
SisterXenia
XeniaVasilievna
Vasilievna(as
(asshe
she
writesininher
writes hermemoirs);
mem oirs); "and
"andthey
theygrumble
grumbleatatpoor
poorSeraphim
Seraphim for
forcarry-
carry ­
ingout
ing outthe
thecommands
commandsofo fthe
theMother
Motherofo fGod.
God.Then,
Then,mother,
mother,I Iopened
openedthe
the
Prologueand
Prologue andshowed
showedthem
them ininthe
thelife
lifeofo fSt.
St.Basil
Basilthe
theGreat
Greathow
howpeople
people
weresuspicious
were suspiciousofo fhis
hisbrother
brotherPeter;
Peter; but
butSt.
St. Basil
Basilshowed
showedthem
them the
theun-
un ­
truthofo ftheir
truth theirsuspicions
suspicionsand
andthe
thepower
powerofo fGod.
God.And
AndI Isaid:
said:'And
Andmy
mygirls
girls
aresurrounded
are surroundedininchurch
churchby
byaawhole
wholehost
hostofo fangels
angelsand
andby
byall
allthe
theheav-
heav ­
enlypowers.'
enly powers/And
Andso,
so,mother,
mother,they
theywent
wentfrom
fromme
meininshame.
shame.You
Yousee,
see,my
my
joy,they
joy, theyare
aredispleased
displeasedwith
withpoor
poorSeraphim;
Seraphim;they
theycomplain
complainbecause
becausehehe
carriesout
carries outthe
theorders
ordersofo fthe
theQueen
Queenofo fHeaven."
Heaven."
AAmost
mosttouching
touchingconversation
conversation about
abouthis
hislove
lovefor
forthe
thenuns
nunshas
hasbeen
been
reportedby
reported bythe
theold
oldnun
nunMaria
MariaVasilievna
VasilievnaNikashina:
Nikashina:

WhenI Iwas
When wasmarried
marriedand
andstill
stillaalaywoman,
laywoman,I Iused
usedtotogo
gowith
withmy
myhus-
hus ­
bandtotoFr.
band Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim.Once
Oncehe heasked
askedme:
me:"Have
"Haveyou
youseen
seenDiveyevand
Diveyev and
mygirls
my girlsthere,
there,mother?"
m other? "

"Yes,
"Yes,I Ihave,
have,Father,"
Father,"I Ireplied.
replied.

"Andhave
"And haveyou
youseen
seenthe
thebees,
bees,mother?"
m other? "he
heasked
askedme
meagain.
again.

"Why,ofofcourse,
"Why, course,I Ihave
haveseen
seenthem,
them,Father,"
Father,"I Ireplied.
replied.

"Well,mother,"
"Well, mother,"he
hesaid,
said,"the
"thebees
beesalways
alwaysflutter
flutterround
roundtheir
theirqueen,
queen,andand
thequeen
the queennever
neverleaves
leavesthem.
them.And
AndmymyDiveyev
Diveyevgirls
girlsare
areexactly
exactlylike
like
bees;they
bees; theywill
willalways
alwaysbebewith
withthe
theMother
MotherofofGod."
God."

"Ah,"I Iexclaimed.
"Ah," exclaimed."How
"Howgood
goodititisistotobe
bealways
alwayslike
likethat,
that,Father."
Father."And
AndI I
thoughttotomyself:
thought myself:Why
Whydid
didI Iever
everget getmarried?
married?

163
 A N EXI R A 0 R DI NA RV P EAC E
"No, mother,
"No, mother, do do notnotthink what
think whatyouyou
areare
thinking,"
thinking,he at once
" he at oncereplied to to
replied
mymythoughts.
thoughts. "Do"Do notnot envy mymy
envy girls! It isIt not
girls! good.
is not Why
good. Why should youyou
should
envy them?
envy them?It isIt good
is good forfor
widows
widowsthere too,too,
there mother!
mother! It isIt good forfor
is good wid-
wid ­
owsows
too!too!
They
They willwill
alsoalso
be be
there! You
there! know
You know thethe
Prophetess
Prophetess Anna;
Anna;youyou
have read
have about
read about her,her,
haven't
havenyou? Well,
't you? sheshe
Well, waswas
a widow;
a widow; butbut
what a a
what
widow,
widow, mother!"
m other! "
This
This servant
servant of oGod
f God later
later becamaewidow
became a widow
andand fulfilled
fulfilled herher desire
desire by by
entering
entering thethe Diveyev
Diveyev Convent.
Convent.
ButBut while
while loving
loving monasticism,
monasticism, thethe Saint
Saint regarded
regarded as as
truetrue monks
monks andand
nuns
nuns only
only those
those whowho
hadhad embraced
embraced thethe monastic
monastic lifelife
forfor
no no other
other reason
reason
than
than love
love forfor
GodGod
andand
forfor
thethe sake
sake of o f the
the salvation
salvation of of their
their soul.
soul. Moreover,
Moreover,
it was
it was notnot enough
enough to to
go go through
through thethe monastic
monastic lifelife merely
merely outwardly,
outwardly, butbut
there
there must
must be be good
good spiritual
spiritual results.
results. To To illustrate
illustrate thisthis
wewe must
must m ention
mention
thethe case
case of oa fcertain
a certain seminarian.
seminarian. Here
Here is the
is the record
record he he wrote
wrote later:
later:

In In
mymy
youth, before
youth, thethe
before endend
of my seminary
of my seminarycourse in in
course 1827, I lived
1827, I lived
at the command
at the comm and of Fr. Seraphim
of Fr. Seraphimabout three
about weeks
three of the
weeks month
of the month of of
August in the
August Sarov
in the Monastery.
Sarov I was
M onastery thinking
I was of monasticism.
thinking of monasticism.

Once Fr. Fr.

Once Seraphim
Seraphimasked
askedme:me:
"Why do do
"Why youyou
want to become
want a monk?
to become a monk?
Probably
Probablyyouyou
hate thethe
hate ideaidea
of of
marriage."
marriage."

I replied: "I have

I replied: "I havenever hadhad
never badbad
thoughts about
thoughts aboutthethe
holy sacrament
holy sacramentof of
marriage.
marriage.ButBut
I should likelike
I should to to
be be
a monk so so
a monk as to
as serve thethe
to serve Lord better."
Lord better."

Then
Thenthethe
Elder
Eldersaid: "Blessed
said: "Blessedbe be
your way!
your way!ButBut
mind,
mind,write thethe
write follow-
follow ­
inging
words of mine
words of mine notnot
on on
paper,
paper,butbut
on onyour
yourheart: learn
heart: mental
learn mental prayer
prayer
of the heart.
of the Outward
heart. Outward prayer alone
prayer is not
alone sufficient.
is not God
sufficient. Godattends
attendsto to
thethe
mind.
mind.AndAndtherefore
thereforethose monks
those monks who whodo do
notnotcombine
combineexterior
exteriorprayer
prayer
with interior
with interiorareare
notnot
monks
monks butbutcharred
charred logs. Remember
logs. Remember thatthat
thethe
truetrue
monastic
monastic mantle
mantle (mantia) is to
(m antia) is bear joyfully
to bear joyfullycalumnies
calumnies andandfalse accu-
false accu ­
sations. NoNo
sations. afflictions-no
afflictions —no salvation."
salvation."

Later
Later on on
thisthis young
young man
man waswas professed
professed with
with thethe name
name of oNikon
f Nikon
andand
ended
ended hishis
lifelife
as as
thethe Archimandrite
Archimandrite of othe
f the Blaklavsky
Blaklavsky Monastery
Monastery in in
thethe
Crimea.
Crimea.
Many
Many asked
asked Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim forfor
hishis blessing
blessing to to retire
retire to to Mount
Mount Athos
Athos forfor
thethe salvation
salvation of otheir
f their souls;
souls; butbut
he he advised
advised them
them to to work
work outout their
their salva ­
salva-
tiontion
in in Orthodox
Orthodox Russia.
Russia. It very
"It "is is very difficult
difficult there,he
there," " he used
used to to
say.say. If we
"If "we

164
 M\1o n \;\
a s t iTiC! S \\ a .\n \d 11t hi e
c ism WWo r l d

(monks)
(monks) weep
weep here,
here, totogo
gothere
there means
means totoweep
weep aahundred
hundred times
times more;
more;
andififwe
and wedon
don't weephere,
't weep here,ititisisuseless
uselesstotothink
think oof theholy
f the holycommunity/
community."'
He
Hewho
whoembraces
embraces monasticism
monasticism asashe
heought
ought and
andaccording
according totothe
thewill
will _
oof God discovers
f God discovers great
greatgrace
graceeverywhere.
everywhere. Listen
Listenhow
how joyfully
joyfully the
the Saint
Saint
talked
talked totoElena
ElenaVasilievna
Vasilievna Manturova
Manturova about
about taking
taking the
theveil,
veil,comparing
comparing
this
thisininthe
theearthly
earthly order
ordertotommarriage-the
arriage —the happiest
happiest and
and most
most festive
festivemmo-
o­
ment
ment ininhuman
human life.
life.
"Now,my
"Now, myjoy,
joy," Fr.Seraphim
" Fr. Seraphim said
saidtotoher
herafter
after he
hehad
had made
made her
hercome
come
from
fromDiveyev
Diveyevtotohis
hishermitage,
hermitage, " it
"itisistime
timefor
foryou
youtotoget
getbetrothed
betrothed totoyour
your
Bridegroom. "
Bridegroom."
ElenaVasilievna
Elena Vasilievna began
began totosob
soband
and cried
cried out
outininalarm:
alarm: "I"Idon
don't want
't want
totomarry,
marry, Father!
Father!"
"
"You
"Youstill
still don 't understand
don't understand me
meatatall,
all,mother, " Fr.
mother," Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim replied
replied
soothingly.
soothingly. " Only
"Onlytell
tellthe
theAbbess
AbbessXenia
XeniaMMikhailovna
ikhailovna that
that Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim
commands
commands you
youtotoget
getbetrothed
betrothed totoyour
your Bridegroom,
Bridegroom, totoput
put on
onaablack
black
habit.This
habit. Thisisiswhat
whatI Imean
mean by
bymarriage,
marriage, mother!
mother! What
WhataaBridegroom
Bridegroom you
you
have,my
have, myjoy!
joy!Your
YourBridegroom
Bridegroom isisabsent.
absent. Do
Donot
notbe
bedowncast,
downcast, but
butcheer
cheer
up
up and
and have
have courage.
courage. And
And sosoprepare
prepare everything
everything by
byprayer,
prayer, by
bynever -
never-
ceasingprayer.
ceasing prayer.For
Forthree
three years
yearsprepare
prepare yourself,
yourself, my
myjoy,
joy,ininorder
order that
that inin
threeyears
three yearsyou
youmay
maybe
bequite
quite ready.
ready.Oh,
Oh,what
what unutterable
unutterable joy
joythere
there will
will
be
bethen,
then, mother!
mother! I Ispeak
speak oof
f your
your profession,
profession, mother.
mother. And
Andonce
onceyou
you are
are
professed,
professed, grace
gracewill
will flood
floodyour
your heart
heart more
more and
and more.
more. How
Howwonderful
wonderful
ititwill
willbe
bethen!
then! WWhen theArchangel
hen the Archangel Gabriel
Gabriel appeared
appeared totothe
the Mother
Mother ofof
God
Godand
andannounced
announced the
thegood
goodtidings
tidings totoher,
her,she
shefelt
feltaalittle
littledisturbed,
disturbed, but
but
said
saidatatonce:
once:'Behold
'Behold the
thehandmaid
handmaid oof
f the
theLord!
Lord!Be
Beititunto
unto me
meaccording
according
totothy
thyword.'
word.' (Luke
(Luke1:38)
1:38)That
Thatisisthe
themarriage
marriage and
and the
the Bridegroom
Bridegroom I Iam
am
talking about,
talking about, mother.
mother."
"
HereFr.
Here Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim compared
compared the
the monastic
monastic profession
profession with
with the
thegreat
great-
­
estand
est andhappiest
happiest event
event-—the
theIncarnation
Incarnation oof GodHHimself
f God im self ininthe
thewomb
womb oof
f
the
theVirgin.
Virgin.ItItisisawful
awful even
eventototell
tellit.it.But
ButFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim was
wasspeaking
speaking from
from
experience.
experience.
Lay
Laypeople
people must
mustalso
alsohonour
honour mmonasticism
onasticism ininheart
heart and
andinindeed,
deed,sosoasas
totobe
beable
ableatatleast
leastininsome
somemeasure
measure totopartake
partake oof thegrace
f the graceoof monasticism
f monasticism

165
A:\ n\ EE:I!
x t rfl a\ o0 rf~D
dinI \ a '\r Ry Y PP eEa;\ cCe E

through
through others.
others. To
To this
this end,
end, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim advised
advised people
people to
to give
give alms
alms
to
to monasteries
monasteries or
or to
to work
work for
for them.
them. And
And on
on the
the other
other hand,
hand, he
he taught
taught
that
that people
people who
who offended
offended monks
monks and
and nuns
nuns would
would be
be severely
severely punished
punished
by
by the
the Lord.
Lord.
Ivan
Ivan Sem ionovitch Meliukov,
Semionovitch Meliukov, the
the brother
brother ooff Maria,
Maria, the
the wonderful
wonderful
saint
saint ooff whom
whom we
we shall
shall speak
speak later,
later, becam
becamee towards
towards the
the end
end ooff his
his life
life aa
monk
monk in
in Sarov.
Sarov. By
By obedience
obedience he
he was
was the
the door -keeper and
door-keeper and he
he used
used to
to relate:
relate:

When
When IIwas
was still
still aa peasant
peasant and
and aa layman
layman II often
often worked
worked for
for Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim.
Seraphim. And
And he
he foretold
foretold to
to me
me many
many wonderful
wonderful things
things about
about
Diveyev.
Diveyev, And
And he
he always
always said: If anyone
said: ""If anyone offends
offends my
my orphans
orphans (the
(the
nuns),
nuns), he
he will
will receive
receive aa great
great punishment
punishment from
from the
the Lord;
Lord; but
but the
the great
great
mercy
mercy of
of God
God will
will be
be poured
poured out
out from
from on
on high
high on
on whoever
whoever takes
takes
their
their part
part and
and defends
defends and
and helps
helps them
them when
when in
in need.
need. Whoever
Whoever even
even
sighs
sighs and
and pities
pities them
them in
in his
his heart
heart will
will be
be rewarded
rewarded by
by the
the Lord.
Lord. And
And
IIwill
will tell
tell you
you what,
what, remember
remember this:
this: happy
happy isis everyone
everyone who
who will
will stay
stay
for
for twenty -four hours
twenty-four hours in
in poor
poor Seraphims
Seraphim's Diveyev,
Diveyev, from
from morning
morning till
till
morning;
morning; for
for the
the Mother
Mother of
of God,
God, the
the heavenly
heavenly Queen,
Queen, visits
visits Diveyev
Diveyev
every
every twenty -four hours.
twenty-four hours.""

But
But monks
monks and
and nuns
nuns themselves
themselves should
should return
return all
all good
good that
that is
is done
done
them
them only
only with
with prayers;
prayers; and
and (what
(what is
is still
still more
more surprising)
surprising) Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim
even
even told
told them
them not
not to
to thank
thank people
people who
who gave
gave them
them gifts.
gifts.
"Pray,
"Pray, pray
pray above
above all
all for
for anyone
anyone who
who does
does good
good to
to you,
you,"" he
he instructed
instructed
his
his orphans, but never,
orphans, ""but never, never
never thank
thank him
him (your
(your benefactor)
benefactor) in
in words;
words; be
be-­
cause
cause without
without thanks
thanks he
he will
will get
get all
all his
his full
full reward
reward for
for the
the good
good he
he has
has
done.
done. But
But by
by thanking
thanking him
him for
for his
his kindness
kindness to
to you,
you, you
you rob
rob him
him and
and de
de-­
prive
prive him
him ooff the
the greater
greater part
part ooff the
the reward
reward which
which he
he merits
merits for
for his
his good
good
deed.
deed. W hoever offers
Whoever offers you
you aa gift,
gift, does
does not
not offer
offer itit to
to you
you but
but to
to God.
God. ItIt is
is
not
not for
for you
you to
to thank
thank him
him;; but
but let
let him
him thank
thank the
the Lord
Lord him self for
himself for accept
accept-­
ing
ing his
his gift.
gift.""
But
But to
to take
take anything
anything from
from aa monastery,
monastery, even
even for
for one
one's's own
own relatives,
relatives,
the
the Saint
Saint considered
considered aa great
great and
and dangerous
dangerous sin. This is
sin. ""This is like
like carrying
carrying fire
fire
into
into aa house.
house. Whoever
Whoever you
you give
give itit to,
to, itit will
will burn
burn everything;
everything; his
his house
house
will
will be
be ruined
ruined and
and lost,
lost, and
and all
all his
his fam ily will
family will perish
perish as
as aa result
result ooff it.
it. If
If
you
you have
have something
something ooff your
your own,
own, give.
give. But
But if
if not,
not, increase
increase your
your prayer
prayer

166
 \ D !! [ IN Ri

andpray
and praywith
withaacontrite
contriteheart."
heart."
Buton
But onthe
theother
otherhand,
hand, monasticism
monasticism itself,
itself,ififititisisworthily
worthilypractised,
practised,
isisaagreat
greatmercy
mercyofo fGod
Godnot
notonly
onlyfor
forthe
themonks
monksand
andnuns
nunsthemselves,
themselves,but
but
alsofor
also forall
alltheir
theirfamily.
family.
"W hetheryou
"Whether youhave
havecome
cometotothe
themonastery
monasteryon
onthe
theadvice
adviceororthe
theauthor-
author ­
ityofofother
ity otherpeople,
people,ororininany
anyother
otherway,
way,do
donot
notbe
bedespondent.
despondent.ItItisisGod's
God 's
visitation (that
visitation (thatis,
is, God's
G od s mercy).
mercy). IfIfyou
youdo
dowhat
whatI Itell
tellyou,
you,you
youwill
willbe
be
savedyourself
saved yourselfasaswell
wellasasyour
yourrelations
relationsfor
forwhom
whomyou
youcare.
care.I Ihave
havenot
notseen,
seen,
saysthe
says theProphet,
Prophet,the
therighteous
righteousforsaken,
forsaken,nor
norhis
hisseed
seed(his
(hisdescendants)
descendants)
beggingbread."
begging bread."(Ps.
(Ps.36:25)
36 :2 5 )That
Thatisishow
howFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimtaught
taughtaanew
newnovice.
novice.
Butthis
But thissame
samethought
thoughtwas
wasexpressed
expressedwith
withspecial
specialforce
forceininaatalk
talkwith
with
therelatives
the relativesofofthe
thewonderful
wonderfulnineteen-year-old
nineteen - year - oldnun
nunofo fthe
thegreat
greathabit.'
habit,1
Martha, formerly
Martha, formerlythe
the novice
novice Maria,
Maria, after
after her
herdeath.
death. When
W hen her
hereldest
eldest
sister,Praskovia
sister, PraskoviaSemyonovna
SemyonovnaMeliukova,
Meliukova,aanun
nunofo fDiveyev,
Diveyev,came
cametotoSt.
St.
Seraphimfor
Seraphim forthe
thecoffin
coffinwhich
whichhe
hehad
hadmade
madefor
forthe
thedeceased,
deceased,he
hesaid
saidtoto
herconsolingly:
her consolingly:"Don't
" Don 'tbe
bedowncast,
downcast,mother.
mother.Her
Hersoul
soulisisininthe
theHeavenly
Heavenly
Kingdomand
Kingdom andnear
nearthe
the Holy
HolyTrinity
Trinityatatthe
thethrone
throneofo fGod.
God.And
Andall
allyour
your
familywill
family willbe
besaved
savedthrough
throughher."
her."
Andafter
And afterMaria's
Maria'sfuneral
funeralhe
hesaid
saidtotoher
herbrother
brotherJohn,
John,the
thedoor-keeper
door - keeper
mentionedabove,
mentioned above,who
whowas
wasthen
thenstill
stillaapeasant:
peasant:"See,
"See,my
myjoy,
joy,what
whatmercy
mercy
theLord
the Lordhas
hasgranted
grantedher!
her! InInthe
theHeavenly
HeavenlyKingdom
Kingdomshe
sheisisstanding
standingwith
with
theholy
the holyvirgins
virginsatatthe
thethrone
throneofo fGod
Godnear
nearthe
theQueen
Queenofo fHeaven.
Heaven.She
Sheisisan
an
intercessorfor
intercessor forall
allyour
yourfamily.
family.She
Sheisisthe
thenun
nunofo fthe
thegreat
greathabit
habitMartha.
Martha.I I
professedher.
professed her.Whenever
Wheneveryou
youare
areininDiveyev,
Diveyev,never
neverpass
passby
byher
hergrave
gravewith-
w ith ­
outkneeling
out kneelingdown
downand
andsaying:
saying:Our
Ourlady
ladyand
andmother
motherMartha,
Martha, remember
rememberusus
atatthe
thethrone
throneofo fGod
Godininthe
theHeavenly
HeavenlyKingdom!"
Kingdom!"
Butalas,
But alas,not
noteven
evenall
allmonks
monksand
andnuns
nunswill
willbe
besaved.
saved.Even
Evenamong
amonghis
his
Diveyevorphans
Diveyev orphanssome
somewill
willnot
notbe
begranted
grantedforgiveness.
forgiveness.This
Thiswas
wasrevealed
revealed
totohim
him ininaawonderful
wonderfulvision
visionby
bythe
theMother
Motherofo fGod
God Herself
Herselfininthe
theyear
year
1830on
1830 onthe
theFeast
Feastofo fthe
theDormition.
Dorm ition. Here,
Here,the
theprotopriest
protopriestSadovsky,
Sadovsky,the
the
Diveyevconfessor,
Diveyev confessor,records
recordsaaconversation
conversationhe
hehad
hadwith
withSt.
St.Seraphim.
Seraphim.He
He
writes:
writes:
11 InInRussian:
Russian:akhimnitsa.
akhimnitsa.This
Thisdenotes
denotesthe
thehighest
highestdegree
degreeofofOrthodox
Orthodoxascetics.
ascetics.

167
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D I'N APi.I!1

"The"The
QueenQueen of Heaven,
of Heaven, father,
father," said" said the Saint,
the Saint, "the "Queen
the Queen of Heaven
of Heaven
herself
herself visited
visited poor poor Seraphim.
Seraphim. And Andwhat what
a joyaitjoy
wasit for
wasus,
forfather!
us, father!
The The
Mother of God covered poor Seraphim with her
Mother of God covered poor Seraphim with her ineffable kindness. ineffable kindness.
'My beloved!
'My beloved!' said' said our most
our most blessed
blessed Lady,Lady, the immaculate
the immaculate Virgin.
Virgin. 'Ask Ask
of meofwhatever
me whatever you w ish/
you wish.' Do youDo hear,
you hear, father?
father? WhatWmercy
hat mercy the Queen
the Queen
of Heaven
of Heaven showedshowed
us!" uAnd
s ! " And the Saint
the Saint became
became all lighted
all lighted up, simply
up, simply ra- ra ­
diant with
diant with ecstasyecstasy

"And"And
poor poor Seraphim,
Seraphim," he continued,
he "continued, "well,"well,
poor poor Seraphim
Seraphim implored
implored
the Mother of God for his orphans, father. And he asked
the Mother of God for his orphans, father. And he asked that all, all that all, all
the little
the little orphans
orphans in Seraphim's
in Seraphim's convent
convent mightmight be saved,
be saved, father.
father. And And
the Mother
the Mother of God
of God promised
promised to grant
to grant this unutterable
this unutterable joy tojoy to poor
poor
Seraphim,
Seraphim, father.
father. OnlyOnly for three
for three it wasit not
was granted.
not granted. 'Three
'Three will will be lost/
be lost:
said the Mother
said the Mother of God." of God."

At this,
At this, the bright
the bright face
face of theofElder
the Elder became
became clouded.
clouded. "One"One willburnt,
will be be burnt,
another will be ground by the mill, and the third ... " concluded the the
another will be ground by the mill, and the th ird .. concluded
Saint.Saint. However
However hard hard
I haveI have
tried tried to remember,
to remember, I am Iquite
am quite unable
unable to doto do
so. Evidently
so. Evidently I am Inot
am meant
not meant to remember
to remember it. it.
SevenSeven months
months later later the Saint
the Saint had had another
another visionvision
of theo fMother
the Mother of God,
of God,
the most
the most wonderful
wonderful visionvision o f Sister
of all. all. Sister Evdokia
Evdokia Ephremovna
Ephremovna was was
also also
present.
present. AfterAfter
this this
visionvision Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim remembered
remembered the previous
the previous visitation
visitation
of theo fMother
the Mother of God
of God and and
told told
SisterSister Evdokia
Evdokia the following
the following details
details aboutabout
it: it:

St. Seraphim
St. Seraphim said said
to me,to "Listen,
me, "Listen, mother!
mother! About About a thousand
a thousand peoplepeople
will gather
will gather in myinconvent.
my convent. And Andthey they
will will
all beallsaved,
be saved, mother.
mother. I asked
I asked
the Mother
the Mother of Godof God
for it.for
Andit. And the Queen
the Queen of Heaven
of Heaven condescended
condescended to to
fulfillfulfill the humble
the humble request
request of poor
of poor Seraphim.
Seraphim. And And our merciful
our merciful LadyLady
promised to save all, all of them except three, my joy! Only there,there,
promised to save all, all of them except three, my joy! Only
mother,
mother," " continued
continued Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim after after
a shorta short silence,
silence, "there,
"there, in theinfu-
the fu ­
ture ture life,will
life, all all be
willdivided
be divided into into
threethree
groups:groups: 'the United
'the United' who' who by their
by their
purity,purity,
their their unceasing
unceasing prayers prayers and their
and their deedsdeedshave have
been been
unitedunited
to theto the
Lord; their whole life and breath is in God, and they will be with Him Him
Lord; their whole life and breath is in God, and they will be with
eternally;
eternally; 'the Elect
'the Elect' who' whowill dowillmy
doworks,
my works, mother,mother, and will
and will also also
be be
with with
me inmemyinmansion;
my mansion; (John(John
14:2)14:2) and Called'
and 'the 'the Calledwho' who
will will
only only
eat bread
eat our our breadfor a for a time,
time, and forandwhom
for whomtherethere is a dark
is a dark place.place.
TheyThey
will will
be given only a hard and narrow bunk, and they will have nothing but but
be given only a hard and narrow bunk, and they will have nothing
a shirt,
a shirt, and they
and they will will
always always
yearn.yearn.
TheseThese
are theare slack
the slack and slothful,
and slothful,
mother,mother,
who who are concerned
are not not concerned with with the com mwork
the common on work
and doandnotdo ob-
not ob ­
serveserve obedience
obedience andonly
and are are only
busy busy
with with
their their
own own affairs.
affairs. 0, howO, how
dark dark

168
 \\f;\ -: , i\\i \\ L> T i r \V",:
and heavy it will be for them! They will sit in one place all the time
and heavy it will be for them! They will sit in one place all the time
rocking
rocking from
fromside
sidetotoside."
side."
And
Andtaking
taking me
mebybythe
thehand,
hand, Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim began
began totoweep
weepbitterly.
bitterly.
"Obedience,
"Obedience, mother, obedience is higher than fasting and
mother, obedience is higher than fasting andprayer,"
prayer," con ­
con-
tinued
tinued Fr.Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim. "I"Itell
tellyou,
you,there
there isisnothing
nothing higher
higher than
than obedi
obedi-­
ence, mother. And you tell all of them
ence, mother. And you tell all of them that." that. "

Then
Thenheheblessed
blessed me
meand
andsent
sentme
meaway.
away.

Here
Herethe theSaint
Saintopens
opens mysterious
mysterious pages
pagesfrom
from the
thefuture
future life,
life,but
butititisis
not
notfor
forour
ourcarnal
carnal and
andlimited
limited mind
mindtotodiscuss
discussthem.
them. Only
Onlywe,
we,monks
monks andand
nuns,
nuns, must
mustremember
remember both
both the
thethree
three lost
lostsouls
soulsand
andthose
those many
many " called "
"called"
who
whoalas!
alas!have
havenot
notbeen
been " chosen. " Further
"chosen." Further ononweweshall
shall learn
learn the
theawful
awful
fate
fateo of
f the
thetwo
twocondemned
condemned abbesses.
abbesses. ItItwas
wasnot
notwithout
without cause
cause that
that the
the
Saint wept for us who are slack. Raise us from this mire, O Lord,
Saint wept for us who are slack. Raise us from this mire, 0 Lord, by theby the
prayers
prayerso of
f Thy
ThyMother
Mother and
andSt.St.Seraphim!
Seraphim!
But
But St. Seraphim ended histalk
St. Seraphim ended his talk about
about the
the " called " inina astrange
"called" strange way,
way,
asasififthey
theysomehow
somehow did
didnot
notbelong
belong totous.
us." Their
"Theiraffairs
affairs are
arenothing
nothing totodo
do
with us, mother. Let them eat our bread for the tim e
with us, mother. Let them eat our bread for the time being!" b ein g ! "
Just
Justasasififthey
theywere
wereestranged,
estranged, banished,
banished, forgotten
forgotten by
byGod!
God! And
Andone
one
calls to mind the robber ' s prayer: Lord, remember me when Thou comest
calls to mind the robber's prayer: Lord, remember me when Thou comest into into
Thy Kingdom. (Luke
ThyKingdom. (Luke2 323:42)
:4 2 ) The
Thejudgments
judgments o of
f God
Godare
aremysteries.
mysteries. ItItisisbet ­
bet-
ter
tertotoremember
remember the
thecondem nation and
condemnation andthe
the" judgment -seat o of
"judgment-seat f Christ
Christ" " asas
we
weare
aretaught
taught bybythe
theChurch.
Church.

169
 Chapter
Chapter 12
12

IINSTRUCTIONS or T
n s t r u c t i o n s fFOR THOSE
hose
L
LIVING
i v i n g iINn t he W
THE WORLD
orld

A ND
nd now let
now
in the
in
let us
the world.
us pass
world. As
pass on
As one
on to
to St.
one reads
St. Seraphim
Seraphim's's instructions
reads ooff Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
instructions for
Seraphim'ss dealings
for those
dealings with
those living
with laymen
laymen
and his
and his advice
advice to
to them,
them, one
one feels
feels awe,
awe, compunction
compunction and
and sometimes
sometimes even
even
amazement when
amazement when one
one sees
sees with
with what
what love
love and
and tenderness
tenderness he
he treated
treated them.
them.
Sometimes itit even
Sometimes even seems
seems as
as if
if he
he preferred
preferred them
them to
to monks
monks and
and nuns.
nuns. O
Off
course, itit was
course, was not
not so
so in
in actual
actual fact.
fact. We
We have
have already
already heard
heard his
his own
own words
words
about the
about the excellence
excellence of
of virginity.
virginity. But
But still, Fr.
Fr.Seraphims
Seraphim's unchanging
unchanging kind
kind-­
ness and
ness and deep
deep compassion
compassion for
for laymen
laymen is
is worthy
worthy ooff profound
profound attention.
attention.
One thinks
One thinks ooff the laity
laity as living
living married
married lives,
lives, bearing
bearing children,
children, and
and
engaged in
engaged in their
their own
own affairs,
affairs, some
some as
as landowners,
landowners, some
some in
in military
military service,
service,
some in
some in business,
business, but
but the
the greater
greater part
part labouring
labouring as
as peasants
peasants and
and work
work-­
ers. would seem
ers. ItIt would seem as if
if they
they do
do not
not deserve
deserve any
any special
special honour.
honour. And
And yet
yet
St. Seraphim
St. Seraphim welcomed
welcomed all
all joyfully
joyfully alm
almost without exception
ost without exception and
and called
called
them by
them by endearing
endearing names,
names, such
such as
as ""father,"
father," ""mother,"
mother," ""my treasure,"" but
my treasure, but
most
m frequently ooff all
ost frequently all ""my joy,"
my joy, on more
" and on more solemn
solemn occasions
occasions ""your
your
Godliness."" And
Godliness. And in
in all this
this he
he acted
acted without
without distinction
distinction ooff rank.
rank. Not
Not infre
infre-­
quently he bowed
quently bowed down
down to the
the ground
ground before
before his
his visitors;
visitors; more
more than
than once
once
he kissed
he kissed the hands
hands not
not only
only ooff persons
persons in
in holy
holy orders
orders but
but also ooff simple
simple
laymen. And
laymen. And he
he received
received in
in this
this way
way not
not only
only pious
pious people,
people, but
but also
also sin
sin-­
ners. And
ners. And only
only on
on very
very rare
rare occasions
occasions did
did he
he show
show righteous
righteous anger.
anger. That
That
was when
was when he
he saw
saw hypocrisy,
hypocrisy, or
or pride,
pride, or
or evil
evil and
and underhanded
underhanded deception.
deception.
One cannot
One cannot help
help noticing
noticing that
that the
the ch
chief persons who
ief persons who enjoyed
enjoyed Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim's's intim
Seraphim intimacy and confidence
acy and confidence were
were not
not m
monks and nuns,
onks and nuns, but
but
laymen. One
laymen. One ooff them
them was
was Michael
Michael Vasilievitch
Vasilievitch Manturov,
Manturov, formerly
formerly the
the

170
 ! ;\ ,T i{ 11 ( I i () \ S 1 [111).\1 .. LIII\C 1\ III!. \\'(11(1 Ii

managerofo fananestate
manager estateand
andhimself
h im selfa asmall
smalllandowner
landownerofo fthe
theprovince
province
ofo fNizhni-Novgorod.
Nizhni-Novgorod.FI.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimused
usedtotocall
callhim
him "Micky."!
" Micky." 1His
Hiswife,
wife,
AnneMikhailovna,
Anne Mikhailovna,a aLatvian
Latvianand
anda aProtestant,
Protestant,continually
continuallygrumbled
grumbledatat
herhusband
her husbandfor
forhaving
havingsurrendered
surrenderedhimself
him selfininunconditional
unconditionalobedience
obedience
totothe
theElder;
Elder;but
butlater,
later,after
afterthe
themiraculous
miraculousincident
incidentofo fthe
theself-kindled
self-kindled
lampininher
lamp herhouse,
house,she
shewas
washumbled
humbledand
andspent
spentthe
thelast
lastpart
partofo fher
herlife
life
asasa asecret
secretnun.
nun.
NikolasAlexandrovitch
Nikolas AlexandrovitchMotovilov,
Motovilov,also
alsoa alandowner,
landowner,was
wasa ajustice
justice
ofo fthe
thepeace
peaceand
andan
aninspector
inspectorofo fthe
thedistrict
districtschools
schoolsofo fthe
theprovince
provinceofof
Simbirsk.He
Simbirsk. Hecalled
calledhimself
him self"Seraphim's
" Seraphim 'sservant."
servant."With
W ithFr.
Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim s
blessinghehemarried
blessing marrieda asimple
simplepeasant
peasantgirl,
girl,Elena
ElenaIvanovna,
Ivanovna,the
thedaughter
daughter
ofofIvan
IvanMeliukov
Meliukovwhom
whomwe
wealready
alreadyknow.
know.She
Shelived
liveduntil
untilthe
thecanoniza-
canoniza ­
tionofo fSt.
tion St.Seraphim
Seraphiminin1903.
1903.Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimcalled
calledNikolas
Nikolasthe
the"provider"
"provider"
(purveyor)ofo fthe
(purveyor) theDiveyev
DiveyevConvent
Conventand
andappointed
appointedhim
himitsitsguardian.
guardian.And
And
heheproved
provedworthy
worthyofo fthis
thisobedience,
obedience,especially
especiallywhen
whena apersecution
persecutionarose
arose
againstthe
against theconvent.
convent.
Thethird
The thirdconfidant
confidantand
andcollaborator
collaboratorofo fFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimininthe
theaffairs
affairsofo f
theconvent
the conventwas
wasalso
alsoa amarried
marriedman,
man,Fr.
Fr.Vasily
VasilyNikititch
NikititchSadovsky
Sadovskywho
who
finishedthe
finished theseminary
seminaryofo fNizhni-Novgorod
Nizhni-Novgorodinin1825
1825and
andwas
wasafterwards
afterwards
theDiveyev
the Diveyevconfessor.
confessor.St.
St.Seraphim
Seraphimdirected
directedhim
himhimself
him selfand
andput
putcom-
com ­
pletetrust
plete trustininhim.
him.
Thesethree
These threepersons,
persons,laymen
laymenand
andnot
notmonks,
monks,Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimentrusted
entrusted
withthe
with thecare
careofo Diveyev
f Diveyevbefore
beforehis
hisdeath
deathand
andsaid:
said:"No
"Noone
oneisistotobebeobeyed
obeyed
exceptthem."
except them ."AAnovice
noviceofo fSarov,
Sarov,a acertain
certainIvan
IvanTikhonov
Tikhonovwho
whogave
gavehim-
him ­
selfout
self outtotobebe"Seraphim's
"Seraphim 'sdisciple"
disciple "tried
triedtotointerfere,
interfere,but
buthe
hewas
wasa aself-
self-
willedman
willed manwho
whoafterwards
afterwardsdid
didgreat
greatharm
harmtotoDiveyev.
Diveyev.But
Buteven
eventotohim
him
Fr.Seraphim
Fr. Seraphimrevealed
revealedmuch
muchduring
duringhis
hislife
lifefor
forhis
hissalvation.
salvation.
"Youwill
"You willhave
haveno
nofather
fatherbut
butme,"
me,"FI.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimused
usedtotosay
saytotohis
hisor-
or­
phans."I"Icommit
phans. com m ityou
youtotothe
theMother
M otherofo fGod
Godherself;
herself;she
sheherself
herselfwill
willbe
be
ananabbess
abbesstotoyou.
you.And
Andthrough
throughher
herall
allwill
willrule."
rule."
Letususremember
Let rememberthat
thatthe
thedoors
doorsofo his
f hisreclusion
reclusionwere
werethrown
thrownopen
openfor
for

11 Lit."Mishenka"
Lit. "Mishenka"(accent
(accenton
onthe
thefirst
firstsyllable,
syllable,and
and'i'Tpronounced
pronouncedasasinin"machine").
" m achine " ).

171
A An \ J ,E/ x I ■ ,\ -

the
the first
firsttim e not
time nottotomonks,
monks, not
noteven
eventotothe
the strict
strict diocesan
diocesan Bishop
BishopJonah,
Jonah,
but
but totothe
the governor
governor Bezobrazov
Bezobrazov and
and his
hiswife.
wife.
And
Andififwe
weremember
remember Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim'ss stupendous,
stupendous, most
mostwonderful
wonderful rev ­
rev-
elation
elation —- his
his heavenly
heavenly conversation
conversation about
about the
the aim
aim oof
f the
the Christian
Christian life,
life,
when
when he
he was
was transfigured
transfigured with
with the
the light
light oof
f Mount
Mount Tabor,
Tabor, ititmakes
makes us
us
involuntarily
involuntarily wonder
wonder why
why this
this was
was granted
granted toto aalayman,
layman, toto Motovilov,
Motovilov,
" Seraphim s servant,
"Seraphim's " and
servant," and not
not totosome
some recluse
recluse ororatatleast
leasttotoFr.
Fr.Sadovsky,
Sadovsky,
aapriest.
priest.
Besides
Besides these
these outstanding
outstanding personalities,
personalities, we
wesee
see inin the
the background
background
many
manymore
morelaymen:
laymen: peasants
peasants like
likeMeliukoff
Meliukoffand
andEuphim
Euphim Vasiliev,
Vasiliev,aanoble
noble
lady
lady—- the
thewidow
widow Eropkina,
Eropkina, Aksakova
Aksakova and
and others.
others. InInfact,
fact,everyone
everyone who
who
visited
visited the
theholy
holyElder
Elderconsidered
considered him self aaclose
himself closefriend.
friend.
How
Howcan
canwe
weexplain
explain this
this relationship
relationship oof
f aahermit,
hermit, aarecluse,
recluse, aamonk
monk
who
who was
wasdead
dead totothe
theworld,
world, with
with those
those who
who lived
livedininthe
the world?
world?
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim him self more
himself morethan
than once
oncegave
gavean
ananswer
answer totothis
this question
question
ininhis
histeaching
teaching (or
(orrather,
rather, ititisisthe
thecom mon Christian
common Christian doctrine)
doctrine) about
about the
the
essence
essence oof
f CChristianity-the
hristianity —the acquisition
acquisition oof
f the
the grace
grace oof
f the
the Holy
Holy Spirit.
Spirit.
And
Andthis
this acquisition
acquisition isisnot
notonly
onlypossible,
possible, but
buteven
evenobligatory
obligatory for
forall
allwwith-
ith ­
out
out distinction.
distinction. InIn his
hiswonderful
wonderful talk
talk on
on this
this subject
subject the
the Saint
Saint said
said toto
Motovilov:
Motovilov: "The
"Thefact
factthat
that I Iam
am aammonk
onk and
and you
you are
areaalayman
layman isisutterly
utterly
beside
beside the
the point.
point. What
What God
God requires
requires isistrue
true faith
faith ininHHimself
im self and
and ininHis
His
only -begotten Son.
only-begotten Son.InInreturn
return for
forthis,
this,the
thegrace
graceofofthe
theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritisisgranted
granted
abundantly
abundantly from
fromon
onhigh.
high.The
TheLord
Lordseeks
seeksaaheart
heartfilled
filledtotooverflowing
overflowingwith
with
love
lovefor
forGod
Godand
andour
ourneighbour;
neighbour; this
thisisisthe
thethrone
throne on
onwhich
which He
Heloves
lovestotosit
sit
and
and on
onwhich
which He
Heappears
appears ininthe
thefullness
fullness oof
f His
Hisheavenly
heavenly glory.
glory.'Son,
'Son,give
give
Me
Methy
thyheart,
heart:' (Proverbs
(Proverbs 23 :2 6 ) He
23:26) Hesays,
says,'and
'andall
allthe
therest
restI IMyself
Myselfwill
willadd
add
totothee,
thee:' for
forininthe
the human
human heart
heart the
the Kingdom
Kingdom oof
f God
Godcan
canbe
becontained...
contained ...
The
The Lord
Lord listens
listens equally
equally toto aammonk
onk and
and toto aasimple
simple Christian
Christian layman
layman
provided
provided they
they are
areboth
both Orthodox,
Orthodox, and
and both
both love
loveGod
Godfrom
fromthe
the depth
depth ofof
their
their souls,
souls,and
andboth
both have
havefaith
faithininHim,
Him,ififonly
onlyasasaagrain
grain ofofmustard
mustard seed;
seed;
(Luke
(Luke 17:6)
17:6)they
theyboth
both will
willmove
movemountains.
mountains."" (Mark
(Mark 11:23)
11:23)
The
TheSaint
Sainthad
had aasimilar
similar talk
talkwith
with another
another layman,
layman, Bogdanov,
Bogdanov, shortly
shortly
before
beforehis
hisdeath.
death. "As Scripture says:
"AsScripture says:'The
'TheKingdom
Kingdom oof
f God
Godisisnot
notfood
foodand
and

172
 IN S fRU C 'fI\>
I""i{i'cr: 0 N Sl : F0 R1':11.1"1
T M 0 SLL 1.\1 V\'(1N (.;J\ IN :11,
T H FW(ll,
W 0 R ![)

drink,but
drink butrighteousness
righteousnessand
andpeace
peaceand
andjoy
joyininthe
theHoly
HolySpirit.'
Spirit/(Romans
(Romans
14:17)Only
14:17) Onlywe
wemust
mustnot
notdesire
desireanything
anythingvain;
vain;but
butallallthat
thatisisofoGod
f Godisis
good.Virginity
good. Virginityisisglorious.
glorious.Even
Evenmarriage
marriageisisblessed
blessedbybyGod:
God:'And
'AndGod
God
blessedthem,
blessed them,saying:
saying:Increase
Increaseand
andmultiply.'
multiply.(Gen.
' (Gen.1:22)
1:22)Only
Onlythe
theenemy
enemy
disturbseverything."
disturbs everything."
Andso,so,our
And ourwhole
wholebusiness
businessconsists
consistsininthe
theacquisition
acquisitionofothe
f thegrace
graceofo f
theHoly
the Holy Spirit,or,or,what
Spirit, whatamounts
amountstotothe
thesame
samething,
thing,the
theKingdom
KingdomofoGod.
f God.
Andthis
And thisis isgiven
givenbybyGod
Godirrespective
irrespectiveofof ourstate
our stateofolife,
f life,but
butaccording
accordingtoto
theefforts
the effortswe
wemake
maketotoattain
attainthe
theaim
aimofothe
f theChristian
Christianlife.
life.And
Andtherefore
therefore
thereisisreally
there reallynonoessential
essentialdifference
differencebetween
betweenmonks
monksand
andlaymen.
laymen.The
The
differencecan
difference canbebeonly
onlyinindegree;
degree;but
buteven
eventhen
thenit itdepends
dependsononthe
thewill
will
andlabour
and labourofoeach.
f each.
Yetbesides
Yet besidesallallthis
thisthere
therewere
wereother
otherreasons
reasonswhy
whySt.St.Seraphim
Seraphimenter-
enter ­
tainedsuch
tained suchcordial
cordialrelations
relationswith
withlaymen.
laymen.The
Themonks
monkswere
werealready
alreadybeing
being
savedbybyliving
saved livingininthe
themonastery,
monastery,but
butthe
thelaymen
laymenwere
wereininneed
needofofgreat
great
care,allallthe
care, themore
moresosobecause
becausethey
theymostly
mostlycame
cametotoFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimwith
withtheir
their
sorrows,afflictions,
sorrows, afflictions,perplexities
perplexitiesand
andsicknesses.
sicknesses.Once
Oncethere
therecame
cametotothe
the
Sainthis
Saint hisconstant
constantadmirer
admirerand
andspiritual
spiritualfriend,
friend,the
theabbot
abbotand
andfounder
founder
ofofthe
theNadyaiyevsky
Nadyaiyevskyhermitage,
hermitage,the
theblessed
blessedhieromonk
hierom onkTimon.
Timon.On
Onfoot
foot
ininspring
springwhen
whenallallthe
theroads
roadsare
areflooded,
flooded,heheslowly
slowlymade
madehis
hisway
wayfrom
from
theprovince
the provinceofoKostroma
f Kostromatotothat
thatofoNizhni-Novgorod,
f Nizhni-Novgorod,totosee
seehis
hisbeloved
beloved
Father
Father whomhehehad
whom hadnot
notseen
seenfor
formore
morethan
thantwenty
twenty years.On
years. Onreaching
reaching
hishis
cell,hehewaited
cell, waitedwith
withimpatience
impatiencefor
fora ahappy
happymeeting
meetingwith
withthe
theholy
holyElder.
Elder.
ButFr.
But Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimwent
wentononreceiving
receivingother
otherpeople,
people,both
bothmen
menand
andwomen,
women,
andonly
and onlytowards
towardsevening
eveningdid
didheheadmit
admitFr.Fr.Timon.
Timon.The
Theabbot
abbotfell
felldown
down
atatthe
theSaint's
Saint'feet
s feetand
andasked
askedhim
himwith
withsorrow:
sorrow:"Why
"Whyhave
haveyou
youbeen
beenangry
angry
withme,
with me,a asinner,
sinner,and
andhave
havenot
notadmitted
admittedme
meallallday?"
day? "
Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimgave
gavehis
hisfriend
frienda aseat
seatand
andwith
withgreat
greatlove
lovesaid
saidtotohim:
him:
"No,it itwas
"No, wasnot
notso,
so,Fr.
Fr.Timon!
Tim on!I love
I loveyou,
you,but
butI have
I havedone
donethis
thisbecause
becauseyou
you
area amonk,
are monk,and
andeven
evena asolitary.
solitarySoSoyou
youshould
shouldhave
havepatience.
patience.I was
I wasalso
also
testingyou
testing youtotosee
seewhat
whatyou
youhad
hadlearned
learnedbybyliving
livingsosomany
manyyears
yearsininsoli-
soli ­
tude.
tude. Youhave
You havenot
notcome
comeout
outofofit itempty,
empty,have
have you?
you? AsAsforforthe
theother
other people,
people,
theyare
they areworldly
worldlyand
andeven
evensick.
sick.They
Theymust
mustbebetreated
treatedand
anddismissed
dismissedfirst,
first,

173
.A'\ E'\TR_-\uRf);\:\l~Y P .-:\C1

forfor 'they
'they that
that bebe whole
whole need
need notnot a physician,
a physician, butbut they
they that
that areare sick/
sick: (Mat.
(Mat.
9:12)
9 :12) as as
thethe Lord
Lord said.
said. ButBut with
with you
you it is
it is necessary
necessary to to talk
talk more
more at leisure."
atleisure."
"And
"And so," " Fr.
so,Fr. Tim on
Timon ends
ends hishis reminiscence,"we
reminiscence, "we spent
spent thethe whole
whole night
night
with
with him
him in in conversation."
conversation."
Here
Here I shall
I shall mention
mention thethe direction
direction which
which was
was given
given byby
thethe Saint
Saint to to
Fr.Fr.
Timon:
Timon: "Sow,
"Sow, Fr.Fr. Timon,
Timon, sow!
sow! Sow
Sow everywhere
everywhere thethe wheat
wheat which
which hashas been
been
given
given to to you.
you. Sow
Sow onon
thethe good
good ground,
ground, sow
sow onon
thethe sand,
sand, sow
sow even
even onon
thethe
rock,
rock, sow
sow byby
thethe wayside,
wayside, sow
sow among
among thethe thorns.
thorns. Somewhere
Somewhere or or other
other it it
will
will sprout,
sprout, andand grow,
grow, andand produce
produce fruit,
fruit, even
even though
though notnot soon.
soon. AndAnd
dodo
notnot hide
hide in in
thethe earth
earth thethe talent
talent which
which hashas been
been given
given to to you,
you, lestlest
youyou
bebe
called
called to to account
account byby your
your Lord,
Lord, butbut give
give it to
it to thethe exchangers
exchangers andand
letlet them
them
trade
trade with
with it. it. (Mat.
(Mat. 2 5:27)
25:27) One
One thing
thing more
more I have
I have to to
telltell you,
you, Fr.Fr. Timon.
Timon.
Have
Have no no friendship
friendship andand
nono union
union firstly,
firstly, with
with enemies
enemies of oChrist's
f ChristChurch
's Church
such
such as as heretics
heretics andand schismatics;
schismatics; secondly,
secondly, with
with those
those who
who dodo
notnot keep
keep
thethe holy
holy fasts;
fasts; thirdly,
thirdly, with
with women,
women, forfor they
they do do a lot
a lot of of harm
harm to to
us us monks."
monks."
Though
Though strictly
strictly speaking
speaking all all
butbut saints
saints areare sick,
sick, those
those who
who came
came to to
thethe Saint
Saint from
from a distance
a distance of ohundreds
f hundreds
andand even
even thousands
thousands of oversts
f versts were
were
special
special sufferers.
sufferers. How
How was
was he he
notnot
to to com fort
comfort them
them before
before thethe monks?
monks? I I
shall
shall m ention
mention a case
a case which
which hashas
notnot been
been printed
printed in in
anyany
of othe
f the other
other lives,
lives,
butbut which
which is com forting
is comforting to to every
every sufferer.
sufferer. In In
thethe TheThe
book
book Sacred Ministry
Sacred Ministry
of oa fPriest (Fr.(Fr.
a Priest Tikhon),
Tikhon}, wewe read
read thethe following:
following:

There
Therelived
liveda husband
a husband andand wife. They
wife. Theywere
wereboth
both educated
educated people
people andand
lived together
lived together in in
love. ButBut
love. thethehusband
husband hadhada vice
a vice - he
— hewaswasaddicted
addicted
to to
wine.
wine. AsAs timetimewent on,on,
went hishispassion
passion overcame
overcame himhimmoremore andandmore.
more.
Neither
Neither thetheentreaties
entreatiesof of
hishis
wife nornor
wife hishis
ownown efforts
effortswere of of
were anyanyavail.
avail.
TheThe
tortured
tortured wife went
wife wentto to
Sarov
Sarovto to
Fr.Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim andandtoldtold
himhimherhergrief
grief
with bitter
with bittertears. TheThe
tears. Saint feltfelt
Saint compassion
compassion forfor
her,her,
comforted
comforted herherandand
gave herher
gave thethefollowing
followinginstruction,
instruction, namely,
nam ely to to
read daily
read dailyforfor
forty days
forty days
an an
Akathist
Akathist to tothethe
Mother
Mother of of
God Godandandto to
keep it aitsecret
keep a secretfrom
fromherherhus-
hus ­
band.
band.SheShe returned
returned home
home andand began
beganto to
do do
what
what thetheElder
Elderhadhadtoldtold
her,her,
butbut
herher
husband's
husbands passion
passion diddid
notnotabate
abatein the
in theleast.
least.

Towards
Towardsthethe
endend
of the forty
of the days,
forty to to
days, herher
horror andand
horror distress, hishis
distress,
drunkenness increased to madness ..However, she continued to to
drunkenness increased to madness. However, she continued read
read
daily an an
daily Akathist to the
Akathist Mother
to the Motherof God. OnOn
of God. thethe
fortieth
fortiethdayday
something
something

174
 I :\ .\ T R !I ( f i !) "') ! \) R T Ii l) ) L i V I :\ I, I\ T H' W (l II I. n
extraordinary and
extraordinary andunexpected
unexpected happened
happened totoher
herhusband.
husband. He
Hehumbly
humbly
wenttotohis
went hiswife,
wife,asked
askedher
herforgiveness
forgiveness for
forall
allhis
hissins
sinsand
and for
forall
allthe
the
pain he
pain hehad
hadcaused
caused her,
her,and
and promised
promised never
nevertotodrink
drink again.
again. The
Thepoor
poor
woman could
woman could hardly
hardly believe
believe ititfor
forjoy;
joy;but
butshe
shethanked
thanked the
theMother
Mother ofof
Godand
God andSt.
St.Seraphim.
Seraphim. And
Andfrom
fromthat
that day
dayher
herhusband
husband was
wascompletely
completely
cured.
cured.
Now
Now let
letus
usreturn
return totoother
other laymen,
laymen, especially
especially toto those
those who
who were
were inti
inti-­
mate
mate and
and trusted
trusted friends
friends oof
f the
the Saint.
Saint. There
There was
was one
one other
other special
special reason
reason
for
forhis
hisconfidence
confidence ininthem:
them: they
they were
were devotedly
devotedly obedient
obedient totohim.
him. This
Thiswas
was
not
not the
the case
case with
with most
most oof
f the
the Sarov
Sarov monks;
monks; among
among many
many oof
f them
them there
there
was
was even
even some
some antagonism
antagonism towards
towards the
the Saint.
Saint. But
Butfor
forthe
the creation
creation oof
f aa
community,
community, and
and especially
especially a awwomen's
om ens community,
community, he
he needed
needed collabo
collabo-­
rators
rators whose
whose obedience
obedience was
was absolute.
absolute. Life
Lifeshows
shows ususthat
that ititisissometimes
sometimes
easier
easier toto find
find a atrustful
trustful simplicity
simplicity oof
f soul
soul inin a ahumble
humble layman
layman than
than inin
some
some opinionated
opinionated monk.
monk.
Besides,
Besides, ititwould
would have
havebeen
been a acause
cause oof
f scandal
scandal and
and criticism
criticism totoentrust
entrust
a acomm unity oof
community f nuns
nuns totomonks.
monks. Even
Evena amonk
monk oof
f such
such perfect
perfect chastity
chastity asas
St.
St.Seraphim
Seraphim never
never visited
visited his
his own
own com m unity except
community except on
on a asingle
single occa ­
occa-
sion
sion after
after a afuneral,
funeral, when
when hehewas
was a ahierodeacon.
hierodeacon. And
And even
even then
then he
hedid
did
not
not stay
stay for
forlunch,
lunch, but,
but, ininspite
spite o of
f the
the rain,
rain, walked
walked back
back totoSarov.
Sarov. And
And
on
onanother
another occasion,
occasion, when
when the
the Church
Church o of
f the
the Nativity
Nativity had
had been
been built
built inin
Diveyev
Diveyev by
byM.V.
M.v.Manturov,
Manturov, and
and Fr.
Fr.Paul,
Paul, who
who occupied
occupied the
the next
next cell
cellinin
Sarov,
Sarov,invited
invited Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim totoitsitsconsecration,
consecration, the
theSaint
Saintreplied:
replied: " N o! Why
"No! Why
disturb
disturb them?
them? I Ishall
shall not
notgo.
go.And
And don 't you
don't either. ItItisisbetter
yougogoeither. better totogive
give
them
them what
what they
they need.
need. They
Theywill
willdo
doeverything
everything themselves
themselves and
and make
make all
all
the
thenecessary
necessary arrangements.
arrangements. There
There isisno
noneed
need for
forusustotogogothere. "
there."
InInspite
spite o of
f all
allthat
that we
wehave
havesaid,
said, it itisisnot
notperfectly
perfectly clear
clearwhy
whythe
theSaint
Saint
appeared
appeared totoprefer
prefer good
good laymen
laymen totomonks.
monks. But
Butperhaps
perhaps we
wecan
candiscover
discover a a
further
further reason
reason for
forit.it.Had
Hadnot
notananunfortunate
unfortunate thing
thing already
already begun
begun ininhis
his
lifetime? ItItwas
lifetime? wasa aspiritual
spiritual deadness
deadness among
among monks,
monks, hierarchs
hierarchs and
andpriests
priests
which the
which theSaint
Saint sososharply
sharply rebuked.
rebuked. Pointing
Pointing out
outa alife
lifethat
that was
wasexternal
external
and
andformal,
formal, hehereferred
referred totothem
them asas"charred
"charred logs. " Was
logs," Wasnot
not the
the tim e atat
time
hand
hand when
when true
true Christians
Christians would
would bebedetermined
determined not
notbybytheir
their badge
badge ofof
office,
office,rank
rank ororprofession,
profession, not
notbybytheir
their name
name ororlabel,
label, but
butbybytheir
their actual
actual

175
Ai\ N EExX IRI HA 0 R DIlI"'.\
IN A RHY
Y PPEE.\
A CCE
E

life?
life? Are
Are we
we not
not witnessing
witnessing in
in our
our days
days how
how those
those who
who ought
ought to
to defend
defend
the
the truth
truth remain
remain indifferent
indifferent to
to it,
it,while
while people
people who
who hold
hold no
no official
official posi
posi-­
tion
tion in
in the
the Church,
Church, simple
simple laymen
laymen with
with aareligious
religious outlook,
outlook, are
are the
the m ain ­
main-
stay
stay of
of the
the Church?
Church? And
And the
the word
word ooff God
God comes
comes true: The last
true: ""The last shall
shall be
be
first. " (Mat.
first." (Mat. 19:30)
19:30)
ItIt isiswell
well known
known that
that among
among the
the prophecies
prophecies ooff St. Seraphim one
S1.Seraphim one still
still
remains
remains un -published in
un-published in order
order that
that itit may
may not
not give
give offence.
offence. This
This isis the
the
prophecy
prophecy about
about the
the fall
fall ooff the
the members
members ooff the
the episcopate
episcopate and
and their
their lack
lack
of
of zeal
zeal for
for the
the glory
glory ooff God.
God. Neither
Neither can
can the
the monasteries
monasteries boast
boast ooff such
such
zeal,
zeal, for
for they
they are
are more
more concerned
concerned with
with outward
outward organization
organization than
than with
with
the
the art
art ooff contemplative
contemplative prayer
prayer and
and holiness
holiness ooff life.
life. ItIt isis not
not for
for nothing
nothing
that
that in
in our
our tim
timee both
both bishops
bishops and
and priests
priests are
are having
having to
to bear
bear aa purify
purify-­
ing
ing punishment.
punishment. ItIt isis not
not without
without the
the will
will ooff God
God that
that the
the monasteries,
monasteries,
which
which were
were previously
previously provided
provided with
with everything,
everything, have
have been
been closed,
closed, even
even
the
the best
best ooff them
them 2.2.
And
And finally,
finally, in
in our
our days
days ooff the
the decline
decline ooff true
true Christianity
Christianity throughout
throughout
the
the world,
world, was
was ititnot
not high
high tim
timee to
to make
make ititperfectly
perfectly clear
clear that
that Christianity
Christianity
isis not
not only
only for
for monks
monks and
and clergy,
clergy, but
but for
for the
the whole
whole world,
world, and
and conse
conse-­
quently
quently first
first ooff all
all for
for the
the laity
laity themselves?
themselves? IsIs itit not
not striking
striking that
that our
our
Saviour
Saviour H im self worked
Himself worked His
His first
first miracle
miracle at
at aamarriage
marriage in
in Cana
Can aooff Galilee
Galilee
by
by changing
changing water
water into
into wine?
wine? There - by He
There-by He called
called hum anity to
humanity to aaspiritual
spiritual
transform ation and
transformation and transfiguration
transfiguration ooff its
itslife
life in
in the
the world.
world. This
This isispossible
possible
everywhere
everywhere and
and for
for everyone.
everyone. And
And the
the essence
essence ooff ititconsists
consists in
in sanctifying
sanctifying
one 's soul
one's soul and
and thereby
thereby all
all the
the surrounding
surrounding life.
life. IsIs Christianity
Christianity only
only for
for
monks?
monks? No,
No, ititisisfor
for everyone.
everyone. And
And all
all are
are called
called to
to that acquisition oof
that ""acquisition f the
the
grace
grace ooff the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit"" or
or the
the Kingdom
Kingdom ooff God.
God. St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim reminded
reminded
the
the whole
whole world
world of
of this,
this, aaworld
world which
which had
had forgotten
forgotten the
the very
very essence
essence of
of
Christianity.
Christianity. That
That great
great servant
servant ooff God,
God, St.
St.Symeon
Symeon the
the New
New Theologian3
Theologian"
22 Here
Here the
the author
author refers
refers to
to the
the great
great struggles
struggles of
ofthe
the Russian
Russian Orthodox
Orthodox Church
Church
in
in the
the wake
wake ofofthe
the Communist
Communist Revolution,
Revolution, where
where there
there was
was great
great and
and widespread
widespread
persecution
persecution of of religious
religious peoples
peoples and and where
where inin many
many documented
documented casescases official
official
hierarchs
hierarchs andand church
church administrators
administrators actually
actually betrayed
betrayed the
the holy
holy Orthodox
Orthodox Church
Church
into
into the
the hands
hands of of her
her enemies. — ed.
enemies.-ed.
33 St.
St. Symeon
Symeon lived
lived in
in the
the 10th
io» Century.
Century.

176
 I\.) I.\s
S i j mu. i j()i o ' o i or T li\
h o s e L L i vi\I,!\
i n g in iit h e \VI)

hadalso
had alsoreminded
remindedthe
theGreeks
Greekswho
whohad
hadgrown
growncold
coldtowards
towardsreligion
religion(both
(both
monksand
monks andlaymen)
laymen)ofo ftheir
theirforgotten
forgottenconception
conceptionofo fChristianity
Christianityasasa a
lifeininwhich
life whichthe
thepower
powerofo the
f theHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritwas
wasconsciously
consciouslyrealized.
realized.The
The
im portanceofofSt.
importance St.Seraphim's
Seraphim sconversations
conversationswill
willalso
alsobebeappreciated
appreciatedinin
thisregard.
this regard.
Andsosoboth
And bothways,
ways,the
themonastic
monasticand
andthe
themarried
marriedlife,
life,can
canlead
leadtotosal-
sal ­
vation.The
vation. Thequestion
questionasastotowhich
whichofo them
f themtotochoose
chooseisissolved
solveddifferently
differently
bybyeach
eachindividual.
individual.Both
Bothhave
haveessentially
essentiallyone
oneand
andthe
thesame
sameaim
aim- — the
the
acquisitionofo the
acquisition f thegrace
graceofofthe
theHoly
HolySpirit.
Spirit.But
Butaccording
accordingtotothe
thedegree
degreeofof
self - denialand
self-denial andasceticism,
asceticism,a agood
goodmonastic
monasticlife
lifeisishigher
higherthan
thanthe
themar-
mar ­
riedlife.
ried life.The
Theunmarried
unmarriedman,
man,says
saysthe
theApostle,
Apostle,cares
caresfor
forthe
thethings
thingsofothe
f the
Lord.(1(1Cor.
Lord. Cor.7:32)
7:32)But
Butthe
themonastic
monasticway
wayisisharder.
harder.
"Themonastic
"The monasticlife
lifeisisnot
notsuitable
suitablefor
foreveryone,"
everyone,"said
saidthe
theSaint
Sainttotoananel-el ­
derlylady.
derly lady.Therefore,
Therefore,ititisisclear
clearthat
thatpeople
peoplemust
mustgenerally
generallychoose
choosethe
theway
way
ofo married
f marriedlife
lifewhich
whichisisblessed
blessedbybyGod.
God.But
Butininthis
thiscase,
case,too,
too,God
Goddoes
does
notforce
not forceanyone
anyoneagainst
againsthis
hiswill.
will."The
"TheLord
Lorddoes
doesnot
notcompel
compelanyone
anyonetoto
acceptvirginity,
accept virginity, 4 saidFr.
"4"said Fr.Seraphim,
Seraphim,but
butatatonce
onceheheadded:
added:"All
"Allthings
thingsare
are
possibletotohim
possible himwho
whobelieves."
believes."(Mk.
(Mk.9:23)
9:2 3 )And
Andonly
onlyininflagrant
flagrantcases
casesofo f
unfitnessfor
unfitness forvirginity
virginityand
andlack
lackofodecision,
f decision,isisit itbetter
betterand
andsafer
safertotocontract
contract
marriagewithout
marriage withoutany
anymisgivings
misgivingsand
andtotoobtain
obtainsalvation
salvationininthis
this"middle
"middle
way,"according
way," accordingtotothe
thewords
wordsofSt.
o f St.Gregory
Gregorythe
theTheologian.
Theologian.And
Andafter
afterall,
all,
bothways
both waysare
are"gifts
"giftsofo God,"
f God,"for
forboth
bothare
aregiven
givenasasways
waysofo salvation,
f salvation,asas
isisclearly
clearlysaid
saidbybythe
theApostle
ApostlePaul:
Paul:I wish
I wishthat
thatallallwere
wereasasI am
I ammyself
m yself(i.e.
(i.e.
ininthe
thestate
stateofo virginity).
f virginity).But
Buteveryone
everyonehas
hashis
hisown
owngift
giftfrom
fromGod
God- —one
one
ininone
oneway,
way,and
andone
oneininanother.
another.(1(1Cor.
Cor.7:7)
7:7)

Stonewalls
Stone wallsdodonot
nota aprison
prisonmake,
make,
Noriron
Nor ironbars
barsa acage;
cage;
Mindsinnocent
Minds innocentand
andquiet
quiettake
take
Thatfor
That forananhermitage.
hermitage.

Mat.19:12
4 4 Mat. "Hewho
19:12"He abletotoaccept
whois isable acceptit,it,letlethim
himaccept
acceptit."it."

177
A\ F\II~.\(\I~I)I\!\I~Y p!:\(\

If If I have freedom in my love

I have freedom in my love
And in my soul am free,
And in my soul am free,
Angels alone, that soar above,
Angels alone, that soar above,
Enjoy such liberty.
Enjoy such liberty.
Neither do walls or rich furniture make a home. Millionaires in mag ­
Neither do walls or rich furniture make a home. Millionaires in mag-
nificent mansions may never know a home. But where there are good
nificent mansions may never know a home. But where there are good
relationships, where love binds the family together and to God, there
relationships, where love binds the family together and to God, there
happiness is always to be found. For good relationships are heaven any ­
happiness is always to be found. For good relationships are heaven any-
where. Monotony and misery cannot exist where there is love. But the fire
where. Monotony and misery cannot exist where there is love. But the fire
ofolove
f love must be kept burning warmly and brightly with the sweet wood
must be kept burning warmly and brightly with the sweet wood
ofosacrifice.
f sacrifice. In teaching us to cross the T out o f life our Lord tells us the
In teaching us to cross the T out of life our Lord tells us the
secret o f happiness, what the saints call the ecstasy of self-forgetfulness.
secret of happiness, what the saints call the ecstasy of self-forgetfulness.
For divine love is always self - effacing, seeks to give rather than to receive,
For divine love is always self-effacing, seeks to give rather than to receive,
to to serve rather than to be served, to love rather than to be loved, and will
serve rather than to be served, to love rather than to be loved, and will
sacrifice any - thing for the Beloved. Only then does love becom e a clean
sacrifice any-thing for the Beloved. Only then does love become a clean
and holy fire in the heart, and not an ugly flare of lust.
and holy fire in the heart, and not an ugly flare of lust.
Christian marriage is a life-work. It is easy only in ideal circumstanc ­
Christian marriage is a life-work. It is easy only in ideal circumstanc-
es.es.Fidelity
Fidelity to the end, St. Seraphim taught, is essential to happiness. If
to the end, St. Seraphim taught, is essential to happiness. If
Christians find they cannot live together, they go on living together for
Christians find they cannot live together, they go on living together for
their homes, their children, for the Church and for God. It may mean
their homes, their children, for the Church and for God. It may mean
much suffering, but this married life is the way to heaven. For only those
much suffering, but this married life is the way to heaven. For only those
who take up the cross can follow Christ.
who take up the cross can follow Christ.
Prayer,
Prayer, discernment,
discernment, and
and especially
especially thethe experience
experience of owise
f wise directors
directors
gifted with spiritual insight will lead to the knowledge of G o d s will and
gifted with spiritual insight will lead to the knowledge of God's will and
thethe acceptance of on es own " gift o f God." But if you are still uncertain
acceptance of one's own "gift of God." But if you are still uncertain
or or doubtful, you ought to choose the way of marriage which, as a gift of
doubtful, you ought to choose the way of marriage which, as a gift of
God, is also good and blessed, and not blamable (God preserve us from
God, is also good and blessed, and not blamable (God preserve us from
such blasphem y!), and labour in that. However, when the Lord sends us
such blasphemy!), and labour in that. However, when the Lord sends us
Spirit-filled directors, we should consider it a mercy o f God and apply to
Spirit-filled directors, we should consider it a mercy of God and apply to
them in doubtful cases. That is why many people asked for St. Seraphims
them in doubtful cases. That is why many people asked for St. Seraphim's
blessing
blessing to to choose
choose thethe monastic
monastic life.
life.
The
The following
following is is related
related in in
thethe Chronicle:
Chronicle:

178
 (), I. \! \, i \ Ii I \\

In the
In the year
year 1830,
1830, aa novice
novice of
of the
the Glinsky
Glinsky Monastery
Monastery who
who had
had not
not yet
yet
finally decided as to his way of life, came with this intention to
finally decided as to his way of life, came with this intention to the the
Sarov Monastery
Sarov Monastery and
and asked
asked Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim whether
whether there
there was
was God's
God's
blessing for him to become a monk. The young man did not
blessing for him to become a monk. The young man did not quite quite
know his
know his own
own mind
mind and
and was
was not
not sure
sure of
of his
his vocation;
vocation; he
he was
was hesitat-
hesitat­
ing between the world and the monastery. He had no one to whom
ing between the world and the monastery. He had no one to whom he he
could disclose
could disclose his
his thoughts.
thoughts. There
There was
was no
no one
one at
at hand
hand who
who could
could solve
solve
the problem of his life. And so the novice came to Fr. Seraphim,
the problem of his life. And so the novice came to Fr. Seraphim, fell atfell at
his feet
his feet and
and begged
begged him
him to
to release
release his
his soul
soul from
from the
the turmoil
turmoil of
of doubts,
doubts,
asking: "Is it the will of God that I and my brother Nikolas
asking: "Is it the will of God that I and my brother Nikolas should should
choose the
choose the monastic
monastic life?"
life?"

Had not
Had not Fr.
Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, some
some years
years previously,
previously, asked
asked the
the Recluse
Recluse
Dositheus the
Dositheus the same
same question
question in
in Kiev?
Kiev? And
And so so he
he answered
answered the
the novice
novice
thus: "Save
thus: "Save yourself
yourself and
and save
save your
your brother!"
brother! " Then
Then he
he reflected
reflected aa mo-
m o­
ment and said: " Do you remember the life of Johannikius
ment and said: "Do you remember the life of lohannikius the Great?
the Great?
W hen he
When he was
was wandering
wandering among
among the
the mountains
mountains andand rapids,
rapids, his
his staff
staff
happened to
happened to slip
slip from
from his
his hand
hand and
and fell
fell down
down aa precipice.
precipice. ItIt was
was im-
im ­
possible to
possible to get
get the
the staff,
staff, and
and without
without itit the
the Saint
Saint could
could go
go no
no further.
further.
In deep anguish he cried to the Lord God, and an angel
In deep anguish he cried to the Lord God, and an angel of the Lord of the Lord in-
in ­
visibly handed
visibly handed him
him aa new
new staff."
staff."

So saying,
So saying, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim put put his
his own
own stick
stick into
into the
the right
right hand
hand of
of the
the
novice and said: "It is difficult to direct human souls! But
novice and said: "It is difficult to direct human souls! But among allamong all
your trials
your trials and
and sorrows
sorrows in
in directing
directing the
the souls
souls of
of the
the brethren,
brethren, the the angel
angel
of the Lord will be constantly with you till the end of your
of the Lord will be constantly with you till the end of your life." life."

After this
After this the
the novice
novice decided
decided toto enter
enter aa monastery.
monastery. AtAt his
his profession
profession he he
received the name of Paissy, and in 1856 he was appointed
received the name of Paissy, and in 1856 he was appointed abbot of abbot of
the Tchoorkinsky
the Tchoorkinsky Nikolas
Nikolas cenobitic
cenobitic monastery
monastery in
in Astrakhan.
Astrakhan. Six
Six years
years
later he was raised to the rank of archimandrite
later he was raised to the rank of archimandrite in the same m onas
in the same monas- ­
tery. In
tery. In this
this way
way he
he became,
became, asas St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim had
had foreseen,
foreseen, aa pastor
pastor of
of
hum an souls. And his brother, of whom Fr. Seraphim had
human souls. And his brother, of whom Fr. Seraphim had said, "Save said, "Save
your brother,"
your brother," entered
entered aa monastery
monastery under
under the
the name
name ofof Nazarius
Nazarius andand
ended his
ended his life
life in
in St.
St. George's
Georges Monastery
Monastery inin Kozeletsk
Kozeletsk as
as aa hieromonk.
hieromonk.

How decisively
How decisively did
did the
the Spirit-bearing
Spirit - bearing Seraphim
Seraphim determine
determine the
the fate
fate of
of
those who
those who asked
asked his
his advice!
advice!
Recently, at
Recently, at the
the Theological
Theological Academy
Academy in
in St.
St. Petersburg
Petersburg there
there was
was aa
student called
student called Nikolas
Nikolas V.S.
V.S. For
For his
his geniality
geniality his
his fellow
fellow students
students gave
gave him
him
the nickname
the nickname of
o f Koletchka.
Koletchka. In
In his
his second
second or
or third
third school-year
school- year he
he thought
thought

179
A A nLx E x t \r l) a o r d\ i n a1 r l'1
y Peace

of of becoming
becoming a monk.
a monk. HeHe thought
thought and
and prayed,
prayed, and
and hehe asked
asked thethe advice
advice of of
a number
a number of ospiritual
f spiritual persons.
persons. ButBut
nono one
one gave
gave him
him a definite
a definite andand final
final
answer.
answer. "You
"You may
may becomae monk;
become a monk;
butbut
youyou might
might also
also bebe a good
a good parish
parish
priest,said
priest," " said those
those whom
whom hehe asked.
asked.
Kolya
Kolya was
was notnot satisfied,
satisfied, and
and hishis longing
longing forfor monasticism
monasticism grew.
grew. The
The
canonization
canonization of oSt.
f St. Seraphim
Seraphim and
and thethe exposition
exposition of ohis
f his relics
relics had
had taken
taken
place
place a short
a short tim before
time e before this.
this. TwoTwo years
years later
later a friend
a friend had
had a desire
a desire to to
venerate
venerate thethe Saint,
Saint, andand went
went to to Sarov.
Sarov. From
From there,
there, laden
laden with
with small
small sou ­
sou-
venirs
venirs of of
thethe monastery,
monastery, hehe returned
returned to to
thethe Academy
Academy at at
thethe beginning
beginning of of
thethe school
school year.
year. Incidentally,
Incidentally, hehe brought
brought Kolya
Kolya a small
a small icon
icon of othe
f the Saint.
Saint.
HeHe had
had feltfelt
forfor a long
a long time
time a special
a special veneration
veneration forfor
thethe Wonderworker
Wonderworker of of
Sarov,
Sarov, even
even before
before hishis canonization.
canonization. HisHis friend
friend had
had held
held nono special
special inten ­
inten-
tion
tion in in bestowing
bestowing hishis gift.
gift. ButBut
thisthis is what
is what happened.
happened.
Having
Having received
received thethe welcome
welcome present,
present, as as
hehe afterwards
afterwards told
told hishis friend,
friend,
hehe decided
decided to to
askask
thethe Saint
Saint in in prayer
prayer to to solve
solve finally
finally hishis torturing
torturing problem
problem
regarding
regarding monasticism.
monasticism. HeHe only
only wanted
wanted to to know
know one
one thing:
thing: WasWas it the
it the
will
will of oGod
f God
forfor him
him to to becomae monk?
become a monk?
"And
"And so,he
so," " he told
told hishis friend,
friend, "I put
"I put your
your icon
icon before
before meme
in in
mymy room
room andand
I said
I said aloud
aloud to to
mymy Saint:
Saint: 'Little
'Little Father,
Father, St.St. Seraphim,
Seraphim, great
great Wonderworker
Wonderworker
of oGod!
f God! You
You said
said yourself
yourself during
during your
your lifetimthat
lifetime e that
wewe were
were to to come
come to to
your
your grave
grave and
and telltell
youyou everything
everything as as if you
if you were
were alive.
alive. Dear
Dear little
little Father!
Father!
I am
I am quite
quite tortured
tortured byby
mymy problem
problem regarding
regarding monasticism.
monasticism. Tell
Tell me,
me, is is
it it
thethe will
will of of
GodGod
forfor
meme
to to become
become a monk
a monk or or not?
not? Look,
Look, I shall
I shall make
make three
three
prostrations
prostrations to to you,
you, as as
to to a living
a living person;
person; and
and then
then I shall
I shall open
open your
your LifeLife
(I (I think
think it was
it was Levitsky'book
Levitsky's s book
onon
St.St. Seraphim ),
Seraphim), andand where
where mymy glance
glance
falls,
falls, letlet it be
it be thethe answer
answer to to me.'"
me.'"
And
And hehe
diddid
as as
hehe said.
said. HeHe made
made three
three prostrations,
prostrations, opened
opened thethe onon
LifeLife
thethe
leftleft side,
side, andand
hishis eyes
eyes lighted
lighted upon
upon thethe paragraph
paragraph which
which begins
begins with
with
thethe words:
words: "In" In
thethe year
year 1830
1830 a novice
a novice of othe
f the Glinsky
Glinsky Monastery...
Monastery. " which
..n which
wewe have
have just
just quoted
quoted above.
above.
Nikolas
Nikolas V.S.
V.S. was
was overjoyed
overjoyed andand began
began with
with tears
tears to to thank
thank hishis won ­
won-
derworker
derworker who
who had
had now
now blessed
blessed hishis vocation
vocation in in a sim ilar
a similar manner.
manner. HisHis
doubts
doubts were
were at at
anan end.
end. And
And soon,
soon, instead
instead of othe
f the servant
servant of of
GodGod Nikolas,
Nikolas.
180
 I1\\1
n s i ' r II
u c 1
r i {l\\
on s fo r T i - i o s i i.: Li\
Tiff)
L i v i,\\ c ; i\i n j jj
rn i W
\ V «)n j d
liLn
he became
he becam e after
after his
his profession
profession "our
"our brother
brother Seraphim,"
Seraphim," being
being so
so called
called
on account
on account of
of the
the wonderful
wonderful revelation
revelation made
made to
to him
him by
by the
the Saint.
Saint. Other
Other
details from
details from the
the same
same account
account of
o f the
the Glinsky
Glinsky novice
novice were
were also
also fulfilled.
fulfilled.
Brother Seraphim
Brother Seraphim subsequently
subsequently also
also became
became aa pastor
pastor-—aa bishop.
bishop.
There was
There was also
also another
another extraordinary
extraordinary coincidence
coincidence with
with regard
regard to
to his
his
own brother,
own brother, whom
whom Nikolas
Nikolas VS.
V.S. had
had not
not thought
thought of
o f during
during his
his prayer,
prayer,
as his
as his thoughts
thoughts were
were busy
busy about
about himself.
himself. This
This brother
brother from
from time
tim e to
to time
time
suffered from
suffered from headaches
headaches and
and from
from an
an inexplicable
inexplicable anguish.
anguish. In
In those
those mo-
m o­
ments, his
ments, his elder
elder brother
brother Nikolas
Nikolas was
was aa great
great help
help to
to him,
him, comforting
comforting and
and
cheering him.
cheering him. And
And suddenly
suddenly there
there was
was now
now an
an answer
answer for
for him
him too:
too: "Save
"Save
your brother."
your brother." This
This he
he did.
did. After
After he
he had
had graduated
graduated from
from the
the Academy,
Academy Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim took
Seraphim took his
his mother
mother (a
(a widow)
widow) and
and his
his brother
brother to
to live
live with
with him.
him.
Then he
Then he professed
professed him
him and
and gave
gave him
him the
the name
name of
of Sergius.
Sergius. Now
Now he
he is
is an
an
archimandrite and
archimandrite and he
he is
is working
working out
out his
his salvation
salvation with
with his
his brother
brother the
the
Bishop. As
Bishop. As to
to their
their mother,
mother, she
she passed
passed peacefully
peacefully away.
away.
O f course,
Of course, we
we should
should not
not make
make aa rule
rule of
o f this
this way
way of
o f finding
finding out
out the
the
will of
will o f God,
God, for
for it
it will
will be
be similar
sim ilar to
to fortune-telling.
fortune - telling. And
And it
it is
is not
not ap-
ap ­
proved by
proved by the
the Church.
Church. In
In the
the history
history of
o f the
the Diveyev
Diveyev Community
Community great
great
confusion arose
confusion arose in
in this
this way.
way. Nectarius,
Nectarius, Bishop
Bishop of
of Nizhni-Novgorod,
Nizhni-Novgorod, in
in
whose diocese
whose diocese this
this convent
convent stood,
stood, wanted
wanted to
to appoint
appoint as
as abbess
abbess aa certain
certain
sister, Glykeria
sister, Glykeria Zanyatova,
Zanyatova, against
against the
the wish
wish of
o f the
the majority
majority of
o f the
the sisters
sisters
who wanted
who wanted to
to remain
remain with
with their
their former
former abbess,
abbess, Elisabeth
Elisabeth Ushakova. To
Ushakova. To
this end,
this end, contrary
contrary to
to law,
law, he
he used
used the
the method
method of
o f casting
casting lots,
lots, inscribing
inscribing
the names
the names of
o f Mother
Mother Elisabeth,
Elisabeth, Sister
Sister Glykeria
Glykeria and
and another
another of
o f her
her party,
party,
Paraskeva Yerofeyeva.
Paraskeva Yerofeyeva. The
The lot
lot fell
fell on
on Glykeria
Glykeria who
who had
had only
only forty
forty adher-
adher­
ents, while
ents, while the
the other
other four
four hundred
hundred were
were for
for Mother
Mother Elizabeth.
Elizabeth. This
This gave
gave
rise to
rise to aa notorious
notorious lawsuit.
lawsuit. And
And this
this is
is what
what the
the deceased
deceased Metropolitan
M etropolitan
Philaret of
Philaret o f Moscow
Moscow wrote
wrote in
in his
his resolution:
resolution: "I
"I have
have learned
learned that
that His
His Grace
Grace
looks upon
looks upon the
the lot
lot cast
cast by
by him
him as
as upon
upon the
the will
will of
of God,
God, and
and therefore
therefore
considers his
considers his case
case above
above the
the decision
decision of
of the
the Holy
Holy Synod."
Synod."
Metropolitan Philaret
Metropolitan' Philaret considered
considered this
this opinion
opinion erroneous.
erroneous. Afterwards,
Afterwards,
the same
the same view
view was
was expressed
expressed by
by the
the Holy
Holy Synod;
Synod; the
the settling
settling of
o f the
the matter
matter
by lot
by lot was
was cancelled,
cancelled, and
and Mother
Mother Elisabeth
Elisabeth was
was reinstated
reinstated in
in her
her lawful
lawful
181
A N E \ r R .\ () g D I" RY P 1 fl. c I:
offices. As
offices. Asfor
forSister
Sister Glykeria
Glykeria and
and her
heradherents,
adherents, she
shewas
was removed
removedfrom
from
theconvent.
the convent. Peace
Peacewas
wasrestored.
restored.
Anotherhierarch,
Another hierarch,one
oneof
ofthe
theleaders
leadersof
o fthe
theChurch,
Church,wrote
wrotewith
withregard
regard
totoanother
anothercase:
case: "We
"Weshould
shouldpray
praythat
thatthe
theLord
Lordmay
mayshow
showus
usthe
theway
wayand
and
crownour
crown ourwork
workwith
withsuccess;
success;but
butaadecision
decisionought
oughttotobe
betaken
takenonly
onlywith
with
aaclear
clearconviction
convictionof
o fits
itssoundness
soundnessand
andadequateness,
adequateness,and
andwe
weshould
shouldtake
take
uponourselves
upon ourselvesall
all responsibility
responsibilityfor
forthis
thisdecision."
decision."
IfIfwe
wehave
havementioned
mentionedthe
thecase
case of
o fthe
the novice,
novice, ititwas
was not
notas
asaarule,
rule, but
but
merelyas
merely asan
anexceptional
exceptionalinstance
instanceof
o fthe
themanifestation
m anifestationof
o fthe
thewill
willof
ofGod,
God,
whichwas
which wasafterwards
afterwardsjustified
justified in
indeed.
deed.
TheHoly
The HolyFathers,
Fathers,Barsanuphius
Barsanuphiusthe
theGreat
Greatand
andothers,
others,including
includingthe
theau-
au­
thorof
thor o fThe
TheInvisible
InvisibleWar, recommendthe
War, recommend thefollowing
followingway
wayof
ofsolving
solvingdoubts.
doubts.
Havinginteriorly
Having interiorlyrenounced
renouncedyour
yourown
ownwill
willand
andyour
yourpre-conceived
pre -conceivedopin-
opin ­
ions,turn
ions, turntoto God
Godthree
threetimes
timesin
inprayer,
prayer, as
asthe
the Lord
Lorddid
didin
inthe
the Garden
Gardenof
of
Gethsemane, and
Gethsemane, andthen
then consider
considerthe
the matter
matteragain
again in
inyour
yoursoul,
soul, taking
takingre-
re ­
sponsibilityupon
sponsibility uponyourself.
yourself.After
Afterthis,
this, accept
acceptthe
the decision
decisiontotowhich
whichyour
your
heartinclines,
heart inclines, be
be ititever
everso
soslightly.
slightly.
But besides
But besides all
all this,
this, the
the gift
gift of
o fdiscernment
discernment isis aa special
special gift
gift of
o fGod
God
which isisgranted
which grantedby
bythe
theHoly
HolySpirit.
Spirit. "For
" Forto
toone
oneisisgiven
givenby
bythe
theSpirit
Spiritthe
the
wordof
word o fwisdom
wisdom...
... totoanother
anotherdiscerning
discerningof
ofspirits,"
spirits," (1
(1Cor.
Cor. 12:
1 2 8-10)
:8 - 1 0 ) says
says
theApostle
the ApostlePaul.
Paul.
And St.
And St. Seraphim
Seraphim teaches:
teaches: "The
" The superior,
superior, as
as aa shepherd
shepherd of
of rational
rational
sheep, must
sheep, must have
have the
the gift
gift of
o fdiscernment,
discernment, in
in order
orderthat
that he
he may
maybe
be able
able
toto give
give atat any
anytime
tim e useful
useful advice
advice to
to all
all who
who require
require his
his guidance."
guidance." And
And
accordingto
according to St.
St. Peter
PeterDamascene:
Damascene: "Not
" Noteveryone
everyone can
can be
be trusted
trusted to
to give
give
advicetotothose
advice thosewho
who seek
seekit,
it, but
butonly
onlyhe
hewho
who has
has received
receivedfrom
from God
Godthe
the
giftof
gift o fdiscernment,
discernment,and
andthrough
throughlong
longexercise
exercisein
inasceticism
asceticismhas
hasacquired
acquired
spiritual insight."
spiritual insight."
Butbesides
But besidesits
itsbeing
beingaagift
giftof
ofGod,
God,discernment
discernmentisisacquired,
acquired,according
according
toto the
the words
words of
o fSt.
St. Seraphim,
Seraphim, through
through aa continuous
continuous "daily
" daily and
and nightly
nightly
studyof
study o fHoly
HolyScripture,
Scripture, the
the law
lawof
o fthe
the Lord."
Lord." Finally,
Finally, he
he indicates
indicates aafur-
fur ­
therway
ther waytoto it:
it: "He
"Hewho
who isisobedient
obedientmakes
makesgreat
greatprogress
progress in
inbuilding
buildingup
up
hissoul;
his soul; and
andbesides,
besides, he
heacquires
acquiresthrough
through ititan
an understanding
understandingof
o fthings
things

182
 and comes
and comes toto compunction."
com punction." When
W hen there
there isisthe
the direct
direct order
orderofo faacompe-
com pe ­
tent authority,
tent authority, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim orders
orders itittoto be
be carried
carried out
out unquestioningly
unquestioningly
forthe
for the sake
sakeofo fholy
holyobedience.
obedience.
" One must
"One mustnot
notdiscuss
discussthe
theaffairs
affairsofo fthe
thesuperiors
superiorsand
andjudge
judgethem.
them. InIn
thatway
that waywe
weoffend
offendthe
theMajesty
Majestyofo fGod
Godby
bywhom
whomthe
theauthorities
authoritieshave
havebeen
been
appointed. For
appointed. For there
there isis no
no authority
authority except
exceptfrom
from God,
God, and
and the
the existing
existing
authorities have
authorities havebeen
been appointed
appointed by
byGod."
God." (Rom.
(Rom. 13:1)
13 :1)
"He who
"He who obeys,
obeys, obeys
obeys inin everything.
everything. But
But he
he who
who has
has renounced
renounced his
his
willininone
will onething
thingand
andhas
hasnot
notrenounced
renouncedititininanother
anotherhas
hashad
hadhis
hisown
ownwill
will
evenininwhat
even whathe
herenounced
renounced... Whatisisdone
... What doneininone's
o n esown
ownway
wayisisnot
notpleas-
pleas ­
ingtotoGod,
ing God, even
eventhough
thoughititmay
mayseem
seemgood."
good."That
Thatisiswhy
whythe
theSaint
Saintinsisted
insisted
on obedience
on obedience for
for all
all monastics
monastics and
and especially
especially for
forhis
his Diveyev
Diveyev orphans.
orphans.
" Obedience isishigher
"Obedience higherthan
than prayer
prayerand
and fasting,"
fasting," he
heconstantly
constantlyrepeated.
repeated.
Thelay-people
The lay -peoplehave
havetheir
theirown
ownway.
way.But
Buthere
heretoo,
too,asaswe
weshall
shallsee,
see,there
there
are special
are special ways
ways ofo fobedience
obedience and
and ofo fdiscovering
discovering the
the will
will ofo fGod.
God. Here
Here
too, ininthe
too, theworld,
world,ititisisnot
notonly
onlypossible
possiblebut
butimperative
imperativethat
thatpeople
peopleshould
should
liveaaholy
live holylife
lifeininorder
ordertotowork
workout
outtheir
theirsalvation.
salvation.For
Forthe
thebusiness
businessofo fthe
the
Church isistoto make
Church makesaints
saints inin every
everywalk
walkofo flife.
life.
ItIt isis impossible
impossible for
for us
us toto collect
collect all
all the
the counsels
counsels ofo fSt.
St. Seraphim;
Seraphim; inin
fact, not
fact, noteverything
everythinghas
hasbeen
beenpublished.
published.So
Sowe
weshall
shallchoose
choosewhat
whatisismost
most
im portantand
important andpractically
practicallyuseful
useful for
forthose
thoseliving
livingininthe
theworld.
world.

183
 Chapter 1i
Chapter 13

P i e t y iIN
PIETY n t he W
THE orld
WORLD

talking
talking with
with laymen,
laymen, St. Seraphim
Seraphim displayed
displayed a supernatural
W
he saw
h en
HEN

perception
perception of the
saw the
the other
the spiritual
other persons
spiritual state
person's soul
soul within
state o
within him.
off each
him. And
And that
that is why
why his
supernatural
each individual.
individual. It
It seemed
seemed as if
his counsels
counsels
were
were not
not general
general directions,
directions, but
but answered
answered the
the hidden
hidden feelings
feelings and
and thoughts
thoughts
of his
his visitors.
visitors. And
And he also
also advised
advised people
people to adapt
adapt themselves
themselves to others.
others.
W ith the
With the natural
natural man
man one
one must
must talk
talk ooff natural
natural things;
things; but
but with
with a
person
person ooff spiritual
spiritual understanding,
understanding, one
one must
must talk
talk o
off heavenly
heavenly things.
things.
Sometimes
Sometimes there
there is no
no need
need to talk
talk o
off spiritual
spiritual things
things at all, especially
aIL ""especially
when
when you
you do
do not
not observe
observe any desire to listen.
any desire listen.""
But as the
the people
people came
came to him
him with
with open
open souls,
souls, St. Seraphim
Seraphim not
not only
only
showed
showed them
them his
his love,
love, but
but poured
poured out
out his
his very
very soul
soul to them. Often, "
them. ""Often,"
writes
writes the
the author
author ooff the
the Chronicle, he revealed
Chronicle, ""he revealed the
the innerm
innermostost thoughts
thoughts
ooff his
his visitors,
visitors, and
and then
then torrents
torrents o
off tears
tears burst
burst forth
forth even
even from
from people
people
who
who had
had hard,
hard, stony
stony hearts.
hearts." " And
And all
all left
left him
him edified,
edified, sometimes
sometimes for the
the
whole
whole ooff their
their lives.
lives.
According
According to St. Seraphim,
Seraphim, or
or rather
rather according
according to Christian
Christian teaching
teaching
in general,
general, one
one can
can and
and must
must work
work out
out o n es salvation
one's salvation in every
every calling
calling
and
and state
state ooff life. The
The great
great Apostle
Apostle Paul
Paul also
also says
says the
the same: Let everyone
same: ""Let everyone
lead
lead the
the life which
which God
God has
has assigned
assigned to him,
him, and
and in which
which the
the Lord
Lord has
has
called
called him.
him. This
This is my
my rule
rule in all
all the
the churches.
churches. Everything
Everything is in keeping
keeping
the
the commandments
commandments of
of God.
God. Let everyone
everyone remain
remain in the
the vocation
vocation in which
which
he was
was called.
called. Were
Were you
you a slave
slave when
when called?
called? Never
Never mind.
mind. (And
(And yet,
yet, if you
you
can
can get
get your
your freedom,
freedom, you
you had
had better
better take
take it.) For
For a slave
slave who
who is called
called by
the
the Lord
Lord is the
the Lords
Lord's freedman.
freedman. Likewise
Likewise he who
who was
was free
free when
when called
called
is a slave
slave ooff Christ.
Christ." " (I Cor.
Cor. 7:17 - 22)
7:17-22)

184
 ), ,
I. iI IB T Y Ii N\ Ii ! I F W O R I D
P

Therefore
Therefore in the life
in the and instructions
life and instructions o
off St. Seraphim
Seraphim we see neither
we see neither a
depreciation
depreciation o
off marriage
marriage nor
nor an unconditional recommendation
an unconditional recommendation o
off mo-
m o­
nasticism,
nasticism, neither
neither a disparagement
disparagement o f the
of rich if they
the rich they are
are humble and pi-
humble and pi­
ous,
ous, nor preference for
nor a preference for the
the poor they do
poor if they not live
do not live a spiritual
spiritual life.
life. Truly
Truly
everything is in
""everything in keeping
keeping the
the com m andm ents of
commandments o f God.
Cod."!" 1
The
The clergy, officials, arrnymen,
clergy, officials, armymen, merchants and most
merchants and most o
off all
all peasants,
peasants,
came
came to
to him
him; ; and
and Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim received them all
received them all in an equally
in an equally friendly
friendly
and
and earnest
earnest manner.
manner. To all
all he gave the
he gave the instructions, comfort and
instructions, comfort and answers
answers
which
which they
they needed.
needed.
First
First o
off all,
all, how many people
how many came to
people came to him
him with
with questions about mar
questions about mar- ­
riage,
riage, and
and sometimes
sometimes about
about monasticism!
monasticism! And he solved
And he solved their
their doubts and
doubts and
difficulties
difficulties with
with such
such faith
faith that
that it seemed
seemed as if the all - seeing eye
the all-seeing o f God
eye of God
were
were looking
looking through
through him.
him. Often
Often he did not
he did give the
not give the decision that was
decision that was
expected.
expected. Here
Here are
are a few striking examples.
few striking examples.
Once
Once two
two ladies
ladies visited
visited him.
him. One
One was young and
was young and belonged to a mer-
belonged to mer ­
chant family;
chant family; the
the other
other was
was middle -aged and
middle-aged and o
off noble birth. The
noble birth. The latter
latter
had
had a great
great desire
desire for
for the
the monastic
monastic life, but her
life, but parents would
her parents not give
would not give
her
her their
their blessing;
blessing; the
the former
former did
did not
not even think of
even think o f monasticism.
monasticism. But
But
the Saint's spiritual
the Saint's spiritual insight
insight led
led him to give
him to give them
them advice
advice which was just
which was just
the opposite o
the opposite off their
their intentions.
intentions. He
He firmly
firmly urged
urged the
the noble lady to
noble lady to marry.
marry.
Married life,
""Married life,"" he said to
he said to her, is blessed
her, ""is blessed by
by God Himself. It is only
God Himself. only nec
nec-­
essary for
essary for both parties to
both parties to keep
keep marital
marital fidelity, love and
fidelity, love and peace.
peace. You
You will
will
be
be happy
happy in marriage. Monasticism
in marriage. Monasticism is not the way
not the way for
for you. The monastic
you. The monastic
life is difficult;
difficult; not
not everyone
everyone can
can endure
endure it."
But
But the
the Saint
Saint told the younger
told the younger woman to enter
woman to enter m onasticism , and
monasticism, and
even
even told
told her
her the
the name
name o
off the
the monastery
monastery where she would
where she be saved.
would be saved. Both
Both
visitors
visitors were
were dissatisfied
dissatisfied with
with the
the talk,
talk, and
and left
left the
the Elder
Elder disappointed.
disappointed.
But subsequently
But everything turned
subsequently everything turned out exactly as Fr. Seraphim
out exactly Seraphim foretold.
foretold.
The
The thought of the
thought of the blessedness
blessedness o
off marriage
marriage the Saint often
the Saint often repeated to
repeated to
his
his visitors.
visitors. Once
Once a young
young man
man came
came to
to him and asked
him and asked a blessing
blessing to
to enter
enter
a monastery.
monastery. But
But the
the Saint,
Saint, wishing
wishing to
to test
test his firmness and
his firmness and strengthen
strengthen
him
him in
in his good intention,
his good intention, spoke
spoke to
to him
him of
of marriage:
marriage: "' Not all
"Not can receive
all can receive
1 This
This is the
the Russian version of
Russian version of I Cor.
Cor. 7:19 as
as quoted
quoted by
by St. Seraphim.
Seraphim.

185
 A L\ I' 11111 lEY P

thiscounsel/
this counsel,'(Matt.
(Matt.19:11)
19:II)and
andthetheLord
Lord doesnot
does notcompel
compelthem
themto tododo
so.so.
But,"
But/' hehe added," a "'all
added, thingsareare
ll things possibleto to
possible himwho
him whobelieves/
believes.'(Mark
(Mark 9:23)
9:23)
Remainin in
Remain thethe world,getget
world, married.Don
married. Don't forgetconjugal
't forget conjugalintercourse
intercourseand
and
hospitality.Practise
hospitality. Practisethethevirtues
virtueswhich
whichwill
willbeberemembered
rememberedat at
thetheawful
awful
judgmento fof
judgment God,according
God, accordingto to
thetheHoly
HolyGospel:
Gospel:T was
'I was hungry,and
hungry, andyou
you
gaveMeMe
gave food;I was
food; 1 wasthirsty,
thirsty,and
andyou
yougave
gaveMeMe drink;I was
drink; 1 wasnaked,
naked,and
and
youclothed
you clothedMe/
Me.' (Matt.25,25,
(Matt. 3535-36) Hereinis your
- 36) Herein is yoursalvation!
salvation!And
Andalso
alsoobob-
­
servechastity.
serve chastity.Remain
Remaincontinent
continentonon Wednesdaysand
Wednesdays andFridays,
Fridays,as as wellas as
well
onon Sundaysand
Sundays andallall holidays.ForFor
holidays. notnotpracticing
practicingchastity
chastityonon Wednesdays
Wednesdays
andFridays
and Fridayschildren
childrenareare borndead,
born dead,and
andforfor notobserving
not observingholidays
holidaysand
and
Sundayswives
Sundays wivesdiedie
in in childbirth."
childbirth. "
The
The youngman
young manreturned
returnedhome,
home,but
but
Fr.Fr. Seraphim's
Seraphim advice
's advice kindledstill
kindled still
morehishisdesire
more desireforformonasticism
monasticismand
anda year
a yearand
anda ha alf
halflater
laterheheentered
entered
thetheSarov
Sarov monastery.
monastery.
SometimesFr.Fr.
Sometimes Seraphimunexpectedly
Seraphim unexpectedlylinked
linkedthethelives
lives
o fof peoplewho
people who
hadnever
had nevermet
met before.AnAn
before. officer
officer cameto to
came ask
ask forfor
hishis blessingto to
blessing marry.Fr.Fr.
marry.
Seraphimtold
Seraphim toldhim
himthat
thathishisbride
bridewas
wasalready
alreadythere,
there,at at
thethehostel.
hostel.This
This
younglady
young lady alsosoon
also sooncame
cameforfor
hishis blessingto tomarry
blessing marrysome
someother
otherman.
man.
"No,
"No, yourbridegroom
your bridegroomis is here,in in
here, Sarov."
Sarov," theElder
the Elder toldher.
told her.
Theyoung
The youngpeople
peoplebecam
became acquainted, and
e acquainted, andlater
laterboth
bothcame
cameto tothethe
Saintwho
Saint whogave
gavethem
themhishisblessing
blessingto tomarry.
marry.The
Themarriage
marriagewas
wasananexex-
­
tremelyhappy
tremely happyone.
one.
St.St. Seraphimoften
Seraphim oftensaw
saw whatwould
what wouldhappen
happento to familiesin in
families thethefuture.
future.
AA fatherbrought
father broughthim
himhishis babydaughter
baby daughterto tobebe blessed.The
blessed. TheSaint
Saintlooked
looked
at at
herherand
andsaid:
said:"She
"She willhave
will havea difficult
a difficultway.
way. She
She willmarry
will marrya husband
a husband
whowill
who willnot
noteven
evenknow
knowGod.
God."
"
E. E.
P. P. Gooseva,a young
Gooseva, a youngwoman,
woman,wife
wifeo fof a merchanto fofElatma,
a merchant came
Elatma, came to to
theSaint.
the Saint.HeHe tookherher
took byby
thethe hand,ledled
hand, her
her intohishis
into cell
cell andandkissing
kissingherher
onon
thethe head,said
head, said
to to her:" This
her: "This headwill
head willseesee muchsorrow!
much sorrow!You
You will
will conceive
conceive
in in sorrowand
sorrow andreap
reapthem
themallall
in in joy."
joy." Andsoso
And it turnedout.
it turned out.
"I "I
hadhadmany
manychildren,
children," she
" she saidafterwards,
said afterwards,"and
"and
hehe foretoldthethetruth
foretold truth
to to
meme
in in a parable.I brought
a parable. 1broughtthem
themup,up, marriedthem
married themallall
andandburied
buriedthem
them
all.all.
AndAndnow
nowI am
1amleftleft alonein in
alone theworld.
the world."
"

186
 p n

Those
Those who
who were
were married,
married, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim would
would not
not allow
allow to
to separate,
separate,
however
however hard
hard itit might
might be,
be, even
even under
under the
the pretext
pretext of
o f aa subsequent
subsequent life
life of
of
virginity.
virginity. There
There was
was such
such aa case.
case. A
A married
married couple
couple separated
separated and
and divided
divided
their
their children.
children. The
The husband
husband went
went to
to Sarov,
Sarov, and
and came
came to
to Fr.
Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. As
As
soon
soon as
as the
the Saint
Saint saw
saw him,
him, he
he began
began to
to rebuke
rebuke him
him sternly
sternly and,
and, contrary
contrary
to
to his
his wont,
wont, said
said to
to him
him in
in aa menacing
menacing tone:
tone: "Why
"Whydon't
don 'tyou
you live
livewith
with your
your
wife?
wife? Go
Go to
to her,
her, go!"
g o ! "The
The rebuked
rebuked husband
husband obeyed
obeyed the
the Saint,
Saint, and
and returned
returned
to
to his
his wife;
wife; and
and they
they spent
spent the
the rest
rest of
o f their
their life
life in
in harmony
harmony and
and unity.
unity.
However,
However, two
two instances
instances are
are known
known when
when St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim blessed
blessed mar-
mar ­
ried
ried people
people to
to enter
enter aa monastery,
monastery, but
but itit was
was under
under special
special conditions.
conditions.
A
A pious
pious visitor
visitor to
to the
the monastery
monastery made
made aa vow
vow that
that he
he would
would embrace
embrace
monasticism.
monasticism. But
But on
on returning
returning home
home he
he got
got married
married and
and had
had two
two chil-
ch il ­
dren.
dren. However,
However, his
his conscience
conscience gave
gave him
him no
no peace,
peace, and
and on
on the
the advice
advice of
of
the
the Sarov
Sarov monks,
monks, he
he applied
applied to
to the
the holy
holy Elder.
Elder. He
He saw
saw him
him coming
coming out
out
of
of his
his cell
cell with
with aa hoe
hoe in
in his
his hands
hands and
and threw
threw himself
him self at
at his
his feet,
feet, begging
begging
him
him for
for advice
advice and
and again
again asking
asking for
for his
his blessing
blessing for
for the
the longed-for
longed -for mo-
m o­
nastic
nastic way.
way. The
The Saint
Saint listened
listened to
to everything,
everything, and
and then
then said:
said:
"If
" If you
you will
will keep
keep all
all the
the monastic
monastic rules
rules strictly
strictly according
according to
to your
your vow,
vow,
go
go your
your way
way in
in peace."
peace."
Then
Then the
the Elder
Elder blessed
blessed the
the supplicant
supplicant who
who went
went home,
home, committing
com m itting
everything
everything to
to the
the will
will of
o f God.
God. Soon
Soon his
his wife
wife died;
died; then
then both
both his
his children.
children.
Having
Having buried
buried them,
them, the
the penitent
penitent sinner
sinner went
went to
to Sarov,
Sarov, where
where he
he was
was pro-
pro ­
fessed
fessed as
as aa monk
m onk and
and ended
ended his
his life
life as
as an
an exemplary
exemplary ascetic.
ascetic.
Another
Another time
tim e Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim of
o f his
his own
own accord
accord said
said to
to aa merchant:
m erchant:
"Leave
"Leave the
the world."
world." After
After long
long reflection
reflection the
the husband
husband began
began to
to urge
urge his
his
wife
wife to
to go
go to
to aa convent
convent with
with her
her daughter,
daughter, so
so that
that he
he might
might become
becom e aa
monk.
monk. But
But the
the wife
wife did
did not
not want
want to,
to, and
and gave
gave as
as an
an excuse
excuse the
the precari-
precari­
ous
ous situation
situation of
o f her
her parents.
parents. Then
Then she
she openly
openly declared
declared that
that she
she had
had not
not
the
the slightest
slightest wish
wish to
to go
go to
to aa convent.
convent. But
But soon
soon both
both the
the old
old parents
parents and
and
the
the wife
wife died;
died; and
and then
then father
father and
and daughter
daughter went
went to
to different
different monaster-
monaster ­
ies.
ies. Subsequently
Subsequently he
he was
was professed
professed and
and given
given the
the name
name of
o f Melchisedek.
Melchisedek.
But
But cases
cases of
o f this
this kind
kind were
were extremely
extrem ely rare.
rare. For
For the
the most
m ost part
part Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim gave
gave instructions
instructions as
as to
to how
how to
to live
live in
in aa family.
family. We
We have
have al-
al ­

187
A NA NE XE.\ N AI 'cR '\Y I! PY E P
T R TA i(0 :\RUD i!I D A rC ,\E c: F

ready
readyheard
heardsome
someo fofhishisadvice.
advice.LetLet
ususcite
citesome
somefurther
further examples.
examples. HeHe
told
toldpeople
peopleto tocare
caremore
moreforfor
thetheeducation
education o fof
their
theirchildren 's souls
children's soulsthen
then
forfor
thethegrafting
grafting into
intothem
themo fof
various
variousbranches
branches o f of
knowledge,
knowledge, though
though hehe
did
didnot
notdeny
denythetheneed
needforfor
that
thateither.
either.A A
certain
certainBogdanov
Bogdanov reports
reportsthethefolfol-
­
lowing
lowingstory,
story,asking
askingSt.St.
Seraphim
Seraphim whether
whether heheshould
shouldteach
teachhishischildren
children
foreign
foreignlanguages
languages and
andother
othersubjects:
subjects:

Fr.Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphimreplied
repliedto to
mymy
question:
question:" What harm
"What harmis there
is therein in
knowing
knowing
something?
something?" "

I, aI, sinner,
a sinner,thought,
thought,judging
judgingbyby
worldly
worldlystandards,
standards,that
thathehe
ought
oughtto to
have been
have beeneducated
educatedhimself
himselfin in
order to to
order answer
answerthis
thisquestion.
question.ButBut
I was
I was
at at
once rebuked
once rebukedbyby
thethe
clairvoyant
clairvoyantElder: "It"It
Elder: is not forfor
is not a child
a childlike meme
like
to to
answer
answera learned
a learnedperson
personlike you.
like Ask
you. someone
Ask someonecleverer! "
cleverer!"
Here
Hereis isananedifying
edifying narrative
narrative forforparents
parents who
whocare
careforforthe
thereligious
religious
upbringing
upbringing o fof
their
theirchildren.
children. It It
is is
written
written bybythe
thecavalry
cavalryofficer,
officer,African
African
Vasilievitch
Vasilievitch Teplov,
Teplov,one
oneo fof
the
theSaint 's devoted
Saint's devoted admirers
admirers and
andfriends.
friends.

In In
1829 in in
1829 thethe
summer,
summer,I went to to
I went Sarov with
Sarov withmymy
wife and
wife andchildren.
children.OnOn
thethe
way noticing
way, noticingthat
thatour
oureldest
eldestson,
son,who
whowas
wasabout
aboutten,
ten,was
wasentirely
entirely
engrossed
engrossedwith
withthethereading
readingof of
spiritual
spiritualbooks
booksand
anddiddidnotnot
pay thethe
pay least
least
attention
attentionto to
hishis
surroundings,
surroundings, mymy
wife began
wife beganto to
complain
complainthat
thatour
our
children
childrenwere
weretootoo
fond
fondof of
spiritual
spiritualbooks,
books,and
andthat
thatthey
theydiddid
not
notcare at at
care
allall
forfor
their
theirlessons,
lessons,forfor
science
scienceand
andforfor
other
otherthings
thingswhich
whichwere
wereneces ­
neces-
sary
saryin in
thethe
world.
world.

OnOn
our
ourarrival
arrivalin in
Sarov, wewe
Sarov, went
wentat at
once to to
once Fr.Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphimand
andreceived
received
a friendly
a friendlywelcome
welcomefrom
fromhim.
him.Blessing me,
Blessing hehe
me, told usus
told to to
remain
remainthere
there
three
threedays. When
days. Whenhehe
blessed
blessedmymy
wife hehe
wife said:
said:"Mother,
"Mother,mother!
mother!DoDo
not
notbebe
in in
a hurry
a hurryto to
teach
teachthethechildren
childrenFrench
Frenchand
andGerman,
German,but
butfirst
first
prepare
preparetheir
theirsouls;
souls;and
andallall
these
thesethings
thingsshall
shallbebe
added
addedto to
them
themafter ­
after-
wards."
wards. (Matt.6:36:33)
" (Matt. 3)

When
Whenhehe
blessed
blessedboth
bothour
ourchildren,
children,hehe
deigned
deignedto to
call
callour
oureldest
eldest"my
"my
treasure. " In In
treasure." this
thisway
waythethe
just
justElder rebuked
Elder rebukedmymy
wife forfor
wife her unjust
her unjust
murmuring.
murmuring.

The
TheSaint
Saintloved
lovedchildren,
children, those
thoseflowers
flowerso fofparadise.
paradise. Some
Sometouching
touching
incidents
incidents from
fromhishislife
lifehave
havebeen
beenrecorded.
recorded.
The
Thewife
wifeo fofa landowner
a landowner o fofSimbirsk,
Sirnbirsk. E.N.
E.N.Pasuchina,
Pasuchina, came
cameinin1830
1830
188
 [ll n :\ :!i \V F

to visit
to visitthe
the Father.
Father. But
Butwhen
when she
she approached
approached his
his cell,
cell, she
she became
becam e aware
aware
that ititwas
that was locked
locked from
from inside;
inside; the
the Elder
Elderwas
wasnot
notreceiving
receivinganyone.
anyone. Some
Some
people tried
people tried to
to say
saythe
the monastic
monastic prayer,
prayer, (By
(By the
theprayers
prayers ofo four
ourHoly
Holy Fathers,
Fathers,
LordJesus
Lord Jesus Christ,
Christ, our
ourGod,
God, have
have mercy
mercyon
on us.] butthe
us,) but the door
door did
did not
notopen.
open.
"Atlast,"
"At last," says
saysthe
the visitor,
visitor, "I
"I turned
turned to
to aalady
ladywith
with aalittle
little girl
girlwho
who was
was
standing beside
standing beside me
me close
close to
to the
the door,
door, and
and IIasked
asked her
herto
to make
make her
her baby
baby
say the
say the prayer,
prayer, since
since she
she was
was the
the most
most worthy
worthy of
o fus
us all.
all. And
And as
as soon
soon as
as
the baby
the baby had
had said
said the
the prayer,
prayer, the
the door
dooropened."
opened."
AAsimilar
sim ilar incident
incidenthappened
happened on
on another
anotheroccasion
occasion atatthe
the hermitage.
hermitage. AA
crowd of
crowd o f people
people had
had gathered
gathered there
there to
to see
see the
the Saint
Saint and
and atat least
least get
get his
his
blessing. But
blessing. Butthis
this time
tim e the
the holy
holy Elder
Elderhad
had decided
decided for
forsome
some reason
reason to
to re-
re ­
ceiveno
ceive no one;
one; unnoticed,
unnoticed, he
he slipped
slippedout
outof
ofhis
hiscell
cell into
intothe
theforest
forestand
and hid
hid
in the
in the tall
tall grass.
grass. Among
Amongthe
thevisitors
visitorswas
was aalady
ladycalled
called Aksakova
Aksakovawith
with her
her
children. As
children. Asthe
thepilgrim
pilgrim did
did not
notdare
dareto
to disturb
disturb the
the Elder,
Elder, or
oreven
evento
to look
look
forhim,
for him, they
they told
told the
the innocent
innocent children
children to
to walk
walk in
in the
the grass
grass and
and to
to call
call
the Father,
the Father, hoping
hoping that
that he
he would
would answer
answertheir
their shouts.
shouts. They
They soon
soon found
found
theSaint's
the Saint'shiding-place,
hiding -place,but
buthe
hemade
madesigns
signsto
tothem
them not
notto
tobetray
betrayhim.
him. But
But
thechildren
the childrenwere
wereso
sodelighted
delightedatattheir
theirdiscovery
discoverythat
thatthey
theybegan
beganto
tocall
callall
all
thelouder
the louderto
to the
thewaiting
waitingpilgrims.
pilgrims.Then
Then Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim rose
rosefrom
from the
thegrass
grass
with aajoyous
with joyous smile,
smile, and
and approached
approachedwith
with love
lovehis
hisguileless
guilelesstraitors
traitorswho,
who,
beingpure
being pure in
in heart,
heart, surrounded
surrounded him
him without
withoutthe
the least
leastfear
fearand
and began
beganto
to
caresshim
caress him as
as another
anotherchild
child of
o fGod.
God. Then
Then the
thegrown-ups
grown -ups also
also drew
drew near.
near.
Sometimes the
Sometimes the Saint
Saint would
would take
take children
children in
in his
his arms.
arms. "I
"I came
came to
to Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim for
Seraphim forthe
thefirst
firsttime
tim ewith
with my
myparents
parentswhen
when IIwas
wasstill
stillquite
quiteyoung,"
young,"
saysAnastasia
says AnastasiaProtasova,
Protasova, aaDiveyev
Diveyevsister.
sister. "For
"Forthe
thesecond
secondtime
tim e IIcame
cameto
to
himwith
him with my
mymother
m otherand
andaaDiveyev
Diveyevsister,
sister, Irene
IreneProkopievna.
Prokopievna. He
Heblessed
blessed
usand
us and told
told us
us to
to kiss
kiss the
the ikon
ikon of
o fthe
the Mother
Motherof
o fGod.
God. And
And as
as IIcould
could not
not
reachthe
reach the ikon
ikon which
which stood
stood on
on the
the table,
table, he
he lifted
lifted me
me up
up and
and let
let me
me kiss
kiss
the heavenly
the heavenly Queen."
Queen."
During this
During this visit
visit the
the Saint
Saint predicted
predicted that
that she
she would
would be
be aa nun
nun in
in
Diveyev.When
Diveyev. W hen she
shewas
was in
in her
hersixteenth
sixteenthyear,
year, Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim said
saidopenly
openlyto
to
her: "The
her: "TheMother
Motherof
o fGod
Godchose
choseyou
youas
asaanun
nunwhen
whenyou
youwere
wereseven."
seven."When
When
they brought
they brought her
her three-year-old
three -year -old brother
brother Ivan
Ivan to
to him,
him, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim took
took

189
t\ \A nE:\ Ei x!\ t-\ri_}a\~oL\r !d-,i ,\n Ra Yr yP LP_\ r\_ aLc r
him
him from
from thethe arms
arms of othe
f the nurse
nurse and,
and, "giving
"giving himhim
to to me,says
me," " says Protasova,
Protasova,
"asked:
"asked: 'Have
'Have youyou a garden?I ' replied:
a garden?' I replied: 'Yes,
'Yes, wewe have.'
have.' Then
Then he he said:
said: 'Well,
'Well,
mother,
mother, carry
carry himhim in in
thethe garden
garden andand
saysay
all all
thethe time:
time: Lord,
Lord, have
have mercy!
mercy! Lord,
Lord,
have
have mercy!
mercy! Lord,have
Lord, have mercy!HeHe
mercy! will
will grow
grow strong
strong andand will
will be be
ourour dear­
dear-
estest treasure.
treasure. AndAnd feed
feed him
him yourself,
yourself, outout
of of your
your ownown hands.Afterwards
hands.'" '" Afterwards
Anastasia
Anastasia becamae sister
became a sister
in in
thethe Diveyev
Diveyev Convent.
Convent.
A certain
A certain Natalia
Natalia Evgraphova
Evgraphova related
related of of herself:
herself: " When
"When I was
I was five,
five, I was
I was
accidentally
accidentally scalded
scalded with
with boiling
boiling water.
water. Medical
Medical aidaid brought
brought meme nono relief.
relief.
MyMy aunt,
aunt, through
through whose
whose carelessness
carelessness I was
I was suffering,
suffering, turned
turned in in prayer
prayer to to
Fr.Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. SheShe brought
brought memehishis image
image andand taught
taught memeto to
callcall upon
upon thethe
good
good Elder
Elder forfor help
help myself.
myself. HisHis image
image was
was hung
hung at at
thethe head
head of omy
f my bed."
bed."
Then
Then sheshe
fellfell asleep
asleep andand saw
saw herself
herself in in Sarov,
Sarov, andand Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim said
said to to
her: " You will be well, baby." The pain stopped. The baby
her: "You will be well, baby." The pain stopped. The baby was then taken was then taken

to to
thethe monastery,
monastery, andand
sheshe saw
saw there
there everything
everything justjust
as assheshe
hadhad seen
seen it it
in in
herher vision.
vision. SheShe
waswas specially
specially struck,
struck, even
even to to tears,
tears, bybythethe
factfact
thatthat
Fr.Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim waswas exactly
exactly like
like thethe face
face sheshe
hadhad seen
seen in in
herher dream.
dream.
" The
"The Elder
Elder kindly
kindly turned
turned to to me,she
me," " she relates
relates further
further on,on, "and
"and said:
said: 'Oh,
'Oh,
thethe baby
baby hashas come
come to to
meme to oAt
too!' ! ' At
thethe same
same timhe
time e he took
took memein in
hishis arms,
arms,
kissed
kissed mymy head
head andand
forfor a long
a long time
time caressed
caressed me."
me."
Later
Later wewe shall
shall seesee once
once again
again with
with what
what unusual
unusual tenderness
tenderness thethe holy
holy
Elder
Elder met
met a twelve -year-old
a twelve-year-old girl,a child
girl, a child ascetic,
ascetic, thethe future
future nunnun
of othe
f the
great habit,2 Martha.
great habit," Martha.
In In conclusion,
conclusion, I shall
I shall relate
relate an an incident
incident which
which hashas been
been recorded
recorded byby
its its little
little hero,
hero, J.M.
J.M. Neverov.
Neverov. W hile
While stillstill a boy,
a boy, he he came
came with
with hishis mother
mother
from
from hishis grandfatherestate,
grandfather's 's estate, Veryakush,
Veryakush, in in
thethe Ardatov
Ardatov district,
district, to to Sarov.
Sarov.
They
They went
went to to
seesee
Fr.Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. They
They found
found himhim with
with a crowd
a crowd of opeople.
f people.
According
According to to
hishis custom,
custom, he he was
was offering
offering hishis visitors
visitors prosphora3
prosphora crumbs
' crumbs
withredred
with wine
wine froma spoon.
from a spoon. One
One young
young lady
lady would
would notnot accept
accept it it
andand
kept
kept turning
turning away.
away. Then
Then Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim said
said to to her:
her: " W ith
"With your
your little
little finger,
finger,
mother, with your little finger," meaning, take it from the spoon
mother, with your little finger," meaning, take it from the spoon with your with your

2 2Skhimnitsa
Skhimnitsa or or Schema-nun/Schema-monk.
Schema-nun/Schema-monk. TheThe highest
highest stage
stage of of monasticism:
monasticism: those
those
whowho have
have reached
reached a level
a level of spiritual
of spiritual excellence
excellence may
may be be given
given thethe "Great
"Great Schema,which
Schema," " which
is marked
is marked with
with a particular
a particular article
article of clothing
of clothing andand liturgical
liturgical service.— ed.
service.-ed.
3 Liturgical
3 Liturgical bread.bread.

190
 PPi e it yi \ in t h Ije W orld

finger,
finger, and
and put
put ititininyour
your mouth.
mouth. The
Theyoung
young lady
ladybegan
began toto laugh
laugh atatthese
these
words.
words. Then
Then the
the boy
boy also
also burst
burst into
into an
anuncontrollable
uncontrollable fit
fitoof
f laughter.
laughter. The
The
young
young lady
ladywent
went out.
out. Then
Then the
the mother
mother also
also took
took out
out her
her merry
merry son
son and
and
as a punishm ent left him without food. After some time she
as a punishment left him without food. After some time she took him took him
to
toFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim'ss call
calltoto ask
askfor
forforgiveness.
forgiveness. She
Sheherself
herself remained
remained behind
behind
the
the door. Having said the prayer.' the boy entered Fr. Seraphim's celland
door. Having said the prayer,4 the boy entered Fr. Seraphim ' s cell and
saw
sawhim
him sitting
sitting ininaacoffin
coffin with
with aabook
book ininhis
his hands.
hands.
How are
""How areyou,
you, my
myfriend,
friend, how
how are
areyou?
you?What
What do
doyou
you wwant?"
ant? " The
TheElder
Elder
greeted
greeted him
him inin an
an extremely
extremely friendly
friendly manner.
manner.
Mother sent
""Mother sent me
me toto ask
askyour
your forgiveness
forgiveness for
for having
having laughed
laughed atatyou
you aa
short
short tim e ago."
time ago."
Your mmother
""Your other sent
sent you? " said
you?" said Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim inin the
the kindest
kindest tone
tone but
but
with a stress on the word mother/ " Well, thank your
with a stress on the word 'mother.' "Well. thank your mother mother from
from me,
me,
my
myfriend!
friend! Thank
Thank her
her from
from me
me for
forhaving
having taken
taken the
the side
side oof
f an
an old
old man.
man.
I Ishall
shall pray
pray for
forher.
her.Thank
Thank hher!"
e r! "
Realizing
Realizing his
hisinner
inner guilt
guilt before
before the
the Elder,
Elder,the
the young
young boy
boy allowed
allowed him
him-­
self
selftoto say: No, ititisisnot
say: ""No, not mother
mother who
who sent
sent me.
me. IIcame
came myself.
myself.""
"You
"Youcame
came yourself,
yourself, my
my friend?
friend? Well,
Well, thank
thank you,
you, thank
thank you.
you. GGod's
od s
blessing
blessing be
bewith
with yyou!"
o u ! " replied
replied the
the Elder.
Elder.
Neverov
Neverov continues:
continues: "At
"Atthe
the same
same tim e he
time he called
called me
me toto his
his side,
side, gave
gave
me his blessing and said: ' Repentance takes sin away; but here
me his blessing and said: 'Repentance takes sin away; but here there was there was
no
no sin.
sin. Christ
Christ be
bewith
with you,
you, my
myfrien d ! '"'"
friend!
Thereupon
Thereupon Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim told
told the
the forgiven
forgiven sinner
sinner toto sit
siton
on the
the single
single
bench
bench which stood near his coffin, and opening the Gospel which wasinin
which stood near his coffin, and opening the Gospel which was
his
hishands,
hands, he
hebegan
began totoread: Judge not,
read: ""Judge not, that
that ye
yebe
benot
not judged, " and
judged," and so
soon
on
from
from the
the seventh
seventh chapter
chapter oof
f St.
St.Matthew.
Matthew. The
The words
words oof
f the
the Lord
Lord made
made aa
tremendous
tremendous impression
impression on
onthe
the child
child for
forthe
thewhole
whole of
ofhis
hislife.
life.Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim
dismissed
dismissed with
with love
love the
the involuntary
involuntary culprit
culprit who
who went
went away
away chastened.
chastened.
And
Andafterwards
afterwards he
healways
alwayswelcomed
welcomed himhim affectionately
affectionately whenever
whenever he hevis ­
vis-
ited
itedhim.
him. Subsequently,
Subsequently, he
he was
was granted
granted toto be
be aawitness
witness oof
f an
an extraordi
extraordi-­
narily
narily touching
touching scene,
scene, when
when the
the Elder
Elderpartook
partook oof
f the
the Holy
Holy mysteries
mysteries inin

44 Customarily
Customarily said said upon
upon entrance
entrance toto aamonastic cell: "By
monastic cell: "Bythe
theprayers
prayers ofofour
ourHoly
Holy Fathers,
Fathers,
LordJesus
Lord JesusChrist
Christ,, our
ourGod
God,, have
have mercy
mercy on
onus."
us,"
191
A '\N\ EEXxTrR]\.-\(}
A 0 RRDD1 N A R YY PPi.rA_-\
_! \ ,\ }~ CLE i

his
his cell.
cell. But
Butthis
this we
wehave
have already
already mentioned.
mentioned.
"Even
"Even totothis
this day,"
day," concludes
concludes the
the now
now grown -up Neverov,
grown-up Neverov, ""when
when I Iap ­
ap-
proach
proach the
the chalice
chalice and
and repeat
repeat after
after the
the priest
priest the
the words
words of
ofthe
the communion
communion
prayer,
prayer, I Imentally
mentally see
seebefore
before me
methe
the majestic
majestic features
features oofFr.
f Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim with
with
the
the chalice
chalice inin his
his hands.
hands.""
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim told
told children
children to
to respect
respect their
their parents,
parents, even
even ififthey
they had
had
some
some infirmities.
infirmities. For
Forinstance,
instance, aaboy
boy came
came toto him
him with
with his
his mother
mother who
who
suffered
suffered from
from the
the vice
viceoof
f intemperance.
intemperance. But
Butas
assoon
soon as
ashe
hewanted
wanted toto com
com-­
plain
plain oof
f her
her weakness,
weakness, the
the Saint
Saint covered
covered his
his mouth
mouth with
with his
his hand.
hand. Then
Then
he
he turned
turned toto the
the poor
poor woman
woman and
and said: Open your
said: ""Open your mmouth!"
o u th ! "
W hen she
When she opened
opened it,it, Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim breathed
breathed three
three times
times on
on her.
her. And
And
dismissing
dismissing her,
her, he
he added: This isismy
added: ""This mybequest
bequest to
toyou.
you. Never
Never have
have ininyour
your
house
house not
not only
only wine,
wine, but
but even
even wine
wine bottles,
bottles, for " he
for" he said,
said, turning
turning toto the
the
mother,
mother, "you
"you will
will not
not be
be able
able toto bear
bear wine
wine any
any more.
more.""
On
On another
another occasion
occasion the
the following
following conversation
conversation took
took place,
place, which
which has
has
been
been recorded
recorded by
byM.V.
MV Nikashina,
Nikashina, who
who afterwards
afterwards became
became aaDiveyev
Diveyev sister:
sister:
Once,
Once,I 1came
came totoFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim with
with my
mysister
sisterwho
whohad
hadbeen
been married
married toto
aapriest,
priest, but
buthad
hadbecome
becomeaawidow.
widow.The
TheElder
Elderblessed
blessedmy
mysister
sisterand
andsaid
said
totoher:
her:"Your
"Yourlife,
life,mother,
mother, will
willbe
beblessed
blesseduntil
until your
yourvery
verydeath. "
death."
My
Mysister
sisterthereupon
thereupon answered:
answered: "I"Isin
sinall
allthe
thetime
time quarrelling
quarrelling with
with my
my
father
fatherbecause
becausehe hehas
hasgiven
givenup
uphis
hisjob
jobtotomy
mybrother
brother and
and lives
liveswith
with me
me
all
allthe
thetime. "
time."
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim replied: But with
replied: ""But withwhom
whom ought
oughtyou
youtotolive,
live,mother,
mother, ififnot
not
with
withyour
yourfather? "
father?"
"I"Ihave
haveaason,
son,Father,
Father,who
whoisisnow
nowfinishing
finishing his
hisstudies,
studies, and
and I 1hope
hope that
that
he
hewill
willsupport
support me."
me."
"There
"Thereisisno
nohope
hopefor
foryou
youwhatever,
whatever, mother,
mother, none
nonewhatever,
whatever,"" the
the Elder
Elder
retorted.
retorted. Actually
Actually,her
herson
sonsoon
soon died,
died, and
and she
shehad
hadtotolive
livewith
with her
her
father.
father.
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim gave
gave instructions
instructions not
not only
only on
on the
the married
married life
life which
which
concerns
concerns all
all lay
laypeople,
people, but
but also
also on
on various
various kinds
kinds oof
f service
service and
and activity.
activity.
Let
Letus
us give
give aafew
fewexamples
examples from
from different
different levels
levels oof
f society.
society.
At
At Christmas
Christmas inin 1830,
1830, Bogdanov,
Bogdanov, aa high
high official,
official, came
came toto the
the Sarov
Sarov
192
 P
Pii ei t! y\ i! n\ r W
tI hII e o r lrn
Wi)I' d

Monastery and asked

Monastery and Seraphim: ""Shall
asked Fr. Seraphim: Shall I go
go on
on working or shall
working or shall I live
live
in
in the
the country (on his
country (on estate)? "
his estate)?"
""You
You are
are still
still young; work,"" replied
young; work, replied the
the Elder.
Elder.
""But
But my
my work
work is
is no good," " replied
no good, replied the visitor.
the visitor.
""That
That depends
depends on
on your will."" explained
your will, Seraphim, ""because
explained Fr. Seraphim, because it is
possible
possible to be
be saved
saved in every kind
in every kind o
off work,
work, in every occupation.
in every occupation." "
In
In the
the life
life o
off the
the Saint
Saint there are many
there are cases when
many cases when army
army men applied
men applied
to
to him for advice.
him for advice. And
And he
he never
never gave
gave the
the slightest
slightest hint
hint that it was
that it ques ­
was aa ques-
tionable calling. On
tionable calling. On the
the contrary,
contrary, it
it was
was noticeable
noticeable that
that he
he was particu- ­
was particu
larly
larly attentive
attentive and
and kind
kind to
to them.
them.
In O ctober 1830,
In October 1830, Ivan
Ivan Yakovlevitch
Yakovlevitch Karatayev drove past
Karatayev drove Sarov on
past Sarov on
his
his way
way from
from Kursk
Kursk on
on business
business in
in connection
connection with
with his regiment. Having
his regiment. Having
heard
heard many
many reports
reports o
off St. Seraphim
Seraphim's 's holiness, he had
holiness, he an ardent
had an ardent desire
desire
to
to see
see him
him; ; but
but he
he was
was scared
scared by
by aa thought com m on to
thought common to sinners. Here is
sinners. Here is
his account:
his account:
It
It seemed
seemed to me that
that the
the Elder would
would solemnly convict me of all my
solemnly convict
sins, especially
especially of my error
error concerning
concerning the
the veneration
veneration of the holy ikons.
the holy ikons.
I thought
thought that
that an ikon
ikon painted
painted by the
the hand
hand of a man,
man, perhaps
perhaps even
even a
sinful
sinful man,
man, could
could not
not be pleasing
pleasing to God.

And
And so the
the tim
timidid officer
officer drove
drove past.
past. But
But the following year
the following year in March
in March
he
he was
was again
again returning
returning with
with his
his men
men through
through Sarov
Sarov on
on his
his way
way to
to aa war
war
with
with Poland. This tim
Poland. This timee he went to
he went to the
the Elder's cell with
Elder's cell with aa joy
joy that even
that even
he
he him self had
himself had not expected. He
not expected. found the
He found the Saint with aa crowd
Saint with o f people.
crowd of people.
Blessing
Blessing the
the pilgrims,
pilgrims, Fr. Seraphim glanced at the
Seraphim glanced officer and
the officer and called
called him
him
into
into his
his cell.
cell. His account continues:
His account continues:
I obeyed
obeyed his com m and with
command with fear and
and love, prostrated
prostrated at his feet and
and
asked
asked for his blessing
blessing on my journey
journey and
and for the
the coming
coming war, and
and that
that
he should
should pray
pray that
that my life should
should be spared.
spared. Fr. Seraphim blessed
Fr. Seraphim blessed
me with
with his copper cross which
copper cross which was hanging on his chest,
hanging on chest, and having
and having
kissed
kissed me, he began
began to confess
confess me, telling
telling me my sins
sins himself,
himself, as if
they had been
they had been committed
committed in his presence.
presence. At the end of this
the end this com fort ­
comfort-
ing confession
confession he said to me: " You should not surrender
"You should not surrender to the
the fear
which is sent
which sent to young
young men
men by the
the devil,
devil, but
but you should
should at that
that time
time
be specially
specially watchful
watchful in spirit
spirit and,
and, rejecting cowardice, remember
rejecting cowardice, remember that
that

193
 AN E X 1 RA 0 R D I N A R V P EA C E
'\\ EXiH,'\OI(!)I,\A\:Y PI,ACE
though we are sinful, we are all in the grace of our Redeemer without
though we are sinful, we are all in the grace of our Redeemer without
Whose will not a single hair will fall from our head."
Whose will not a single hair will fall from our head."
After this he began to speak about my error with regard to the ven ­
After this he began to speak about my error with regard to the ven-
eration of the holy ikons. "How bad and harmful for us is the wish
eration of the holy ikons. "How bad and harmful for us is the wish
to probe the mysteries o f God, which are inaccessible to the human
to probe the mysteries of God, which are inaccessible to the human
m ind —for instance, how the grace of God works through the holy
mind-for instance, how the grace of God works through the holy
ikons, how it heals sinners like you and me," he added, "and not only
ikons, how it heals sinners like you and me," he added, "and not only
theirtheir body, but the soul too, so that even sinners, according to their
body, but the soul too, so that even sinners, according to their
faith in the grace of Christ present in the ikons, were saved and at­
faith in the grace of Christ present in the ikons, were saved and at-
tained the Kingdom of Heaven."
tained the Kingdom of Heaven."
Then Father mentioned instances of the veneration of ikons: "Even
Then Father mentioned instances of the veneration of ikons: "Even
in the Old Covenant, by the Ark of the Covenant, there were golden
in the Old Covenant, by the Ark of the Covenant, there were golden
Cherubim; and in the Church of the New Covenant the Evangelist
Cherubim; and in the Church of the New Covenant the Evangelist
Luke painted the face of the Mother of God; and the Saviour Himself
Luke painted the face of the Mother of God; and the Saviour Himself
hashas
leftleft us His image Not - made - with - hands."
us His image Not-made-with-hands."
At the end of the talk Father said: "One must not pay attention to
At the end of the talk Father said: "One must not pay attention to
blasphemous thoughts of that kind for which eternal punishment
blasphemous thoughts of that kind for which eternal punishment
awaits the spirit of Judas and his accomplices on the day of the awful
awaits the spirit ofJudas and his accomplices on the day of the awful
judgment."
judgment."

On Onhis his departure the officer left three rubles on the table; but as he
departure the officer left three rubles on the table; but as he
went out, he was disturbed by the diabolic thought: " Why should the
went out, he was disturbed by the diabolic thought: "Why should the
holyholy Father want money? " The earthly soldier was still inexperienced
Father want money?" The earthly soldier was still inexperienced
in the spiritual warfare. But still he hurried back to the great Elder,
in the spiritual warfare. But still he hurried back to the great Elder,
andandthe the latter met him with the words: " During a war with the Gauls
latter met him with the words: "During a war with the Gauls
a chief was to be deprived of his right hand; but this hand had given
a chief was to be deprived of his right hand; but this hand had given
a hermit three coins for a holy temple. And by the prayers of our Holy
a hermit three coins for a holy temple. And by the prayers of our Holy
Church the Lord saved it. Think it over well, and in future do not regret
Church the Lord saved it. Think it over well, and in future do not regret
your good deeds. Your money will go towards the establishment of the
your good deeds. Your money will go towards the establishment of the
Diveyev community, and they will pray for your health."
Diveyev community, and they will pray for your health."
Then
Then Father
Father confessed
confessed himhim again
again andand poured
poured intointo
his his mouth
mouth some
some
holy
holy water,
water, saying:
saying: "May
"May thethe
evilevil spirit
spirit which
which is besetting
is besetting thethe servant
servant of of
God,
God, John,
John, be be driven
driven away
away by by
thethe grace
grace of G o dOn
of God!" ! " On dismissing
dismissing him
him, , the
the
Elder
Elder said:
said: "Put" Put your
your trust
trust in God
in God andand
askask
for for
HisHis help.
help. AndAnd learn
learn howhow
to forgive
to forgive your
your neighbour;
neighbour; andand everything
everything youyou
askask
for for
willwill
be be given
given you."
you."
Karatayev
Karatayev thethe soldier
soldier concludes:
concludes:

194
 Piety in the W orld
PI! I \ I Ii IN
During the Polish campaign I took part in many battles, and the Lord
During the Polish campaign I took part in many battles, and the Lord
always saved me through the prayers of His righteous servant. The sol­
always saved me through the prayers of His righteous servant. The sol-
diers
diers who
who were
were returning
returning with me to
with me the regiment
to the regiment also
also received his
received his
blessing.
blessing. He gave them some advice on this occasion and foretold that
He gave them some advice on this occasion and foretold that
none
none of them would perish in battle. This actually came to pass; not aa
of them would perish in battle. This actually came to pass; not
single
single one
one was
was even
even wounded.
wounded.
Another
Another army man, O. A.
army man, O. A. Lodyzhinsky,
Lodyzhinsky, had had four
four sisters,
sisters, who wrote
who wrote
o
off him as follows:
him as follows:
In
In 1832 our brother
1832 our brother O.
O. A.
A. L.
L. was sent to
was sent to China.
China. As his road
As his road lay through
lay through
Nizhni Novgorod where
Nizhni Novgorod where we had aa grandmother,
we had grandmother, who was abbess
who was of the
abbess of the
Convent
Convent of
of the
the Holy Cross, he
Holy Cross, he decided
decided to
to stop at Nizhni
stop at Nizhni in order to
in order to
visit our
visit our grandmother
grandmother and
and to
to meet
meet us.
us.
During
During the
the last
last Turkish campaign he
Turkish campaign he had
had been wounded in
been wounded in his
his left
left
hand, and now the pain had returned and forced him to undergo treat ­
hand, and now the pain had returned and forced him to undergo treat-
ment.
ment. We
We urged
urged him
him to come with
to come with us to the
us to the Sarov
Sarov Monastery
Monastery in or ­
in or-
der
der to see Fr. Seraphim and to receive his blessing on such a long and
to see Fr. Seraphim and to receive his blessing on such a long and
dangerous
dangerous journey.
journey. Only
Only after
after much
much persuasion
persuasion did
did he
he finally accede
finally accede
to
to our request, for
our request, he did
for he did not
not fully
fully believe
believe in
in Fr.
Fr. Seraphims
Seraphim's sanctity
sanctity.
Although
Although he respected him, he was far from sharing our feelings
he respected him, he was far from sharing our feelings for for
him, and
him, and he consented to go with us only to pacify
he consented to go with us only to pacify us.us.

On
On the
the eve
eve of
of our
our departure
departure we
we had
had aa long
long talk
talk with our brother
with our brother about
about
the holy ikons. He said that it was sheer superstition to call some ikons
the holy ikons. He said that it was sheer superstition to call some ikons
wonderworking,
wonderworking, and
and that
that they
they were
were all
all alike.
alike.
We
We arrived
arrived on
on aa Sunday
Sunday morning.
morning. We all went
We all went to
to the
the early
early Liturgy
Liturgy
at
at which Fr. Seraphim generally made his communion. When
which Fr. Seraphim generally made his comm union. When it was
it was
over,
over, our
our brother
brother went
went into
into the
the sanctuary
sanctuary to
to get
get Fr.
Fr. Seraphim's
Seraphim's blessing
blessing
and
and at the same time convey messages from our grandmother (the ab
at the same time convey messages from our grandmother (the ab-­
bess)
bess) and
and Bishop
Bishop Athanasius
Athanasius who
who was
was then
then in charge of
in charge of the
the diocese
diocese of
of
Nizhni
Nizhni Novgorod.
Novgorod.
When our brother came back to the hostel, we noticed a great change
When our brother came back to the hostel, we noticed a great change
in
in him.
him. His
His first
first word
word was
was an
an admission
admission that
that Fr. Seraphim had
Fr. Seraphim had worked
worked
aa miracle
miracle on him. "While I was giving Fr. Seraphim the messages from
on him. " While I was giving Fr. Seraphim the messages from
grandmother and the bishop, " he told us, " he took my bad
grandmother and the bishop," he told us, "he took my bad hand and hand and
pressed it so hard that only shame prevented me from shouting. But
pressed it so hard that only shame prevented me from shouting. But
now II feel
now feel no
no pain
pain in
in the
the hand
hand whatever."
whatever."
After
After refectory
refectory we
we all
all went
went to
to the
the forest,
forest, to
to Fr. Seraphim's hermitage.
Fr. Seraphim's hermitage.

195
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;\;\ EXI H:\ORDIN;\I{Y PLAl'l

Seeing him from afar sitting opposite his spring, we suggested to our
Seeing him from afar sitting opposite his spring, we suggested to our
brother that he should go to him alone, while we waited at a distance
brother that he should go to him alone, while we waited at a distance
and watched them. Our brother went and was received by Fr. Seraphim
and watched them. Our brother went and was received by Fr. Seraphim
evidently very kindly, because he blessed him and seated him beside
evidently very kindly, because he blessed him and seated him beside
himself, and they talked together for about half an hour. At last Fr.
himself, and they talked together for about half an hour. At last Fr.
Seraphim raised his head and made a sign to us that we should go to
Seraphim raised his head and made a sign to us that we should go to
him. While we were making our way to him, he rose from his place,
him. While we were making our way to him, he rose from his place,
and we found him with a spade in his hands, digging his garden.
and we found him with a spade in his hands, digging his garden.
We received his blessing, and when our brother also went up to him,
We received his blessing, and when our brother also went up to him,
he said to him: "Wait a moment, I shall come out to you immediately."
he said to him: "Wait a moment, I shall come out to you immediately."
He went into his cell and at once came out with half a prosphora.
He went into his cell and at once came out with half a prosphora.
Offering it to our brother, he said lovingly: " For you, from my soul."
Offering it to our brother, he said lovingly: "For you, from my soul."
Then he added, as if with sorrow: "We shall not meet again."
Then he added, as if with sorrow: "We shall not meet again."
Our brother was touched and replied: "No, Father, I shall come to you
Our brother was touched and replied: "No, Father, I shall come to you
tomorrow."
tomorrow."
But Fr. Seraphim repeated: "We shall not meet again."
But Fr. Seraphim repeated: "We shall not meet again."
Our brother retorted: " Father! On my return journey I shall visit you."
Our brother retorted: "Father! On my return journey I shall visit you."
But the Elder repeated for the third time: "No, we shall not meet again."
But the Elder repeated for the third time: "No, we shall not meet again."
Having said good -bye to Fr. Seraphim we all went to the m onas ­
Having said good-bye to Fr. Seraphim we all went to the monas-
tery. My sisters were walking ahead, while I was a little behind them.
tery. My sisters were walking ahead, while I was a little behind them.
Noticing a great change in my brother, I asked him the reason and he
Noticing a great change in my brother, I asked him the reason and he
replied: "Now I am completely convinced of the holiness and spiritual
replied: "Now I am completely convinced of the holiness and spiritual
insight of that amazing man. All that you said of him is true, and you
insight of that amazing man. All that you said of him is true, and you
did not exaggerate at all."
did not exaggerate at aIL"
I asked my brother to tell me more in detail and he continued: "When
I asked my brother to tell me more in detail and he continued: "When
I went up to him for his blessing and explained that I was on my way
I went up to him for his blessing and explained that I was on my way
to China and therefore had come to Sarov specially to get his blessing
to China and therefore had come to Sarov specially to get his blessing
andandaskask
for for
his his
holyholy prayers for such a long journey, the Elder blessed
prayers for such a long journey, the Elder blessed
me, and seating me beside him said: 'W hat is my sinful blessing! Ask
me, and seating me beside him said: 'What is my sinful blessing! Ask
the Heavenly Queen for help. Here in our cathedral there is an ikon of
the Heavenly Queen for help. Here in our cathedral there is an ikon of
the Living Fountain. Have a moleben.5 It is a miraculous ikon. She will
the Living Fountain. Have a moleben." It is a miraculous ikon. She will
helphelp you.'
you.'

MyMy brother went on: "And the Saint continued with a smile: 'Have you
brother went on: "And the Saint continued with a smile: 'Have you
5 A short service (a miniature Matins) performed by a priest. Usually done as an
5 A short service (a miniature Matins) performed by a priest. Usually done as an
intercession.
intercession.

196
 P iety in th l W orld
Pi i I\! n i \V
read the life of Joannikius the Great? I advise you to read it. He was an
read the life of Ioannikius the Great? I advise you to read it. He was an
army man, a very kind and good man. He was a Christian too, for he
army man, a very kind and good man. He was a Christian too, for he
believed in the Lord. But he erred in the matter of ikons just as you do.'
believed in the Lord. But he erred in the matter of ikons just as you do.'
At these words he pointed at me with his hand.
At these words he pointed at me with his hand.
"After this, Fr. Seraphim went on talking with me and giving me in ­
"After this, Fr. Seraphim went on talking with me and giving me in-
structions. He said that I must be merciful myself if I wanted the Lord
structions. He said that I must be merciful myself if I wanted the Lord
to be merciful to me. In conclusion he foretold that I should fulfill the
to be merciful to me. In conclusion he foretold that I should fulfill the
mission entrusted to me and return safely "
mission entrusted to me and return safely."
My brother was now aflame with faith and love for Fr. Seraphim,
My brother was now aflame with faith and love for Fr. Seraphim,
so that we went at once to the cathedral to serve a moleben to the
so that we went at once to the cathedral to serve a moleben to the
Heavenly Queen. After this he threw away all his medicines, for he no
Heavenly Queen. After this he threw away all his medicines, for he no
longer needed them. He felt healed in body and soul, and wrote us on
longer needed them. He felt healed in body and soul, and wrote us on
the way that he had never felt so well in his life.
the way that he had never felt so well in his life.
W hen he returned from China he wanted to visit Fr. Seraphim again,
When he returned from China he wanted to visit Fr. Seraphim again,
but the Saint was no longer in this world.
but the Saint was no longer in this world.
One o f his most touching and edifying conversations was with General
One of his most touching and edifying conversations was with General
L.
L. who
who had called at
had called at the
the monastery
monastery out
out o
off curiosity.
curiosity. Having
Having inspected
inspected the
the
premises, he wanted to go, but he met A. N. Prokudin, a landowner, and
premises, he wanted to go, but he met A. N. Prokudin, a landowner, and
had a talk with him . The latter advised him to visit the herm it without
had a talk with him. The latter advised him to visit the hermit without
fail. The proud general consented with difficulty and went with his friend
fail. The proud general consented with difficulty and went with his friend
to the cell o f the Elder. Father gave them an eager welcome and bowed
to the cell of the Elder. Father gave them an eager welcome and bowed
to
to the
the ground
ground before
before the
the general,
general, to
to his great astonishm
his great ent! Prokudin
astonishment! Prokudin
went out o f the cell, and the general talked to the Elder for h alf an hour.
went out of the cell, and the general talked to the Elder for half an hour.
When he came out later, Father was supporting him by the arm, and he
When he came out later, Father was supporting him by the arm, and he
was crying like a child. In his grief he had even forgotten in the cell his
was crying like a child. In his grief he had even forgotten in the cell his
decorations and his
decorations and his cap.
cap. Father
Father carried
carried them
them out afterwards and
out afterwards and gave
gave
them
them toto the
the general.
general.
Later he said that he had traveled all through Europe, but had never
Later he said that he had traveled all through Europe, but had never
seen such hum ility in his life; he had never even suspected that there was
seen such humility in his life; he had never even suspected that there was
such
such aa thing as spiritual
thing as spiritual insight,
insight, and
and meanwhile
meanwhile the
the Elder
Elder had
had disclosed
disclosed
his
his whole
whole life
life to
to him,
him, and
and even
even intimate
intimate details.
details. And
And when
when his decora ­
his decora-
tions dropped from his chest, Father said to him : " That is because you
tions dropped from his chest, Father said to him: "That is because you
received them undeservedly."
received them undeservedly."
Once the manager of the estate of a landowner, who was at the same
Once the manager of the estate of a landowner, who was at the same
197
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D I N A\ R VP LPE

tim ehishisserf,
time serf,came
cametotohim
himwith
withhishiswife.
wife.They
Theybegan
begantotoask
askforforFather's
Fathers
blessing
blessing totoundertake
undertake a journey
a journey totoMoscow
Moscowforfor
thethepurpose
purpose
ofof seeing
seeing their
their
masterand
master andasking
askinghim
himtotofree
freethem
themororatatleast
leasttotorelease
releasethe
themanager
manager
fromhishisdifficult
from difficultpost.
post.But
ButFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimtook
tookhim
himbybythe
thehand,
hand,led
ledhim
him
towardsthe
towards theikon
ikonofoOur
f OurLady
LadyofoCompunction"
f Com punction6 andsaid:
and said:"I "Ibeg
beg youforfor
you
thethesake
sakeofothe
f theMother
MotherofoGod,
f God,dodonot
notgive
giveupupyour
yourpost.
post.Your
Yourmanage-
manage ­
mentis is
ment totothetheglory
gloryofoGod;
f God;you
youdodonot
not wrong
wrong thethepeasants.
peasants.There
Thereis isnono
openingforfor
opening youininMoscow.
you Moscow.Look,
Look,this
thisis is your
your way:I blessed
way: I blesseda manager
a manager
totoask
askforforhishisfreedom
freedomafter
afterhishismaster's
master 'sdeath.
death.When
Whenthat
thatmaster
masterdied,
died,
hishismistress
mistressgave
gavehim
himhishisfreedom
freedomand
andput
puthim
himinincharge
chargeofoeverything
f everything
ononthetheestate
estateexcept
exceptherself!
h erself!
""
The
The visitor
visitor carried
carried out
out Fr.Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'orders,
s orders,and
andlater
later
on,on,everything
everything
that
that thetheElder
Elder hadapparently
had apparently saidabout
said about someoneelse,
someone else,happened
happenedtotothe
the
visitorhimself.
visitor himself.
Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimalways
alwaysordered
orderedhishisvisitors
visitorstotoshow
showpity
pityand
andconsider-
consider ­
ationtototheir
ation theirsubordinates,
subordinates,especially
especiallytotoserfs.
serfs.
"Are
"Are not
not some
some apparently
apparently lawful
lawful punishmentsrepugnant
punishments repugnant
totoGod?"
G od?he
" he
wasasked
was askedbybya acertain
certainsuperior.
superior."And
"Andhow
howam
amI to
I topreserve
preservethe
themorals
morals
ofomy
f my subordinates? "
subordinates?"
" Bycharity.'
"By charity,7 makingtheir
making theirwork
workeasier,
easier,and
andnot
notbybywounds,"
wounds,"replied
replied
thethegentle
gentleElder.
Elder."Give
"Givethem
themfood
foodand
anddrink,
drink,bebejust!
just!The
TheLord
Lordis istoler-
toler ­
antant(with
(with you).You
you). You too,forgive.
too, forgive.Isaac,
Isaac,Abraham's
Abraham 'son,
s son,did
didnot
not
getgetangry
angry
whenhishis
when wells
wells were
were stoppedup,
stopped up,but
but wentaway."
went away."(Gen.
(Gen.26:15)
26:15)
These
These were
were hard
hard timesforfor
times thethepeasants,
peasants,and
andit it
waswas necessary
necessary totoinsist
insist
repeatedly
repeatedly ononthethemercy
mercyofofmasters
masterstotoslaves.
slaves.But
Butif if someofothe
some f theserfs
serfsleft
left
their
their masters
masters ofotheir
f their
ownown accord,
accord, thetheSaint
Saintdiddidnot
not associate
associate with
with such.
such. AA
young
young girl
girl who
who wanted
wanted totorun
runaway
away fromher
from her masters,did
masters, did this
this byby putting
putting
ononthethecassock
cassockofoaf amonk,
monk,cutting
cuttingoffo ff herhair,
her hair,and
andininthat
thatget-up
get-upwent
went
roaming
roaming about
about thethe world.
world. When
When she
she was
was discovered
discovered byby
thetheauthorities,
authorities, she
she
put
put thetheblame
blameononSt.St.Seraphim
Seraphimininthe
thehope
hopethat
thatshe
she wouldbebepardoned
would pardoned
outoutoforespect
f respect
forfor
thetheholy
holyElder.
Elder.HeHe was
was subjectedtotocross-examination;
subjected cross - examination;

6 6 Or,Or, "Our
"Our Lady
Lady of of Tenderness."
Tenderness."
7 Or, almsgiving.
7 Or, almsgiving.

198
 P]lILTY
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tTill orld
WOHI!)

it all proved
proved to be untrue.
untrue. Even the Elder was grieved
grieved at all this and did
not leave his cell for a whole
whole day,
day, passing
passing his tim
timee in prayer.
No calling
calling is
is sufficient
sufficient in
in itself
itself to save a man.
man. Once a peasant
peasant made
made
a special
special effort to get
get to Father through
through the crowd, but itit seemed
seemed as if
if
some power
power was
was driving
driving him back. At
At last, turning
turning his attention
attention to him,
Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim suddenly
suddenly asked him with
with a sternness
sternness quite
quite unusual
unusual for him:
Where are you clim
""Where bing to
climbing ?"
to?"
Beads ooff perspiration
""Beads perspiration stood
stood out
out on the peasant
peasant's's face,
face,"" writes
writes an eye
eye-­
witness, and in the presence
witness, ""and presence ooff all who were
were there,
there, he began
began to repent
repent of
his sins, especially
especially ooff stealing,
stealing, with a feeling ooff deep humility,
humility, confessing
confessing
that
that he was
was not worthy
worthy to appear
appear before the face
face ooff such a light.
light.""
Father
Father always showed
showed great severity
severity with
with regard
regard to stealing.
stealing. When
When
he
he gave
gave directions
directions to his Diveyev sisters,
sisters, he was generally
generally very moderate
moderate
and lenient
lenient in his regulations
regulations about
about prayer,
prayer, eating,
eating, etc. But
But on the other
other
hand,
hand, he required
required obedience
obedience and work and, moreover,
moreover, he ordered
ordered that
that
those
those who
who had
had succumbed
succumbed to stealing
stealing should
should never be kept, but should
should
be
be sent out ooff the convent
convent immediately.
immediately.
There is
""There is no
no one worse than
than a thief,
thief"" he said to Xenia Vasilievna. He
Vasilievna. ""He
is
is the cause ooff a multitude
multitude ooff sins. It
It is
is even better
better to keep a prodigal,
prodigal,
mother,
mother, for he ruins
ruins his own soul and answers
answers for itit himself.
himself. But a th ief
thief
ruins
ruins everything,
everything, both
both him self and his neighbour,
himself neighbour, mother.
mother.""
Father rebuked
rebuked not
not only the simple
simple people,
people, but the nobles
nobles too, if he
saw that
that they
they could
could not be
be saved
saved by
by gentleness.
gentleness. Once a certain
certain landown
landown- ­
er stopped
stopped at Sarov on his way
way from the Crimea.
Crimea. During
During th
thee Liturgy he
prayed on his knees
knees and with tears before
before an image ooff the M other ooff God.
Mother
Father
Father was
was in the hermitage
hermitage that
that day.
day. The traveler
traveler was given a novice ooff
the monastery
monastery to guide him
him to the Elder,
Elder, but Father refused
refused to receive him
and said to
to the
the novice:
novice: ""II beg
beg you in the name
name of the Lord to avoid such
people
people in
in future. This man is
is a hypocrite.
hypocrite. He is a most
most miserable,
miserable, lost soul.
80UI.""

There was
was nothing
nothing to be done.
done. The guide
guide told the man
man that
that the Elder
had refused
refused to see him, and on the way
way to the monastery
monastery he gently
gently ex
ex-­
plained
plained the reason to the landowner.
landowner. Then the man began to sob with utter
utter
sincerity
sincerity and confessed
confessed to the novice
novice his wrong
wrong thoughts
thoughts and intentions.
intentions.
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 AN
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R A 0 R INI

ArchimandriteNikon
Archimandrite Nikon(Konobeyevsky)
(Konobeyevsky)who
whowas
wasasked
askedbybyFather
Fatherdur-
dur­
ingtheir
ing theirtalk
talkononmonasticism
monasticism"whether
"whetherhehedid
didnot
notloathe
loathemarriage,"
marriage,"re-re­
cordedlater
corded latera acase
caseininwhich
whichFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimrebuked
rebukeda ahigh
highofficial.
official.
OnOnhishisarrival
arrivalfrom
fromNizhni-Novgorod
Nizhni-Novgorodwith
withhishisfamily,
family,hehewent
wentseveral
several
timestotothetheSaint's
times Saint'scell
cellininorder
order
totoreceive
receivehishisblessing.
blessing.All
Allthethemembers
membersofof
hishisfamily
familyhad
hadalready
alreadybeen
beengranted
granteda blessing;
a blessing;hehealone
alonewas
wasnot
notadmitted
admitted
bybythetheElder.
Elder.When
Whenthis
thisman
manknocked,
knocked,Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimanswered
answeredfrom
frominside:
inside:
"I"Iamamnot
notatathome,
home,I have
I havenonotime."
time."
Thiswas
This wasrepeated
repeatedfive
fivetimes.
times.Then
Thenheheasked
askedKonobeyevsky,
Konobeyevsky,who
whowas
was
thena ayoung
then youngseminarian
sem inariantototake
takehim
himtotothetheElder.
Elder.They
Theysaid
saidthetheprayer,
prayer,
andat atonce
and onceFather
Fatheropened
openedthethedoor
doorand
andwelcomed
welcomedthetheofficial
officialasasif ifnoth-
noth ­
inghad
ing hadhappened.
happened.Then
Thenhehesaid
saidtotohim:
him:
"I"Isaid
saidtotoyou
youthrough
throughthethedoor
doorwhat
whatyour
yourservants
servantssay
saytotothose
thosewho
who
cometotoyou
come youwith
withtheir
theirneeds:
needs:'The
'Themaster
masteris isnot
notatathome!
hom e!HeHehas
hasnono
tim e' !By
time! ' Bymaking
makingyour
yourneighbour
neighbourangry
angrythrough
throughyour
yourrefusal.
refusal,you
youanger
anger
GodHimself."
God Himself."
Theworldly
The worldlygeneral
generalhumbly
humblyaccepted
acceptedthetherebuke,
rebuke,bowed
boweddown
downininthethe
presenceofothe
presence f theseminarian
sem inarianatatFather's
Father'sfeet
feetand
andpromised
promisednever
neveragain
againinin
futuretotoallow
future allowthis
thislying
lyingpractise
practisewhich
whichis issosocommon
com m onamong
amongthetherich,
rich,
butis issuch
but sucha atemptation
temptationtotopoor
poorcallers.
callers.
Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimeven
evensometimes
sometimesrefused
refusedmoney
moneywhich
whichwas
wasbrought
broughtforfor
thethebuilding
buildingofothe
f theconvent
conventand
andofothe
f thechurch,
church,asas"unclean
" uncleanand
andnot
notpleas-
pleas ­
ingtotothetheHeavenly
ing HeavenlyQueen."
Queen."Once
OnceSister
SisterXenia
XeniaVasilievna
Vasilievnacame
cametotohim
him
andwithout
and withoutnaming
nam ingthethegiver,
giver,joyfully
joyfullytold
toldhim
himthat
thatthey
theyhad
hadreceived
received
thethepromise
promisethat
thata church
a churchwould
wouldbebebuilt
builtininDiveyev.
Diveyev.But
ButFather
Fatheranswered:
answered:
" Don 'rejoice
"Don't t rejoicetoo
toomuch,
much,and
anddon't
don 'put
t putmuch
muchhope
hopeininbenefactors.
benefactors.And
And
whohas
who haspromised
promisedyou
youthis,
this,my
myjoy?"
joy? "
" Prokudin,"answered
"Prokudin," answeredXenia.
Xenia.
" Thatman!"
"That m an ! "exclaimed
exclaimedFr.Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim."You
"Youcan't
can 'take
t takethat
thatmoney
moneyonon
anyaccount,
any account,mother,
mother,and
andyou
youmust
mustnot!
not!HeHehas
hasalready
alreadyspoken
spokentotomeme
andtotoMishenka"
and M ishenka8about
aboutit,it,but
butI Ihave
havenot
notgiven
givenmy
myconsent,
consent,mother.
mother.
Rememberonce
Remember onceforforall,all,not
notevery
everykind
kindofomoney
f moneyis ispleasing
pleasingtotothetheLord
Lord
8 8 Michael
Michael Manturov.
Manturov.

200
 Pr rr . 1\ illl WORLD

and to
and to His
His most
most pure
pure Mother.
Mother. And
And not
not every
every kind
kind ooff money
money will
will find
find its
its
way into
way into my
my convent.
convent. And
And what
what ifif some
some people
people would
would be
be only
only too
too glad
glad
to give
to give ififwe
wewould
would only
only take
take it!
it! But
Butthe
the Heavenly
Heavenly Queen
Queen will
will not
not accept
accept
every sort
every sort ooff money.
money. See
Seewhat
what kind
kind ooff money
money itit is!
is!There
There isisthe
the money
money ooff
injustice, tears
injustice, tears and
and blood.
blood. We
We don
don't't need
need that
that kind
kind ooff money.
money. We
We must
must
not accept
not accept it,
it,m
mother!" And so
oth er! " And so he
he refused
refused the
the unjust
unjust landowner
landowner's's offering.
offering.
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim ordered
ordered all
allto
towork.
work. AAfamous
famous ascetic,
ascetic, Daniel
Daniel ooff Atchinsk,
Atchinsk,
had forbidden
had forbidden aacertain
certain pilgrim,
pilgrim, Maria
Maria Ikonnikova,
Ikonnikova, who
who lived
lived in
in Tomsk,
Tomsk,
towander
to wander idly
idly about
about the
the world.
world. He
He even
even angrily
angrily threatened
threatened her
her with
with his
his
stick and
stick and said:
said:
""Go and live
Go and live in
in Tomsk.
Tomsk. Live
Liveon
on your
your earnings
earnings from
from your
your handwork.
handwork.
Knitstockings.
Knit stockings. And
And when
when you
you get
get old,
old, then
then collect
collect alms.
alms. But
Butmind,
mind, don
don't't
wander about
wander about Russia
Russia any
any m
more!"
ore! "
Atfirst
At first she
she obeyed,
obeyed, but
but hhalf
alf aayear
year later
later her
her relatives
relatives and
and friends
friends pre
pre-­
vailed on
vailed on her
her to
to guide
guide them
them to
to Kiev.
Kiev. She
She consented.
consented. On
On the
the way
way they
they
visited Fr.
visited Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim. Father
Father looked
looked atat her
her severely
severely and
and shouted
shouted loudly
loudly at
at
her, as
her, as the
the ascetic
ascetic ooff Atchinsk
Atchinsk had
had done:
done: ""Why are you
Why are you wandering
wandering about
about
Russia? Did
Russia? Did not
not Brother
Brother Daniel
Daniel forbid
forbid you
you to
to wander
wander about
about Russia?
Russia? Go
Go
back home
back home atat oonce!"
n ce! "
Maria began
Maria began to
to ask
askfor
foraablessing
blessing on
on her
her last
lastpilgrimage,
pilgrimage, saying
saying that
that she
she
had not
had not even
even the
the money
money for
forher
her way
wayback.
back. But
ButFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim again
again shouted
shouted
loudly: "I"Ihave
loudly: have told
told you:
you: go
goback!
back' There
There isisno
no blessing
blessing for
foryou
you to
to go
goon.
on. Go
Go
back, go
back, go back!
back' Even
Evenwithout
without money
money you
you will
will drive
drive all
all the
the way
way to
to Tomsk.
Tornsk.""
The pilgrim
The pilgrim obeyed
obeyed against
against her
her will.
will. She
She left
left her
her companions,
companions, and
and
went on
went on foot
foot to
to Nizhni.
Nizhni. By
Bythe
the Providence
Providence ooff God
God and
and as
as aareward
reward for
forher
her
obedience, she
obedience, she found
found some
some Tomsk
Tomsk merchants
merchants and
and safely
safelyreached
reached her
her town.
town.
Many other
Many other edifying
edifying incidents
incidents about
about laymen
laymen could
could be
be told
told here,
here, but
but
we have
we have already
already devoted
devoted much
much space
space to
to them.
them. However,
However, this
this isis easy
easy to
to
understand. Father
understand. Father had
had to
to deal
deal mostly
mostly with
with laymen.
laymen.
St.Seraphim
St. Seraphim did
did not
not recommend
recommend people
people to
to invent
invent special
special ascetic
ascetic feats
feats
oreven
or evenunusual
unusual things.
things. AAvisitor asked Fr.
visitor asked Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim to
to interpret
interpret his
his dream
dream
forhim.
for him. ""I saw someone
I saw someone who
who ordered
ordered me
me to
to build
build aa church,
church,"" he
he said.
said.
Father answered:
Father answered: ""That
That isisyour
your own
own desire.
desire. But
ButififGod
God has
has chosen
chosen you
you

201
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forforthis
thispurpose
purposeand
and thereisisneed
there needfor
forit,it,then
thengogoahead
aheadand
andGod
Godbless
bless you."
you."
Wehave
We havealready
alreadyseen
seenthat
thatFather
Fatherdid
didnot
notapprove
approveofopeople
f peoplewho
whoofo f
theirown
their ownaccord
accordbecame
becam efools
foolsfor
forChrist's
Christ 'ssake.
sake.HeHeonce
oncesent
sentback
backtoto
hishisfamily
familyand
andtotohis
histrade
tradesuch
sucha awould-be
would -beascetic
asceticwho
whohad
hadabandoned
abandoned
hishistrade
tradewithout
withouta ablessing
blessingand
andhad
hadtaken
takentotowandering
wanderingbarefooted
barefootedand
and
ladenwith
laden withchains.
chains."I"Ithink,"
think, "Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimsaid
saidtotohim,
him,"that
"thatit itis isvery
very
goodtototrade
good tradeiningrain."
grain."
Anothertime
Another tim ehehesaid:
said:"There
" Therewas
washardly
hardlyone
oneamong
amongthe
thefools
foolsfor
for
Christ 'ssake
Christ's sakewho
whowas
wasnot
notinindelusion.
delusion.And
Andsosothey
theywere
werelost
lostororwent
went
back.Our
back. Ourfathers
fathersdid
didnot
notallow
allowanyone
anyonetotobecome
becomea fool.
a fool.InInmy
my timeonly
time only
oneshowed
one showedsuch
sucha atendency
tendencyand
andbegan
begantotomew
mewininchurch
churchlike
likea acat.
cat.The
The
ElderPachomius
Elder Pachomiusordered
orderedthe
thefool
fooltotobebetaken
takeninstantly
instantlyout
outofochurch
f churchand
and
bebeput
putout
outofothe
f themonastery
monasterygates.
gates.There
Thereare
arethree
threeways
wayswhich
whichrequire
requirea a
specialvocation:
special vocation:the
theway
wayofoaf arecluse,
recluse,the
theway
wayofoaf afool
foolforforChrist's
Christ'ssake,
sake,
andthe
and theway
wayofofananabbot."
abbot."
Weknow
We knowofoonly
f onlytwo
twoororthree
threeinstances
instancesininthe
thelife
lifeofothe
f theSaint
Saintwhen
when
heheblessed
blessedpeople
peopletotoundertake
undertakethis
thiskind
kindofo asceticism.
f asceticism.These
Thesepeople
people
werePelagia
were PelagiaIvanovna
IvanovnaCerebrennikova
Cerebrennikova(who
(whowill
willbebementioned
m entionedlater),
later),
ParaskevaSemionovna
Paraskeva Sem ionovnaMelinkova,
Melinkova,and
andone
oneother
othernun.
nun.Later
Laterononthere
there
livedininDiveyev
lived Diveyeva afool
foolfor
forChrist's
Christ 'ssake
sakewho
whowent
wentbybythe
thename
nameofo"Pasha
f "Pasha
ofoSarov."
f Sarov.Her
" Hername
nameininthe
theworld
worldhad
hadbeen
beenIrene
Ireneand
andshe
she wasa serf
was a serf
ofothe
f the
landownerBulygin
landowner Bulyginofothe
f theSpask
Spaskdistrict.
district.
Thesewere
These werethe
theonly
onlyones
onesfor
fora awhole
wholecentury,
century,and
andeven
eventhey
theylived
lived
ininconvents.
convents.But,
But,generally
generallyspeaking,
speaking,we
wemust
musttrytrytotoavoid
avoidsingularity
singularity
andlive
and livelike
likeeveryone
everyoneelse,
else,and
andmust
mustseek
seeksalvation
salvationininwhatever
whateverwalk
walkofof
lifewe
life wehappen
happentotobebeplaced.
placed.And
Andwe
wehave
haveseen
seenhow
howmany
manyextraordinary
extraordinary
laymenshone
laymen shoneround
roundFr.Fr.Seraphim,
Seraphim,like
liketiny
tinystars
starsround
rounda abig
bigstar.
star.And
And
everywherethe
everywhere theElder
Elderpreached
preachedhumility,
humility,obedience
obedienceand
andmeekness,
meekness,and
and
especiallylove
especially loveand
andcompassion.
compassion.
ToTothose
thoseininmonasteries
m onasteriesFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimadvised,
advised,ininaccordance
accordancewith
with
thegeneral
the generalteaching
teachingofothe
f thefathers,
fathers,obedience
obedienceasasa way
a waytotohumility.
humility.And
And
hum ilityisisthe
humility thedeath
deathofothe
f thepassions.
passions."Renounce
" Renounceyour
yourwill
willand
andpreserve
preserve
hum ilitythroughout
humility throughoutyour
yourlife.
life.Then
Thenyou
youwill
willbebesaved.
saved.Humility
Humilityand
and

202
 Pii e tr yv i: n
P fi e ul.: W orld
Wi1i,!

obedience
obedience are the eradicators
eradicators of all the passions
passions and
and the planters
planters ooff all
the virtues.
virtues."" 9 ""As
As cloth
cloth which
which the dyer
dyer beats,
beats, tramples
tramples on, combs
combs and
and
washes,
washes, becomes
becomes white
white as snow, so a novice
novice who
who suffers
suffers hum iliations,
humiliations,
offences,
offences, reproaches,
reproaches, is purified
purified and
and becom es like pure,
becomes pure, shining
shining silver,
refined
refined in the fire. " 10
fire."?
And though
though these
these words
words were addressed
addressed primarily
primarily to novices,
novices, yet in
a certain
certain sense
sense the Lord has made
made the world
world so that
that everyone
everyone has to sub
sub-­
mit to someone
someone else, subordinates
subordinates to their
their superiors,
superiors, children
children to their
their
parents,
parents, wives to their
their husbands,
husbands, and
and so on. And everywhere
everywhere one has to
humble
humble and
and break
break oone's
n es own
own will and
and subject
subject it to the will ooff others.
others. A
mother
mother has to humble
humble herself
herself even with
with her own
own children,
children, so as not
not to
be irritated,
irritated, and
and not
not spare a punishm ent when
punishment when it is necessary.
necessary. And what
what
patience,
patience, what
what sufferings
sufferings are required
required throughout
throughout the education
education ooff her
children,
children, in their
their illnesses
illnesses and
and the correction
correction ooff their
their faults.
faults. Sometimes
Sometimes
the outward
outward circumstances
circumstances of life are difficult
difficult and
and painful.
painful. Humility
Humility and
and
patience
patience are needed
needed everywhere.
everywhere. At other
other times,
times, the Lord sends
sends us, even
in the world,
world, someone
someone to break
break and
and crush
crush our
our pride.
pride.
Certainly
Certainly no one in the world
world is abandoned
abandoned by the Lord Who cares
for the salvation
salvation ooff all; but
but there
there is no salvation
salvation without
without humility.
humility. And
therefore
therefore we must
must watch
watch attentively
attentively and
and ask ourselves:
ourselves: What
What is the Lord
doing
doing this
this very mom ent to humble
moment humble me? And this
this lesson
lesson ooff God must
must be
at once accepted,
accepted, without
without waiting
waiting for another,
another, without
without rejecting
rejecting it, and
and
without
without devising
devising oone's
n es own
own seemingly
seemingly better
better ways ooff salvation.
salvation. The Lord
surely
surely knows
knows best what
what is best for us sinners
sinners at a given moment.
moment. And what
what
we plan
plan ourselves
ourselves is usually
usually only
only the enemy
enemy's's red herring
herring to draw
draw us away
from the work
work ooff God.
But even if there
there are no directors
directors and
and experienced
experienced elders, a layman
layman
always
always has a helper
helper at hand.
hand. Bogdanov,
Bogdanov, whom
whom we have already
already m en ­
men-
tioned,
tioned, prepared
prepared a whole
whole batch
batch ooff questions
questions for Father
Father and
and asked him
about
about spiritual
spiritual direction:
direction:
Can we trust
""Can trust ourselves
ourselves to the direction
direction ooff others?
others?""
99 Barsonuphius
Barsonuphius the
the Great,
Great, Ans.
Ans. 309
309 etc.
etc.
10
lO Ant.
Ant. hom.
hom. 113.
113.

203
A NA NEXTE XRI,\ RoAii0I)Ri DN I,\ NIiAY R YP! P,\EC Ar: C E

" Our
"Our Angel
Angel Guardian,
Guardian, given
given us us
at at Holy
Holy Baptism,
Baptism, is is enough,replied
enough," " replied
Fr.Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim.
ButBut
at at
thethe same
same timhe
time e he added
added a few
a few words
words about
about counselors.
counselors. If there
"If"there
is is anger
anger in in a man,
a man, dodo
notnot listen
listen to to him.
him. If aIfman
a man preserves
preserves virginity,
virginity, he he
is is
acceptable
acceptable to to
thethe Spirit
Spirit of of
GodGod (consequently,
(consequently, he he is worthy
is worthy of of attention).
attention).
However,
However, useuse your
your own
own judgment,
judgment, andand read
read thethe Gospel."
Gospel."
And
And at at
thethe same
same tim he
time e he gave
gave hima whole
him a whole series
series of of simple
simple instruc ­
instruc-
tions
tions such
such as as everyone
everyone knows:
knows: " Do
"Do notnot forget
forget thethe holidays.
holidays. BeBe temperate.
temperate.
GoGo
to to church,
church, unless
unless prevented
prevented byby illness.
illness. Pray
Pray forfor
all.all.
YouYou will
will do do much
much
good
good in in
thatthat way.
way. Give
Give candles,
candles, wine
wine andand
oiloil
forfor
thethe church.
church. Almsgiving
Almsgiving
will
will dodo you
you a lot
a lot of ogood."
f good."
And
And so so
letlet
notnot laymen
laymen despond!
despond! It was
It was notnot
in in vain
vain thatthat
thethe Saint
Saint gave
gave
them
them consoling
consoling names
names such
such as as "my
"my joy,"my
joy," " "my treasure,"father:'
treasure:' " " father,"mother."
" "mother."
And
And it was
it was from
from thethe ranks
ranks of othe
f the secular
secular clergy
clergy thatthat
he he singled
singled outout a parish
a parish
priest,
priest, Father
Father Alexis
Alexis Gnyevashev,
Gnyevashev, who
who lived
lived in in
thethe village
village of oBusurrnan,
f Busurman,
province
province of oSimbirsk.
f Simbirsk.
OfOhim
f him
hehe said:
said:
" This
"This man,
man, onon account
account of of
hishis prayers
prayers forfor Christian
Christian souls,
souls, is like
is like a candle
a candle
burning
burning before
before thethe throne
throne of oGod.
f God.
HeHe
is aistoiler
a toiler who,
who, without
without making
making thethe
monastic
monastic vows,
vows, stands
stands higher
higher than
than many
many ascetics."
ascetics."
Fr.Fr. Vasily
Vasily Sadovsky,
Sadovsky, who
who was
was so so closely
closely associated
associated with
with Fr.Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim,
was
was also
also a married
a married man.
man. And
And yetyet
howhow
thethe Saint
Saint loved
loved himHe
him! ! He always
always
called
called hishis wife
wife byby
thethe respectful
respectful Slavonic
Slavonic word"podruzhye"
word " podruzhye(compan-
" (com pan ­
ion),
ion), andand
he he sent
sent herher some
some of othe
f the
drydry bread
bread which
which was
was leftleft over
over after
after hishis
vision
vision of othe
f the Mother
Mother of oGOd.
f God.1
11 1 He
He foretold
foretold to to both
both of othem
f them their
their death.
death.
HisHis words
words were
were recorded
recorded byby
Fr.Fr. Vasily:
Vasily:

" Your
"Your 'companion
'companion' ' will
will depart
depart to to
thethe Lord
Lord before
before you,Fr.
you," " Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim
told
told me.me. "Two
"Two years
years after
after herher
youyouwillwill
go go too,
too, Father.
Father. Remember,
Remember,
twelve!
twelve! AndAnd youyou will
will be be
thethe thirteenth,
thirteenth, Father.
Father. And And thisthis is what
is what I com ­
I com-
mand you, when you die. You must lie on the right side of the altar in in
mand you, when you die. You must lie on the right side o f the altar
thetheChurch
Church of of
thethe
Nativity,
Nativity andandMishenka
Mishenka (Michael
(Michael Manturov)
Manturov) will
will
lielie
ononthethe left.
left. GiveGivethemthem orders
orders to to bury
bury youyou there.
there. HowHow nice
nice it will
it will be,be,
Father!
Father! YouYou will
will be beonon thethe right,
right, andand Mishenka
Mishenka on onthethe left,
left, andand I shall
I shall
be be between
between youyouin in
thethe middle.
middle. AndAnd so so
wewe shall
shall all all
be be together."
together."
11 11In In 1830,
1830, after
after thethe Dormition.
Dormition.

204
 Chapter
Chapter 14
14

TTHE
h e JJOYFUL
oyful D
DIRECTOR
irector oOF
f SSOULS
ouls

FF
. Seraphim
rR. Seraphim made
made such
such aafascinating
fascinating and
and striking
striking impression
impression on
on ev ­
ev-
eryone,
eryone, that
that people
people left
lefthim
him delighted.
delighted. Some
Some went
went away
away sobbing,
sobbing, but
but
almost
almost all
all were
were comforted,
comforted, cheered,
cheered, gladdened,
gladdened, touched,
touched, uplifted,
uplifted, asas ifif
he
hehad
had injected
injected into
into each
each oof
f them
them some
some vital
vital force,
force, new
new joy,
joy,infusion
infusion oof
f
spiritual
spiritual effort,
effort, strength
strength ininvirtue,
virtue, desire
desire for
foraanew
new life.
life. InInbrief,
brief, the
the flam
flam-­
ing
ing Seraphim
Seraphim kindled
kindled men
men with
with celestial
celestial fire
fire and
and with
with the
the grace -given
grace-given
spirit
spirit oof
f regeneration.1
regeneration. IThis
This isishard
hard toto realize.
realize. Only
Only from
from the
the records
records oof
f
his
his dealings
dealings with
with men
men and
and from
from his
his remarkable
remarkable influence
influence can
can we
we have
have
an
aninkling
inkling oof
f the
the extraordinary
extraordinary power
power that
that was
was latent
latent and
and atatwork
work ininthe
the
poor
poor " twisted " 2 Elder.
"twisted"? Elder. He
He especially
especially knew
knew how
how toto cheer
cheer his
his visitors
visitors and
and
give
givethem
them joy.
joy.AAmeeting
meeting with
with Father
Father was
was aatrue
true feast.
feast. People
People went
went away
away
from
from him
him asason
onwings,
wings, or,
or,on
onthe
the contrary,
contrary, unusually
unusually grave,
grave, subdued,
subdued, but
but
firmly
firmly resolved
resolved totofight
fight evil.
evil.
What
What was
wasthe
the secret
secret oofSt.
f St. Seraphim
Seraphim's's spiritual
spiritual power?
power? ItItlay
layininhis
hiscon
con-­
stant
stant sense
sense ofofthe
the Resurrection
Resurrection and
and ofofthe
the all - conquering Paschal3
all-conquering Paschal" joy.
joy.The
The
Church
Church sees
seesEaster
Easter ininChrist
Christ the
the Redeemer.
Redeemer. Easter
Easter isisininfact
factChrist
Christ Him self
Himself
risen,
risen, glorified,
glorified, ever
ever abiding
abiding with
with the
the Church.
Church. " Christ
"Christ our
our Passover
Passover has
has
been
been sacrificed;
sacrificed; therefore
therefore let
letus
uskeep
keep festival.
festival."" (I(ICor. 5:7) ItItisisEaster
Cor. 5:7) Easter that
that
isisthe
the new
new factor
factor ininthe
the New
New Testament.
Testament. The
The new
new power
power isis" the
"the power
power oof
f
His
HisResurrection.
Resurrection." " (Phil.
(Phil. 3:10)
3:10) By
Bythis
this very
very power
power oofthe
f the Resurrection
Resurrection St.
St.
Seraphim
Seraphim was
was sanctified,
sanctified, and
and he
he departed
departed glorifying
glorifying it.it.

Luke3:16;
1 1 Luke John3:3
3:16;John -8
3:3-8
2 2 His
Hisbody
bodywas
wasphysically
physicallydamaged
damagedby
bythe
thebeating
beatingofofthe
therobbers
robbersearlier
earlierininhis
hislife
lifeand
and
hehehad
hada atwisted
twistedspine.
spine.—-ed.
ed.
3 3 "Pascha
"Pascha"
" isisthe
theOrthodox
Orthodoxword
wordfor
forEaster.
Easter.

205
An E x t r a o r d \n a r v Pbacf

Usually
Usually St.St.Seraphim
Seraphim saluted
saluted his
hisvisitors
visitors with
with the
thePaschal
Paschal greeting.
greeting.
Kissing
Kissingthe
thepeople
peoplewho
whocame
cametotohim,
him,hehewould
would say:
say:" Christ
"Christ is isrisen !" The
risen!" The
joyful
joyful face
faceo fofthe
theascetic
asceticwho
whowas
wasexhausting
exhausting him self with
himself withsuperhuman
superhuman
labours
labours was
wasa ray
a rayofofheavenly
heavenly sunshine.
sunshine. The
Thelight
lighto fofhis
hissoul
soulshone
shone ininhis
his
face,
face,and
andmen
menwere
wereled
ledtotoglorify
glorify the
theFather
Fatherininheaven.
heaven. (Matt.
(Matt. 5:14 - 16)
5:14-16)

For
Foro fofthe
thesoul
soulthe
thebody
bodyform
formdoth
doth take,
take,
For
Forsoul
soulis isform
formand
anddoth
doth the
thebody
bodymake.
make.

The
TheSaint 's perpetual
Saint's perpetual Easter
Easterjoy
joywas
wasthe
thejoy
joyofof" the
"thevictory
victory that
thatover ­
over-
comes
comes the
theworld,
world, (I.(I.John
John 5:4)
5:4)the
theeternal
eternal joy
joywhich
which nonoman
man can
cantake
take
away."
away."(John
(John 16:22)
16:22)
Fr.Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim inspired
inspired men
menwith
withthe
thedesire
desiretotobebeand
anddodogood.
good.Therein
Therein
lies
liesthe
thepower
power o fofspiritual
spiritual people.
people. The
ThePharisees
Pharisees also
alsospoke,
spoke, but
buttheir
their
words
wordswere
weredead,
dead,lifeless.
lifeless.Our
OurLord's
Lord'steaching
teaching was
was"with
"withauthority.
authority."" (Luke
(Luke
4:32)
4:32)The
TheApostle
Apostle Paul
Paulalso
alsosays
sayso fofhim self: "My
himself: "Myspeech
speech and
andmy
mypreach
preach-­
ing
ingwere
werenot
notininthe
theplausible
plausible phraseology
phraseology o fofhuman
human wisdom,
wisdom, but
butininthe
the
demonstration
demonstration o fofthe
theSpirit
Spiritand
andpower
power o fofGod. " (I (ICor.
God." Cor.2:4)
2:4)
We
Weshall
shallnow
nowtry
trytotoconvey
conveya little
a littlemore
moreo fofthe
thegladdening
gladdening and
andjoyous
joyous
spirit
spiritwhich
which manifested
manifested itself
itselfininthe
theinstructions
instructions o fofFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim and
andinin
his
hisdealings
dealings with
withlaymen.
laymen. Fr.Fr.Paul,
Paul.St.St.Seraphim 's cell
Seraphim's - neighbour, relates
cell-neighbour, relates
the
thefollowing
following story:
story:

Once,
Once,I brought
I broughttotoFr.Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphima young
a youngpeasant
peasantwith
witha bridle
a bridleininhishis
hand
handwho
whowas
wascrying
cryingover
overthe
theloss
lossofof
his
hishorses,
horses,and
andI left
I leftthem
themalone.
alone.
After
Aftersome
sometime
timeI met
I metthat
thatpeasant
peasantagain
againand
andasked
askedhim:
him:"Well,
"WelL have
have
you
youfound
foundyour
yourhorses? "
horses?"

" Of
"Ofcourse,
course,I have,
I have,Father, " answered
Father," answeredthe
thepeasant.
peasant.

"Where
"Whereand
andwhen? " I asked
when?" I askedhim
himagain.
again.

And
Andhehereplied:
replied:"Fr. Seraphim
"Fr. Seraphimtold
toldmemetotogogo
totothe
themarket -place, and
market-place, and
there
thereI would
I wouldsee them.
see them.SoSo
I went,
I went,and
andI saw
I sawthem
thematatonce,
once,and
andtook
took
home
homemy
mylittle
littlehorses. "
horses."

This
Thisseems
seemsa trifling
a trifling incident,
incident, but
butfor
forthe
thepeasant
peasant his
hishorses
horses were
werehis
his
whole
whole fortune,
fortune, and
andtheir
theirloss
losswould
would have
havemeant
meant ruin
ruin and
andbitter
bitterpoverty.
poverty.

206
 Till l o vru r DilirCl(\R l)1 SUUL:;

And
Andall
allofo faasudden
suddensuch
suchjoy!
joy! As
AsSt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphimhad
hadforetold,
foretold,the
the "little
" little
horses "(as
horses" (astheir
theirmaster
masteraffectionately
affectionatelycalled
calledthem)
them )were
werefound.
found.ItItisiseasy
easy
totounderstand
understandthat
thatthe
theyoung
youngpeasant
peasantwill
willbe
bedrawn
drawnmore
morethan
thanonce
oncetoto
Fr.Seraphimand
Fr.Seraphim andSarov,
Sarov,and
andininhis
hisold
oldage
agemay
mayend
endhis
hislife
lifeininthe
themonas-
m onas ­
tery.
tery.And
Andwhat
whatjoy
joyfor
forall
allhis
hisfamily!
family!The
The"little
" littlehorses"
horses "were
werefound!
found!What
What
bittertears
bitter tearsmust
musthave
havebeen
beenshed
shedby
byhis
hiswife
wifeand
andchildren,
children,ififthe
thepeasant
peasant
him selfwas
himself wascrying
cryingininthe
themonastery
m onasterywith
withthe
thebridle
bridleininhis
hishands.
hands.
Here
Hereisisanother
anotherincident.
incident.Prince
PrinceN.
N.N.
N.Golitsyn
Golitsyncame
cametotoSarovon
Sarov onhis
his
way
wayfrom
fromMoscow
MoscowtotoPenza.
Penza.The
TheElder
Elderwas
wasininhis
hishermitage.
hermitage.The
Theprince
prince
hastenedthere.
hastened there.On
Onthe
theway
wayhe
hemet
metFather
Fatherand
andasked
askedhis
hisblessing.
blessing.
"Who
" W hoare
areyou?"
you? "Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimasked
askedaffably.
affably.
The
Theprince
princemodestly
modestlycalled
calledhimself
him selfaatraveler.
traveler.
The
TheElder
Elderembraced
embracedhim
himwith
withbrotherly
brotherlylove,
love,kissed
kissedhim
him and
andsaid:
said:
"Christ
" Christisisrisen!"
risen ! "Then
Thenhe
heasked
askedhim:
him :"Do
" Doyou
youread
readthe
theHoly
HolyGospel?"
Gospel? "
The
Theprince
princereplied:
replied:"Yes,
"Yes,I Ido."
do."
"Read
" Readmore
moreoften,"
often, "said
saidthe
theElder,
Elder,"the
" thefollowing
followingwords
wordsininthat
thatDivine
Divine
Book:
Book:'Come
'CometotoMe,
Me,all
allyou
youwho
wholabour
labourand
andare
areheavy
heavyladen,
laden,and
andI Iwill
will
give
giveyou
yourest.
rest.Take
TakeMy
Myyoke
yokeupon
uponyou,
you,and
andlearn
learnfrom
fromMe,
Me,for
forI Iam
ammeek
meek
and
andhumble
humbleininheart,
heart,and
andyou
youshall
shallfind
findrest
restfor
foryour
yoursouls.
souls.For
ForMy
Myyoke
yoke
isiseasy,
easy,and
andMy burdenisislight."
Myburden light/"(Matt.
(Matt.11:28-30)
11:28 - 30)
So
Sosaying,
saying,the
theElder
Elderagain
againembraced
embracedthe
theprince
princewith
withtears.
tears.On
Onthe
theway
way
hehecontinued
continuedtalking
talkingtotohim
himofofthe
thefuture
futurelife
lifeand
andofo fvarious
varioustrials
trialswhich
which
were
weregoing
goingtotobefall
befallhim,
him,all
allofofwhich
whichactually
actuallyhappened.
happened.On
Onreaching
reaching
the
themonastery
monasterythe
theElder
Elderinvited
invitedthe
theprince
princetotohis
hiscell,
cell,gave
gavehim
himsome
some
holy
holywater
watertotodrink
drinkand
andoffered
offeredhim
himaahandful
handfulofo fdry
drybread.
bread.On
Onbidding
bidding
him
himfarewell,
farewell,he
heasked
askedthe
thetraveler
travelerwhether
whetherhe
heintended
intendedtotoremain
remainlong
long
ininthe
themonastery.
monastery.The
Thelatter
latterreplied
repliedthat
thathe
heproposed
proposedtotogo
goininthe
themorn-
m orn ­
ing
ingafter
afterthe
theearly
earlyLiturgy.
Liturgy.
Then
ThenFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimsaid
said"with
" withinexpressible
inexpressiblelove,"
love,"(to
(touse
usethe
theprince's
prince 's
own
ownwords),
words),that
thathe
hehad
hadbecome
becomefond
fondofofhim
himand
andwanted
wantedtotosee
seehim
himagain
again
on
onthe
thefollowing
followingday
dayafter
afterthe
theearly
earlyLiturgy,
Liturgy,and
andthat
thatfor
forthis
thisreason
reasonand
and
for
forhis
hissake
sakehe
hewould
wouldnot
notgo
gototothe
thehermitage
hermitagenext
nextday,
day,but
butwould
wouldremain
remain
ininthe
themonastery.
monastery.On
Onthe
thefollowing
followingday
daythe
theElder
Eldercame
cameout
outtotomeet
meethim
him

207
AA n EExx tI rIU
a o()rI,dIJi In:,a\ r In
y PP!e a\ cCeI

on
on the
the balcony
balcony leading
leading to
to his
his cell.
cell. He
He blessed
blessed him
him and,
and, embracing
embracing him,
him,
led
led him
him into
into his
his cell.
cell. There
There he
he again
again gave
gave him
him some
some holy
holy water
water to
to drink,
drink,
presented
presented him
him with
with some
some dry
dry bread
bread and
and blessed
blessed him
him on
on his
his journey.
journey. HeHe
again
again advised
advised him
him to
to read
read frequently
frequently the
the above - mentioned words
above-mentioned words ooff the
the
Gospel and also the Creed, in which he asked him to direct his attention
Gospel and also the Creed, in which he asked him to direct his attention
especially
especially towards
towards the
the twelfth
twelfth article.4
article.' Unfortunately,
Unfortunately, the
the other
other conver
conver- ­
sations
sations ooff the
the Elder
Elder and
and the
the prince
prince have
have remained
remained unknown,
unknown, butbut they
they
were
were ooff great
great com fort to
comfort to the
the prince
prince and
and brought
brought much
much benefit
benefit to
to his
his soul.
soul.
Peace,
Peace, comfort, consolation, affability, love, attention, a tearful kiss
comfort, consolation, affability, love, attention, a tearful kiss
and
and the
the greeting Christ is
greeting ""Christ is risen! - the
risen!" " — the whole
whole visit
visit had
had been
been aa sheer
sheer joy.
joy.
Moreover,
Moreover, aa rule
rule had
had been
been given
given himhim for
for his
his whole
whole life —to seek
life-to seek consola
consola- ­
tion in sorrows (which the Saint already foresaw) in Christ and
tion in sorrows (which the Saint already foresaw) in Christ and ChristlikeChristlike
humility.
humility. "I
"I will
will give
give you
you rest.
rest."" (Matt.
(Matt. 11:28)
11:28)
We
We have already mentioned Anna Petrovna Eropkina.
have already mentioned Anna Petrovna Eropkina. As
As she
she had
had lost
lost
both her parents in childhood, she lived with her uncle who was
both her parents in childhood, she lived with her uncle who was a true a true
father
father to
to her.
her. He
He had
had just
just decided
decided she
she should
should marry
marry for
for her
her own
own good
good
when
when she met a young man whom
she met a young man whom she
she fell
fell in love with, as she found in
in love with, as she found in
him
him aa kindred
kindred soul.
soul. She
She was
was then
then seventeen.
seventeen. InIn her
her uuncle's
n cles house
house she
she oc
oc-­
cupied
cupied aa room
room with
with his
his two
two daughters
daughters and and aa young
young lady
lady who
who was
was their
their
guest.
guest. One
One evening
evening they
they had
had aa lively
lively talk
talk about
about her
her happy
happy future.
future. She
She says:
says:
When
When wewe all
all went
went to
to bed,
bed, II do
do not
not know
know about
about the
the others,
others, but
but II could
could
not
not sleep
sleep for
for aa long
long time
time and
and remained
remained half
half awake.
awake. All
All of
of aa sudden
sudden inin aa
light
light doze
doze II saw
saw my
my uncle
uncle entering
entering our
our bedroom
bedroom with
with an
an unknown
unknown oldold
man.
man. Vividly conscious of decency, I at once tried to pull the
Vividly conscious of decency I at once tried to pull the blanket
blanket
over
over me.
me. But
But from
from under
under itit II heard
heard them
them come
come up
up to
to my
my bed,
bed, and
and then
then
uncle
uncle said:
said: "See,
"See, she's
she's asleep."
asleep."
But
But the
the Elder
Elder replied:
replied: "It
"It is
is useless
useless for
for her
her to
to get
get married.
married. Her
Her husband
husband
will
will not
not live
live more
more than
than two
two oror three
three months
months at at the
the most.
most. How
How hard
hard itit
will
will be
be for
for her
her to
to change
change from
from an
an orphan
orphan to
to aa widow!
widow! ItIt is
is like
like jumping
jumping
out of the frying - pan into the fire."
out of the frying-pan into the fire."
After
After these
these words
words all
all grew
grew still
still in
in the
the room;
room; no
no one
one and
and nothing
nothing could
could
be heard. But I was afraid to uncover
be heard. But I was afraid to uncover myself.
myself. Having received the
Having received the fatal
fatal
news
news of
of my
my brief
brief married
married life,
life, II wept
wept bitterly
bitterly under
under the
the blanket
blanket and
and fer
fer--
44 "The
"The life
life of
of the
the age
age to
to come."
come."

208
 'ltu lo I III DI I; OJ S (1 11 i _S

ventlyprayed
vently prayedtotoGod
Godtotohave
havemercy
mercyononme.
me.But
ButI Idid
didnot
notremain
remainlong
long
in this state. The violent agitation of my soul soon woke me
in this state. The violent agitation of my soul soon woke me up, andup, and
whenI Iregained
when regainedfull
fullconsciousness,
consciousness,I Imade
madethe
thesign
signofofthe
thecross
crosswhile
while
the tears poured down my face in
the tears poured down my face in streams.streams.

ItItwas
washard
hardfor
forme
meafter
afterthat
thattotowait
waitfor
forthe
themorning.
morning.The
Thehours
hoursseemed
seemed
ages,and
ages, andmymysoul
soulwas
wassuffering
sufferingcruelly.
cruelly.GodGodalone
aloneknows
knowswhat
whatI Ithen
then
experienced.When
experienced. Whendawn
dawncame,
came,the
thedear
dearfriends
friendsofofmy
mychildhood,
childhood,not not
knowing my sorrow, greeted me with happy jokes, but my
knowing my sorrow, greeted me with happy jokes, but my face was face was
paleand
pale andthe
thewords
wordsdied
diedononmy
mylips.
lips.I was
I wasatata aloss
losstotoknow
knowhowhowtotoan-
an ­
swer them, but their kindliness and curiosity forced me
swer them, but their kindliness and curiosity forced me to tell themto tell them
thesecret
the secretofofmy
myheart.
heart.Through
Throughthem
themit itbecame
becameknown
knownatatonce
oncetotoev-
ev ­
erybody in the house. W hether they considered my words to
erybody in the house. Whether they considered my words to be true, be true,
whetherthey
whether theythought
thoughtinintheir
theirhearts
heartsthat
thatthe
thewords
wordsofofthe
theold
oldman
man
might come true, I do not know. I only remember that everyone
might come true, I do not know. I only remember that everyone tried tried
totoundeceive
undeceiveme meand
andtotointerpret
interpretmy
mydream
dreamasasa amere
merefancy,
fancy,a atrick
trickofof
the imagination.
the imagination.

AtAtfirst,
first,I Iused
usedtotoargue
arguewith
withthem
thema alot,
lot,but
butthey
theyininturn
turntried
triedininevery
every
way to refute my words, and they soon won me over
way to refute my words, and they soon won me over completely. I was completely. I was
evenready
even readytotolaugh
laughatatmy
myown
owncredulity,
credulity,though
thoughI Ihad
hadtotorepent
repentbitter-
bitter ­
ly afterwards; but then it was too
ly afterwards; but then it was too late. late.

Everyonewas
Everyone waslooking
lookingforward
forwardtotomy
mymarriage
marriagewith
withimpatience,
impatience,for
foritit
was to take place exactly three weeks after this incident, namely onon
was to take place exactly three weeks after this incident, namely
the8th
the 8thofofFebruary,
February,1829.
1829.And
AndI,I,unhappy
unhappycreature,
creature,did
didnot
notknow
knowthen
then
thatthe
that thewords
wordsofofthetheold
oldman
manwhom
whomI Ihadhadseen
seenininmy
mydream
dreamwere
were
holyand
holy andprophetic,
prophetic,and
andwould
wouldbeberealized
realizedwithout
withoutfail-that
fail —thatininthree
three
months I would lose my husband and would bury with
months I would lose my husband and would bury with him in thehim in the
graveallallmy
grave myearthly
earthlyhappiness.
happiness.

Themarriage
The marriageceremony
ceremonywas
wasmagnificent.
magnificent.Crowds
Crowdsofofpeople
peoplegathered
gathered
for the occasion, and no one thought, as they saw my husband
for the occasion, and no one thought, as they saw my husband and andme
me
lookingthe
looking thepicture
pictureofofyouth
youthand
andhealth,
health,that
thatour
ourjoy
joywould
wouldshortly
shortlyvan-
van ­
ishfor
ish forever.
ever.After
Afterthe
theceremony
ceremonythere
therewas
wasnonoend
endtotothe
thekindliest
kindliestgreet-
greet­
ings,and
ings, andwe
wepassed
passedfrom
fromone
onefamily
familygathering
gatheringtotoanother
anotherunceasingly.
unceasingly.

Butafter
But aftera afew
fewweeks
weeksmymyhusband
husbandbegan
begantotofeel
feela achange
changeininhis
hishealth
health
and, gradually losing his strength, he finally took to his bed. We
and, gradually losing his strength, he finally took to his bed. We called called
ininthe
themost
mostexperienced
experienceddoctors,
doctors,we
wetended
tendedhimhimourselves
ourselveswith
withthe
the
greatestcare,
greatest care,but
buthehegot
gotnonobetter.
better.On
Onthethecontrary,
contrary,heheseemed
seemedtotowaste
waste
awayfrom
away fromday
daytotoday.
day.Though
ThoughI was
I wasvery
veryyoung,
young,it itbecame
becameclear
cleartoto

209
AN AEXT
n E
II ,\x 0t rII anoi \:
rd P yE ;\ CP ri: a c e
il iIInY a r

me that
me that he had
he had but abut
fewa days
few days to live.
to live. But IBut I tried
tried to hide
to hide fromfrom
him him
my my
gloomy thoughts and to soothe him in every way.
gloomy thoughts and to soothe him in every way. He did the same He did the same
with with
me, me, especially
especially whenwhen he saw
he saw me looking
me looking particularly
particularly sad. sad. He even
He even
assured
assured me that
me that he was
he was getting
getting betterbetter
and and
said said
that that his youth
his youth and and
strong
strong constitution
constitution would
would carrycarry
him him through
through this this illness
illness and and
that that
he he
would get
would get well. well.

We allowed
We allowed ourselves
ourselves to betocarried
be carried
awayaway by tender
by our our tender feelings
feelings to- to ­
wards one another, and lacking the direction of experienced
wards one another, and lacking the direction of experienced people, people,
we were
we were ourselves
ourselves the cause
the cause of misfortune
of misfortune whichwhich I consider
I consider worseworse
than than bodily
bodily deathdeath
itself.itself.
I didI not
did suggest
not suggest
that that he should
he should receive
receive the the
Holy Sacraments for fear of frightening him by the sad news of hisofap-
Holy Sacraments for fear of frightening him by the sad news his ap ­
proaching end. And although he was also very religious, he was prob-prob ­
proaching end. And although he was also very religious, he was
ably ably afraid
afraid to scare
to scare me by measking
by asking mesend
me to to send
for afor a priest
priest to administer
to administer
the Sacraments.
the last last Sacraments.

On day
On the the day
afterafter the feast
the feast of St.ofNicholas,
St. Nicholas, the 10th
the 10th of May,
of May, whenwhen all all
nature
nature revives
revives and and all rejoice,
all rejoice, I wasI was suddenly
suddenly struckstruck
with with a terrible
a terrible
sorrowwas
sorrow-I —I was separated
separated fromfrom my husband.
my husband. At first
At first I could
I could not even
not even
believe my eyes and was quite out of my mind.
believe my eyes and was quite out of my mind. But when I realized But when I realized
whatwhat
had had happened,
happened, I either
I either lost lost consciousness,
consciousness, or was or was immersed
immersed in in
an abyss
an abyss of most
of most dreadful
dreadful thoughts.
thoughts. Deploring
Deploring my premature
my premature widow-widow ­
hood and the loss of my husbands soul, I was alm
hood and the loss of my husband's soul, I was almost ready in my folly ost ready in my folly
to curse the hour when I had met him for the first time in my life and and
to curse the hour when I had met him for the first time in my life
whenwhenI hadI had become
become attached
attached to him.
to him.
To without
To die die without the Sacraments
the last last Sacraments seemed
seemed to me to ame a special
special punishment
punishment
of God
of God for sins
for my my sins
and and
thosethose
of my of husband.
my husband. I thought
I thought that that my hus ­
my hus-
bandband would
would be forbeever
for ever alienated
alienated fromfrom the of
the life lifeGod.
of God. I hardly
I hardly rem em ­
remem-
ber how my husband's body was committed to the earth. After the the
ber how my husband's body was comm itted to the earth. After
burial
burial my relatives
my relatives and and friends
friends did know
did not not know
whatwhat to dotowith
do with
me, me,
how how
to comfort
to comfort and and soothe
soothe me, me,
for Ifor
wasI was in despair
in despair and and wouldwould
havehave
per- per­
hapshaps comm itted
committed suicide
suicide if I had
if I had not been
not been strictly
strictly watched.
watched.

I do Inot
do know
not know
how how
and and
fromfromwhom whom my uncle
my uncle heardheard
of theof ascetic
the ascetic
life life
and and spiritual
spiritual gifts gifts
of Fr.ofSeraphim,
Fr. Seraphim, an elder
an elder of Sarov.
of Sarov. My uncle
My uncle was was
so firmly
so firmly convinced
convinced of theof holiness
the holiness
of theof wonderful
the wonderful ascetic
ascetic that that
he he
considered
considered my going
my going to Sarov
to Sarov to for
to ask askthe
for prayers
the prayers
and and
adviceadvice
of theof the
holy holy
ElderElder Seraphim
Seraphim as theas only
the only
meansmeans of obtaining
of obtaining deliverance
deliverance fromfrom
my sorrow.
my sorrow. He not
He did did even
not even
take take
into into consideration
consideration that that the Sarov
the Sarov

210
 Tui jOYI!lL DilnCTOR (II SOULS

Monastery
Monastery was wasatata adistance
distance ofof5 0500
0 versts5
versts" from
from our
ourplace.
place. Moreover,
Moreover,
owing
owing totothe
thespring
spring season,
season, I might
I might have
havegreat
greatdifficulties
difficulties ononmy
myway
way
back
backowing
owing totothetheflooded
flooded roads.
roads. When
When hehetoldtoldmemehishisconviction
conviction
about
about Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim and andadvised
advised me metotogogototohim,
him, I accepted
I accepted his
hisoffer
offer
gladly.
gladly.

On
Onour
ourarrival
arrival ininSarov
Sarovwe
weput
putupupatatthe
thehostel
hostel and
andI was
I wasburning
burning with
with
impatience to learn where Fr. Seraphim was, whether in the
impatience to learn where Fr. Seraphim was, whether in the monastery monastery
ororininretirement
retirement atathis
hishermitage.
hermitage. Fortunately
Fortunately I was
I wastold
toldthat
that hehewas
was
then
then ininthethemonastery
monastery andandthat
that I might
I might gogototohim.
him. Hurriedly
Hurriedly entering
entering
the
themonastery
monastery I was
I wasstruck
struck bybyananextraordinary
extraordinary sight.
sight.

Between
Between the
theCathedral
Cathedral ofofthe
theDormition
Dormition and
andthe
theone - storied build
one-storied build-­
ing
ingopposite,
opposite, compact
compact masses
masses ofofpeople
people were
weremoving
moving like likewaves.
waves. From
From
my
myinquiries
inquiries I learned
I learned that
that Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim lived
livedininthis
thisvery
verybuilding.
building. I I
mixed
mixed with
with the
thecrowd
crowd ofofpeople
people ofofallallsexes,
sexes, ages
agesandandpositions
positions andand
made
made mymywaywaythrough
through it ittowards
towards the
theporch
porch where
where everyone
everyone else
elsewas
was
pressing.
pressing. I squeezed
I squeezed myself
myself withwith great
greatdifficulty
difficulty into
intothe
theanteroom,
anteroom,
and
andthrough
through the
theopen
open door
door got
gotinto
intoFr.Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim's cell,
cell.the
theroom
room waswas
simply
simply packed
packed with
with people.
people. I tried
I tried totoapproach
approach himhim like
likethe
theothers,
others,
and
andreached
reached out outmymyhand
hand totohim
himfor
forhis
hisblessing,
blessing, though
though I had
I hadnot
notyet
yet
been
been able
abletotosee
seehis
hisface
faceproperly.
properly. Giving
Giving memehis
hisblessing
blessing and
andsome
some bis ­
bis-
cuits,
cuits, hehesaid:
said: "The
'The servant
servant ofofGod
GodAnna
Anna partakes
partakes ofofthe
thegrace
graceofofGod."
God."

WWhat
hat was
wasmymysurprise
surprise when
when I heard
I heard my myname
name ininananunknown
unknown place!
place!
And
And looking straight into Fr. Seraphim's face, I recognised ininhim
looking straight into Fr. Seraphim's face, I recognised him the
the
very
veryElder
Elderwho
whohadhadwarned
warned memeasasa afather
father would
would from
from ananunhappy
unhappy
marriage.
marriage. This
Thismeeting
meeting showed
showed memeinstantly
instantly howhowclose
closehehewas
wastotoGod.
God.
But one could not stop for a minute near him, because the people
But one could not stop for a minute near him, because the people who who
were
werefollowing
following me
mepushed
pushed memeaside
asidetotoreceive
receive his
hisblessing
blessing too,
too, and
and
hear
heara afew
fewwords
words from
from him.
him.

I was
I wascrowded
crowded out
outintointothe
theanteroom
anteroom and,and, feeling
feeling with
with mymyfeet
feeta afew
few
logs
logsnear
nearthe
thewall,
wall, I clambered
I clambered onontotothem
them and andbegan
began totolook
lookfixedly
fixedly
atatFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim through
through the
thedoor.
door. His
Hisangelic
angelic face,
face,the
themeekness
meekness hehe
showed in his dealings with all, singled him out as an extraordinary
showed in his dealings with all, singled him out as an extraordinary
man.
man. I did
I didnot
nottake
takemymyeyes
eyesoff
offhimhim for
fora asingle
single minute.
minute. Following
Following allall
his
hismovements,
movements, I soon
I soon noticed
noticed that
thatheheapparently
apparently wanted
wanted totoendendthe
the
reception,
reception, because
because hehebegan
began totosend
send away
awayeveryone
everyone out
outofofthe
theroom,
room,
saying
saying meekly:
meekly: "Go
"Goininpeace."
peace."

5 5 About
About330
330miles
milesoror530
530km.
km.

211
ANA NI:n!!\(\i;I)IN,\i!Y
E X T R A 0 R D I N A R VPi P..\CI
F. A C H

AtAt
thethe same
same time
time hehe moved
moved nearer
nearer to to
thethe open
open door
door near
near which
which I stood.
I stood.
Seizing
Seizing thethe door -handle
door-handle with
with oneone hand,
hand, with
with thethe other
other he he quite
quite unex ­
unex-
pectedly
pectedly ledled
meme into
into hishis cell,
cell, andand without
without asking
asking meme anything,
anything, he he
at at
once
once began
began to to speak
speak to to
me.me. "Well,
"Well, mymy treasure,
treasure, whywhy have
have youyou come
come to to
me,me, poor
poor Seraphim?
Seraphim? I know,
I know, your
your sorrow
sorrow is is very
very great.
great. The
The Lord
Lord will
will
help
help youyou
to to bear
bear it."it." After
After these
these andand other
other comforting
comforting words
words he he told
told
meme
to to prepare
prepare myself
myself to to confess
confess with
with Fr.Fr. Hilarion
Hilarion andand
to to receive
receive Holy
Holy
Communion.
Communion.

AllAll
thisthis I did.
I did. AsAs regards
regards mymy deceased
deceased husband,
husband, when
when I was
I was think ­
think-
inging whether
whether he he would
would be be deprived
deprived of of
thethe heavenly
heavenly Kingdom
Kingdom because
because
he he
hadhad neither
neither confessed
confessed nornor partaken
partaken of of
thethe Holy
Holy Mysteries,
Mysteries, Fr.Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim said:
said: "Do
"Do notnot
be be distressed
distressed about
about it, it,
mymy joy
joy. DoDo
notnot think
think
that
that justjust
forfor that
that hishis soul
soul will
will be be lost.
lost. Only
Only God
God cancan judge
judge who
who andand
how
how to to reward
reward or or punish.
punish. It sometimes
It sometimes happens
happens thatthat here
here onon earth
earth
people
people receive
receive Communion
Communion while
while with
with thethe Lord
Lord they
they remain
remain uncom ­
uncorn-
municated;
municated; andand another
another person
person wants
wants to to receive
receive Communion,
Communion, butbut
forfor some
some reason
reason hishis wish
wish remains
remains unfulfilled
unfulfilled quite
quite independently
independently of of
himself.
himself. Such
Such a person
a person is is granted
granted Communion
Communion in in
an an invisible
invisible manner
manner
through
through an an angel
angel of of God."
God."

After
After Holy
Holy Communion,
Communion, however
however pleasant
pleasant it was
it was forfor
meme
to to undergo
undergo
spiritual
spiritual treatment
treatment andand
to to enjoy
enjoy thethe Elder's
Elder's favour,
favour, I had
I had to to hasten
hasten home.
home.
The
The roads
roads would
would soon
soon be be impracticable
impracticable andand
mymy uncle's
uncle's estate,
estate, as as I have
I have
already
already said,
said, waswas five
five hundred
hundred versts
versts from
from Sarov.
Sarov. I told
I told thethe Elder
Elder of of
mymy
intention
intention to to
gogo home
home andand
of of
mymy fear
fear thatthat
thethe roads
roads would
would be be flooded.
flooded.
ButBut
he he said
said to to
me:me: "Fear
"Fear nothing,
nothing, mymy joy,
joy, andand God
God will
will prepare
prepare thethe way
way
forfor you.
you. TheThe snow
snow will
will be be a foot
a foot deep,
deep, andand
youyou will
will gogo back
back better
better than
than
youyou came
came here.
here. ButBut
be be here
here again
again forfor
thethe
fastfast
of of
Sts.Sts. Peter
Peter andand Paul."
Paul."

In In order
order to to drive
drive away
away from
from meme
all all gloomy
gloomy thoughts
thoughts connected
connected with
with
thethe mem ory
memory of of
mymy husband
husband andand save
save meme from
from despondency
despondency andand
de-de ­
spair,
spair, Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim commanded
commanded meme
onon
mymy return
return home
home forfor forty
forty days
days
to to
gogo without
without failfail
to to
mymy husband 'tomb
husband's s tomb
andand say:
say: Bless
Bless me,me,mymy lord
lord andand
father!
father! Forgive
Forgive memein in
so so
farfar
as as I have
I have sinned
sinned against
against you,
you, andandthethe Lord
Lord GodGod
willwill also
also forgive
forgive andand release
release you.
you. HeHe also
also told
told memeto to take
take forfor forty
forty days
days thethe
ashes
ashes from
from thethe censer
censer which
which would
would be be
leftleft over
over from
from thethe services
services per­
per-
formed
formed in in
thethe temple
temple of of God,
God, andand then,
then, having
having dugdug a hole
a hole about
about oneone
foot
foot deep
deep in in
thethe grave,
grave, to to pour
pour thethe ashes
ashes into
into it and
it and saysay three
three times
times Our
Our
Father;
Father, thethe Prayer
Prayer of of Jesus,
Jesus, Virgin
Virgin Mother
Mother of of God,
God, andand once
once thethe Creed.
Creed.

212
 TTuhe J)OYIII!
oyful D i r e c(It or
DII'i () of
01 SS oul
Iii s

After
After this,
this, itit was
was asas if
if II had
had been
been completely
completely reborn.
reborn. Such
Such quiet
quiet settled
settled
in
in my
my soul
soul as as II had
had never
never felt
felt since
since my
my husband
husband's's death.
death. ItIt was
was just
just as
as ifif
II had
had been
been relieved
relieved of
of aa heavy
heavy burden.
burden. II began
began to
to feel
feel pleasure
pleasure again
again in
in
the
the circle
circle of
of my
my family
family and
and in
in society.
society. At
At home
home II found
found aa suitable
suitable oc
oc-­
cupation
cupation and
and did
did not
not get
get tired
tired of
of it.
it. Whenever
Whenever itit was
was possible,
possible, II went
went to
to
church
church or
or to
to my
my husband's
husband's grave
grave which
which nono longer
longer made
made the the dreadful
dreadful
impression
impression itit did
did before.
before. II did
did not
not torture
torture myself
myself over
over itit and
and II was
was no
no
longer
longer aa cause
cause of
of alarm
alarm to
to others.
others.
In
In this
this way
way II spent
spent two
two months
months inin the
the country
country after
after my
my arrival
arrival
from
from Sarov.
Sarov. The
The fast
fast of
of Peter
Peter and
and Paul
Paul came
came round,
round, and
and II went
went to
to Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim again
again according
according to
to his
his appointment.
appointment. My
My journey
journey was
was aa joyful
joyful
one
one this
this time.
time. ItIt seemed
seemed as
as if
if II was
was going
going to
to my
my own
own father.
father.
On
On my
my arrival
arrival at
at the
the monastery,
monastery, without
without losing
losing aa minute,
minute, II dashed
dashed like
like
aa deer
deer into
into the
the forest
forest to
to him,
him, having
having learned
learned that
that he
he was
was in
in his
his her
her-­
mitage.
mitage. II ran
ran and
and found
found aa crowd
crowd of
of people
people there
there and
and asked
asked someone:
someone:
Where is
""Where is Fr.
Fr. Seraphim?
Seraphim?""
They
They pointed
pointed towards
towards the
the river
river and
and said:
said: "There
"There he
he is."
is."
Only
Only by
by straining
straining my
my sight
sight could
could II make
make out
out that
that he
he was
was moving
moving about
about
in
in the
the water,
water, taking
taking out
out aa big
big stone
stone and
and carrying
carrying itit to
to the
the shore.
shore. In
In aa
minute
minute II had
had threaded
threaded my
my way
way through
through the
the crowd
crowd to
to him,
him, and
and as
as soon
soon
as
as he
he saw
saw me
me he
he greeted
greeted me
me with
with aa joyful
joyful countenance: Well, my
countenance: ""Well, my trea
trea-­
sure,
sure, have
have you
you come?
come? The
The Lord
Lord bless
bless you!
you! Be
Be our
our guest
guest for
for aa time.
time.""
Soon
Soon he
he began
began to
to send
send me
me and
and all
all the
the people
people to
to the
the monastery,
monastery, telling
telling
us
us to
to make
make haste;
haste; but
but no
no one
one wanted
wanted to to leave
leave him.
him. All
All wished
wished to
to feast
feast
their
their eyes
eyes on
on him
him and
and to
to hear
hear something
something for
for the
the good
good of
of their
their soul.
soul.
Moreover,
Moreover, the
the day
day was
was fine,
fine, the
the weather
weather clear,
clear, there
there was
was plenty
plenty of
of time
time
till
till evening;
evening; so
so our
our com m on sense
common sense supplied
supplied us
us with
with many
many reasons
reasons for
for
staying
staying aa little
little longer
longer with
with him.
him. But
But the
the consequences
consequences soon
soon showed
showed us
us
that
that we
we ought
ought to to have
have obeyed
obeyed the
the Elder
Elder at
at once.
once.
Having
Having delayed
delayed rather
rather long
long in
in the
the forest,
forest, when
when we
we started
started in
in aa long,
long, un
un-­
broken line towards our night quarters in the hostels of the monastery,
broken line towards our night quarters in the hostels of the monastery,
we
we were
were overtaken
overtaken by
by aa dreadful
dreadful cloud.
cloud. Loud
Loud peals
peals of
of thunder
thunder and
and
flashes
flashes of
of lightning
lightning frightened
frightened us
us out
out of
of our
our wits,
wits, and
and we
we were
were soaked
soaked
to
to the
the skin
skin by
by the
the heavy
heavy rain.
rain.
On
On the
the following
following day,
day, when
when II went
went to
to Fr.
Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, he
he received
received me
me very
very
kindly
kindly and
and said
said to
to me
me with
with an
an angelic
angelic smile:
smile: "Well,
"Well, my
my treasure,
treasure, what
what

213
A \';
A nE xE rx H.\
t r a Iio DIN
rdin.\ af( \r y P 1.P .\eCa I:c e

a downpour
a downpour it w as!
it was! YouYou would
would notnot have
have been
been caught
caught in in
it it if you
if you hadhad
obeyed
obeyed me.
me. You
You can't 't say
cansay that
that I did
I did notnot send
send youyou away
away in in good
good time."
time."

OnOn this occasion

this occasion asaswell asas
well afterwards
afterwards Fr.Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim talked
talked to tomeme
onon
various
various subjects,
subjects, forfor
with
withhishis
blessing
blessingI stayed
I stayedeight days
eight daysat at
Sarov,
Sarov,and
and
hehe received
received meme every
every day,
day, except
except onon FridayOnOn
Friday. that
that day
day hehe remained
remained
in in
silence, and
silence, andoneone must
mustsuppose
suppose that hehe
that was completely
was completely immersed
immersed in in
meditation
meditation ononthethePassion
Passion ofof
ourour Redeemer.
Redeemer.

Having
Having spent
spent just
just over
over a week
a week in in Sarov,
Sarov, I went
I went home
home with
with Fr.Fr.
Seraphim's
Seraphim's blessing.
blessing. It was
It was sadsadto toleave
leavethat sanctuary
that sanctuary where
where I had
I had re-re ­
ceived
ceived sosomany
many useful
useful lessons
lessons forformymy life, where
life, where I had
I hadbeen
been facefaceto toface
face
with
with thethe blessed
blessed Elder
Elder Seraphim
Seraphim who who was was truly
truly a model
a model ofof Christian
Christian
asceticism.
asceticism. My Myseparation
separation from
from him him was
was allall
thethe
sadder
sadder because
because I had
I had a a
kind
kindofofforeboding
foreboding that
thatI would
I would never
neverseeseehim
him again,
again, and
andto tomymy sorrow,
sorrow,
this
this proved
proved true.
true. HowHow much
much hehe helped
helped meme from
from beyond
beyond thethe grave,
grave, ofof
this I dare
this I dare notnot
speak,
speak, butbutI believe
I believe that byby
that hishis
holy
holyprayers
prayersI have
I have beenbeen
granted
granted a longer
a longer time
time forfor
repentance.
repentance.

Hereis isanother
Here anothercomforting
com fortingcase.
case.A Amother
m otherlost
losther
heronly
onlyson
sonwho
who
haddisappeared,
had disappeared,nonoone
oneknew
knewhow
howororwhere.
where.One
Onecan
canimagine
imagineher
herin-in ­
consolable
consolablegrief.
grief.She
Shewent
wenttotoSarov
Sarovwith
witha broken
a brokenheart,
heart,fell
felldown
downat atFr.Fr.
Seraphim's
Seraphimfeet and
s feet asked
and hishis
asked prayers forfor
prayers her lost
her son.
lost The
son. Elder
The comforted
Elder comforted
her,
her,cheered
cheeredher,
her,revived
revivedher
herhope
hopeand,
and,totoher
hersurprise,
surprise,told
toldher
hertotowait
wait
forforher son
her at at
son thethemonastery
monasteryhostel.
hostel.Incredible asas
Incredible thetheconsolation seemed
consolation seemed
totobe,be,yetyetthetheunhappy
unhappymother
motherobeyed
obeyedhim,
him,clinging
clinging
totothetheSaint's
Saint'word
s word
asasa drowning
a drowningman
manclutches
clutchesa straw.
a straw.A A day
day passed,then
passed, thenanother,
another,then
thena a
third,and
third, and still
still there
there was
was nonoson.
son.Sadly
Sadly she
she went
went totoFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimtoto
getget
hishis
blessing
blessingand
andreturn
returnhome
homewith
withthe
thesame
samestone
stoneononher
hersoul.
soul.Imagine
Imagineher
her
surprise
surprisewhen,
when,just
justasasshe
shewas
wasgoing
goingfrom
fromthe
thehostel
hosteltotoFather,
Father,her
herson
son
also
also came
came totohim
himforfor
hishisblessing.
blessing.Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim took
took himbyby
him thethehand,
hand,led
led
himtowards
him towards
hishismother
mother and
and congratulated
congratulated themonon
them their
their happy
happy reunion.
reunion.
There
Thereis isnonoend
endtotothe
thestories
storiesofohow
f howheheconsoled
consoledhishisorphans." Let
orphans.6 Let
usustake two
take twooror
three
threeexamples.
examples.Here
Hereis isa report from
a report fromthe
theold nun
old Agathis
nun Agathis
Gregorievna:
Gregor ievna:

When
When I came
I came to toFr.Fr.
Seraphim,
Seraphim,I was thinking
I was thinkingin in
mymytroubled state
troubled ofof
state
mind
mind that
that after
after death
death there
there would
would bebenonoreward
rewardforfor anybody.
anybody. Father
Father
6 6 OfOf
thethe Diveyev
Diveyev Convent.
Convent.

214
 TT;Ih e r JJo() y ';l i1jIIl L DDi [r"e Ic(t I'o (li(
r o f F SSUI,
ouls \

was
was in
in his
his cell,
cell, in
in the
the anteroom.
anteroom. He
Heput
put his
his head
head on
on my
my sinful
sinful shoulder
shoulder
and
and said:
said: ""Don't
Don 't be
be despondent,
despondent, don 't be
don't be despondent,
despondent, mother!
mother! In
In the
the
Heavenly
Heavenly Kingdom
Kingdom we
we shall
shall rejoice
rejoice together.
together."" And
And he
he added:
added: ""Mind,
Mind,
mother,
mother, always
always have
have mental
mental prayer
prayer with
with you. "
you."

And
And sinner
sinner that
that IIam,
am, IIhad
had succumbed
succumbed to
to despondency.
despondency. ""Do
Do not
not listen,
listen,
mother,
mother,"" he
he said,
said, "to
"towhere
where your
your thoughts
thoughts send
send you,
you, but
but pray
pray like
like this,
this,
mother: Lord,
mother: Lord, remember
remember me
me when
when Thou
Thou comest
eomest in
in Thy
Thy Kingdom,
Kingdom, and
and repeat
repeat
ititfrom
from beginning
beginning toto end
end with
with the
the Beatitudes.
Beatitudes. Then say,O all-hymned
Then say, all-hymned a
Mother.7 Then: Remember,
Mother.' Then: Remember, Lord,
Lord, our
ourfather
[ather Hieromonk
Hieromonk Seraphim,
Seraphim, (and
(and
mention
mention your
your own
own name,
name, too).
too). In
Inthis
this way,
way,mother,
mother, the
the Lord
Lord will
will for­
for-
give
give my
mysins
sins and
and yours
yours as
aswell.
well. And
And so
sowe
weshall
shall be
be saved!
saved!""

He
He also
also told
told lay
lay people
people to
to invoke
invoke him
him in
in their
their prayers
prayers in
in moments
moments of
of
despondency,
despondency, affliction
affliction and
and melancholy,
melancholy, or
or during
during an
an attack
attack of
of the
the invis
invis-­
ible
ible foes.
foes. Once
Once aayoung
young peasant
peasant woman,
woman, Alexandra
Alexandra Lebedova
Lebedova oof
f the
the vil
vil-­
lage
lage oof
f Elizarievo
Elizarievo (Ardatov
(Ardatov district),
district), succumbed
succumbed to
to aa mysterious
mysterious illness.
illness.
Here
Here isis an
an account
account oof
f her
her case
case as
as stated
stated by
by her
her husband:
husband:

On
On April
April 6,6, 1926,
1926,which
which was
was aaholiday,
holiday, my
mywife
wife Alexandra
Alexandra returned
returned
from
from the
the Liturgy,
Liturgy, had
had dinner,
dinner, and
and then
then went
went out
out with
with me
me for
for aashort
short
stroll
stroll beyond
beyond the
the gates
gates of
ofour
our house.
house. All
Allof
of aasudden,
sudden, God
God knows
knows why,
why,
she
she became
became faint
faint and
and dizzy,
dizzy, so
so that
that IIcould
could hardly
hardly lead
lead her
her back
back to
to the
the
hall.
hall. There
There she
she fell
fell on
on the
the floor;
floor; she
she began
began to
to vomit
vomit and
and had
had frightful
frightful
convulsions
convulsions in
in all
all her
her limbs.
limbs. Finally,
Finally, she
she fell
fell into
into aadeathly
deathly stupor.
stupor. She
She
remained
remained in
in this
this awful
awful state
state for
for about
about half
half an
an hour.
hour. Then
Then she
she partly
partly re ­
re-
gained
gained consciousness,
consciousness, but
but began
began to
to gnash
gnash her
her teeth
teeth and
and gnaw
gnaw atat every
every-­
thing
thing that
that she
she could
could lay
layher
her hands
hands on.
on. Then
Then she
she fell
fell asleep.
asleep.

On
On the
the following
following day
day she
she felt
feltbetter
better and
and in
in reply
reply to
to her
her mother
mother's's ques
ques-­
tion
tion as
astoto what
what had
had happened
happened toto her
her the
the day
day before,
before, she
she said
said that
that their
their
house
house had
had collapsed
collapsed over
over her,
her, as
asititseemed
seemed to
to her,
her, and
and even
even now
now every
every-­
thing
thing had
had assumed
assumed aaterrifying
terrifying appearance.
appearance. Two
Two days
days later
later she
she had
had an
an-­
other
other fit
fitof
ofthe
the same
same kind.
kind. Then
Then ititcame
came on
on again
again aa month
month later.
later. Then
Then
for
for aawhole
whole year
year these
these fits
fitswere
were aadaily
daily occurrence,
occurrence, so
so that
that everyone
everyone
regarded
regarded her
her as
aspossessed.
possessed.

At
Atfirst,
first, atatthe
the request
request of
ofthe
the land -steward, she
land-steward, she was
was treated
treated by
by the
the district
district

77 0 all
O -hymned Mother
all-hymned Mother whowho didst
didst bear
bear the
the Word,
Word, holiest
holiest of
of all
all the
the saints,
saints, accept
accept now
now our
our offer
offer-­
ing,
ing, and
and deliver
deliver us
usfrom
from all
allmisfortune
misfortune, , and
and rescue
rescuefrom
from the
the torment
torment to10come
come those
those that
that cry
cry to
10thee:
thee:
'Alleluia!'
'Alleluia!' (3x)
(3x) See
Seep.p.337
337 for
forfull
full text
text of
ofthis
this Prayer
Prayer Rule. —ed.
Rule.-ed.

215
AN A L\I
N E XR 7voR AR 0I) R1 N.\
F) fNInA R Pi
Y P\ C!
F, A C F

practitioner,
practitioner, butbut
whenwhen all all
hishis efforts
efforts proved
proved fruitless
fruitless another
another doctor
doctor waswas
summoned
summoned fromfrom Ardatov;
Ardatov; butbut
thisthis
oneone
too,too, after
after three
three weeks
weeks of careful
of careful
treatment,
treatment, refused
refused to proceed
to proceed with
with thethe case,
case, saidsaid
thatthat
he he
hadhad never
never seen
seen
such an an
such illness andand
illness thatthat
there waswas
there something
something strange
strangeabout it. it.
about

Finally,
Finally, owingowing to the
to the efforts
efforts of the
of the land -steward
land-steward who whotooktook a genu ­
a genu-
ineineinterest
interestin the patient,
in the patient, another
another doctor
doctorwaswas
summoned
summoned fromfromthethe
Vyksoonsky
Vyksoonsky factory;
factory; butbutthisthis
oneonetoo,too, after
after examining
examining thethe patient,
patient, said
said
decisively
decisively thatthat
herher
illness
illnesswaswasincomprehensible
incomprehensible andandthatthat
thetheevilevil
spir-
spir­
it was
it wascertainly
certainly at his tricks
at his in this
tricks case,
in this butbut
case, thatthat
he hecould
couldnotnot
take it it
take
uponupon himself
himself to drive
to drivehimhim out.out.
In In
hishisopinion,
opinion, it was useless
it was uselessto torture
to torture
thethe patient
patient by by trying
trying to cure
to cure herherwithwith human
human means,
means, butbut
thatthat it was
it was
better
better to to
havehave recourse
recourse to the
to the helphelp of God.
of God. In In
spitespite of this
of this advice,
advice, wewe
stillstill
triedtried to help
to help herher
with with simple
simple remedies;
remedies; butbuttheythey
werewereall all useless.
useless.
TheThe patient
patientwaswasat the point
at the pointof death.
of death.

At At
thethe beginning
beginning of the
of the second
second year
year from
from thethe
dayday when
when herher sufferings
sufferings
hadhad increased,
increased,on onMayMay20th,
20th,1827, thethe
1827, sufferer suddenly
sufferer suddenlysawsawat night
at night
a stranger
a stranger enter
enter herher room.
room. It was
It was an an
oldold woman
woman of middle
of middle stature,
stature, dry,dry,
withwith fair,
fair, short
short hairhair
andand a round
a round face,
face, with
with closed
closed eyes,
eyes, bare
bare feetfeet
andand
all all
powdered
powdered with dust.
with SheShe
dust. said to her:
said "Why
to her: "Whyareare
youyou
lying in bed
lying in bedandand
notnotlooking
looking forfor
a doctor?"
a doctor? "

Frightened
Frightened by bythisthis strange
strange apparition,
apparition, thethe
sicksick woman
woman protected
protected her ­
her-
selfself
withwiththethe
sign of the
sign cross
of the andand
cross began
beganto say thethe
to say prayer: "Let
prayer: God
"Let God
arise, andand
arise, let let
HisHis
enemies
enemies be be
scattered."
scattered. Then
" Thenthethe
unknown
unknown woman
woman
said to to
said her:her:
"Don't
"Donbe afraid
't be of me.
afraid of me.I desire your
I desire well-being
your well-beingandand
health.
health.
I love
I love thisthis prayer
prayer andand rejoice
rejoice when
when anyone
anyone sayssays
it."it."

TheThe sick
sick woman
woman asked
asked her:her:
"But"But
whowho
areare you?
you? Arenyou
Aren't 't you from
from thethe oth ­
oth-
er world? And
er world? haven't
And havenyou seen
't you mymy
seen boyboy
there?"
there? "

TheThe
unknown
unknown woman
womanreplied: "I have.
replied: HeHe
"I have. is angry with
is angry you.
with ButBut
you. there
there
is no
is no need
need to talk
to talk of him;
of him; wewe must
must think
think of you.
of you. Why
Why donyou
don't 't you
trytry
to to
getget
healed?"
healed? "

TheThe
sicksick
woman
womanreplied: "I have
replied: hadhad
"I have many doctors,
many butbut
doctors, notnot
oneone
of of
them
them could
could help
help me."
me."

TheThestranger
strangersaid: "I shall
said: findfind
"I shall youyou
a true physician
a true who
physician whohashas
wanted
wanted
to heal youyou
to heal forfor
a long time.
a long HeHe
time. specially asked
specially meme
asked to go to you.
to go GoGo
to you. as as
quickly
quickly as you
as you cancan to Sarov
to Sarov to to
Fr.Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. HeHecancan help
help you.
you." " After
After
thisthis
thethe
vision vanished.
vision vanished.

216
The
The sick
sickwoman
woman decided
decided totowake
wake up
up her
her mother,
mother, but
but the
the latter
latter was
was
not
not asleep
asleep and
and had
had heard
heard all
all her
her daughters
daughter's conversation
conversation with
with the
the un
un-­
known
known woman.
woman. When
When all
allwas
was still
still again,
again, and
and the
the daughter
daughter turned
turned toto
her
her mother,
mother, the
the mother
mother asked
asked her
her whom
whom she
she had
had been
been talking
talking to.
to.The
The
daughter
daughter replied:
replied: "Oh,
"Oh, mother,
mother, I1had
had such
such aafright!
fright! Didn't
Didn't you
you see
seethe
the
woman
woman who
who told
told me
metotogo
gototo Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim and
and said
said that
that he
hewould
would help
help
me? "
me.7"

The
The mother
mother coldly
coldly replied:
replied: "Yes,
"Yes,when
when you
you are
are better,
better, then
then you
you may
may go."
go."
And
And soon
soon after
after she
she fell
fellasleep.
asleep.

Meanwhile
Meanwhile my
mywife
wife saw
sawagain,
again, on
on the
the night
night of
ofJune
June 11,
1L 1827,
1827,the
the same
same
unknown
unknown woman
woman who
who reminded
reminded her
her reproachfully
reproachfully that
that she
she should
should not
not
delay,
delay, but
but should
should make
make haste,
haste, as
asFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim was
waswaiting
waiting for
forher
her and
and
was
was expecting
expecting her
her toto come
come soon.
soon. Then
Then the
the sick
sickwoman
woman took
took courage
courage
and
and asked
asked her
her who
who she
shewas
was and
and where
where she
she came
came from.
from. The
The woman
woman rere-
­
plied:
plied: "I"Iam
am from
from the
the Diveyev
Diveyev Convent,
Convent, their
their first
first abbess,
abbess, Agathia.
Agathia. But
But
go
goquickly,
quickly, don 't dawdle.
don't " So
dawdle." Sosaying,
saying, she
she disappeared
disappeared again.
again.

The
The sick
sickwoman
woman atatonce
once woke
woke up
up her
her mother
mother and
and earnestly
earnestly begged
begged her
her
to
to ask
askthe
the land -steward for
land-steward foraacart
cart for
foraajourney
journey toto Sarov.
Sarov.The
The mother
mother
consented,
consented, and
and though
though ititwas
was early
early dawn,
dawn, she
she went
went atatonce
once toto the
the land
land--
steward,
steward, told
told him
him the
the reason
reason of
ofher
her early
earlyvisit
visit and
and asked
asked him
him for
foraacart
cart
to
to convey
convey her
her sick
sickdaughter
daughter toto Fr.
Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim. The
The land -steward im
land-steward ­
im-
mediately
mediately complied
complied with
with her
her request
request and
and told
told her
her that
that he
he had
had seen
seen Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim himself
himself that
that very
very night
night inin aadream
dream and
and that
that he
hewas
was attend
attend-­
ing
ingtoto aasick
sickwoman.
woman. He
Hewas
waswearing
wearing aacross
cross on
on his
his chest
chest and
and hold
hold-­
ing
ingititover
over her,
her, after
after which
which the
the sick
sickwoman
woman had
had gone
gone away
away completely
completely
healed.
healed.

And
And so
sothe
the mother
mother went
went toto Sarov
Sarovwith
with her
her sick
sickdaughter,
daughter, and
and when
when
they
they entered
entered the
the Sarov
Sarovforest,
forest the
the sick
sickwoman,
woman, who
who had
had lost
lost her
her hear
hear-­
ing
ingthrough
through her
her illness,
illness, heard
heard for
forthe
the first
firsttime
time the
the ringing
ringing of
ofthe
the bells
bells
of
ofSarov
Sarov and
and toto her
her mother 's surprise
mother's surprise and
and joy
joysaid:
said: "Listen,
"Listen, they
they are
are
ringing
ringing for
forthe
the Liturgy!
Liturgy!""

They
They arrived
arrived ininthe
the monastery
monastery atatdinner
dinner time
time and
and found
found the
the brothers
brothers
in
inthe
the refectory.
refectory, They
Theywere
were told
told that
that Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim had
had shut
shut himself
himself inin
his
his cell
celland
and was
was receiving
receiving no
no one.
one. Meanwhile
Meanwhile there
there was
was such
such aacrowd
crowd
of
ofpeople
people near
near his
his cell
cellthat
that ititwas
was impossible
impossible toto reach
reach it.it.The
The mmoth-
oth ­
er
erwith
with her
her sick
sickdaughter
daughter applied
applied toto aamonk
monk of
ofSarov
Sarov and
and earnestly
earnestly
begged
begged him
him totoget
getthem
them through
through toto Fr.
Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim. The
The good
good monk
monk led
led

217
A A Ln .E y P (e a c e
r a o r d i n a r PI
x t\()f(!l!\,\f(\
'! Ii

them
them through
through the the crowd
crowd and,and, leaving
leaving them
them in the
in the anteroom,
anteroom, went
went to to
the Elder to tell him about them. But Fr. Seraphim forestalled
the Elder to tell him about them, But Fr. Seraphim forestalled him. him.

TheThe monk
monk hadhad hardly
hardly saidsaid
the the custom ary
customary prayer
prayer at the
at the entrance,
entrance, when
when
the Elder came out to him and said: "Bring the suffering Alexandra in in
the Elder came out to him and said: " Bring the suffering Alexandra
quickly."
quickly." Astonished
Astonished at such
at such spiritual
spiritual insight,
insight, the the monk
monk returned
returned to to
the the
twotwo clients,
clients, toldtold
themthem to go
to go andand at the
at the motherrequest
mother's 's request helped
helped to to
leadlead
the the patient
patient himself.
himself.

As As
soonsoon as they
as they hadhad entered
entered Fr. Fr. Seraphim's
Seraphim's cell,cell,
the the
sicksick woman
woman toretore
herself from their hands with extraordinary
herself from their hands with extraordinary force and instantly
force and instantly threw threw
herself
herself at Fr.
at Fr. Seraphim's
Seraphim's feet.feet.
ThenThen
the the Elder
Elder covered
covered her her
withwith
his his
epi-epi-
trachelion8
trachelion" andandsaidsaid a prayer
a prayer overover
her.her. After
After that,that,
he he
tooktook
her her
by by
the the
headhead
withwith
bothboth
his his hands
hands andand lifted
lifted her her
up up a little.
a little. At At
thatthat moment
moment the the
sick woman was aware of a kind of noise as if someone
sick woman was aware of a kind of noise as if someone had stripped had stripped
her her
fur fur
coatcoat
off off
her,her,
andand
she she
felt felt asshe
as if if she
hadhad been
been poisoned
poisoned by by char ­
char-
coalcoal fumes.
fumes.

Then
Then Fr. Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim gave
gave her her some
some holyholy water
water andand antidoron,9
antidoron.? toldtold
her her to kiss
to kiss the the cross
cross which
which waswas hanging
hanging on onhis his chest
chest andand
the the
ikonikon
of of
the the Mother
Mother of God
of God which
which stood
stood on on
his his table,
table, andand said:
said: "There
"There is your
is your
Mediatress! She interceded for you before
Mediatress! She interceded for you before God! " G o d ! "

Having
Having obtained
obtained in this
in this wayway a complete
a complete cure,
cure, andand fully
fully realizing
realizing the the
greatness of the favour shown her by Fr. Seraphim the patient was ex- ex ­
greatness of the favour shown her by Fr. Seraphim the patient was
tremely
tremely sorry
sorry thatthat
she she
hadhad nothing
nothing at the
at the timetime
withwith which
which to reward
to reward
her her benefactor.
benefactor. ButBut
he he
readread
her her thoughts
thoughts andandsaid:said: "I need
"I need nothing
nothing
fromfrom
you.you. Only
Only praypray to God.
to God. ButBut if you
if you have
have a desire
a desire to give
to give me me some ­
some-
thing, spin some thread for me on three Wednesdays and
thing, spin some thread for me on three Wednesdays and twist them twist them
on on three
three Fridays,
Fridays, abstaining
abstaining during
during these
these six six
daysdays
fromfrom food,
food, drink
drink
andand conversation.
conversation. AndAnd at the
at the beginning
beginning of every
of every action
action say say three
three times
times
the the Lord's
Lord's Prayer
Prayer andandpraypray to the
to the Mother
Mother o f God
of God unceasingly
unceasingly dur-dur­
ing those six days." And he added: "Go to Diveyev to the grove
ing those six days." And he added: "Go to Diveyev to the grove of the of the
servant
servant of God
of God Agathia.
Agathia. Take
Take some
some earth
earth for for yourself
yourself andand make
make as as
many
many prostrations
prostrations as you
as you cancan
on on
thatthat spot.
spot. SheShe is sorry
is sorry for for
youyou
andand
wants
wants youyou to be
to be healed.
healed, AndAnd when
when youyou
are are
sad,sad,
praypray to God
to God andand
say:say:
Fr. Seraphim! Remember me in your prayers and pray for me a sinner,
Fr. Seraphim! Remember me in your prayers and pray for me a sinner, so that so that
I may
I may not not
fallfall again
again intointo
thatthat disease
disease from
from the the adversary
adversary andand enemy
enemy of God.
of God.
Then
Then he he blessed
blessed them
them andand
sentsent them
them home
home in peace.
in peace. ThisThis
curecure
tooktook

8 8Or,Or, stole. — ed.

stole.-ed.
9 9Blessedbread.
Blessed bread.
-ed.— ed.

218
 Tilt J o y f u l D i m o t o r of S o u f s

place
place on
on June
June 11,
1L 1827.
1827.
The
The woman
woman waswas completely
completely healed
healed and
and subsequently
subsequently bore
bore four
four sons
sons
and
and five
five daughters
daughters besides
besides the
the two
two children
children she
she already
already had.
had. They
They always
always
remembered
remembered Father
Father inin their
their prayers.
prayers.
He
He also used to say to Captain Teplov:
also used to say to Captain When you
Teplov: ""When you are
are in
in trouble,
trouble, come
come
to
to poor Seraphim's cell. He will pray for you." This was efficacious even
poor Seraphim s cell. He will pray for you. " This was efficacious even
during
during his
his life - time, and
life-time, and is
is still
still more
more so
so now
now after
after his
his death
death owing
owing to
to his
his
intercession before the throne
intercession before the throne of God. o f God.
During
During his
his talks
talks with
with his
his orphans
orphans hehe gave
gave them
them among
among other
other things
things
just
just the
the advice
advice against
against despondency
despondency which
which we we find
find in
in the
the writings
writings of of
other
other Holy
Holy Fathers,
Fathers, namely,
namely, toto offer
offer to
to aa person
person inin sorrow
sorrow some
some nice
nice dish
dish
to
to eat.
eat. But
But what
what nice
nice dishes
dishes could
could there
there bebe in
in poor
poor Diveyev?
Diveyev? Instead
Instead of
of
that,
that, Father told
Father told the sisters to eat their fill of such food as there was, and
the sisters to eat their fill of such food as there was, and
even
even to to take
take some
some bread
bread with
with them
them when
when they
they went
went toto their
their work. Put
work. ""Put
aa little
little bit
bit into
into your
your pocket,
pocket" " he
he said
said to
to Xenia
Xenia Vasilievna. When you
Vasilievna. ""When you are
are
tired
tired or
or exhausted,
exhausted, do
do not
not despond,
despond, but
but eat
eat your
your bread;
bread; and
and then
then get
get to
to
work
work again!
again!" "
He
He even
even told
told them
them to
to put
put some
some bread
bread for
for the
the night
night under
under their
their pillow.
pillow.
When you
""When you feel
feel worried
worried or
or despondent,
despondent mother,
mother, take
take out
out your
your bread
bread and
and
eat
eat it. And the despondency will pass, the bread will drive it away, and it
it. And the despondency will pass, the bread will drive it away, and it
will
will give
give you
you aa good
good sleep
sleep after
after your
your labours,
labours, mother.
mother." "
And
And when
when later
later the
the strict
strict cook
cook began
began toto refuse
refuse to
to give
give bread
bread to
to the
the sis
sis-­
ters,
ters, referring
referring to
to an
an order
order o off the
the abbess,
abbess, Father
Father called
called her,
her, gave
gave her
her aa sharp
sharp
rebuke
rebuke and
and even
even added: Let the
added: ""Let the abbess
abbess talk
talk (of
(of economy),
economy), but
but you
you should
should
give on the quiet and not lock it up. And thereby you would be saved!
give on the quiet and not lock it up. And thereby you would be saved!" "
Here
Here is
is aa still
still more
more touching
touching incident
incident which
which even
even perhaps
perhaps seems
seems un
un-­
becoming
becoming in in aa monk.
monk. But
But Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim foresaw
foresaw the
the future
future and
and atat the
the same
same
time
time he
he wanted
wanted to to cheer
cheer his
his despondent
despondent sisters.
sisters. Barbara
Barbara Ilinitchna,
Ilinitchna, anan
old
old nun,
nun, tells
tells the
the following:
following:
Once
Once II came
came to
to Father
Father with
with Aquilina
Aquilina Vasilievna.
Vasilievna. He
He spoke
spoke to
to her
her alone
alone
for
for aa long
long time
time and
and was
was doing
doing all
all he
he could
could to
to persuade
persuade her,
her, but
but evi
evi-­
dently
dently she
she did
did not
not want
want to
to obey
obey him.
him. He
He came
came out
out and
and said:
said: "Take
"Take
out
out of
of my
my ark
ark (so
(so he
he called
called his
his coffin)
coffin) some
some dry
dry bread."
bread." He
He gave
gave aa big
big

219
,A \A nE E jx t A r( a1 t~o r;r 1 d~\ i'\ nl{aY r yP rP,\r.<' a <; r

bundle
bundle to to Aquilina,
Aquilina, andand another
another oneoneto to
me.me. Then
Then hehe filled
filled a whole
a whole
sack
sack with
with drydry bread
bread andand began
began to to beat
beat it with
it with a stick.
a stick. This
This made
made us us
roar with laughter. Father glanced at us, and then beat
roar with laughter. Father glanced at us, and then beat it all the hard-it all the hard ­
er. We could make nothing of it. Then he tied the sack,
er. We could make nothing of it. Then he tied the sack, hung it round hung it round
Aquilina's
Aquilina's neck
neck and
and told
told usus
to to
gogoto to
thethe convent.
convent.

WeWe understood
understood it afterwards,
it afterwards, when
when Sister
Sister Aquilina
Aquilina Vasilievna
Vasilievna leftleft
thethe
convent
convent and
and had
had to to suffer
suffer terrible
terrible beatings
beatings in in
thethe world.
world. She
She came
came back
back
to to
usus later
later andand died
died in in Diveyev.
Diveyev.

LaterBarbara
Later BarbaraIlinitchna
Ilinitchnawas
wasslandered
slanderedand
andthetheabbess
abbessof oMother
f M other
Alexandrascommunity,
Alexandra's community, XeniaMikhailovna,
Xenia Mikhailovna,putput
herher
outout
of oher
f her convent.
convent.
Barbara
Barbara writes:
writes:
I cried
I cried andand cried,
cried, andand then
then I went
I went to to
Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim and
and told
told himhim every ­
every-
thing. I even cried while I knelt before him. But he
thing. I even cried while I knelt before him. But he just laughed andjust laughed and
clapped
clapped hishis hands.
hands. Then
Then hehe began
began to to pray
pray and
and told
told memeto to
gogoto to
hishis
sis-sis­
ters
ters in in
thethe mill,
mill, to to Abbess
Abbess Paraskeva
Paraskeva Stepanovna.
Stepanovna. And
And shesheletlet
meme stay
stay
in in
herher convent
convent according
according to to
hishis blessing.
blessing.

It It
waswasthis
thissister
sister whoonce
who oncesaw
sawflies
fliessitting
sittingononFather's
Father'sface
faceand
andthethe
bloodrunning
blood runningin instreams
streamsdown
downhishisface.
face.She
She wantedto todrive
wanted drivethem
themoff,off,
butbutFather
Father forbadeher:
forbade her:"Don't
" Don 'touch
t touchthem,
them,mymy joy,he
joy," " he said."Let
said. "Let every
every
breathpraise
breath praise
thetheLord."
Lord."(Ps.
(Ps.150:5)
150:5)
In In
thethe face
face of osuch
f such patience
patience ourour troubles
troubles areare bound
bound to to appear
appear trifling.
trifling.
And
And how
how many
many similar
similar incidents
incidents there
there were!But
were! But
is is
it it
notnot comforting
comforting forfor
laymen
laymen to to know
know that
that their
their earthly
earthly calling,
calling, whatever
whatever it it
maymay
be,be, leads
leads them
them
to to salvation,if if
salvation, only
only they
they bear
bear it with
it with faith,
faith, hum ility
humility and
and patience,in in
patience, thethe
name
name of oChrist,
f Christ,and
and carry
carry it it
outout
as as a com m andm ent
a commandment of oGod?
f God? Every
Every work,
work,
every
every labour
labour is is spiritualizedin in
spiritualized this
this way.
way. Then,thethe
Then, whole
whole of oman's
f man 'life
s life
is is
changedinto
changed intoananunceasing
unceasinglabour
labourof osalvation.
f salvation.And
Andwewehave
haveseen
seenhow
how
Father
Father loved
loved hishis worldly
worldly collaborators
collaborators and
and confidants.
confidants.
And
And so,so, however
however simple
simple Fr.Fr. Seraphim 'advice
Seraphim's s advice and
and instructions
instructions to to lay­
lay-
menmay
men may seemto to
seem us,us,
yetyet those
those who
who fulfill
fulfill themas as
them thethe"commandments
" commandments
of of Godaccording
God" " according
to tothethe words
words of othe
f the ApostlePaul,
Apostle Paul,may
maybebe granted
granted thethe
giftsof othe
gifts f theLord
Lord whichfollow
which followthem,
themfrom
, fromthetheheavenly
heavenly
joyjoyof othe
f theHoly
Holy
Spirit,to tothetheactual
Spirit, actualmanifestation
m anifestationof oChrist
f Christ
thetheSaviour
Saviour
to tothem.
them. These
These

220
are
are wonderful
wonderful words,
words, but
but they
they were
were uttered
uttered by the
the Son
Son o
off God
God Himself:
Himself:
"I
"I will
will not
not leave
leave you
you orphans;
orphans; I will
will come
come to you.
you. Yet a little
little while,
while, and
and
the
the world
world will
will see Me no more;
more; but
but you
you will
will see
see Me, because
because I live, and
and
you
you will
will live.
live. In
In that
that day
day you
you will
will know
know that
that II am
am in
in My
My Father,
Father, and
and you
you
in
in Me, and
and I in you.
you. He who
who has
has My com m andm ents and
commandments and keeps
keeps them,
them, he
it
it is
is who
who loves
loves Me;
Me; and
and he
he who
who loves
loves Me
Me will
will be
be loved
loved by
by My
My Father,
Father, and
and
II will
will love
love him,
him, and
and will
will m anifest Myself
manifest Myself to him
him."." (John
(John 14:18 - 21)
14:18-21)
This
This thought
thought is
is developed
developed in the
the Saint
Saint's's wonderful
wonderful conversation
conversation with
with
the
the layman
layman Motovilov.
Motovilov. And
And we are
are at once
once reminded
reminded o
off our
our Lords
Lord's further
further
words: These things
words: ""These things I have
have spoken
spoken to you,
you, that
that my
my joy may
may be in you,
you, and
and
that
that your
your joy may
may be
be full.
full."" (John
(John 15:11)
15:11) St. Seraphim
Seraphim simply
simply radiated
radiated joy.
Often
Often it
it even
even streamed
streamed from
from him
him quite
quite visibly
visibly like
like some
some extraordinary
extraordinary
light
light which
which sent
sent into
into ecstasy
ecstasy those
those who
who were
were granted
granted this
this vision.
vision. And
And
there
there were
were many
many w itnesses —his
witnesses- his closest
closest confidantes,
confidantes, Eropkina,
Eropkina, Aksakova,
Aksakova,
Meliukov,
Meliukov, Tikhonov
Tikhonov as well
well as many
many o
off his
his nuns.
nuns.
What
What else
else shall
shall we mention
mention ooff his
his instructions
instructions to laymen?
laymen? O
Off course,
course,
it
it is
is easy
easy to write
write all this
this and
and it is still
still easier
easier to speak
speak o
off another
another's 's sal
sal-­
vation.
vation. But in
in reality
reality everyone
everyone knows,
knows, be he m onk or
monk or layman,
layman, that
that it is
difficult
difficult to obtain
obtain salvation,
salvation, that
that everyone
everyone must
must bear
bear his
his cross
cross all
all his
his
life.
life. And
And the
the man
man o
off God
God often
often reminded
reminded people
people ooff it, and
and only
only tried
tried to
lighten
lighten their
their burden.
burden.
Once
Once aa professor
professor of
of aa seminary,
seminary, accompanied
accompanied by
by aa priest,
priest, came
came to
to him
him
and
and wanted
wanted to receive
receive his
his blessing
blessing to becom
becomee a monk.
monk. But Father
Father kept
kept
talking
talking to the
the priest
priest and
and did
did not
not pay
pay the
the least
least attention
attention to the
the learned
learned
theologian.
theologian. Then
Then he
he asked
asked casually: Has he
casually: ""Has he anything
anything else
else to
to learn
learn to
to
complete
complete his
his studies?
studies?" "
The
The priest
priest explained
explained that
that the
the professor
professor knew
knew well
well the
the different
different branch
branch- ­
es of the
the science
science ooff theology.
theology. St.
S1. Seraphim
Seraphim replied:
replied: ""II know
know that
that he
he is
skilled
skilled in
in composing
composing sermons.
sermons. But teaching
teaching others
others is as easy
easy as throw
throw- ­
ing
ing stones
stones from
from the
the top
top ooff our
our cathedral,
cathedral, but
but to put
put into
into practise
practise what
what
you
you teach
teach is
is like
like carrying
carrying the
the stones
stones yourself
yourself to the
the top
top o
off the
the cathedral.
cathedra!.
That
That is
is the
the difference
difference between
between teaching
teaching others
others and
and doing
doing things
things oneself.
oneself." "
In conclusion
conclusion he advised
advised the
the professor
professor to read
read the
the life o
off the
the holy
holy and
and

221
 A ! • I'

learned
learned John
John Damascene,
Damascene, where
where it is
it is told
told among
among other
other things,
things, howhow
thisthis
great
great theologian
theologian had
had been
been forbidden
forbidden byby
hishis director
director to to compose
compose sacred
sacred
hymns
hymns as as a mortification.
a mortification. And
And when,
when, outout
of ocompassion
f compassion
forfor
thethe brother
brother
of oafdeceased
a deceased monk,
monk hehe composed
composed funeral
funeral songs,
songs, thethe elder
elder wanted
wanted at at first
first
to to expel
expel him
him from
from thethe monastery.
monastery. Then
Then at at
thethe request
request of of
thethe monks
monks hehe
consented
consented to to
letlet
himhim stay
stay, butbut
hehe ordered
ordered thethe theologian
theologian who
who had
had been
been
found
found guilty
guilty of of disobedience
disobedience to to clean
clean thethe lavatories.
lavatories. And
And only
only after
after thisthis
hum iliation
humiliation and
and a special
a special vision
vision of othe
f the Mother
Mother of of
GodGod
to to
thethe elder,
elder, were
were
thethe lips
lips of othe
f the Church
Church hymn -writer
hymn-writer unsealed.
unsealed.
Yes, salvation
Yes,salvation is not
is not easily
easily given.
given. AndAnd
thethe Sarov
Sarov ascetic
ascetic knew
knew it him self
it himself
outout
of ohis
f his
ownown vast
vast experience
experience better
better than
than anyone.
anyone. That
That is why
is why hehe warned
warned
earthly
earthly pilgrims
pilgrims that
that they
they would
would certainly
certainly meet
meet with
with afflictions
afflictions onon their
their
way."According
way. "According
to tothetheSaviour's
Saviour 'word,"
s word,he
" he said
said to toCaptain
CaptainKaratayev,
Karatayev,
"we
"we must
must enter
enter byby
thethe narrow
narrow way
way into
into thethe Kingdom
Kingdom of oGod."
f God.(See
" (See Matt.
Matt.
7:13 - 14)
7:13-14)
"All
"All thethesaints
saints had
had tem ptations,he
temptations," " he said,"but
said, " but like
like gold
gold which,
which, thethe
longer
longer it it remains
remains in inthethefire,
fire,
thethepurer
purer
it it becom es,
becomes, so sothethe saints
saints grew
grew
more
more skillful
skillful through
through temptation.
temptation. ByBy their
their patience
patience they
they propitiated
propitiated thethe
Creator's
Creator's justice
justice and
and drew
drew near
near to to Christ
Christ in in W hose
Whose name
name andand
forfor Whose
Whose
love
love they
they suffered."
suffered."
Occasionally
Occasionally hehe would
would refer
refer to to him self
himself in in order
order to to convince
convince andand com ­
com-
fort
fort sufferers.
sufferers. The
The husband
husband of oafwoman
a woman became
became seriously
seriously ill.ill.
AsAs
hehe had
had a a
great
great regard
regard forfor
thethe man
man of oGod,
f God,
hehe sent
sent hishis wife
wife to to Sarov.
Sarov. The
The Saint
Saint was
was
notnot receiving
receiving anyone,
anyone, butbut seeing
seeing in inspirit
spirit hum an
human sorrow,
sorrow, hehe suddenly
suddenly
opened
opened thethe door
door and
and at at once
once turned
turned to to
thethe anxious
anxious woman.
woman.
"Daughter
"Daughter Agrippina,he
Agrippina," " he said,
said, "come
"come to to
meme quickly,
quickly, because
because you
you must
must
hurry
hurry home."
home."
Then
Then taking
taking herher hand,
hand, hehe
putput it on
it on hishis shoulder,
shoulder, where
where sheshe
feltfelt a big
a big
cross.
cross. "There,
"There, mymy daughter,said
daughter," " said
thethe Elder,
Elder, "at"at first
first it was
it was very
very heavy
heavy to to
carry
carry this,
this, butbut now
now it it
is is very
very pleasant.
pleasant. Make
Make haste
haste now
now andand remember
remember
mymy burden.
burden. Good - bye! "
Good-bye!"
Her
Her husband
husband was
was still
still alive,
alive, hehe took
took some
some of of
thethe wine,
wine, antidoron
antidoron andand
holy
holy water
water which
which Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim had
had sent
sent him,
him, blessed
blessed hishis children,
children, andand
222
 1 nr 1 0 Y F U L I) 1 R E € f 0 R 0 F S 0 U i. s

peacefully
peacefuily departed
departed to to the
the Lord.
Lord.
But at
But at the
the same
same tim
timee the Saint always
the Saint always exhorted all not
exhorted all not to despond. He
to despond. He
reminded
reminded people
people ooff the
the words
words ooff the
the Lord
Lord H im self Who
Himself Who says
says that
that though
though
the
the fulfillm ent of
fulfillment of His commandments is
His commandments is aa burden, yet this
burden, yet this burden
burden isis light.
light.
(See
(See Matt. 11:30) But Fr. Seraphim especially comforted the afflicted by
Matt. 11:30) But Fr. Seraphim especially comforted the afflicted by
the expectation
the expectation o
off future
future happiness
happiness for those who
for those who were
were worthy
worthy ooff it. To aa
it. To
young
young widow, A. P. Eropkina.
widow, A.P. Eropkina, he
he spoke
spoke with extraordinary enthusiasm
with extraordinary enthusiasm of of
the Kingdom
the Kingdom of
of Heaven.
Heaven. She
She writes
writes in
in her
her last
last reminiscences:
reminiscences:
II cannot
cannot now transmit exactly
now transmit exactly either all his
either all words or
his words the impression
or the impression
which he made
which he made on
on me
me at
at the
the time. The
time. The appearance
appearance of his face
of his face was quite
was quite
extraordinary Through his skin shone
extraordinary. Through his skin shone aa supernatural
supernatural light.
light. II cannot
cannot
remember
remember everything,
everything, but
but II know
know that
that he
he was speaking to
was speaking to me
me of of the
the
Three Holy
Three Holy Prelates
Prelates-—Basil the Great,
Basil the Great, Gregory
Gregory the
the Theologian
Theologian and and John
John
Chrysostom — and of the glory in which they dwell there.
Chrysostom - and of the glory in which they dwell there. He described He described
vividly
vividly and
and in
in detail
detail thethe beauty
beauty andand glory
glory of
of St.
St. Fevronia and many
Fevronia and many
other
other martyrs.
martyrs. In
In all
all my
my life
life II had
had never
never heard
heard such
such vivid
vivid narratives.
narratives.
But
But it
it seemed
seemed asas if
if he
he could
could not
not tell
tell me
me everything
everything then, and he
then, and he added
added
in conclusion: " Oh, my joy! There is such bliss there that
in conclusion: "Oh, my joy! There is such bliss there that it is impos- it is im pos ­
sible to describe it."
sible to describe it."

Once he
Once he was asked: "Can
was asked: "Can aa person
person who
who has
has been in aa state
been in o f grace
state of grace
rise
rise again
again through
through repentance after aa fall?
repentance after fall?""
"Yes he
"Yes can," he
he can," he replied,
replied, ""according
according to
to the
the word:
word: 'I
'I was thrust and
was thrust and fell,
fell,
but the
but the Lord
Lord helped me/ (Ps.
helped me.' 117:13) When
(Ps. 117:13) When the
the holy
holy Prophet
Prophet Nathan re ­
Nathan re-
buked David for
buked David for his sin, he
his sin, he repented and at
repented and at once
once received
received forgiveness. (II
forgiveness. (II
Kings 12:13)
Kings 12:13) W hen we
When sincerely repent
we sincerely repent o
off our
our sins and turn
sins and turn to
to our
our Lord
Lord
Jesus
Jesus Christ with all
Christ with all our
our heart,
heart, He
He rejoices
rejoices over
over us,
us, makes
makes aa feast, and
feast, and
calls together
calls together His beloved Powers
His beloved Powers (angels), and shows
(angels), and shows them
them the drachma
the drachma
which
which He
He has
has found
found again,
again, that
that is
is His
His royal
royal image
image and
and likeness. Laying
likeness. Laying
the
the lost
lost sheep
sheep on
on His
His shoulders,
shoulders, He
He brings
brings it
it to
to His
His Father.
Father. In the m
In the an ­
man-
sion
sion o
off all
all who
who rejoice, God establishes
rejoice, God the soul
establishes the soul o
off the
the repentant
repentant sinner
sinner
with those who never ran away from
with those who never ran away from Him." Him. "
W hen he
When he wanted
wanted to
to encourage
encourage desponding
desponding sinners,
sinners, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim used,
Seraphim used,
among other
among other things,
things, to
to quote
quote an ancient episode
an ancient episode related in The
related in The Prologue.
A hermit
A hermit set
set out
out to
to fetch
fetch water and on
water and on his
his way
way fell
fell into
into sin.
sin. As
As he
he was re ­
was re-

223
 A n E xtraordinary P eace

turningtotohis
turning hismonastery,
monastery,the
theenemy
enemybegan
begantotodisturb
disturbhim
himwith
withthoughts
thoughts
ofo fdespair,
despair,representing
representingtotohim
himthe
thegravity
gravityofo fhis
hissin
sinand
andthe
theimpossibil-
im possibil ­
ityofo fforgiveness
ity forgivenessand
andamendment.
amendment.But
Butthe
thesoldier
soldierofo fChrist
Christwithstood
withstood
theattacks
the attacksofo the
f theevil
evilspirit
spiritand
andresolved
resolvedtotoexpiate
expiatewhat
whathehehad
haddone
donebyby
repentance.God
repentance. Godrevealed
revealedthis
thistotoa acertain
certainholy
holyfather
fatherand
andtold
toldhim
himtoto
praisethe
praise thebrother
brotherwho
whohad
hadfallen
falleninto
intosin,
sin,for
forhis
hisvictory
victoryover
overthe
thedevil,
devil,
andfor
and fornot
nothaving
havinggiven
givenway
waytotodespondency
despondencyand
anddespair.
despair.
"Andso,"
"And so,"we
weread
readininthe
theinstructions
instructionsofo fFr.
Fr.Seraphim,
Seraphim,which
whichwere
werere-
re ­
cordedby
corded byhis
hisspiritual
spiritualchildren,
children,"let
" letususnot
notfail
failtototurn
turnquickly
quicklytotoour
our
mercifulLord,
merciful Lord,and
andletletususnot
notyield
yieldtotocarelessness
carelessnessand
anddespair
despairon
onaccount
account
ofo four
ourgrave
graveand
andcountless
countlesssins.
sins.Our
Ourdespair
despairisisthe
themost
mostperfect
perfectjoy
joyfor
for
thedevil.
the devil.ItItisisa a'sin
sinunto
untodeath'
death7asasScripture
Scripturesays.
says.(I(IJohn
John5:16)
5:16)'If' Ifyou
youdo
do
notgive
not giveway
waytotodespondency
despondencyand
andcarelessness,'
carelessness/says
saysBarsonuphius
Barsonuphiusthe
the
Great,'you
Great, youwill
willhave
havetotowonder
wonderand
andtotoglorify
glorifyGod
Godwhen
whenyou
yousee
seehow
howHe
He
changesyou
changes youfrom
fromnon-existence
non - existencetotoexistence
existence(that
(thatis,is,from
froma asinner
sinnerinto
into
a arighteous
righteousman).'"
man)/ "(Answer
(Answer114)
114)
InInteaching
teachingrepentance
repentancethe
theSaint
Saintquoted
quotedthe
thewords
wordsofo the
f theholy
holyMartyr
Martyr
Boniface(commemorated
Boniface (commemoratedon
onDecember
December19th):
19 th):"The
"Thebeginning
beginningofo repen-
f repen ­
tanceisisborn
tance bornofo the
f thefear
fearofo God
f Godand
andattention
attentiontotooneself.
oneself.The
Thefear
fearofo God
f God
isisthe
thefather
fatherofo fattention,
attention,and
andattention
attentionisisthe
themother
motherofo finterior
interiorpeace.
peace.
Thefear
The fearofo the
f theLord
Lordawakens
awakensthe
thesleeping
sleepingconscience,
conscience,which
whichenables
enablesthe
the
soultotosee
soul seeitsitsugliness
uglinessasasinina akind
kindofo fpure
pureand
andclear
clearwater.
water.InInthis
thisway
way
thegerms'?
the germs10ofo frepentance
repentanceare
areproduced
producedand
anditsitsroots
rootsgrow
growand
andspread."
spread."
Anotherway
Another wayofo cultivating
f cultivatingthe
thespirit
spiritofo penitence
f penitenceisisunceasing
unceasingprayer.
prayer.
"Allour
"All ourlife
lifewe
weoffend
offendthe
theDivine
DivineMajesty
Majestybybyour
oursins,
sins,and
andtherefore
thereforewe
we
mustalways
must alwayshumbly
hum blyask
askthe
theLord
Lordfor
forthe
theremission
rem issionofo four
ourdebts."
debts."Fr.
Fr.
Seraphimspecially
Seraphim speciallyadvised
advisedpenitent
penitentsinners
sinnerstotopray
prayininthe
thewords
wordsofo fa a
contriteand
contrite andconfident
confidentprayer
prayerby
bySt.
St.Antioch,
Antioch,which
whichwe
wewill
willsee
seebelow.
below.
Andhehetaught:
And taught:"Repentance
" Repentancefrom
fromsin
sinconsists,
consists,among
amongother
otherthings,
things,inin
notdoing
not doingititagain."
again."
" Despair,"according
"Despair," accordingtotoSt.
St.John
Johnofo fthe
theLadder,
Ladder,"is
" isborn
borneither
eitherofo fthe
the

1010 TheThe translated

translated word
word "germs(as
"germs" " (as
in in
thethe germination
germination of of seeds)
seeds) may
may also
also mean
mean
"first-fruits."
"first-fruits."

224
 IH: l o viu t DIHFCTUil 0: S(ll:!',

consciousness
consciousness ooff the
the multitude
multitude ooff our
our sins,
sins, ooff aa despair
despair ooff conscience
conscience and
and
unbearable
unbearable sadness,
sadness, or
or ooff pride
pride and
and haughtiness,
haughtiness, when
when anyone
anyone thinks
thinks
that
that he
he does
does not
not deserve
deserve the
the sin
sin into
into which
which he
he has
has fallen,
fallen,"" (that
(that is,
is, he
he is
is
surprised
surprised at
at his
his sin,
sin, for
for he
he thinks
thinks him self not
himself not so
so bad
bad after
after all).
ali). He
He con
con-­
tinues: The first
tinues: ""The first is
is cured
cured by
by abstinence
abstinence and
and good
good hope,
hope, and
and the
the second
second
by
by hum ility and
humility and non - condem nation ooff our
non-condemnation our neighbor.
neighbor." "
The Lord
""The Lord cares
cares for
for our
our salvation.
salvation. But
But the
the homicidal
homicidal devil
devil tries
tries to
to bring
bring
man
man to
to despair.
despair. A
A firm
firm and
and lofty
lofty soul
soul does
does not
not despair
despair in
in misfortunes,
misfortunes,
whatever
whatever they
they may
may be.
be. Judas
Judas the
the traitor
traitor was
was aa coward
coward and
and unskillful
unskillful in
in
warfare;
warfare; and
and therefore
therefore the
the enemy,
enemy, seeing
seeing his
his despair,
despair, attacked
attacked him
him and
and
deluded
deluded him
him into
into hanging
hanging himself.
himself. But
But Peter,
Peter, that
that firm
firm rock,
rock, being
being skil
skil-­
ful
ful in
in warfare,
warfare, did
did not
not despair
despair and
and become
become dispirited
dispirited when
when he
he fell
fell into
into
sin,
sin, but
but shed
shed bitter
bitter tears
tears from
from aa fervent
fervent heart.
heart. And
And on
on seeing
seeing his
his tears,
tears,
the
the eyes
eyes ooff the
the enemy
enemy were
were scorched
scorched as
as by
by fire,
fire, and
and he
he fled
fled far
far from
from him
him
with
with aa painful
painful wail.
wail.""
Therefore, brethren,
""Therefore, brethren," " teaches
teaches St.
St. Antioch, when despair
Antioch, ""when despair assails
assails us,
us, let
let
us
us not
not yield
yield to
to it;
it; but
but being
being strengthened
strengthened and
and shielded
shielded by
by the
the light
light ooff faith,
faith,
let
let us
us say
say with
with great
great courage
courage to
to the
the evil
evil spirit: What have
spirit: ''What have we
we to
to do
do with
with
thee
thee who
who art
art alienated
alienated from
from God,
God, aa fugitive
fugitive from
from Heaven
Heaven and
and aa wicked
wicked
slave?
slave? Thou
Thou darest
darest not
not do
do anything
anything to
to us!
us! Christ,
Christ the
the Son
Son ooff God,
God, has
has
power
power both
both over
over us
us and
and over
over all.
all. Against
Against Him
Him we
we have
have sinned,
sinned, and
and before
before
Him
Him we
we shall
shall justify
justify ourselves.
ourselves. But
But thou,
thou, pernicious
pernicious spirit,
spirit depart
depart from
from
us!
us! Strengthened
Strengthened by
by His
His precious
precious Cross,
Cross, we
we trample
trample on
on thy
thy snaky
snaky head/
head.""
But
But though
though we
we must
must by
by all
all means
means avoid
avoid despair,
despair, we
we need
need to
to live
live in
in
penitence,
penitence, as
as the
the Church
Church constantly
constantly prays
prays in
in the
the litanies:
litanies: That
That we
we may
may finish
finish
the
the remainder
remainder ooff our
our life
hfe in
in peace
peace and
and penitence,
penitence, grant,
grant, O Lord. An
0 Lord. An Orthodox
Orthodox
Christian
Christian must
must constantly
constantly remember
remember this
this and
and pray
pray for
for it.
it. Holy
Holy Orthodoxy,
Orthodoxy,
notwithstanding
notwithstanding all
all its
its confidence
confidence in
in the
the mercy
mercy ooff the
the Redeemer,
Redeemer, tries
tries
above
above all
all to
to train
train and
and establish
establish her
her children
children in
in penitence.
penitence. That
That is
is why
why the
the
normal,
normal, ordinary
ordinary state
state ooff both
both ascetics
ascetics and
and laymen
laymen seeking
seeking salvation
salvation is
is
the
the spirit
spirit ooff contrition,
contrition, and
and sometimes
sometimes tears,
tears, and
and their
their best
best prayers
prayers Lord,
Lord,
have mercy, and
have mercy, and the
the Prayer
Prayer ooff Jesus.
Jesus. St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim's's own
own training
training through
through- ­
out
out his
his monastic
monastic life
life consisted
consisted essentially
essentially in
in penitence
penitence and
and prayer.
prayer. He
He

225
A\ EXTil\ORDi\\i,Y Pi t.

advisedpeople
advised peopletotosay
sayno
noother
otherprayer
prayerthan
thanLord,
Lord, have
havemercy, andtotosay
mercy, and say
ititeven
evenwhen
whennursing
nursinga ababy,
baby,sosothat
thatthese
thesewords
wordsshould
shouldbebeheard
heardby
bythe
the
innocentchild.
innocent child.How
Howwonderful
wonderfuland
andedifying
edifyingthis
thisis!
is!
Trulynarrow
Truly narrowisisthe
thegate
gateinto
intothe
theKingdom
Kingdomofo fGod.
God.And
Andthere
thereisisno
no
otherway
other waybut
butthe
theway
wayofofpenance,
penance,continual
continualeffort
effortand
andunceasing
unceasingprayer
prayer
forgrace.
for grace.But
Butall
allefforts
effortsand
andlabours
laboursmust
mustbebetransfused
transfusedwith
withfaith
faithand
andlove.
love.
Therefore,Fr.
Therefore, Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimnot
notonly
onlytaught
taughtthose
thosewho
whocarne
cametotohim
himtototrust
trust
ininthe
theLord's
Lord'smercy,
mercy,but
buthehealso
alsotalked
talkedtotothem
them ofo fthe
thecross
crossand
andtaught
taught
thempenitential
them penitentialprayers.
prayers.And
Andamong
amongothers
othershehespecially
speciallyrecommended
recommended
twoprayers.
two prayers. "Undoubtingly
" Undoubtinglyapproach
approachrepentance,
repentance, and
andititwill
willintercede
intercede
withGod
with Godfor
foryou.
you.Continually
Continuallysay
saythe
thePrayer
Prayerofo fS1.
St.Antioch."
Antioch."Such
Suchwas
was
St.Seraphim's
S1. Seraphim sadvice.
advice.

T h e PRAYER
THE P r a y e r OF
of S t . ANTIOCH
ST. A n tio ch

Trusting,0OLord,
Trusting, Lord,ininthe
theabyss
abyssofofThy
Thyloving-kindness,
loving -kindness,I Ioffer
offerThee
Theethis
this
prayer from my foul mouth and my unclean lips. Remember
prayer from my foul mouth and my unclean lips. Remember me, for me, for
Thyholy
Thy holyname
namewaswasinvoked
invokedover
overmemeand
andThou
Thouhast
hastredeemed
redeemedme mewith
with
theprice
the priceofofThy
Thyblood,
blood,forforThou
Thouhast
hastsealed
sealedmemewith
withthe
thebetrothal
betrothalofof
ThyHoly
Thy HolySpirit
Spiritand
andThou
Thouhast
hastraised
raisedmemefrom
fromthe
thedepth
depthofofmymytrans-
trans ­
gressions, that I should not be seized by the
gressions, that I should not be seized by the enemy. enem y

o0 Jesus
JesusChrist,
Christ,defend
defendme
meand
andbe
bemy
mystrong
stronghelper
helperininmy
mystruggle,
struggle,for
for
I 1am
ama aslave
slaveofoflust
lustand
andI Iamamassailed
assailedbybyit.it.But
ButThou,
Thou,0 OLord,
Lord,leave
leavememe
notcast
not casttotothe
theearth
earthandandcondemned
condemnedby bymy mydeeds.
deeds.Free
Freeme,
me,0OLord,
Lord,
fromthe
from theevil
evilslavery
slaveryofofthe
theprince
princeofofthis
thisworld
worldand
andmake
makeme meThine
Thine
ownininThy
own Thycommandments.
commandments.Thy ThyPerson
Personisisthe theway
wayofofmy
mylife,
life,0Omy
my
Christ,and
Christ, andthe
thelight
lightofofmy
myeyes.
eyes.0OGod,
God,Master
MasterandandLord,
Lord,give
giveme
menot
not
rovingeyes,
roving eyes,and
anddispel
dispelfrom
frommemeevil
evillust.
lust.Defend
Defendmemewith
withThy
Thyholy
holy
arm.Let
arm. Letnot
notlongings
longingsand andlusts
lustsoverwhelm
overwhelmme, me,and
andgive
giveme
menotnotup
uptoto
a shameless
a shameless soul. soul.

Maythe
May thelight
lightofofThy
Thypresence
presenceshine
shineininme,
me,0OLord,
Lord,lest
lestdarkness
darknessover-
over­
whelm me, and I be snatched by those who walk in the
whelm me, and I be snatched by those who walk in the night. Do notnight. Do not
surrendertotoinvisible
surrender invisiblebeasts,
beasts,0OLord,
Lord,a asoul
soulwhich
whichconfesses
confessestotoThee.
Thee.
Donot
Do notallow
allowThy
Thyservant,
servant,0OLord,
Lord,totobe
bewounded
woundedby byalien
aliendogs.
dogs.

Grantme
Grant metotobe
bea areceptacle
receptacleofofThy
ThySpirit,
Spirit,and
andmake
makememeaahouse
houseofofThy
Thy
Christ,Holy
Christ, HolyFather.
Father.0OGuide
Guideofofthe
thelost,
lost,guide
guideme
melest
lestI Istray
straytotothe
the

226
 T he loYi'iii D irector or Souls

left. I long to see Thy face, O

0 Lord. O
0 God, guide me by the
God, guide the light
light of Thy
countenance.
countenance.
Grant me, Thy servant,
Grant servant, a fountain
fountain of tears, and give Thy creature
tears, and creature the
the
dew of Thy Holy Spirit, lest I wither
wither like the
the fig tree which
which Thou didst
Thou didst
curse;
curse; and
and let tears
tears be my drink,
drink, and
and prayer
prayer my food.
Turn, O
Turn, 0 Lord, my weeping
weeping into
into joy and
and receive me into
into Thine eternal
Thine eternal
tabernacles.
tabernacles. Let Thy mercy
mercy overtake
overtake me, 0O Lord, andand Thy bounty en ­
bounty en-
compass
compass me, and pardon
and pardon all my sins, for Thou art the true
Thou art the true GodGod Who
pardonest
pardonest transgressions.
transgressions. And do not not allow, O
0 Lord, thethe work
work of Thy
hands
hands to be put
put to shame
shame on account
account of the
the multitude
multitude of my trans
trans-­
gressions,
gressions, but
but call me, O0 Lord, through
through Thine
Thine only - begotten Son, our
only-begotten our
Saviour.
Saviour.
And raise me who
who lie prostrate
prostrate like Levi the
the publican,
publican, and
and quicken
quicken me
who
who am slain
slain by my sins, like the
the son of the widow.
widow.
For Thou
Thou alone
alone art the Resurrection
Resurrection of the dead, and
the dead, and to Thee is due
due the
the
glory
glory for ever. Amen.
Amen.
What
What a penitent
penitent and
and contrite
contrite spirit
spirit this
this prayer
prayer breathes!
breathes! And the Saint
Saint
orders
orders us to say it ""continually."
continually."
And here
here is another
another prayer
prayer which
which is still
still more contrite, which
more contrite, which Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim advised people
Seraphim advised people to say in moments o f despondency
moments of and as an
despondency and
antidote to despair.
antidote despair.
Master
Master and
and Lord of Heaven
Heaven and earth and
and earth and King of the
the ages! Deign
Deign to
open the door
open the door of repentance
repentance to me, for in anguish I pray
anguish pray to Thee, our
our
true
true God, the
the Father
Father of our
our Lord Jesus Christ,
Christ, the
the Light of the
the world.
world.
Look upon
upon me in Thy great
great loving -kindness and
loving-kindness and accept
accept my prayer.
Incline
Incline Thy ear to my prayer
prayer and
and forgive me all the
the evil that
that I have
done
done by thethe abuse
abuse of my free will. Behold,
I seek rest, yet I do
Behold, do not
not find
it, for I have not
not received
received forgiveness
forgiveness from
my conscience.
conscience. I thirst
thirst for
peace,
peace, but
but there
there is no peace in me from the dark
dark abyss
abyss of my trans
trans-­
gressions.
gressions. Hear, O
0 Lord, a heart
heart which
which cries to Thee. Regard not
not my
evil deeds,
deeds, but
but consider
consider the
the agony
agony of my soul
soul and
and make
make haste
haste to heal
heal
me who
who am badly wounded. By the
badly wounded. By the grace of Thy love for men
men give me
time
time for repentance
repentance and deliver me from my shameful
and deliver shameful deeds.
deeds. Reward
Reward
me not
not according
according Thy justice
justice and
and requite
requite me not
not according
according to my deeds,
deeds,
lest I finally
finally perish.
perish.

227
 Hearme,
Hear me,0 OLord,
Lord,ininmy
mydespair.
despair.Behold,
Behold,[ am
I ambereft
bereftofofmy
mywill
willand
andofof
everythought
every thoughtofofamendment.
amendment.Therefore,
Therefore,[ Ihave
haverecourse
recoursetotoThy
Thycom-
com ­
passion.Have
passion. Havemercy
mercyononme,
me,cast
castdown
downandandcondemned
condemnedononaccount
account
ofofmy
mysins.
sins.0 OLord,
Lord,rescue
rescueme
mewho
whoam amenslaved
enslavedandandheld
heldbybymy
myevil
evil
deeds, as if [ were shackled with chains. Thou Alone knowest how toto
deeds, as if I were shackled with chains. Thou Alone knowest how
setprisoners
set prisonersfree;
free;and
andasasThou
ThouAlone
Aloneknowest
knowestsecret
secretthings,
things,Thou
Thouheal-
heal-
estwounds
est woundswhichwhichare areknown
knowntotononoone,
one,but
butseen
seenbybyThee.
Thee.

Therefore,being
Therefore, beingtortured
torturedininevery
everyway waybybycruel
cruelpains,
pains,[ cry
I cryonly
onlytoto
Thee,the
Thee, thePhysician
Physicianofofallallwho
whoare areafflicted,
afflicted,the
theDoor
Doorofofthose
thosewhowho
knockwithout,
knock without,the
theWay
Wayofofthethelost,
lost,the
theLight
Lightofofthose
thoseinindarkness,
darkness,the the
Redeemer of those in bonds, who ever restrainest Thy
Redeemer of those in bonds, who ever restrainest Thy right-hand and right - hand and
witholdestThine
witholdest Thineanger
angerprepared
preparedfor forsinners,
sinners,but
butwhowhogivest
givesttime
timefor
for
repentancethrough
repentance throughThyThygreat
greatlove
loveforformen.
men.

oOThou
ThouWho
Whoart
artquick
quicktotoshow
showmercy
mercyand
andslow
slowtotopunish,
punish,shine
shinethe
the
lightofofThy
light Thycountenance
countenanceuponuponme,me,who
whohave
havefallen
fallenbadly,
badly,0 OLord.
Lord.And
And
ininThy
Thyloving-kindness
loving -kindnessstretch
stretchout
outThy
Thyhand
handtotome
meand
andraise
raiseme
mefrom
from
thedepth
the depthofofmymytransgressions.
transgressions.

ForThou
For ThouAlone
Aloneartartour
ourGod,
God,Who
W hodost
dostnot
notrejoice
rejoiceatatthe
thedestruction
destructionofof
sinners, and Who dost not turn away Thy face from
sinners, and Who dost not turn away Thy face from those who those whocry crytoto
Theewith
Thee withtears.
tears.

Hear,0 OLord,
Hear, Lord,the
thevoice
voiceofofThy
Thyservant
servantwhowhocries
criestotoThee,
Thee,and
andmanifest
manifest
Thylight
Thy lighttotome
mewho
whoamamdeprived
deprivedofoflight.
light.And
Andgive
givememeThyThygrace,
grace,for
for[ I
haveno
have nohope
hopewhatever,
whatever,that
that[ Imay
mayalways
alwaystrust
trustininThy
Thyhelp
helpandandpower.
power.
Turnmy
Turn myweeping
weepinginto
intojoy,
joy,rend
rendmymyrage
rageand
andgird
girdme mewith
withgladness.
gladness.

Andgrant
And grantthat
that[ Imay
mayrest
restfrom
frommymydark
darkdeeds
deedsand andenjoy
enjoythe
themorning
morning
calmwith
calm withThy
Thychosen,
chosen,0 OLord,
Lord,whence
whenceallallpain,
pain,sorrow
sorrowand
andsighing
sighing
havefled
have fledaway.
away.AndAndmay
maythethedoor
doorofofThy
ThyKingdom
Kingdombebeopened openedtotome,me,
that[ Imay
that mayenter
enterwith
withthose
thosewhowhorejoice
rejoiceininthe
thelight
lightofofThy
Thycountenance,
countenance,
oOLord,
Lord,andandthat
thateven
even[ Imay
mayreceive
receiveeternal
eternallifelifeininChrist
ChristJesus
Jesusour
our
Lord.Amen.
Lord. Amen.

Thatisisthe
That thecry
cryofo fpenitence
penitencewhich
whichthe
the"joyful"
" joyfu l "Seraphim
Seraphimadvised
advised
peopletotooffer
people offertotoGod!
God!This
Thishelps
helpsusustotounderstand
understandone
oneofo fhis
hissayings,
sayings,
whichisisrarely
which rarelyquoted
quotedby
byhis
hisbiographers.
biographers.
"Wemust,"
"We must,"hehesays,
says,"banish
" banishfrom
fromususevery
everyearthly
earthlyjoy,
joy,following
followingthe
the
teachingofofthe
teaching theLord
LordJesus
JesusChrist
ChristWho
W hosaid:
said:'Do
'Donot
notrejoice
rejoicethat
thatthe
thespir-
spir­

228
 Til [ j ! S ()

its are subject

subject to you, but rather
rather rejoice that
that your
your names
names are written
written in
heaven/
heaven.'"" (Luke 10:20)
This he said regarding
regarding the veneration
veneration shown
shown him by people
people who had
derived benefit
derived benefit from his instructions.
instructions. And
And if
ifhe would not allow him
he would himself
self
this natural
natural joy,
joy, what
what must
must we say ooff us sinners?
sinners?
But,
But, besides
besides that,
that, we find he also gave direct
direct instructions
instructions with
with regard
weeping and tears: "All
to weeping "Allthe saints and the monks
the saints monks who have renounced
renounced
the world wept
wept all their
their life
life in expectation
expectation ooff eternal
eternal consolation,
consolation, accord
accord-­
ing
ing to the assurance
assurance ooff the Saviour
Saviour ooff the world. 'Blessed are they who
comforted.' (Matt. 5:4) So
weep, for they shall be comforted/ So we
we too must
must weep
weep for
the remission
remission ooff our sins. Let
Let the words
words of the
the purple -robed Prophet
purple-robed Prophet con
con-­
vince us: ''Going
Going they went
went and wept as they cast their
their seeds; but
but they will
will
come with
with joy,
joy, bringing
bringing their
their sheaves,
sheaves,'' (Ps.
(Ps. 125:6) and the words
words oofIsaac
f Isaac
the Syrian: ''Moisten
Moisten your
your cheek
cheek with the tears ooff your
your eyes,
eyes, that
that the Holy
Holy
Spirit
Spirit may
may rest upon
upon you
you and that
that you may wash
wash away the
the foulness
foulness ooff your
your
wrong -doing. Propitiate
wrong-doing. Propitiate your
your Lord
Lord with
with tears that
that He may come to you.
you.''
(Chap. 68) He
He who sheds tears ooff com punction has his heart
compunction heart illumined
illumined
by the rays
rays ooff the Sun
Sun ooff Righteousness,
Righteousness, Christ
Christ G o d ! ""
God!
But then
But then how are we to reconcile
reconcile with this penitent
penitent attitude
attitude the radi
radi-­
ant joy ooff Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim and his joyful greetings
greetings to his visitors:
visitors: ""my joy,"
my joy, "
"my treasure
"my treasure"" and the like?
We must
must stop for a m oment and give
moment give this our
our special
special attention.
attention. The
reason
reason is
is this. In the
the minds
minds ooff many
many there
there has arisen
arisen an erroneous
erroneous opin
opin-­
ion as to Fr.
ion Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim's's appearance.
appearance. And
And this one
one-sided interpretation
-sided interpretation
spread throughout
has spread throughout Christendom.
Christendom. Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim's's Christianity,
Christianity, they
say, seems different
say, different from that
that ooff other
other Orthodox
Orthodox saints.
saints. Theirs is
is more
rigorous, penitential,
rigorous, penitential, ascetic, but Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim's's is
is consoling,
consoling, encourag
encourag-­
ing,
ing, joyful, if
if not
not to say,
say, merry.
And then
then without
without going the way
way ooff penitence,
penitence, people
people try to live joy
joy-­
fully, and fall.
We must
We must correct
correct this erroneous
erroneous view, which
which is
is rather
rather widely
widely held
held
among
among educated
educated Christians.
Christians. If Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim's's way and appearance
appearance were
really different
different from that
that ooff other
other Orthodox
Orthodox saints,
saints, this alone
alone ought
ought to

229
 A N E X T R A0 R D I N A RY P EAC £

make
make us,
us, who
who are
are faithful
faithful to
to Orthodoxy,
Orthodoxy, think.
think. And
And ititshould
should put
putus
us on
on
our
our guard
guard and
and ask
ask ourselves:
ourselves: "Is
"Is the
the Saint's
Sain ts way
way right?"
right? " But
But as
as no
no one
one
shows
shows any
any doubts
doubts on
on that
that score,
score, we
we must
must question
question the
the judgment
judgment of
o f our
our
contemporaries. For
contemporaries. For the
the salvation
salvation of
o f the
the sinful
sinful world
world there
there isis no
no other
other
way
waythan
than repentance
repentance and
and aa laborious
laborious struggle.
struggle. This
This isisthe
the inevitable
inevitable law
law
for all
for all Christians.
Christians. And
And Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim went
wentthrough
through itit all.
all.
One
One need
need only
only remember
rememberhis
his one
onethousand
thousand days
daysstanding
standingon
on aastone
stone
with
with the
the ceaseless
ceaseless penitent
penitent cry:
cry: God,
God, be
be merciful
merciful toto me sinner; But
me aa sinner. But even
even
ifif he
he followed
followed aa lighter,
lighter, easier
easier way
way (the
(the inner
inner life
life of
o f the
the saints
saints isis really
really
hidden
hidden from
from us),
us), those
those who
who came
came to
to him
him were
were nevertheless
nevertheless ordinary
ordinary
people,
people, bearing
bearing all
all their
their infirmities
infirmities such
such as
as they
they have
have "from
" from the
the days
days of
of
John
John the
the Baptist
Baptist until
until now,"
now," when,
when, according
according to
to the
the words
wordsof
o fTruth
Truth Itself,
Itself,
"the
" the Kingdom
Kingdom of
o fHeaven
Heaven suffers
suffersviolence,
violence, and
and the
theviolent
violent take
take ititby
byforce."
force."
(Matt.
(Matt. 11:12)
11:12) And
And ifif so,
so, they
they needed
needed the
the way
way of
o fpenitence
penitence which
which isis com-
com ­
mon to
mon to all.
all. Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim could
could teach
teach them
them no
no other
other way
way than
than through
through
the narrow
the narrow gate.
gate. He
He would
would not
not have
have lured
lured them
them through
through the
the temptation
temptation
of
o f the
the "broad
" broad and
and wide
wide way,"
way," the
the easy
easy and
and pleasant
pleasant path
path "that
"that leads
leads to
to
destruction," and
destruction," and by
by which
which unfortunately
unfortunately many
many of
o fus
us are
are already
already going.
going.
(See Matt.
(See Matt. 7:13)
7:13)
Afteran
After an attentive
attentiveperusal
perusalof
o fthe
theSaint's
Saint'slife
lifeititwill
will be
bequite
quiteobvious
obviousthat
that
he
hewent
wentthe
the narrow
narrowway,
way, the
theway
wayof
o fthe
thecross,
cross, so
so that
that ititisisoften
often painful
painful to
to
write,
write, to
to read,
read, or
orto
to hear
hearabout
abouthis
hislabours.
labours.And
Andwhat
whatdo
dowe
weknow
knowof
o fthem?
them?
AA tiny
tiny drop,
drop, only
only aa fraction
fraction of
o f them.
them. ItIt isis sufficient
sufficient to
to read
read Motovilov's
Motovilov 's
temptation about
temptation about the
the torments
torments of
o f hell
hell (see
(see Chapter
Chapter 19)
19) to
to feel
feel terrified.
terrified.
And
And St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim himself
him selfhad
had to
to endure
endure aacruel
cruel struggle
strugglewith
with the
the powers
powers
of
o fdarkness.
darkness. There
There were
were in
in fact
factall
all kinds
kinds of
o ftemptations,
temptations, and
and people,
people, and
and
incredible
incredible fastings,
fastings, and
and exhaustion.
exhaustion.
Havinggone
Having gone the
the way
way of
ofthe
the cross,
cross, the
the holy
holy ascetic
ascetic reached
reached while
while still
still
on
on earth
earth that
thatblessed
blessedstate
statewhich
which isisprepared
preparedby
bythe
the Father
Fatherin
inthe
the Heavenly
Heavenly
Kingdom
Kingdom for
forthose
thosewho
who love
loveHim.
Him.And
Andthough
though he
he never
neverdesponded,
desponded, being
being
pure
pure in
in heart,
heart, and
and always
always enjoyed
enjoyed peace
peace of
o fsoul,
soul, as
asone
onewho
who had
had kept
keptthe
the
grace
graceof
o fbaptism
baptism unstained,
unstained, yet
yetwe
wemust
mustnot
notforget
forgetthat
thatthe
thefiery
fierySeraphim
Seraphim
reached
reached aa state
state of
o f complete
complete joy
joy only
only towards
towards the
the close
close of
o f his
his ascetic
ascetic life.
life.

230
 I ” I D , Ii! i Ss,('

God
God alone
alone knows
knows how
how much tim e and
much time and labour
labour he had previously spent
had previously spent in
the
the monastery,
monastery, in the
the hermitage,
hermitage, in quiet,
quiet, and
and in seclusion.
seclusion.
But when
when a Christian
Christian attains the heights
attains the heights ooff sanctity,
sanctity, then sheds
then he sheds
his joy,
joy, like the
the sun,
sun, on all without
without distinction,
distinction, both
both on the
the good
good and
and on
the
the evil, on the just and
the just and on the unjust. (See Matt. 5:45) This may
the unjust. may explain,
explain,
among
among other
other things,
things, his kindness
kindness to the novice Ivan Tikhonov
the novice Tikhonov who
who later
later
caused much
caused much sorrow
sorrow to his orphans and whose
orphans and soul he had
whose soul had seen
seen a long
tim e previously.
time previously.
Besides, everyone
everyone knows
knows that true joy is the
that true the fruit
fruit and companion o
and companion off
the
the cross. And in repentance
repentance we always feel the
the consolation
consolation o
off grace. In
fact, without
without it there
there is only
only death
death and delusion.
and delusion.
But we must
must take
take into special consideration
into special consideration the
the good
good aim the
the man
man
o f God
of God had
had in view when
when he so joyfully
joyfully received
received his visitors.
visitors. Most o
off the
the
people
people who
who came
came to him
him were in trouble,
trouble, in despondency,
despondency, sick in soul
soul or
in body, often
often living
living in sin. And they
they were all in need o f encouragement,
need of encouragement,
kindness,
kindness, peace, joy.
joy. They all had
had enough sorrow o
enough sorrow off their
their own.
own. What
What they
they
lacked
lacked was the
the warmth
warmth ooff God. This grace had
had been
been given to the
the man
man of
God by the Comforter, and
the Comforter, and he diffused
diffused it all around him.
around him.
Consolation and
Consolation and encouragement
encouragement is especially
especially necessary
necessary at the
the begin-
begin ­
ning
ning of the
the spiritual
spiritual life, and
and particularly
particularly for weak and sinful
weak and people, in
sinful people,
order
order to kindle
kindle fervor
fervor in them.
them. Only
Only after
after having
having been
been strengthened
strengthened can
they
they live on the
the solid
solid food
food ooff contrition
contrition and
and tears. the festive joy
tears. Besides, the
which
which they
they received
received from
from St. Seraphim was usually
St. Seraphim usually the beginning of
the beginning o f sub-
sub ­
sequent spiritual labours
sequent spiritual labours and
and a life ooff penitence,
penitence, of a desire
desire to amend,
amend, to
change, to expiate
change, former sins, to be reborn
expiate former reborn in the
the Holy
Holy Spirit. How
How many
many
examples
examples we have seen
seen of people
people leaving poor " Seraphim's
leaving ""poor" Seraphim 's cell or her
her-­
mitage
mitage in tears!
tears! How many deep confessions
many deep confessions were heard the walls
heard by the walls of
St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim'ss cell! And for the most part
the most this was brought
part this brought about the
about by the
joyful
joyful and gentle love o
and gentle off the Christlike father.
the Christlike father. It was not
not for nothing
nothing that
that
on taking
taking leave of
o f Father
Father Antony, the future abbot
the future abbot ooff the
the Monastery the
Monastery of the
Holy Trinity
Trinity and
and St. Sergius, the
the collaborator
collaborator ooff the
the austere
austere M etropolitan
Metropolitan
Philaret
Philaret ooff Moscow, St. Seraphim
Seraphim gave him the following
him the commandment:
following commandment:
Submit in everything
""Submit everything to the
the will
will ooff the
the Lord, be diligent
diligent in prayer, carry
carry

231
A\A n Fx p ' ('i' s!\,\iI\
I •. i(\(!!i ! ’ r : PH
I F

outyour
out yourduties
duties strictly,
strictly, be
be merciful
merciful and
and indulgent
indulgentwith
with the
the brethren.
brethren. Be
Be
aa mother,
mother, and
and not
not aa father,
father, to
to the
the brethren,"
brethren/ ' he
he said,
said, "and
"and in
in general
general be
be
merciful to
merciful to all
all and
and humble."
humble." And
And he
he was
was just
justsuch
such aatender
tender mother
motherhim-
him ­
self, especially
self, especially to
to his
his "little
" little orphans"
orphans " of
o fDiveyev.
Diveyev.
"HaveIInot
"Have notbegotten
begottenyou
you in
inthe
theSpirit
Spirit? heoften
"uhe
i "!' oftenused
usedtotosay
saytotothem.
them.
And you
And you should
should have
have seen
seen how
how they
they were
were reborn
reborn by
by that
that joyful
joyful love!
love! II
shall mention
shall mention aatouching
touching incident
incidentand
and then
then bring
bringthis
this chapter
chapterto
to an
anend.
end.
XeniaVasilievna,
Xenia Vasilievna, one
one of
o fthe
the Diveyev
Diveyevsisters
sisterswho
whowas
wasnearest
nearesttotothe
theSaint,
Saint,
tells the
tells the following:
following:

Once IIbegan
Once began to to complain
complain about
aboutmyself
myselfof ofmy myhot
hottemper
temperand and im-
im ­
petuous character,
petuous character, but butFather
Fatheronlyonlysaid:
said: "What
" Whatareareyou
youtalking
talkingabout,
about,
mother?
mother?What Whatare areyou
youtalking
talkingabout?
about?You Youhave havethe
themost
mostbeautiful,
beautiful,
gentle
gentlecharacter,
character, mother,
mother, thethemost
mostlovely,
lovely, peaceful.
peaceful, meek
meekcharacter."
character."
And
And he hesaid
said ititwith
with such
such aaserene
sereneexpression
expressionand andso sohumbly
humblythat thathis
his
words
words "gentle
"gentleand and meek"
meek " seemed
seemedworse
worseto to memethan
than any
anyscolding.
scolding.AndAnd
IIfelt
feltsoso ashamed
ashamedthat thatIIdid
didnotnotknow
knowwhich
whichway waytoto look.
look.And
AndIIbegan
began
to
to subdue
subduemy myhot hottemper
temperlittle
littleby
bylittle.
little. IIhad
had always
alwaysbeen
beensevere
severeand
and
strict. Father
strict. Fatherforbade
forbademe meto tobebetoo
too strict
strictwith
withthetheyoung
youngsisters.
sisters. On
Onthethe
contrary, he
contrary, heordered
ordered me meto to encourage
encourage them.
them.And Andthough
though he hedid
didnot
not
permit
permitfrivolous
frivoloustalk talkororgossip,
gossip, he henever
neverforbade
forbadeanyone
anyoneto tobebecheerful.
cheerful.
He
Hewould
would ask askforforinstance:
instance: "Tell
"Tell me,
me, mother,
mother, do doyou
youhave
havelunch
lunchwith
with
the
thesisters?"
sisters? "

"No,
"No, Father,"
Father," IIreplied.
replied.

"How
"How isisthat,
that, mother?
mother? No,No, my
myjoy,
joy, ififyou
youdon't
don 'twant
wantto toeat,
eat, don't,
don 't, but
but
always
alwayssitsitat
atthe
thetable
tablewith
with them.
them. You
Youknow,
know, they
theywill
willcome
cometired
tiredandand
depressed, but
depressed, butwhen
whentheytheysee
seeyou
yousitting
sittingamong
amongthem,
them, affectionate
affectionate
and
and cheerful.
cheerful, and
and iningood
good spirits,
spirits, they
theywill
willalso
also feel
feelcheerful
cheerfuland andglad-
glad ­
dened,
dened, and
andwill
will eat
eatall
allthe
thebetter,
better,with
withgreat
greatjoy.
joy.Cheerfulness
Cheerfulness isisnot notaa
sin, mother. ItItdrives
sin, mother. drivesaway
awayweariness,
weariness, which
whichbreeds
breedsdespondency.
despondency.And And
thereisisnothing
there nothingworse
worsethanthan that;
that; ititbrings
bringseverything
everythingevil evil ininits
itswake.
wake.
Tosay
To sayaakind,
kind, cheerful
cheerfulword word in
inorder
orderthatthatall
all may
maybebeininthethepresence
presenceof of
the
the Lord
Lord ininaacheerful
cheerful and and not
notin
inaadespondent
despondentspirit.
spirit, isisnot
notatatall
allsin-
sin ­
ful, mother."
ful. mother."

II11 See
SeeI ICor.
Cor.4:15;
4:15; Phil.
Phil. 10.
10.

232
 Chapter 15

A mazing W
AMAZING WONDERWORKER
onderworker

R EJOICE
e jo ic e

in the
ever know
St. Seraphim,
St.
the Akathist
Seraphim, Wonderworker
Akathist to the
know all the
Wonderworker of
the holy servant
wonders which
the wonders
Sarov!"" the
o f Sarov!
servant ooff God. No one
which were worked
Church now sings
the Church
one knows
worked by God through
knows or will
through His ""sin-
sin ­
servant, poor
ful servant, poor Seraphim."
Seraphim."
""I, sinful Seraphim,
I, sinful Seraphim, consider
consider myself
myself a sinful
sinful servant
servant of and what
o f God, and what
the Lord tells
the tells me as His servant
servant I pass on to those need ooff benefit.
those in need benefit. Like
iron to the
iron the smith, surrendered myself
smith, so I have surrendered and my will to the
m yself and the Lord
God. As He wills, so I act.
act."" These the Sain
These were the Saint's words to Fr.
ts words Fr. Antony,
Antony,
Abbot off Vysogorsk,
Abbot o Vysogorsk, in explanation
explanation ooff his spiritual
spiritual insight.
insight. But the
the same
same
must be said of all his other
must other wonders. Everything was done
wonders. Everything and through
done in and through
the Lord God. There
him by the other explanation.
There can be no other explanation. Besides, it is
unnecessary. To
unnecessary. To a believer,
believer, miracles
miracles are both
both simple
simple and
and necessary,
necessary, for
God can do everything.
everything. In the off an unbeliever,
the case o unbeliever, the
the irrefutable
irrefutable facts
remain: there
remain: there are deeds
deeds which
which are too numerous
numerous to be denied and which
denied and which
man to think
force a man think and stand lost in amazement.
and to stand amazement.
And for us, these
And these works
works ooff God are not
not only
only instructive
instructive and
and edifying,
edifying,
but they
but they are, so to say,
say, windows
windows into
into the
the other
other world.
world. Through them we
Through them
become aware
become aware ooff the
the reality
reality ooff ""that the mere
that world." And the mere fact that re-­
that it re
ally exists is both
both a joy and
and consolation
consolation to us. The existence
existence ooff the
the other
other
world is proved
world proved neither
neither by syllogisms
syllogisms nor
nor by our
our feelings
feelings and
and wishes,
wishes, but
but
by its irrefutable existence, that
irrefutable existence, that is, by spontaneous
spontaneous self
self-revelation.
-revelation. It has
been revealed
been revealed tim
timee after timee through
after tim through St.
St. Seraphim.
Seraphim. And it is particularly
particularly
comforting and
comforting and convincing
convincing to know
know that
that all these
these miracles
miracles occurred
occurred al-
al ­
most our life
most in our life-time.
- time.
timee to enjoy
But it is tim enjoy the
the wonderful
wonderful spectacle
spectacle ooff the
the miracles
miracles ooff God.

233
 An 1 ;' f' > ■^ V >

Theyare
They aresosonumerous
numerousthat
thatone
onehardly
hardlyknows
knowswhere
wheretotobegin.
begin.And
AndGod
God
aloneknows
alone knowshow
howmany
manyhave
haveremained
remainedunrecorded.
unrecorded.All
AllRussia
Russiaabounds
abounds
inintales
talesabout
aboutthe
themiracles
miraclesofo f"Fr.
"Fr.Seraphim."
Seraphim."
Andhe
And hestill
stillcontinues
continuestotowork
workmiracles,
miracles,even
evenbeyond
beyondthe
theborders
bordersofo f
hisnative
his nativeland.
land.Our
Ourboundaries
boundariesand
andfrontiers
frontiersdo
donot
notexist
existfor
forthe
thesaints.
saints.
Theybelong
They belongtotoeveryone
everyoneand
andcan
canbebeeverywhere.
everywhere.Just
JustasasGod
Godisisevery-
every ­
where,and
where, andthey
theyare
areininCod.'
God,1sosothey
theyare
areeverywhere
everywhereininHim.
Him.
MiraclesininFr.
Miracles Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'slife
lifebegan,
began,asaswe
weknow,
know,ininhis
hisearly
earlychild-
child ­
hood.He
hood. Hefell
felldown
downunhurt
unhurtfrom
fromthe
thebell-tower
bell - towerininKursk;
Kursk;hehewas
washealed
healed
bythe
by theikon
ikonofofOur
OurLady
Ladyofo fthe
theRoot
Rootwhile
whilehe
hewas
wasstill
stillininthe
theworld.
world.InIn
themonastery,
the monastery,aamiraculous
miraculouscure
curewas
waseffected
effectedthrough
throughthe
theintervention
intervention
ofo fthe
themost
mostholy
holyMother
Motherofo fGod
Godwho
whoappeared
appearedtotohim
himtwelve
twelvetimes,
times,ac-
ac­
cordingtotohis
cording hisown
ownwords.
words.Then
Thenhe
hehad
hada astrikingly
strikinglyheavenly
heavenlyvision
visionofo f
ourLord
our LordJesus
JesusChrist
Christinincompany
companywith
witha ahost
hostofo fangels,
angels,while
whilehe
hewas
wasas-
as ­
sistingatatthe
sisting theLiturgy
Liturgyasasa adeacon.
deacon.And
Andthere
thereare
aremany
manyfacts
factsthat
thatare-hu-
are —hu ­
m anlyspeaking-quite
manly speaking —quiteincredible
incredibleconnected
connectedwith
withthe
thefoundation
foundationofo fhis
his
favoritework-Diveyev.
favorite work —Diveyev.But
Butnow
nowlet
letusustake
takethe
themost
mostimportant
im portantofo fhis
his
innumerablemiracles.
innumerable miracles.
Theearlier
The earlierbiographies
biographiesusually
usuallybegan
beganwith
witha acase
caseofo f"foresight.'?
" foresight." 2Let
Let
ususdo
dothe
thesame.
same.ItItisiseasy
easytotosee
seeininitithow
how"simple"
" simple "ititisisfor
forsaints
saintstotowork
work
miracles.I Ishall
miracles. shallcopy
copyititstraight
straightout
outofo fthe
theChronicle.
Chronicle.

Oncea asimple
Once simplepeasant
peasantwith
withhis
hiscap
capininhis
hishand
handand
andhis
hishair
hairdisheveled,
disheveled,
camerunning
came runningtotothe
themonastery
monasteryand,
and,inindespair,
despair,asked
askedthe
thefirst
firstmonk
monk
whomhehemet:
whom met:"Father,
"Father,are
areyou
youbybychance
chanceFr.
Fr.Seraphim?"
Seraphim? "

Theydirected
They directedhim
himtotoFr.
Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim.He
Herushed
rushedthere,
there,fell
fellatatthe
theSaint's
Saint's
feetand
feet andsaid
saidimploringly:
imploringly:"Father!
"Father!I Ihave
havebeen
beenrobbed
robbedofofmy
myhorse,
horse,

1 John
John17:20-23
17:20 -23
2 2 "Divination"
"Divination"per
perFr.
Fr.Lazarus,
Lazarus,ororclairvoyance,
clairvoyance,meaning
meaning"clear
"clearvision."
vision."Rather
Ratherthan
than
somesort
some sortofofspecial
specialability
abilitygiven
givenasasa areward
rewardtotothethehighly
highlyadvanced
advancedininthe thespiritual
spirituallife,
life,
clairvoyance,ororforesight,
clairvoyance, foresight,seems
seemstotobebeoneoneofofthe
thenatural
naturalresults
resultsofofthe
thedeeply
deeplyhumbled
humbled
heartininrestored
heart restoredcommunion
communionwith withall
allthings.
things.Certain
Certainholyholyelders
eldershave
haveacquired
acquiredthis
thisgift
gift
throughthe
through thecenturies,
centuries,enabling
enablingthem
themtotoknowknowfacts
factsororoccurrences
occurrenceswhich
whichtheytheycould
couldhave
have
nonoway
wayofofknowing
knowingininthe thenatural
naturalworld.-ed.
world.—ed.

234
 and
and now
now without
without it,
it, II am
am quite
quite aa beggar.
beggar. II do
do not
not know
know how
how II shall
shall
feed
feed my
my family.
family. But
But they
they say
say you
you have
have foresight.
foresight.""
Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim took
took him
him affectionately
affectionately by
by the
the head
head and, putting
putting itit close
to
to his
his own,
own, he
he said:
said: ""Wrap
Wrap yourself
yourself in
in silence and
and hasten
hasten to
to the
the vil
vil-­
lage
lage of (he named
of(he named it).
it). When
When you
you come
come toto it,
it, turn
turn off
off the
the road
road to
to the
the
right
right and
and pass
pass along
along the
the back -yards of
back-yards of four
four houses.
houses. There you
you will
will see
see aa
small
small wicket -gate. Go
wicket-gate. Go in,
in, untie
untie your
your horse
horse from
from the
the log
log and lead
lead itit out
out
without
without a word.
word.""
The peasant
peasant immediately
immediately ran
ran back
back with
with faith
faith and
and joy
joy without
without stopping
stopping
anywhere.
anywhere. There was a rum or in
rumor in Sarov afterwards
afterwards that
that he
he had
had actually
actually
found
found his
his horse
horse at
at the
the placed
placed indicated.
indicated.
The
The peasant
peasant had
had come
come to
to Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim well
well informed.
informed. ""They
They say you
you
have
have foresight.
foresight." " It
It means
means that
that there
there had
had been
been so many
many miracles
miracles of this
this kind
kind
that
that reports
reports had
had long
long since
since spread
spread among
among the
the people
people and
and had
had taken
taken root.
root.
In Sarov
Sarov there
there is a monk
monk with
with the
the gift
gift ooff spiritual
spiritual insight
insight=-—Fr. Seraphim!
Seraphim!
And
And so people
people who
who sought
sought the
the mercy
mercy ooff God
God flocked
flocked to him.
him.

Two
Two Diveyev
Diveyev sisters,
sisters, Aquilina
Aquilina and
and Maria,
Maria, were
were in
in his
his anteroom,
anteroom, when
when
he said
said to them
them: : ""Stand
Stand aside,
aside, stand
stand aside,
aside, mothers,
mothers, many
many ladies
ladies and
and
gentlemen
gentlemen are
are coming
coming to see m e! "
me!"
Aquilina
Aquilina recounts
recounts the
the scene
scene for us:
But there
there was no one there
there at all, and
and no one in sight. Of course,
course, he
could
could see everything
everything at a distance,
distance, for in a very short
short time,
time, a m at ­
mat-
ter of minutes,
minutes, there
there really
really came
came many
many visitors.
visitors. We stepped
stepped aside and
listened:
listened:
"This is my daughter,
daughter, Father,
Father,"" said a lady
lady.
"And this
this is my son,
son,"" said a gentleman.
gentleman. "Bless him
him to take
take her, the
daughter
daughter I mean,
mean, in marriage.
marriage.""
"No, no,
no,"" replied
replied Fr. Seraphim. "He must
Fr. Seraphim. marry the
must marry one who
the one who was left
there.
there. And she will
will m arry the one
marry one who lives here near
near you.
you."" And Father
Father
mentioned
mentioned the
the names
names of all the
the places, which
which I do not
not remember
remember now.
But how did
did he know
know everything
everything in advance,
advance, and
and about
about everyone?
everyone? It is
really just marvelous!
really just marvelous!

235
 A N E\rl~AUHI)IN,\HY
AN E X T R A (A R [)IN A R V PEA€ E
PrAeL

But
Butititisisstill
still more
moremarvelous
marvelouswhen
when he
heforesaw
foresawthe
thefuture
futuremany
manyyears
years
inin advance:
advance: life
lifeand
and death,
death, poverty
poverty and
and prosperity,
prosperity, marriage
marriage or
orthe
the mo-
m o­
nastic
nastic life,
life, and
and so
so on
on without
without end.
end. Let
Letus
us mention
m ention two
two more
more cases,
cases, one
one
from
fromthe
themarried
marriedand
andone
onefrom
fromthe
themonastic
monasticlife,
life,which
whichare
areboth
bothedifying.
edifying.

AA widow,
widow, who
who had
had three
three small
sm all children
children and
and was
was burdened
burdened with
with
their upbringing,
their upbringing, often
often complained
complained of
o fher
her bitter
bitter fate.
fate. Having
Having heard
heard of
of
Fr.
Fr. Seraphim's
Seraphim 's kindness,
kindness, she
shedecided
decidedto
to apply
applyto
to him
him in
in order
ordertoto ask
askhis
his
blessingand
blessing andtell
tellhim
himher
hergrief.
grief.Having
Havingblessed
blessedher,
her,the
theElder
Eldersaid:
said: "Do
" Donot
not
murmur
murmuratatyour
yourfate.
fate.Your
Yoursorrow
sorrowwill
willsoon
soonend.
end.She
Shewill
willbe
beyour
yoursupport."
support."
AAweek
weeklater
latertwo
twoof
ofher
herchildren
childrendied.
died.The
Themother
motherwas
wasstruck
struckby
bytheir
their
unexpected
unexpected death
death and
andwent
wentagain
again toto Fr.
Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. When
W hen the
the Elder
Eldersaw
saw
her,
her, he
heanticipated
anticipatedher
herwords
wordsand
andsaid:
said: "Pray
"Praytotoour
ourmediatress,
mediatress,the
themost
most
holyMother
holy Motherof
o fGod
Godand
andto
toall
allthe
thesaints.
saints.You
Youhave
havegreatly
greatlyoffended
offendedthem
them
bycursing
by cursingyour
yourchildren.
children.Confess
Confesseverything
everythingto
toyour
yourspiritual
spiritualfather,
father,and
and
ininfuture,
future,control
controlyour
youranger,
anger,so
soas
asnot
nottotobe
beaagreat
greatsinner.
sinner.IIbless
blessyou
youfor
for
the
the last
lasttime;
tim e; only
onlyforgive
forgivethem.
them.

On
Onanother
anotheroccasion,
occasion,aayoung
younggirl
girlcame
cameto
tohim
himtotoask
askthe
theholy
holyElder's
Elders
advice
advice as
as to
to how
how toto save
save her
her soul.
soul. But
But before
before she
she had
had time
tim e to
to open
open her
her
mouth, Fr.
mouth, Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim began
began to
to speak
speak toto her
her himself:
him self: "Do
" Do not
not be
be over-
over­
anxious. Live
anxious. Liveas
asyou
youhave
havebeen
beenliving.
living.As
Asregards
regardshigher
higherthings,
things, God
Godwill
will
teach
teachyou
you Himself."
Himself."
Then, bowing
Then, bowing to
to her
her on
on the
the ground,
ground, he
he said:
said: "Only
" Only one
one thing
thing IIask
ask
you.
you. Please,
Please, see
seethat
thatall
allyour
yourorders
orders are
are carried
carried out;
out; and
and judge
judge justly.
justly. In
In
thisway
this wayyou
youwill
willbe
besaved."
saved."
Thegirl
The girlhad
hadnever
neverthought
thoughtof
o fthe
themonastic
m onasticlife,
life, so
soshe
shewould
wouldnot
notun-
un ­
derstandwhat
derstand whatorders
ordersthe
theElder
Elderwas
wasreferring
referringto,
to,when
whenhe
hebowed
boweddown
downto
to
the
the ground.
ground. But,
But, reading
readingher
hersecret
secretthoughts,
thoughts, he
headded:
added: "When
" Whenthe
thetime
time
comes,
comes, then
thenyou
youwill
willremember
rememberme."
me."
The
The girl
girl asked
asked Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim whether
whether God
God would
would grant
grant her
her another
another

236
 A m a\ / v. W o n\ d l r w o r k j; r

interview.
interview. ""No,"
No," he replied,
replied, "we are parting
parting for ever, and
and that
that is why I ask
you not
not to forget me in your
your holy prayers."
The girl in her turn
turn asked
asked him to pray for her. "I
"I shall
shall pray. And now
go in peace. They are already
already grumbling
grumbling at you.
you."" And in fact her fellow
fellow--
travelers
travelers met her in the
the monastery
monastery hospice
hospice with
with a sharp
sharp complaint
complaint for her
delay
delay in Fathers
Father's cell. Later she embraced
embraced monasticism
monasticism under
under the name
name of
Callista
Callista and
and becam
becamee an abbess
abbess in the
the Convent
Convent of Sviazhak
Sviazhak ooff the
the Khazak
Khazak
district.
district. That
That is why Father
Father had
had bowed
bowed down
down to the
the ground
ground to her and
and
had
had addressed
addressed her respectfully
respectfully as an abbess.
abbess.

The wonderful
wonderful cures of sick people
people are no less numerous.
numerous. His first spiri
spiri-­
tual
tual healing,
healing, according
according to his own testimony,
testimony, was effected
effected on his favorite
favorite
and
and ever - obedient novice ""Mishenka,"
ever-obedient Mishenka," Michael
Michael Vasilievitch
Vasilievitch Manturov.
Manturov.
W hen he was serving
When serving in the army
army in Lithuania,
Lithuania, he probably
probably caught
caught
cold and
and therefore
therefore he returned
returned to his estate
estate Nootchy
Nootchy which
which lay in the
province
province ooff Nizhni -Novgorod, forty
Nizhni-Novgorod, forty versts from Sarov,3and
Sarov.land applied
applied to
physicians
physicians for medical
medical treatment.
treatment. But his illness not only did not
not improve,
improve,
but
but it grew to menacing
menacing proportions:
proportions: bits of bone
bone began
began to fall from his
legs. Hearing
Hearing of the
the ascetic of Sarov, Manturov
Manturov decided
decided to apply
apply to him
for help. He was brought
brought with
with great
great difficulty
difficulty by his serfs into the ante
ante-­
room ooff the
the Elder's cell. Father
Father came
came out
out and
and asked him kindly: What is
kindly: ""What
it you want?
want? To
To look at poor
poor Seraphim
Seraphim?"? "
But Manturov
Manturov fell at his feet in tears
tears and
and begged
begged him to heal him from
an incurable
incurable disease.
disease. Then Father
Father asked him three
three times
times with
with the
the deepest
deepest
sympathy
sympathy and
and fatherly
fatherly love: ""00
Do you believe
believe in God?
God?""
And having
having received a thrice -repeated vigorous
thrice-repeated vigorous affirmation
affirmation ooff his sin
sin-­
cere and
and absolute
absolute faith
faith in God, St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim said: "My
"My joy,
joy, if you have
such faith,
faith, believe
believe also that
that to a believer
believer everything
everything is possible
possible through
through
God. And I,
1, poor
poor Seraphim,
Seraphim, shall
shall pray."
After this,
this, Father
Father seated
seated Manturov
Manturov near
near the
the coffin which
which stood
stood in his
ante - room, while
ante-room, while he him self retired
himself retired to his cell. After a short
short interval
interval he
3 About
About 26 miles,
miles, or 42 km.
km.

237
'\A '\N LE \X i1" R \A 0 R (1I)!\ N A R..,Y PPl..\
R A(C i E

came out
came out with
with some
some oil
oil in
in his
his hands
hands and
and told
told the
the patient
patient to
to strip
strip his
his legs.
legs.
"According to
"According to the
the grace
grace given
given me
me by
by the
the Lord,
Lord, you
you are
are the
the first
first whom
whom II
heal," he
heal," he said,
said, and
and he
he anointed
anointed the
the diseased
diseased legs
legs with
with oil.
oil.
Then he
Then he pulled
pulled on
on his
his legs
legs linen
linen stockings
stockings which
which had
had been
been brought
brought
to him
to him as
as aa gift
gift by
by some
some peasants,
peasants, brought
brought out
out of
o f his
his cell
cell aa great
great quantity
quantity
o f dry
of dry bread,
bread, emptied
emptied itit into
into the
the flaps
flaps of
o f his
his client's
client's coat,
coat, and
and then
then told
told
him to
him to walk
walk with
with this
this load
load to
to the
the hostel.
hostel. Manturov
Manturov got
got up
up and
and walked,
walked,
not without
not without fear,
fear, but
but quite
quite firmly
firmly and
and feeling
feeling no
no pain
pain whatever.
whatever. Amazed
Amazed
and overjoyed
and overjoyed at
at the
the miracle,
miracle, he
he went
went back
back to
to Father,
Father, and
and throwing
throwing him-
him ­
self at
self at his
his feet
feet again,
again, began
began to
to kiss
kiss them
them rapturously,
rapturously, thanking
thanking him
him for
for
his cure.
his cure. But
But the
the great
great Elder
Elder raised
raised him
him from
from the
the ground
ground and
and said
said to
to him
him
sternly: "Is
sternly: "Is itit Seraphim's
Seraphim s work
work to
to kill
kill and
and to
to make
make alive,
alive, to
to bring
bring down
down
to hell
to hell and
and to
to raise
raise up
up again?
again? (1
(1 Kings
Kings 2:6)
2:6) What
What are
are you
you thinking
thinking of!
of!
This isis the
This the work
work of
o f the
the Lord
Lord alone,
alone, who
who does
does the
the will
will of
o f those
those who
who fear
fear
H im !4Give
Him!" Give thanks
thanks to
to the
the Lord
Lord Almighty
Almighty and
and to
to His
His immaculate
immaculate Mother."
Mother."
W ith these
With these words
words the
the Elder
Elder dismissed
dismissed the
the healed
healed man,
man, and
and Manturov
Manturov
returned with
returned with joy
joy to
to his
his estate,
estate, and
and to
to his
his wife
wife and
and sister.
sister.Their
Their joy
joytogether
together
was unbounded,
was unbounded, but
but they
they soon
soon forgot
forgot both
both the
the illness
illness and
and the
the healing.
healing.
Suddenly Michael
Suddenly Michael Vasilievitch
Vasilievitch remembered
remembered Fr.
Fr. Seraphim's
Seraphim s injunction
injunction to
to
thank God
thank God and
and the
the immaculate
immaculate Virgin.
Virgin. And
And he
he had
had not
not even
even thought
thought of
of
itit till
till then
then in
in his
his joy
joy and
and out
out of
o f forgetfulness.
forgetfulness. Abashed,
Abashed, he
he went
went to
to Father
Father
again. On
again. On meeting
meeting him,
him, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim said
said atat once:
once: "My
"My joy!
joy! Didn't
Didn 't we
we
promise to
promise to thank
thank the
the Lord
Lord for
for having
having restored
restored our
our life
life to
to us?"S
us? " 5
"I really
"I really do
do not
not know
know how,
how, Father,"
Father," said
said Manturov,
Manturov, amazed
amazed at
at his
his per-
per­
spicacity. "What
spicacity. " W hat do
do you
you command?"
com m and? "
Then the
Then the holy
holy Elder
Elder gave
gave him
him aapenetrating
penetrating glance, as ififhe
glance, as he foresaw
foresaw all
all
his future
his future in
in aa flash,
flash, and
and said
said merrily:
merrily: "Well,
"Well, my
my joy!
joy! All
All that
that you
you have,
have,
give to
give to the
the Lord,
Lord, and
and take
take upon
upon yourself
yourselfvoluntary
voluntary poverty."
poverty."
Manturov had
Manturov had not
not expected
expected this
this and
and was
was disconcerted.
disconcerted. He
He remem-
remem ­
bered among
bered among other
other things
things the
the rich
rich young
young man
man of
o fthe
the Gospel.
Gospel. (Matt.
(Matt. 19:22)
19:22)
The thought
The thought of
of his
his young
young wife,
wife, who
who moreover
moreover was
was aa Lutheran,
Lutheran, also
also came
came

44 Ps. 144:16.
Ps. 144:16.
55 See
See IIJohn
John 5:16.
5:16.

238
 A \\ :\ / 1 ;\ (, \V () \ D E K \\' t ) j~ !\ L !{

to
to his
his mind,
mind, and
and his
his impecunious
impecunious sister
sister who
who was
was dreaming
dreaming o
off a rich mar ­
rich mar-
riage. How were
riage. How were they
they to live?
live? Michael
Michael Vasilievitch
Vasilievitch was at a loss
was at loss to know
know
what
what to
to reply
reply to
to his
his benefactor,
benefactor, or
or rather,
rather, to God Himself.
God Himself.
The Saint read
The Saint read his thoughts and
his thoughts and interrupted
interrupted his
his troubled silence.
troubled silence.
"Leave everything
"Leave everything and
and do
do not
not worry
worry over
over what
what you are thinking
you are about.
thinking about.
The Lord will
The Lord will not leave you
not leave you either
either in this
this life
life or
or in the
the next.
next. You
You will not
will not
be
be rich,
rich, but still you
but still you will have your
will have your daily
daily bread.
bread." "
Ardent
Ardent in soul and
in soul and strong
strong in faith,
faith, resolute
resolute as an
an ex -soldier, Manturov
ex-soldier, Manturov
suddenly felt a change
suddenly felt change in his soul as well
his soul as a whole
well as - hearted love
whole-hearted for the
love for the
Saint, and he
Saint, and said firmly:
he said firmly: "I agree, Father! What
agree, Father! What do
do you
you bless me to
bless me to do?"
do? "
But
But the
the wise Elder, wishing
wise Elder, wishing to test
test the
the impetuous
impetuous novice,
novice, replied: "Well,
replied: "Well,
my
my joy, let
let us
us pray, and I shall
pray, and shall direct
direct you
you as God
God instructs me."
instructs me."
W ith that
With they parted
that they parted for
for the tim e being.
the time being. But
But the
the grace o f God
grace of God had
had
already
already united
united them for life
them for life in
in the
the work o f the
work of the building o f the
building of Diveyev
the Diveyev
Convent. Soon,
Convent. Soon, with
with St. Seraphim
Seraphim's s blessing,
blessing, Manturov
Manturov liberated his serfs,
liberated his serfs,
sold
sold his
his estate at Nootchy,
estate at N ootchy bought
bought a small
small plot
plot o f land of
ofland o f about
about forty
forty acres
acres
at Diveyev
at Diveyev and settled nearer
and settled to his
nearer to his Elder.
Elder. His friends laughed
His friends at him
laughed at and
him and
thought
thought he
he was quite mad.
was quite mad. His
His wife complained for
wife complained for a long time; being
long time; being
a Lutheran,
Lutheran, she
she had
had no
no inclination
inclination to lead an ascetic
lead an ascetic or
or frugal
frugal life. But
life. But
having
having once
once made
made this decision, Michael
this decision, Michael Vasilievitch abandoned him-
Vasilievitch abandoned him ­
self to the
self the will
will o
off the
the holy
holy Elder
Elder with
with unquestioning
unquestioning obedience, and bore
obedience, and bore
everything
everything without murmuring, humbly,
without murmuring, humbly, silently,
silently, and
and even generously.
even generously.
It was
was particularly
particularly difficult
difficult to deal with
to deal with his
his wife.
wife. Anna
Anna Michailovna
Michailovna
(his
(his wife)
wife) wrote
wrote afterwards:
afterwards:

I used
used to say to him,
him, "You
"You may respect
respect the
the Elder, you may
may love and
and
trust
trust him,
him, but
but not
not to such
such an eextent!"
xten t! " But Michael Vasilievitch would
Michael Vasilievitch would
listen,
listen, sigh, and remain silent.
and remain silent. This
This irritated
irritated me all the
the more.
more.

Once,
Once, when
when we had
had reached
reached such
such an extremity
extremity in winter
winter that
that we had
had
nothing
nothing to light
light our
our room
room with (and the
with (and the evenings
evenings are long, depress-
depress ­
ing, and dark), I felt very
and dark), bitter, began
very bitter, began to grumble
grumble and
and then
then gave
way to uncontrollable
uncontrollable weeping.
weeping. First,
First. I felt indignant
indignant with
with Michael
Michael
Vasilievitch, then
Vasilievitch, then with
with Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim himself,
himself, and
and then
then I began
began to
grumble
grumble andand to complain
complain of my bitter
bitter fate. All the
the while
while Michael
Michael

239
 An ! *
Vasilievitchkept
Vasilievitch keptsilent
silentand
andsighed.
sighed.

SuddenlyI heard
Suddenly I hearda acrackling
cracklingsound.
sound.I looked
I lookedup.
up.0 OLord!
Lord!Fear
Fearand
andhor-
hor ­
ror seized me! I was afraid to look, and I could not believe
ror seized me! I was afraid to look, and I could not believe my own my own
eyes.The
eyes. Theempty
emptylamp,
lamp,which
whichstood
stoodwithout
withoutoiloilbefore
beforethe
theikons,
ikons,sud-sud ­
denlybegan
denly begantotoburn
burnwith
witha abright
brightflame
flameand
andbecame
becamefull
fullofofoil.
oil.Then
Then
I burstinto
I burst intotears
tearsand
andrepeated
repeatedamidst
amidstmy
mysobs:
sobs:"Fr.
"Fr.Seraphim!
Seraphim!Saint
Saint
of God! Forgive me, a wretched, grumbling,
of God! Forgive me, a wretched, grumbling, unworthy creature, forfor
unworthy creature,
Christssake.
Christ's sake.I shall
I shallnever
neverdodoit itagain!"
ag ain ! "Even
Evennow,
now,I cannot
I cannotrecall
recallit it
withoutfear.
without fear.From
Fromthat
thattime
timeonwards
onwardsI neverI neverallowed
allowedmyself
myselftotomur-
mur ­
mur,and
mur, andhowever
howeverhard
hardit itwould
wouldbe,be,I bore
I boreeverything
everythingpatiently.
patiently

Afterwardsshe
Afterwards shebecame
becameOrthodox
Orthodoxand
andlived
livedasasa asecret
secretnun
nunininDiveyev.
Diveyev.
AndMichael
And MichaelVasilievitch
Vasilievitchcompletely
completelysurrendered
surrenderedhimself
him selftotoFather
Fatherand
andbe-
be ­
camehis
came hismost
mostfaithful
faithfulnovice
noviceand
anddearest
dearestfriend.
friend.That
Thatisiswhy
whyFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim
alwaysgave
always gavehim
himthe
theaffectionate
affectionatename
nameofo f"Mishenka"
" Mishenka "(Micky).
(Micky).This
Thiswas
was
thefirst
the firstmiracle
miracleofo fhealing,
healing,which
whichafterwards
afterwardsproved
provedsosobeneficial
beneficialfor
for
Diveyev;for
Diveyev; forManturov
Manturovbecame
becam ethe
theundisputed
undisputedexecutor
executorofo fFather's
Father'sor-
or ­
ders.Everyone
ders. Everyoneknew
knewit itand
andlooked
lookedupon
uponhim
himasasupon
uponthe
theElder
Elderhimself
him self
ininwhat
whatconcerned
concernedthe
theaffairs
affairsofofthe
theconvent.
convent.All
Allthis
thistook
tookplace
placeinin1822.
1822.

Thisreminds
This remindsususofofanother
anotherstill
stillmore
morewonderful
wonderfuloccurrence.
occurrence.Sister
Sister
XeniaVasilievna
Xenia Vasilievnaofo Diveyev,
f Diveyev,who
whowas
wasthe
thesacristan,"
sacristan,6came
cametotothe
theChurch
Church
ofofthe
theNativity
NativityofofChrist
Christininorder
ordertototrim
trimthe
thelamp,
lamp,which
whichwas
wasalways
alwayskept
kept
burningbefore
burning beforethe
theikon
ikonofo fthe
theSaviour,
Saviour,according
accordingtotoFather's
Father'sorder.
order.She
She
wenttotopour
went pourout
outthe
theremains
remainsofo fthe
theoiloilbefore
beforethe
theservice;
service;but
butthen
thenshe
she
sawthat
saw thatit ithad
hadallallburned
burnedout
outand
andthat
thatthe
thelamp
lamphad
hadgone
goneout.
out.She
Shebegan
began
totoreflect
reflectbitterly
bitterlythat
thatFr.
Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'sprediction
predictionabout
aboutthe
theever-burning
ever -burning
lamphad
lamp hadnot
notbeen
beenfulfilled,
fulfilled,though
thoughthe
thesisters
sistershad
hadtried
triedtotokeep
keephis
hisorder.
order.
IfIfso,
so,his
hisother
otherpredictions
predictionsabout
aboutthe
theconvent
conventmight
mightalso
alsoprove
proveunreliable.
unreliable.
Anddoubts
And doubtsasastotothe
theSaint's
Saint'sspiritual
spiritualinsight
insightassailed
assailedthe
thesoul
soulofo fone
oneofof
Father'smost
Father's mostfaithful
faithfuland
andintimate
intim atenovices.
novices.Covering
Coveringher
herface
facewith
withher
her
handsininbitter
hands bitterdisappointment,
disappointment,Xenia
Xeniawent
wenta afew
fewsteps
stepsaway
awayfrom
fromthe
the
ikonofo the
ikon f theSaviour.
Saviour.Suddenly
Suddenlyshe
sheheard
hearda acrackling
cracklingsound.
sound.

6 6 One
Onewho
whocares
caresforfor
thethechurch
churchand
anditsitsliturgical
liturgicalitems.
items.

240
 AA m \V onnN dDeLr!!wVVot} r\~k1\e Er Ii
\! a.\z!.i !n-,gC W

The
The Diveyev
Diveyev Chronicle
Chronicle records:
records:

Raising
Raising her
her head,
head, she
she saw
saw that
that the
the lamp
lamp was
was burning.
burning. She
She went
went up
up
closer
closer to
to itit and
and noticed
noticed that
that the
the glass
glass of
of the
the lamp
lamp was
was full
full of
of oil
oil and
and
that
that two
two silver
silver rubles
rubles were
were on
on the
the oil.
oil. In
In consternation
consternation she
she closed
closed the
the
church
church and
and hastened
hastened to
to tell
tell the
the wonderful
wonderful vision
vision to
to her
her spiritual
spiritual m oth ­
moth-
er,
er, Elena
Elena Vasilievna
Vasilievna Manturov.
Manturov. On
On her
her way
way she
she was
was overtaken
overtaken by
by aa sis
sis-­
ter
ter accompanied
accompanied by
by aa peasant
peasant who
who was
was looking
looking for
for the
the sacristan
sacristan and
and
wanted
wanted to
to give
give her
her something.
something. When
When the
the peasant
peasant saw
saw Xenia
Xenia Vasilievna,
Vasilievna,
he
he asked
asked her: Are you
her: ""Are you the
the sacristan
sacristan here,
here, m other? "
mother?"

I am,
""I am,"" replied
replied Xenia. What do
Xenia. ""What do you
you want?
want?""

As Fr.
""As Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim has
has given
given you
you an
an order
order about
about an
an ever -burning lamp,
ever-burning lamp, II
have
have brought
brought you
you three
three hundred
hundred rubles
rubles in
in paper
paper money
money for
for some
some oil
oil
for
for the
the lamp,
lamp, so
so that
that itit may
may burn
burn for
for the
the repose
repose of
of the
the souls
souls of
of my
my par
par-­
ents.
ents."" At
At the
the same
same time
time he
he gave
gave the
the names
names of
of his
his deceased
deceased parents
parents and
and
handed
handed over
over the
the money.
money.

Manturov
Manturov's 's sister,
sister, Elena
Elena Vasilievna,
Vasilievna, aa beautiful
beautiful seventeen -year-old girl,
seventeen-year-old girl,
was
was attracted
attracted by
by worldly
worldly pleasures.
pleasures. She
She liked
liked evening
evening parties
parties and
and nice
nice
clothes.
clothes. She
She was
was already
already engaged,
engaged, when
when she
she suddenly
suddenly felt
felt an
an inexplicable
inexplicable
repulsion
repulsion for
for her
her fiance
fiance and
and broke
broke ooff
ff the
the engagement.
engagement. Once
Once when
when she
she
was
was returning
returning home
home and
and was
was just
just getting
getting into
into aa carriage,
carriage, she
she saw
saw above
above
her
her head
head aa terrible
terrible serpent
serpent which
which was
was about
about to
to swallow
swallow her
her in
in its
its jaws.
jaws.
She
She cried
cried out:
out: Save
Save me,
me, Queen
Queen ooff Heaven!
Heaven! II swear
swear to
to you
you that
that II shall
shall never
never
marry,
marry, but
but will
will go
go to monastery. The
to aa monastery. The serpent
serpent rose
rose into
into the
the air
air and
and vanished.
vanished.
For
For three
three years
years St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim prepared
prepared Elena
Elena Vasilievna
Vasilievna for
for the
the m onas ­
monas-
tic
tic life,
life, and
and when
when she
she began
began it,
it, she
she showed
showed extraordinary
extraordinary zeal.
zeal. She
She died
died at
at
the
the age
age ooff 27
27 in
in obedience
obedience to
to the
the Saint.
Saint. This
This is
is what
what happened.
happened. Michael
Michael
Vasilievitch
Vasilievitch Manturov
Manturov fell
fell ill
ill with
with aa pernicious
pernicious fever
fever and
and wrote
wrote aa letter
letter
to
to his
his sister,
sister, Elena
Elena Vasilievna,
Vasilievna, requesting
requesting her
her to
to ask
ask Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim how
how to
to
get
get well.
well. Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim told
told him
him to
to chew
chew the
the crumb
crumb ooff hot
hot well -baked rye
well-baked rye--
bread,
bread, and
and thereby
thereby healed
healed him.
him. But
But soon
soon he
he sent
sent for
for Elena
Elena Vasilievna
Vasilievna who
who
came
came to
to him
him with
with her
her novice,
novice, Xenia
Xenia Vasilievna
Vasilievna the
the sacristan,
sacristan, and
and he
he said
said
to
to her: You have
her: ""You have always
always obeyed
obeyed me,
me, my
my joy,
joy, and
and now
now II want
want to
to give
give you
you

241
i\ANn EE\ xT tI~'\
r a0oI;rDIN
di n.1aI~Y
ry PPI. rAa( c1 e

an
anobedience.
obedience.Will
W illyou
youdo
doit,it,mother?"
m other? "
"I"Ihave
havealways
alwaysobeyed
obeyedyou,"
you,"she
shereplied,
replied, "and
"andI Iam
amstill
stillready
readytotoobey
obey
you!"
you! "
"That's
"That's right,
right, my
myjoy!"
jo y ! "exclaimed
exclaimed the
the Elder.
Elder. "Well,
"Well, you
you see,
see, mother,
mother,
Michael
MichaelVasilievitch,
Vasilievitch,your
yourbrother,
brother,isisillilland
andititisistime
tim efor
forhim
himtotodie.
die.He
He
has
hastoto die,
die, mother,
mother, though
though I Istill
stillwant
wanthim
him for
forour
ourconvent,
convent, for
forour
ouror-
or­
phans,
phans,I Imean.
mean.And
Andso,
so,this
thisisisyour
yourobedience:
obedience:die
diefor
forMichael
MichaelVasilievitch,
Vasilievitch,
mother!"
m other! "
"Bless
"Bless me,
me, Father!"
Father! " answered
answered Elena
ElenaVasilievna
Vasilievna humbly
humblyand
andwith
with ap-
ap ­
parent
parentcalmness.
calmness.
After
Afterthis
thisFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimhad
hadaalong
longtalk
talkwith
withher,
her,comforting
com fortingher
herheart
heart
and
and discussing
discussingthe
thequestion
question ofo fdeath
deathand
and eternal
eternal life.
life. Elena
ElenaVasilievna
Vasilievna
listened
listened toto him
him inin silence,
silence, but
butsuddenly
suddenlyshe
she looked
lookedtroubled
troubled and
andsaid:
said:
"Father!
"Father! I Iam
amafraid
afraidofo fdeath!"
d eath ! "
"Why
"Whyshould
shouldwe
webe
beafraid
afraidof
o fdeath,
death,my
myjoy?"
joy? "Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimreplied.
replied."For
"For
you
youand
andme
methere
therewill
willonly
onlybe
beeternal
eternaljoy!"
jo y ! "
Elena
ElenaVasilievna
Vasilievnatook
tookleave
leaveof
o fhim,
him, but
butshe
shehad
hadhardly
hardlycrossed
crossed the
the
threshold
thresholdof
o fhis
hiscell
cellwhen
whenshe
shefell
felldown.
down.Xenia
XeniaVasilievna
Vasilievnapicked
pickedher
herup.
up.
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimtold
toldher
hertotoput
puther
herininthe
thecoffin,
coffin,which
whichstood
stoodininhis
hisanteroom,
anteroom,
while
whilehe
hefetched
fetchedsome
someholy
holywater.
water.He
Hesprinkled
sprinkledititover
overElena
ElenaVasilievna,
Vasilievna,
gave
gaveher
hersome
someofo fitittoto drink
drinkand
andso
sobrought
broughther
herback
backtotoconsciousness.
consciousness.
On
Onreturning
returninghome,
home,she
shefell
fellill,
ill,took
tooktotoher
herbed
bedand
andsaid:
said: "Now
"NowI Ishan't
shan 't
get
getup
upanymore!"
anym ore! "
Her
Herend
endwas
wasremarkable.
remarkable. She
Shesent
sentfor
forFr.
Fr.Basil
BasilSadovsky
Sadovskyso
soasastotobe
be
anointed
anointedand
andmake
makeher
hercommunion
com m unionfor
forthe
thelast
lasttime.
time. In
Inher
herconfession
confession
she
shetold
toldFr.
Fr.Basil
Basilofo faawonderful
wonderfulvision
visionshe
shehad
hadbeen
beengranted.
granted.This
Thisisishow
how
he
herecorded
recordedititwith
withhis
hisown
ownhand.
hand.

"I"Iwas
wasnot
notallowed
allowedtototell
tellthis
thisbefore,"
before,"explained
explainedElena
ElenaVasilievna.
Vasilievna,"but
"but
now
nowI Ican.
can.InInchurch
churchI Isaw
sawininthe
theopen
openRoyal
RoyalDoors
Doorsaamajestic
majesticQueen
Queen
ofofunutterable
unutterablebeauty.
beauty.Beckoning
Beckoningtotome mewith
withher
herhand,
hand,she
shesaid:
said:
'Follow
'Followmemeandandsee
seewhat
whatI Ishall
shallshow
showyou.'
you/

"We
"Weentered
enteredaacourt;
court;totodescribe
describeits
itsbeauty
beautyisisquite
quiteimpossible,
impossible,Father!
Father!ItIt
was
wasall
allofoftransparent
transparentcrystal,
crystal,and
andthethedoors,
doors,handles
handlesand
andfittings
fittingswere
were

242
 Ai\ m
\j a,\! W o()n'\ dDre rI{IV
z i in'\gC W w o(ll{
r k 1\e Er E

of
of purest
purest gold.
gold. The
The brilliance
brilliance made
made itit difficult
difficult to
to look
look at;
at; itit all
all seemed
seemed
to
to be
be burning.
burning. As
As soon
soon as
as we
we reached
reached the
the doors,
doors, they
they opened
opened of
of them
them-­
selves,
selves, and
and we
we entered
entered aa kind
kind of
of endless
endless corridor
corridor with
with closed
closed doors
doors
on
on both
both sides.
sides. As
As we
we drew
drew near
near to
to the
the first
first doors,
doors, which
which also
also opened
opened
of
of themselves,
themselves, II saw
saw aa huge
huge hall
hall containing
containing tables
tables and
and armchairs
armchairs all
all
ablaze
ablaze with
with indescribable
indescribable splendour.
splendour.

"It
"It was
was full
full of
of dignitaries
dignitaries and
and young
young men
men of
of extraordinary
extraordinary beauty
beauty who
who
were
were all
all sitting
sitting down.
down. When
When we
we entered,
entered, all
all silently
silently rose
rose and
and bowed
bowed to
to
the
the Queen.
Queen. 'There,
'There, lo o k ! ' she
look!' she said,
said, pointing
pointing at
at them
them all
all with
with her
her hand,
hand,
'these
'these are
are my
my pious
pious merchants.
merchants.' ' Having
Having given
given me
me time
time to
to have
have aa good
good
look
look at
at them,
them, the
the Queen
Queen went
went out
out and
and the
the doors
doors closed
closed behind
behind us
us of
of
themselves.
themselves.

"The
"The next
next hall
hall was
was of
of even
even greater
greater beauty —everything seemed
beauty-everything seemed to
to be
be
flooded
flooded with
with light.
light. It
It was
was full
full of
of young
young women
women dressed
dressed in
in garments
garments
of
of extraordinary
extraordinary brightness
brightness and
and with
with shining
shining crowns
crowns on
on their
their heads.
heads.
The
The crowns
crowns varied
varied in
in appearance,
appearance, and
and some
some were
were wearing
wearing two
two or
or three
three
crowns
crowns at
at once.
once. The
The women
women were
were sitting,
sitting, but
but when
when we
we appeared
appeared all
all si
si-­
lently
lently rose
rose and
and bowed
bowed to
to the
the Queen. Look well
Queen. ''Look well at
at them
them to
to see
see if
if they
they
are
are nice
nice and
and whether
whether you
you like
like them,
them,' ' she
she said
said to
to me
me kindly.
kindly.

I looked
""I looked at
at the
the side
side of
of the
the hall
hall she
she was
was pointing
pointing at,
at, and
and all
all of
of aa sudden
sudden
II saw
saw that
that one
one of
of the
the women
women was
was terribly
terribly like
like me,
me, Father."
Father."

So
So saying,
saying, Elena
Elena Vasilievna
Vasilievna was
was confused,
confused, stopped,
stopped, but
but then
then contin
contin- ­
ued: That woman
ued: ""That woman smiled
smiled and
and looked
looked at
at me.
me. Then
Then at
at the
the direction
direction of
of
the
the Queen
Queen II began
began to
to look
look at
at the
the other
other side
side of
of the
the hall,
hall, and
and II saw
saw on
on
one
one of
of the
the girls
girls aa crown
crown of
of such
such beauty
beauty that
that II even
even envied
envied it ! " said
it!" said
Elena
Elena Vasilievna,
Vasilievna. sighing.
sighing. "And
"And they
they were
were all
all our
our sisters,
sisters, Father,
Father, those
those
who
who had
had been
been before
before me
me in
in the
the convent,
convent, and
and those
those who
who are
are still
still living
living
now,
now, and
and future
future ones.
ones. But
But II cannot
cannot name
name them
them because
because II am
am not
not al
al-­
lowed
lowed to
to speak.
speak.

We came
""We came out
out of
of that
that hall,
hall, and
and the
the doors
doors closed
closed behind
behind us
us of
of them
them- ­
selves.
selves. Then
Then we
we went
went up
up to
to the
the third
third entrance
entrance and
and suddenly
suddenly found
found our
our-­
selves
selves again
again in
in aa hall,
hall, this
this time
time far
far less
less bright,
bright, in
in which
which were
were all
all our
our
sisters,
sisters, past,
past, present
present and
and future;
future; they
they were
were also
also in
in crowns,
crowns, but
but not
not such
such
splendid
splendid ones,
ones, and
and II was
was not
not allowed
allowed to
to tell
tell their
their names.
names.

"After
"After that
that we
we crossed
crossed over
over to
to aa fourth
fourth hall,
hall, almost
almost in
in semi -darkness,
semi-darkness,
also
also full
full of
of sisters,
sisters, but
but only
only present
present and
and future
future ones,
ones, who
who were
were either
either

243
A"A nF E 1x 1\t \r (Ia i\o I)r d! "i n,\ a1\ rY y P r.\
P e ia !c e

sitting
sitting ororlaying;
laying;some some were
were contorted
contorted withillness
with illness and
and without
without any
any
crowns,with
crowns, with terribly
terribly dejected
dejected faces,and
faces, andononeacheachandandallallofof themthere
them there
lay,asas
lay, it it were,
were, thetheseal sealofof pain
pain andand inexpressible
inexpressible sorrow.'Those
sorrow. 'Thosearearethethe
careless,the
careless: ' the Queentold
Queen told me,
me, pointing
pointing at at them.'You
them. 'You see,she
see: ' she contin ­
contin-
ued, ' how terrible is carelessness! On account of
ued, 'how terrible is carelessness! On account of their carelessness they their carelessness they
will
will never
never bebeable
able totorejoice:
rejoice.They
' They were
were allallour
our sisters
sisters too,Father,
too, Father,butbut I I
amamforbidden
forbidden to totelltelltheir
their names,explained
names," " explainedElena Elena Vasilievna,and
Vasilievna. and sheshe
wept
wept bitterly.
bitterly.

Shedied
She diedafter
aftera ashort
shortillness
illnessononthetheeve
eveofoPentecost,
f Pentecost,May
May 28th,1832.
28th, 1832.
Shewas
She wastwenty-seven
twenty -sevenyears
yearsofoage
f ageand
andhad
hadspent
spentaltogether
altogetherseven
sevenyears
years
at atthetheDiveyev
DiveyevConvent.
Convent.She
Shewas
wasextremely
extremelybeautiful
beautifuland
andattractive:
attractive:tall.
tall,
witha around
with roundface,
face,quick
quickdark
darkeyes
eyesand
andblack
blackhair.
hair.AtAtthethevery
veryhour
hourofof
herherdeath
deathFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimhurriedly
hurriedlyand
andjoyfully
joyfullysent
sentthethesisters
sisterswho
whowere
were
workingwith
working withhim
himat atSarov
SarovtotoDiveyev,
Diveyev,saying:
saying:"Quick,
" Quick,quick,
quick,gogototothethe
convent.There
convent. Thereyour
yourgreat
greatlady
ladyhas
hasdeparted
departedtotothetheLord."
Lord."
OnOnthethethird
thirdday
day after
after Elena
Elena Vasilievna'death,
Vasilievna's s death,Xenia
Xenia Vasilievna
Vasilievna went
went
totoFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimallallinintears.
tears.OnOnseeing
seeingher,
her,thethegreat
greatElder
Elder wholoved
who lovedthethe
lateabbess
late abbessnonoless
lessthan
thanallallthethesisters
sisterswas
wasinvoluntarily
involuntarilytroubled
troubledand
andat at
oncesent
once sent Xeniahome,
Xenia home,saying:
saying:"Why
"Whyareare youcrying?
you crying?We
Weought
ought
totorejoice!
rejoice!
Comehere
Come hereononthethefortieth
fortiethday,
day,butbutnow
nowgogohome.
home.You
Youmust
mustseeseetotoit itthat
that
allallthetheforty
forty daysthere
days thereis is a daily
a daily Liturgy.If If
Liturgy. necessary,beg
necessary, begFr.Fr.Basil
Basilonon your
your
knees,butbutthere
knees, theremust
mustbebethetheLiturgies."
Liturgies."
Chokingwith
Choking withtears,
tears,Xenia
XeniaVasilievna
Vasilievnawent
wentaway.
away.But
ButFr.Fr.Paul,
Paul,who
who
occupiedthethecell
occupied cellnext
nexttotoFr.Fr.Seraphim,
Seraphim,saw
sawhow
howthetheSaint
Saint
forfora long
a longtime
time
walkedupupand
walked anddown
downininhishisroom
roomand
andexclaimed:
exclaimed:"They
"They understandnoth-
understand noth ­
ing!They
ing! Theyareareweeping!
weeping!If If onlythey
only theyhad
hadseen
seenhow
howher
her soulflew
soul flew away
away like
like
a abird
birdtaking
takingwing!
wing!Cherubim
Cherubimand
andSeraphim
Seraphimmade
madeway
wayforforher!
her!She
Shehas
has
beengranted
been grantedtotositsitnot
notfarfarfrom
fromthetheHoly
Holy Trinityasasa virgin."
Trinity, a virgin."
W henXenia
When XeniaVasilievna
Vasilievnacame
cameononthethefortieth
fortiethday
dayafter
afterthethedeath
deathofo f
ElenaVasilievna
Elena VasilievnatotoFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimaccording
accordingtotohishisinstructions,
instructions,thetheElder
Elder
comfortedhishisbeloved
comforted belovedsacristan
sacristanand
andsaid
saidtotoher
herjoyfully:
joyfully:"How
"Howignorant
ignorant
youare,
you are,mymyjoys!
joys!What
Whatis isthere
theretotocrycryabout!
about!It Itis isa asin,
sin,you
youknow.
know.We
We
oughttotorejoice.
ought rejoice.Her
Her soultook
soul took wing
wing likea dove,
like a dove,and
andhas
hasbeen
beenborne
bornealoft
aloft
totothetheHoly
Holy Trinity.Cherubim,
Trinity. Cherubim,Seraphim
Seraphimand
andallallthethehost
host
ofoheaven
f heavenmade
made

244
 AAm\1 Ac\ Z!IINC
N G W
W 0(l NN D E Rr~WiI0()RI, Ki< II Rl\

way
way for
for her.
her. She
She is
is an
an attendant
attendant ooff the
the Mother
Mother ooff God,
God, mother!
mother! She
She is
is aa
lady-in-waiting
lady-in-waiting ooff the
the Queen
Queen ooff Heaven,
Heaven, mother!
mother! We
We can
can only
only rejoice;
rejoice;
we
we must
must not weep.""
not weep.

In
InSeptember
September 1831
1831 Nikolas
Nikolas Alexandrovitch
Alexandrovitch Motovilov
Motovilov obtained
obtained aa m i­
mi-
raculous
raculous cure
cure through
through the
the prayers
prayers of
of Fr.
Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. In
In his
his notes
notes on
on the
the
Diveyev
Diveyev Convent
Convent he
he writes
writes the
the following
following about
about his
his healing:
healing:

The
The great
great Elder
Elder Seraphim
Seraphim healed
healed me
me of
of extremely
extremely severe
severe rheumatical
rheumatical
pains
pains and
and other
other ailments
ailments accompanied
accompanied by
by bodily
bodily debility
debility and
and paralysis
paralysis
of
of my
my legs
legs which
which were
were twisted
twisted and
and swollen
swollen at
at the
the knees.
knees. II also
also suffered
suffered
for
for more
more than
than three
three years
years from
from incurable
incurable bedsores
bedsores on
on my
my back
back and
and
sides.
sides. The
The cure
cure was
was affected
affected in
in this
this way.
way.

IIgave
gave orders
orders that
that IIwas
was to
to be
be carried,
carried, aa very
very sick
sick man,
man, from
from my es ­
myes-
tate
tate in
in the
the village
village of
of Britvin
Britvin in
in the
the Nizhny -Novgorod district
Nizhny-Novgorod district to
to
Fr.
Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. On
On September
September 5th,
5th, 1831,
1831, IIwas
was brought
brought to
to the
the Sarov
Sarov
M onastery On
Monastery. On September
September 7th
7th and
and 8th,
8th, the
the day
day of
of the
the Nativity
Nativity of
of
the
the Mother
Mother of
of God,
God, IIwas
was granted
granted my
my first
first two
two interviews
interviews with
with Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim.
Seraphim. We
We met
met in
in his
his cell,
cell, once
once before
before and
and once
once after
after dinner,
dinner, but
but II
received
received no
no healing
healing as
as yet.
yet.

On
On the
the following
following day,
day, September
September 9th,
9th, they
they brought
brought me
me to
to his
his near
near her
her-­
mitage,
mitage, by
by his
his well.
well. Four
Four men
men were
were carrying
carrying me
me in
in their
their hands
hands and
and aa
fifth
fifth was
was holding
holding my
my head
head when
when they
they brought
brought me
me to
to him.
him. He
He was
was then
then
talking
talking to
to the
the people
people who
who came
came to
to him
him in
in great
great crowds.
crowds. They
They put
put me
me
down
down near
near aa tall,
tall, very
very thick
thick pine -tree which
pine-tree which still
still stands
stands until
until now
now on
on
the
the bank
bank of
of the
the Sarovka
Sarovka River,
River, in
in the
the meadow
meadow where
where he
he made
made hay
hay

To
To my
my request
request that
that he
he should
should help
help me
me and
and heal
heal me
me he
he replied:
replied: "But
"But
IIam
am not
not aa doctor.
doctor. One
One must
must apply
apply to
to doctors
doctors when
when one
one wants
wants to
to be
be
cured
cured of
of some
some illness."
illness."

IItold
told him
him in
in detail
detail of
of my
my sufferings,
sufferings, of
of how
how II had
had experienced
experienced all
all the
the
main
main kinds
kinds of
of treatment,
treatment, without
without having
having obtained
obtained healing
healing from
from aa sin
sin-­
gle
gle one.
one. And
And now
now IIsaw
saw no
no other
other way
way of
of salvation
salvation and
and II had
had no
no other
other
hope
hope of
of being
being healed
healed of
of my
my ailments
ailments other
other than
than the
the grace
grace of
of God.
God. But
But
as
as IIwas
was aa sinner
sinner and
and had
had no
no boldness
boldness towards
towards the
the Lord
Lord God,
God, II asked
asked
his
his holy
holy prayers
prayers that
that the
the Lord
Lord should
should heal
heal me.
me.

245
 E x t r a o r d i n \ r yPI.P e(I.
'\NA nE\!I~\UI;ilIN.\RY ace

HeHe
asked
asked me:
me:"Do you
"Do youreally
really believe
believein in
thetheLord
LordJesus Christ,
Jesus that
Christ, that
HeHe
is is
thetheGod-man
God -manand
andin in
thethemost
mostpure
pure Mother
Mother ofof
God, that
God, thatsheshe
is is
Ever-Virgin?'
Ever-Virgin?'

I replied:
I replied:"I "do."
I do."

"And
"And dodoyou
youbelieve,"
believe," hehecontinued,
continued,"that"thatasas
formerly
formerly thetheLord
Lordhealed
healed
instantly
instantlywith
withone
one word
word oror bybyHis
Histouch
touch allall
thethediseases
diseases which
which afflict
afflict
men,
men,sosonow
nowtoo,
too,HeHe can heal
can healasas
easily and
easily and instantaneously
instantaneously asas
before
before
those who
those whoaskask
HisHishelp,
help,byby a single
a single word
word ofof
His,His,and that
and thatthethe
prayer
prayer ofof
thethe
Mother
Mother ofofGod
God is is
all-powerful,
all -powerful, soso
that
thatat at
herher
intercession
intercession thetheLord
Lord
Jesus
JesusChrist
Christcan
caneven
even now
now heal
healyou
you completely,
completely, in in
ananinstant,
instant,andandbyby
a a
single word?"
single word? "

I replied that
I replied thatI truly believed
I truly believed allall
this, I believed
this, I believed it with allall
it with mymy soul and
soul and
heart, and
heart, andthat
thatunless
unlessI had believed
I had believed it, it,I would notnot
I would have
haveordered
orderedmymy
servants
servantsto tobring
bring memeto tohim.
him.

"But if you
"But believe,"
if you hehe
believe," concluded,
concluded,"you areare
"you already well!"
already w ell! "

"How
"HowamamI well," I asked,
I well," I asked,"when mymy
"when servants and
servants you
and areare
you holding meme
holding in in
your hands?"
your hands? "

"No," hehe
"No," said,
said,"you areare
"you completely well
completely now
well in in
now thethe
whole ofof
whole your body."
your body."

And
And hehe told
toldmymymen,
men, who
who were
wereholding
holding memein in their
theirhands,
hands, to toleave
leaveme;me;
andandtaking
taking memebyby
thethe
shoulders,
shoulders, heheraised
raised meme from
from thethe
ground
ground himself.
himself.
Then,
Then, putting
puttingmemeononmymy feet, hehe
feet, said to tome:
said me:"Stand
"Stand more
more firmly,
firmly,fixfix
your
yourfeet squarely
feet squarelyononthetheground,
ground, there-like
there —like that.
that.Don't
Donbe't beafraid,
afraid,you
you
areare
quite
quitewell now."
well now." And
And then
then hehe
added,
added, looking
looking at at
meme joyfully:
joyfully:"There,
"There,
you
you seeseehow
howwell
wellyou
youarearestanding
standing now!
n o wn ! "

I replied,
I replied,"I "can't
I can help standing
't help well
standing since
well you
since areare
you holding meme
holding sosofirmly
firmly
andandwell."
well."

Then
Thenhehetook hishis
took hands
hands offoff
meme and
andsaid:
said:"Well,
"Well,now
nowI am
I amnono
longer
longer
holding
holding you, and
you, andyou
youareare
still standing
still standingfirmly
firmlyeven without
even without me. Now
me. Now
walk boldly. The Lord has healed you. So go and move from your
walk boldly. The Lord has healed you. So go and move from your
place."
place."

Taking
Takingmeme byby
thethearm
armwith one
with oneofofhishis
hands,
hands,andandwith
with thethe
other
other
pushing
pushingmeme a little between
a little between thetheshoulders,
shoulders, heheledled
memeononthethegrass
grass
and onon
and thethe
rough
rough ground
ground near
near thethe
bigbig
pine-tree,
pine -tree,saying:
saying:"There,
"There,your
your
Godliness,
Godliness, how
how well
wellyou walk!"
you w alk! "

246
 m a zvzi i:«:
AAM n g WWO\!lFI\\\ORhFR
o n d erw orke r

II replied:
replied: "Yes,
"Yes,because
because you
you are
are so
so kind
kind as
as to
to lead
lead me
me so
so well.
well.""

""No," he said
No," he said taking
taking his
his hand
hand off
off me,
me, ""the Lord Himself
the Lord Himselfhas been
has been
pleased
pleased to
to heal
heal you
you completely,
completely, and
and the
the Mother
Mother of
of God
God herself
herself has
has
prayed
prayed to
to Him
Him about
about this.
this. Now
Now you
you will
will walk
walk without
without my
my help
help and
and you
you
will
will always
always walk
walk well.
well. So
So w alk! " And
walk!" And he
he began
began to
to push
push me
me in
in order
order to
to
make
make me
me walk.
walk.

""But
But II shall
shall fall
fall and
and hurt
hurt myself,"
myself." II said.
said.

""No,"
No," he
he contradicted
contradicted me,
me, "you
"you will
will not
not hurt
hurt yourself,
yourself. but
but you
you will
will walk
walk
firmly "
firmly."

And
And when
when II felt
felt in
in myself
myself some
some power
power from
from on
on high
high overshadowing
overshadowing
me,
me, II took
took courage
courage aa little
little and
and began
began to
to walk
walk firmly.
firmly. But
But he
he suddenly
suddenly
stopped
stopped me saying: ""That
me saying: That is
is enough
enough now."
now."

Then
Then he
he asked
asked me:
me: "Well,
"Well, are
are you
you sure
sure now
now that
that the
the Lord
Lord has
has actually
actually
healed
healed you,
you, and
and healed
healed you
you completely?
completely? The
The Lord
Lord has
has taken
taken away
away your
your
transgressions
transgressions and
and He
He has
has cleansed
cleansed your
your sins.
sins. Do
Do you
you see
see what
what aa mir
mir-­
acle
acle the
the Lord
Lord has
has worked
worked with
with you?
you? So
So always
always undoubtedly
undoubtedly believe
believe in
in
Him,
Him, Christ
Christ our
our Saviour,
Saviour, and
and firmly
firmly hope
hope in
in His
His loving -kindness to
loving-kindness to-­
wards
wards you,
you, love
love Him
Him with
with all
all your
your heart
heart and
and cling
cling to
to Him
Him with
with all
all your
your
soul
soul and
and always
always firmly
firmly trust
trust in
in Him,
Him, and
and thank
thank the
the heavenly
heavenly Queen
Queen
for
for her
her great
great mercies
mercies towards
towards you.
you. But
But as
as your
your three - year sufferings
three-year sufferings
have
have seriously
seriously exhausted
exhausted you,
you, do
do not
not walk
walk much
much all
all of
of aa sudden
sudden now,
now,
but
but do
do so
so gradually.
gradually. Accustom
Accustom yourself
yourself to
to walking
walking little
little by
by little,
little, and
and
take
take care
care of
of your
your health
health as
as aa precious
precious gift
gift of
of God."
God."

And
And he
he went
went on
on talking
talking with
with me
me even
even after
after this
this for
for aa considerable
considerable time.
time.
Then
Then he
he sent
sent me
me away
away to
to the
the hostel
hostel completely
completely healed.
healed. And
And so
so my
my men
men
went
went back
back alone
alone from
from the
the forest
forest and
and the
the near
near hermitage
hermitage to
to the
the monas
monas-­
tery,
tery, thanking
thanking God
God for
for His
His wonderful
wonderful mercies
mercies to
to me
me which
which had
had been
been
displayed
displayed before
before their
their own
own eyes,
eyes, and
and II got
got into
into the
the carriage
carriage alone
alone with
with
Fr.
Fr. Gury,
Cury, without
without human
human support,
support, and
and drove
drove back
back to
to the
the hostel
hostel of
of the
the
Sarov
Sarov m onastery As
monastery. As there
there had
had been
been many
many pilgrims
pilgrims present
present at
at my
my heal
heal-­
ing,
ing, they
they had
had returned
returned before
before me
me to
to the
the monastery,
monastery, telling
telling everyone
everyone
about
about the
the great
great miracle.
miracle.

In
In May
May 1829
1829 the
the wife
wife ooff Alexy
Alexy Gurievitch
Gurievitch Vorotilov
Vorotilov ooff the
the village
village ooff
Pavlovo
Pavlovo fell
fell dangerously
dangerously ill.
ill. Vorotilov
Vorotilov had
had great
great faith
faith in
in the
the power
power ooff St.
St.

247
A AN n EXTE x Ht .\r 0a oIi rIId! iN n\ aIirYy P PI. .\e Ca c! e

Seraphim sprayers,
Seraphim's prayers,and
andthe
theElder
Elderloved
lovedhim
himasasone
oneofo his
f hisown
owndisciples.
disciples.
Vorotilovwent
Vorotilov wenttotoSarov,
Sarov,and
andalthough
althoughit itwas
wasmidnight
midnightwhen
whenhehearrived,
arrived,
hehehastened
hastenedtotoFr.Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'scell.
cell.The
TheElder
Elderwas
wassitting
sittingononthe
thesteps
stepsand,
and,
ononseeing
seeinghim,
him,greeted
greetedhim
himwith
withthe
thewords:
words:"WeIL
"Well,my
myjoy,
joy,why
whyhave
haveyou
you
hurriedatatsuch
hurried sucha atime
tim etotopoor
poorSeraphim?
Seraphim? " II

Vorotilovtold
Vorotilov toldhim
himwith
withtears
tearswhat
whathad
hadbrought
broughthim
himtotoSarov
Sarovand
and
askedhim
asked himtotohelp
helphis
hissick
sickwife.
wife.But
ButSt.St.Seraphim
Seraphimdeclared
declaredtotoVorotilov's
Vorotilov's
extrem esorrow
extreme sorrowthat
thathis
hiswife
wifewas
wastotodie
diefrom
fromher
herillness.
illness.Then
ThenAlexy
Alexy
Gurievitchfell
Gurievitch fellatatthe
theascetic's
asceticsfeet
feetshedding
sheddinga aflood
floodofo ftears,
tears,and
andwith
with
faithand
faith andhumility
hum ilitybegged
beggedhim
himtotopray
prayforforthe
therestoration
restorationofo her
f herlife
lifeand
and
health.Fr.
health. Fr.Seraphim
Seraphiminstantly
instantlyimmersed
immersedhimself
him selfininmental
mentalprayer
prayerfor
for
aboutten
about tenminutes.
minutes.Then
Thenheheopened
openedhis
hiseyes,
eyes,and
andraising
raisingVorotilov
Vorotilovtotohis
his
feet,hehesaid
feet, saidjoyfully:
joyfully: We
"Well, myjoy,
II, my joy,the
theLord
IILordisisgranting
grantinglife
lifetotoyour
yourwife.
wife.
Gohome
Go homeininpeace."
peace."
Vorotilovsped
Vorotilov spedhome
homejoyfully.
joyfully.There
Therehehelearned
learnedthat
thathis
hiswife
wifehad
hadfelt
felt
reliefprecisely
relief preciselyduring
duringthose
thoseminutes
minuteswhich
whichFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimhad
hadspent
spentinin
prayerfullabour.
prayerful labour.Soon
Soonshe
sherecovered
recoveredcompletely.
completely.

AA LETTER
L e t t e r FROM G e n e r a l P.A.
f r o m GENERAL P.A.
G a lk in -V rassky
GALKIN-VRASSKY
F r .RAPHAEL,
t o FR.
TO R a p h a e l ,ABBOT
A b b o t OF S arov
o f SAROV

InIn1826,
1826,I visited
I visitedthe
theSarov
Sarovmonastery
monasterywhile whilestill
stilla acaptain
captainininthethearmy,
army,
and,
and,like
likethe
theother
otherpilgrims,
pilgrims,I went
I wentfor fora ablessing
blessingtotoFr. Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim.InIn
the
thecorridor
corridorleading
leadingtotohis
hiscell
cellit itwas
wasintensely
intenselycold coldandandI was
I wasshivering
shivering
ininmymylight
lightovercoat.
overcoat.HisHisattendant"
attendant7 said
saidthat
thatFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimhad hada amonk
monk
with
withhimhimand andthat
thathehewas
wastalking
talkingtotohim himjustjustthen;
then;and andasasI stood
I stood
ininthe
thecorridor
corridorI prayed
I prayedtotothethemost
mostholy holyMother
MotherofofGod. God.TheThedoor
door
opened,
opened,the themonk
monkcamecameout,
out,andanda afew fewminutes
minuteslaterlaterFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim
opened
openedhis hisdoor
doorand
andsaid:
said:"What
"Whatjoy joyGod
Godhas hasgranted
grantedme! m e! "
II

HeHeledledme
meinto
intohis
hiscell
celland,
and,asasit itwas
wascrowded
crowdedwithwithvarious
variousthings,
things,hehe
satsatme
meononthe
thethreshold
thresholdofofhis
hiscell,
cell,while
whilehehehimself
himselfsat
satdown
downononthe
the

7 7 Keleynik.
Keleynik.

248
 AAM.\!I\C
M A Z i N C WWO,\j)LRWllIlI\IR
0 N I) B R W 0 R K ! R

floor in
floor in front
front of
ofme,
me, holding
holding my
myhand.
hand. And
And he
he talked
talked affectionately
affectionately
to me
to me and
and even
even kissed
kissed my
myhand.
hand. Such
Such was
was his
his love
love for
forhis
his neighbor!
neighbor!
Sitting in
Sitting in front
front of
ofhim,
him, I1was in aakind
was in kind of
ofextraordinary
extraordinary ecstasy
ecstasy. After
After aa
talk on
talk on various
various subjects
subjects I1told him that
told him that I1felt
felt aapain
pain in
in my
mychest
chest (I(Iwas
was
aathin
thin pale
pale youth).
youth). To
Tothis
this he
he replied:
replied: ""That
That isisnothing,
nothing,"" and
and he
he got
got up,
up,
took aabottle,
took bottle, and
and handed
handed itittoto me
me saying:
saying: "Take
"Take aagood
good draught.
draught.""

What
W was my
hat was myhorror
horror when
when I1gulped down some
gulped down some lamp
lamp oil!
oil! I1expected
expected
instantly bad
instantly bad consequences,
consequences, but
but on
on the
the contrary,
contrary, the
the oil
oil proved
proved deli
deli-­
cious. From
cious. From that
that moment,
moment, thanks
thanks toto God,
God, I1had no more
had no more pain
pain in
in my
my
chest and
chest and from
from aathin,
thin, pale
pale youth
youth IIbecame
became aastrong
strong and
and healthy
healthy man.
man.

AAconsiderable
considerable time later I1was
time later obliged toto leave
was obliged leavethe
the army
army and
and to
to go
go on
on
leavefor
leave foran
an indefinite
indefinite period.
period. This
This absence
absence from
from Petersburg
Petersburg brought
brought
on such
on such aastate
state of
ofdepression
depression that
that for
foraawhole
whole year
year I1did not know
did not know what
what
to do
to do with
with myself.
myself. On
On my
myway
wayto Arzamas I1visited
to Arzamas the Sarov
visited the Sarov mmonas-
onas ­
tery and
tery and went
went atatonce
once toto Fr.
Fr.Seraphim's grave. I1asked
Seraphim's grave. asked aapriest
priest to
to serve
serve
aaPanihida8
Panihida" for
forhis
his soul,
soul, and
and as
assoon
soon as
as ititwas
was finished,
finished, my
my depression
depression
vanished instantly
vanished and I1became
instantly and well again.
became well again.

The
The grace
grace ooff the
the Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit which
which acted
acted in
in the
the cures
cures ooff those
those who
who
had
had recourse
recourse to
to St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim's s intercession,
intercession, made
made its
its presence
presence apparent
apparent
both
both in
in the
the special
special signs
signs which
which accompanied
accompanied his
his prayer
prayer and
and in
in its
its special
special
power
power which
which even
even released
released the
the dead
dead from
from the
the torments
torments ooff hell.
hell.
Princess
Princess E.S.
E.S.Shahaeva
Shahaeva reported
reported aamost
most astonishing
astonishing occurrence,
occurrence, nam e­
name-
ly
lyaacase
case ooflevitation
f levitation during
during prayer.
prayer. She
She received
received aavisit
visit from
from G.Y.,
G.Y., her
her sick
sick
nephew
nephew from
from Petersburg.
Petersburg. W ithout delay
Without delay she
she brought
brought him
him to
to Sarov,
Sarov, to
to Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim.
Seraphim. The
The young
young man
man was
was so
so ill
ill and
and weak
weak that
that he
he could
could not
not walk,
walk,
and
and he
he had
had to
to be
be carried
carried on
on aa bed
bed into
into the
the monastery
monastery enclosure.
enclosure.
At
At the
the time,
time, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim was
was standing
standing at
at the
the door
door ooff his
his cell
cell as
as ifif he
he
had
had expected
expected to
to meet
meet the
the paralysed
paralysed man.
man. He
He asked
asked them
them at
at once
once to
to bring
bring
the
the patient
patient into
into his
his cell
cell and,
and, turning
turning to
to him,
him, he
he said:
said: "Pray,
"Pray, my
my joy,
joy, and
and
IIshall
shall also
also pray
pray for
for you;
you; only
only mind,
mind, lie
lie as
as you
you do
do and
and do
do not
not turn
turn to
to the
the
other
other side.
side.""
The
The sick
sick man
man remained
remained lying
lying in
in obedience
obedience to
to the
the Elder.
Elder. But
But his
his pa
pa-­
88 Memorial
Memorial service
service of
ofprayer
prayer for
forthe
the departed.
departed.

249
A\A E xtraordinary
n EXIRA(lRDI\,IR\ P eace
PIACi

tiencewore
tience woreout;
out;curiosity
curiosityurged
urgedhim
himtotolook
lookand
andsee
seewhat
whatthe
theElder
Elderwas do ­
wasdo-
ing.Glancing
ing. Glancingback,
back,hehesaw
sawFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimstanding
standingininthe
theairairininananattitude
attitude
ofofprayer.
prayer.This
Thisunexpected
unexpectedand
andextraordinary
extraordinaryspectacle
spectaclemade
madehim
himcry
cryout.
out.
Afterfinishing
After finishinghishisprayer,
prayer,Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimwent
wentupuptotohim
himand
andsaid:
said:
"Nowyou
"Now youwill
willtell
telleveryone
everyonethat
thatSeraphim
Seraphimisisa asaint,
saint,that
thatheheprays
praysininthe
the
air.The
air. TheLord
Lordwill
willhave
havemercy
mercyupon
uponyou.
you.But
Butmind,
mind,protect
protectyourself
yourselfwith
with
silenceand
silence anddodonot
nottell
tellanyone
anyonetilltillthe
theday
dayofo my
f mydeath,
death,otherwise
otherwiseyour
your
illnesswill
illness willreturn."
return."
G.Y.actually
G.Y. actuallyrose
rosefrom
fromhishisbed,
bed,and
andthough
thoughhehestill
stillhad
hadtotolean
leanonon
peopleforforsupport.
people support,hehewalked
walkedout
outofothe
f thecell.
cell.AtAtthe
themonastery
monasteryhostel
hostelhehe
wasassailed
was assailedwith
withquestions:
questions:"What
" W hatdid
didFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimdo?
do?What
Whatdid
didhehe
say?"But
say?" Buttotoeveryone's
everyone 'ssurprise
surprisehehenever
neversaid
saida aword.
word.
Theyoung
The youngman
manwas
wascompletely
completelyhealed
healedand
andwent
wentback
backtotoPetersburg,
Petersburg,
butafter
but aftersome
sometime
tim ehehereturned
returnedtotothe
theestate
estateofoPrincess
f PrincessShahaeva.
Shahaeva.There
There
hehelearnt
learntthat
thatSt.St.Seraphim
Seraphimhad
hadrested
restedfrom
fromhishislabours,
labours,and
andthen
thenhehere-re­
latedthe
lated themiracle
miracleofo flevitation.
levitation.One
Oneinstance
instanceofo this
f thiskind
kindofofprayer
prayerhap-
hap ­
penedtotobebeseen
pened seenbybychance,
chance,but,
but,ofo fcourse,
course,the
theElder
Elderwas
wasmore
morethan
than
onceraised
once raisedinto
intothe
theairairbybythe
thegrace
graceofo God
f Godininthe
thecourse
courseofohis
f hisextensive
extensive
spirituallabours.
spiritual labours.

Onanother
On anotheroccasion
occasionSt.St.Seraphim
Seraphimhimself
him selfrelated
relatedthe
thefollowing
followingfacts.
facts.

Two
Twonuns,
nuns,whowhohadhadboth
bothbeen
beenabbesses,
abbesses,died.died.The
TheLordLordrevealed
revealedtotome me
howtheir
how theirsouls
soulshad
hadbeen
beensubjected
subjectedtotothe theaerial
aerialtests,
tests,how
howtheytheyhadhad
beentried
been triedand
andthen
thencondemned.
condemned.For Forthree
threedays
daysandandnights
nightsI prayed,
I prayed,
wretched
wretchedasasI am,
I am,entreating
entreatingthe theMother
MotherofofGod Godfor forthem,
them,and
andthe theLord
Lord
ininHis
Hisgoodness
goodnesspardoned
pardonedthem themthrough
throughthe theprayers
prayersofofthe
theMother
Motherofof
God;they
God; theypassed
passedallallthe
theaerial
aerialtests
testsand
andreceived
receivedforgiveness
forgivenessthrough
through
God's
God'smercy.
mercy.

Thewater
The waterofo St.
f St.Seraphim's
Seraphim swell
wellhad
hada aspecial
specialmiraculous
miraculouspower
powerac-
ac­
cordingtotohishisprayer.
cording prayer,even
evenduring life - time.HieromonkAnastasius
duringhishislife-time. Hieromonk Anastasiusofo f

250
 A'\m a zli\
ing W
W()\Uii(\\'OI!kii(
onderworke r

Sarov
Sarov related
related that
that he
he once
once happened
happened to
to be
be with
with St.
St. Seraphim,
Seraphim, who
who said
said
to
to him
him during
during their
their conversation:
conversation: "I"I have
have prayed,
prayed, Father,
Father, that
that this
this water
water
in
in the
the well
well should
should have
have the
the power
power to
to heal
heal diseases.
diseases.""
This
This prayer
prayer ooff the
the Saint,
Saint, who
who even
even then
then had
had great
great boldness
boldness towards
towards
God,
God, explains
explains two
two facts:
facts: first,
first, that
that the
the water
water from
from Seraphim
Seraphim's s well
well never
never
becomes
becomes fetid,9
fetid." however
however long
long itit may
may stand,
stand, even
even in
in an
an open
open vessel;
vessel; and
and
secondly,
secondly, that
that those
those who
who visit
visit the
the Sarov
Sarov monastery
monastery and
and bathe
bathe in
in the
the pa
pa-­
vilions
vilions by
by the
the well
well at
at all
all seasons
seasons oof
f the
the year
year experience
experience no
no harm ful after
harmful after-­
effects,
effects, but
but on
on the
the contrary
contrary get
get better
better and
and recover
recover from
from their
their illnesses,
illnesses,
though
though the
the water
water in
in the
the well
well even
even in
in summer
summer has
has aa temperature
temperature of
of 66°
° to
to
10 ° r.10 Let us
lO°r.1OLet us now
now relate
relate instances
instances oof
f miraculous
miraculous cures
cures from
from the
the water
water of
of
St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim's's well,
well, which
which occurred
occurred during
during the
the Saint
Saint's's life - time.
life-time.
In
In the
the course
course ooff aa visit
visit to
to Fr.
Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, Tatiana
Tatiana Vasilievna
Vasilievna Barinova
Barinova
complained
complained to
to him
him ooff her
her disease.
disease. She
She had
had an
an incurable
incurable cancer
cancer on
on her
her
arm,
arm, and
and the
the whole
whole ooff her
her arm
arm was
was bandaged.
bandaged. Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim told
told her
her to
to
wash
wash her
her arm
arm with
with water
water from
from the
the well.
well. Tatiana
Tatiana Vasilievna
Vasilievna thought
thought at
at
first: How can
first: ""How can IIdo
do that
that when
when my
my arm
arm gets
gets worse
worse at
at the
the slightest
slightest contact
contact
with
with anything
anything m oist? " However,
moist?" However, she
she obeyed
obeyed and
and washed
washed her
her arm.
arm. At
Atonce
once
the
the scaly
scaly skin
skin appeared
appeared to
to slip
slip ooff
ff her
her arm,
arm, and
and ever
ever since
since then
then both
both her
her
arms
arms have
have been
been well.
well.
Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim told
told many
many people,
people, even
even those
those who
who had
had wounds,
wounds, to
to pour
pour
the
the water
water from
from his
his well
well over
over themselves,
themselves, and
and all
all were
were cured
cured by
by itit from
from
their
their various
various diseases.
diseases.

AA W f AABBESS
r i t i n g oOF
WRITING b b e s s PPULCHERIA
u l c h e r i a oOF h e SSLOBODSKY
f tTHE lobodsky
CCONVENT
o n v e n t i IN h e VVIATKA
n tTHE i a t k a DDIOCESE
io cese

In
In 1830,
1830,while
while IIwas
was still
still living
living in
in the
the world,
world, IIjourneyed
journeyed to
to Sarov
Sarov by
by
water on
water on the
the Volga
VolgaRiver,
River,fulfilling
fulfilling aavow.
vow. On
On the
the way
way IIfell
fell ill
ill near
near
Nizhny-Novgorod
Nizhny and my
-Novgorod and my disease
disease (a(aswelling
swelling of
ofthe
the whole
whole body)
body) soon
soon
grew
grew so
so much
much worse
worse that
that IIhad
had to
to stay
stay atatNizhny -Novgorod for
Nizhny-Novgorod for four
four
weeks
weeks and
and wait
wait there
there either
either for
for recovery
recovery or
or death.
death. IIwas
was given
given shel
shel-­
ter and
ter and nursed
nursed by
by the
the hospitable
hospitable nuns
nuns of
ofthe
the Kresto
Kresto-Vozdvizhensky
-Vozdvizhensky

99 Rank,
Rank, or
orspoiled.
spoiled.
10
10 45 °- 55° FFor
45°_55° or 7.7.5°-12.5°
5°- 12.5° CC-ed.
— ed.

251
A N A.EN\ TEj{XAT0RRAD0I R" DA!j{NyA RP YI: A!)CEl A C E
Convent,
Convent, and and I even
I even received
received the the
finalfinal com m union1
communion" for1 my
for my passage
passage to to
the other world by the blessing of Abbess
the other world by the blessing of Abbess Dorothea. Dorothea.

But But
as IashadI had
firmfirm
faithfaith in the
in the salutary
salutary powerpower of Seraphim's
of Fr. Fr. Seraphim's prayers,
prayers,
I asked him more than once with tears, though
I asked him more than once with tears, though absent, to pray for me absent, to pray for me
a sinner,
a sinner, thatthat
the the
LordLordshouldshould prolong
prolong my mylife,life, if only
if only for afor a short
short time,time,
so that
so that I might
I might go togoSarov
to Sarov and and receive
receive a blessing
a blessing fromfromthe the
holyholy
Elder.Elder.
GodGod heardheard
my my prayers;
prayers; my my health
health improved
improved a little,
a little, and and I decided
I decided to to
continue my journey in spite of the swelling of my whole body. On On
continue my journey in spite of the swelling of my whole body. my my
wayway I wasI was
again again obliged
obliged to stop
to stop for two
for two weeksweekswithwiththe the Alexeyievsky
Alexeyievsky
Community
Community at Arzamas,
at Arzarnas, owingowing to complete
to complete exhaustion.
exhaustion. Besides
Besides beingbeing
swollen
swollen and and weak,
weak, my my bodybody became
became quitequite yellow,
yellow, and and it was
it was evident
evident
thatthat
I wasI was suffering
suffering fromfrom dropsy.
dropsy. After
After twotwoweeksweeks I again
I again felt felt
some somere- re ­
lief.lief. I continued
I continued my my journey,
journey, though
though withwith
the the
utmostutmost difficulty,
difficulty, and andat at
last last by G ods
by God's helphelp I reached
I reached Sarov.
Sarov.

On Onthe the following

following day,day,
afterafter
the the
earlyearly Liturgy,
Liturgy, we went
we went at the
at the appointed
appointed
timetime to the
to the Elder's
Elder's ante -room
ante-room and andI sawI saw
therethere among
among the the
crowd crowd ofi-visi­
of vis
torstors a man
a man whowho waswas weeping
weeping bitterly.
bitterly. Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim waswas sternly
sternly rebuking
rebuking
himhim for something,
for something, and and
when when he wanted
he wanted to hand
to hand himhim a gift,
a gift, the the
ElderElder
replied:
replied: "I won
"I won't 't take
take it now,
it now, I won't
I won't taketake it now."
it now." I hadI had
alsoalso prepared
prepared
a gift,
a gift, but but on hearing
on hearing his his
last last words,
words, I didI did
not not
daredare to offer
to offer it, but
it, but hid hid
it and
it and backed
backed towards
towards the the
door,door, so that
so that I stood
I stood behind
behind everyone
everyone else.else.
AndAndwhatwhat do you
do you think?
think? Neither
Neither my my thought
thought nor nor
my my act had
act had escaped
escaped Fr. Fr.
Seraphim's
Seraphim's perspicacity.
perspicacity. MakingMaking his his
wayway through
through the the
crowdcrowd of visitors,
of visitors,
he came
he came up toupmeto me
withwith a smile
a smile and and silently
silently stretched
stretched out out
his his
hand. hand.

NotNot knowing
knowing whatwhat to for
to do do joy
for joy
and and surprise,
surprise, I hastily
I hastily handed
handed himhimmy my
gift —
gift-a a towel.
towel. He took
He took it, wiped
it, wiped himself
himself threethree
timestimes
withwith it and
it and saidsaid
to to
me, me, "Follow
"Follow me, me,
my my
joy."joy." Bringing
Bringing me me
intointo
his his
cell,cell, he blessed
he blessed me, me,
gavegave
me mesomesome prosphora12
prosphora" and and
holyholy water
water and and
thenthen
saidsaid to me:
to me: "I shall
"I shall see see
youyou tomorrow."
tomorrow."

On On
my my return
return to the
to the hospice
hospice I feltI felt
that that
my my illness,
illness, whichwhich seemed
seemed to to
havehave
left left
me me
for afor a time,
time, had had returned
returned again.
again. On Onthe the following
following day,day,
afterafter
the the
earlyearly Liturgy,
Liturgy, Fr. Seraphim
Fr. Seraphim wentwent to his
to his hermitage;
hermitage; and and we had
we had to goto go
there to get his blessing. I could hardly follow
there to get his blessing. I could hardly follow my companions. my companions.

11 11 Viaticum,
Viaticum, or last
or last rites.rites.
12 12 A prosphora
A prosphora is a tiny
is a tiny "cottage" loaf
"cottage"loaf usedused in Holy
in the the Holy Liturgy. Individuals
Liturgy.Individuals maymay
alsoalso
sendsend
to sanctuary
to the the sanctuary a prosphora
a prosphora fromfrom which
which the priest
the priest takestakes
a fewa few crumbs,
crumbs, and and
putsputs
themthem
on on
the paten
the paten withwith the "Lamb,"the
the "Lamb,"in in name
the name of living
of the the living or departed
or the the departed
to betocommemorated.
be commemorated.

252
 A m W o n dc:e !Jr Lw" oWrl)k [,
r\ a\1 z" i 7.n ig.\cWO e 1\r E H

We
Wesatsat
byby
Fr.Fr.
Seraphim's
Seraphim's cell
cellforfor
about
aboutananhour,
hour,and
andwhile
whilewewe
waited
waitedforfor
him
himto tocome
comeout,
out,weweallallsilently
silentlysaid
saidthe
thePrayer
Prayerofof
Jesus.
Jesus.AtAtlast
lasthehecame
came
out
outto tousus
inina half - mantle13 with
a half-mantle'? witha lighted
a lightedcandle
candleininhishishands,
hands,and andbebe-
­
gan
ganto to
bless
blessallall
whowhocame
cameupupto tohim
himininturn,
turn,saying
sayingto toeveryone
everyonesome ­
some-
thing
thingforfor
the
thegood
goodofof
hishissoul.
soul.I went
I wentupupto tohim
himlast
lastofof
allalland
andhehesaid,
said,
looking
lookingat at
me:me:"You arearenot
"You notwell,
well,mother. " Then
mother." Thenheheblessed
blessedmemeand
andcon ­
con-
tinued:
tinued: "Go
"Goand
andwash
washininthe
thewell,
well,drink
drinka little
a littleand
andyou
youwill
willbebewell. "
well."

I replied:
I replied:"I "I
have
havealready
alreadydrunk
drunkand
andwashed,
washed,Father,
Father,when
whenI came
I camehere. "
here."

ToTo
this
thisheheagain
againsaid:
said:"Take
"Takesome
somewater
waterfrom
fromthe
thewell
wellwith
withyou,
you,m moth-
oth ­
er,er,drink
drinkand
andwash,
wash,and
andwash
washyour
yourbody
body.Christ's
Christ'sApostles
Apostleswill
willheal
heal
you
youand
andyou
youwill
willbebe
well. "
well."

When
WhenI told
I toldhim
himthat
thatI had
I hadnothing
nothing to totake
takethe
thewater
waterin,in,hehebrought
brought a a
small
smalljug
jugout
outofof
hishiscell,
cell,repeating
repeating asas
hehegave
gaveit it
totomemehishisformer
formerwords,
words,
and
andhehesaid
saidthem
themover
overagain
againononmy
myreturn
returnwith
withthe
thewater
waterfrom
fromthe
thewell.
well.

On
Onmy
myarrival
arrivalat at
thethehospice,
hospice,I at once
I at oncecarried
carriedout
outexactly
exactlyallallFr.Fr.
Seraphim's
Seraphim's instructions
instructions without
without the
theleast
leastfear
fearofof
using
usingwater
waterinina case
a case
ofof
dropsy.
dropsy And
Andbyby
the
theprayers
prayersofofHis
HisSaint,
Saint,the
theLord
LordGod
Godworked
workeda a
miracle
miracleononmemea sinner.
a sin ner.ToTo
the
thesurprise
surpriseofofeveryone,
everyone, especially
especially ofof
those
those
who
whohad
hadforbidden
forbidden memeto topour
pourwater
waterover
overmy
mybody
bodysaying
sayingthat
thatthe
the
dropsy
dropsydid
didnot
notlike
likeit, it.
I rose
I roseononthe
thenext
nextday
dayquite
quitecured,
cured,and
andI had
I hadsoso
changed
changedforfor
the
thebetter
betterthat
thatthose
thosewho
whohad
hadseen
seenmemeononthe
theprevious
previous
night
nightdid
didnot
notrecognise
recognisememeininthe
themorning.
morning. AllAll
thethewater
waterwhich
whichhad
had
been
beenunder
underthe
theskin
skinand
andwhich
whichhad
hadmade
mademe
melook
lookunnaturally
unnaturally fat,
fat,had
had
run
runout,
out,the
theswollen
swollenappearance
appearance had
haddisappeared,
disappeared, and
andthe
theyellow
yellowcoco-
­
lour
lourofof
my body
my bodygave
gaveplace
placeto toa natural
a natural complexion.
complexion. My
Mypain
painceased
ceased
completely
completely. InIn
a word,
a word,I seemed
I seemedreborn.
reborn.

Just
Justbefore
beforesetting
settingout
outononmy
myreturn
returnjourney,
journey,Fr.Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim sent
sentmemeand
and
my
mytwo
twocompanions,
companions, with
withhishisblessing,
blessing,a symbolical
a symbolical sign
signto toeach
eachofof
us:us:
to tomemea staff
a staffwith
witha crook,
a crook,to toanother
another a stick
a stickwith
withfour
fourstems,
stems,and
andto to
the
thethird
thirda simple
a simplestick.
stick.We
Wedid
didnot
notunderstand
understand then
thenthe
themeaning
meaning ofof
these
thesesymbols,
symbols,but
butsubsequent
subsequent events
eventsshowed
showedusus
both
boththeir
theirfull
fullsignifi­
signifi-
cance
canceand
andFr.Fr.
Seraphim's
Seraphim's spiritual
spiritual insight.
insight.I, unworthy
I, unworthy asas
I am,
I am,entered
entered
a convent
a conventand
andnow
nowcarry
carrythe
thestaff
staffofof
ananabbess.
abbess.My
Myother
othercompanion
companion
embraced
embraced monasticism
monasticism with
withher
hertwo
twosons
sonsand
andher
herdaughter,
daughter, and
andthe
the
third
thirdalso
alsoentered
entereda monastery,
a monastery, but
butalone.
alone.And
Andsosoeverything
everything was
wasfulful-
­
filled
filledaccording
accordingto tothe
theprediction
prediction ofofGod's
God'sElder.
Elder.
13 13 Russian:
Russian:Polumantia.
Polumantia.

253
A t\\
n E Ex
xt r aP\()l([)i\\l(Y
ordinarv P Pba c\i.b

Olympiada
Olympiada Lubkova
Lubkova wrote
wrote totoFr.Fr.foasaph
Ioasapho of
f how
how she
shewas
wascured
cured from
from
cholera
cholera through
through the
thewater
water from Seraphim's's well:
from Seraphim well:
InInAugust
August1831
1831mymymother,
mother, Olga
OlgaPetrovna
PetrovnaLubkova,
Lubkova, went
wentonona apilgrim ­
pilgrim-
age from Nizhny - Novgorod to Sarov with my eldest sister, Mary. In
age from Nizhny-Novgorod to Sarov with my eldest sister, Mary. In thethe
course
courseofofthree
threedays
daysshe
shewas
wasgranted
grantedtotosee
seeFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim several
severaltimes
times
and
andtototalk
talktotohim.
him.When
Whenshe
sheasked
askedfor
forhis
hisblessing
blessingfor
fortheir
theirreturn
return
journey,
journey,Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimsaid
saidgood -bye totothem,
good-bye them,but
buta afew
fewminutes
minuteslater
later
hehecalled
calledthem
themback,
back,saying:
saying:
"Take
"Takethis
thisbottle
bottleofofwater
waterwith
withyou.
you.IfIfanyone
anyoneisistaken
takenill,ill,then
thengive
give
some
someofofit.it.ItItisisgood
goodfor
forsick
sickpeople. "
people."
They
Theystarted
startedback
backatatonce,
once,arrived
arrivedhome
homesafely
safelyand
andfound
foundeverybody
everybody
iningood
goodhealth.
health.Before
Beforesupper,
supper,I felt
I felta aviolent
violentfitfitofofdizziness
dizziness and
andsick ­
sick-
ness,
ness,but
buthid
hidit itfrom
frommy
myfamily,
family,though
though I knew
I knewthat
thatsuch
suchfits
fitsmight
might
bebedangerous,
dangerous, because
becausea aviolent
violentepidemic
epidemicofofcholera
cholerawas
wasraging
raginginin
Nizhny -Novgorod.
Nizhny-Novgorod.
After
Aftersupper
supperallallsoon
soonwent
wenttotobed,
bed,but
butmy
myattacks
attacksofofsickness
sicknessbecame
became
more
moreand
andmore
moreviolent,
violent,and
andI wanted
I wantedtotogogointo
intoanother
another room
roomsosoasasnot
not
totowake
wakeupupmy
mymother
motherwho
whowas
wastired
tiredafter
afterher
herjourney.
journey.But
ButI had
I hadhard ­
hard-
lylyleft
leftmy
mybed,
bed,when
whenthe
thedizziness
dizziness and
andsickness
sicknesschanged
changedinto
intounm is ­
unmis-
takable
takablefits
fitsofofcholera
choleraand
andI fell
I felltotothe
theground
ground ininutter
utterexhaustion.
exhaustion. All
All
woke
wokeupupand
andhurriedly
hurriedly put
putme
metotobed,
bed,and
andI remained
I remained unconscious
unconscious unun-
­
tiltilseven
seveno 'o'clock
clock ininthe
themorning.
morning. When
Whenthe
thedoctor
doctorcame,
came,heheprescribed
prescribed
a amedicine
medicine but
butordered
orderedme
metotobebebled
bledfirst.
first.His
Hisassistant
assistantwas
wassent
sentfor,
for,
but
butininthose
thosedifficult
difficulttimes
timeshehewas
wasalways
alwaysout
outvisiting
visitingthe
thesick.
sick.SoSofor
fora a
time
timeI remained
I remained without
without any
anykind
kindofofhelp.
help.AsAsfor
forhome
homeremedies,
remedies,they
they
did
didnot
notstop
stopthe
thefits
fitsofofcholera
choleraininthe
theleast.
least.

Utterly
Utterlyexhausted
exhausted bybythis
thisprolonged
prolonged and
andtorturing
torturing nausea,
nausea,I remem ­
I remem-
bered
beredthe
thehealing
healingwater
waterwhich
whichwe
wehad
hadbrought
broughtfrom
fromFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim and
and
spoke
spoketotomy
mymother
motherabout
aboutit.it.She
Shecried
criedrapturously:
rapturously: "Oh!
"OhlI had
I hadforgot ­
forgot-
ten
tenit.it."
" AtAtonce
oncethey
theygave
gaveme
mesome
someofofthis
thiswater
waterinina aglass,
glass,I took
I tookabout
about
three
threeswallows
swallowsand
andsuddenly,
suddenly,instead
insteadofofthe
thenausea,
nausea,I felt
I felta acopious
copious
perspiration
perspiration and
andananinclination
inclination totosleep.
sleep.I was
I wasleft
leftalone.
alone.

While
WhileI was
I waslying
lyinginina akind
kindofofpleasant
pleasantexhaustion,
exhaustion, inina astate
stateofofsemi -
semi-

254
 A II.I! A m
I \ aI.z i W
n go \WlJ oi. ni( IV
d e(IrIi w
kLo Iir k e r

consciousness,
consciousness, for more
for more than than an hour,
an hour, I suddenly
I suddenly felt
felt as if as if som e ­
some-
thingthing flashed
flashed past past my eyes
my eyes and aand a whisper
whisper reached
reached my ears:
my ears: "Get "Get
Up!"u p ! "
Opening
Opening my eyes,
my eyes, I feltIfirst
felt of
first
allofanallextraordinary
an extraordinary freshness
freshness in allinmy
all my
body and a return of strength. Then I saw before me the glass of heal-heal­
body and a return of strength. Then I saw before me the glass of
ing water;
ing water; I at once
I at once took took
a fewa swallows,
few swallows, andup
and got gotwell.
up well.
OnlyOnlythe the
swelling
swelling which which remained
remained in theinregion
the regionof my ofheart
my heart testified
testified to my tore-
my re ­
cent cent illness.
illness.

It is impossible
It is impossible to describe
to describe my mother
my mother's joy'satjoy at what
what had happened.
had happened. She She
weptwept for gratitude.
for gratitude.

255
 Chapter1616
Chapter
T h e PREDICTIONS
THE P r e d i c t i o n s OF S t .SERAPHIM
o fST. S eraphim

many occasions andand to tomany

many people St. St. Seraphimforetold
foretold

OO
n
N many occasions people Seraphim
thethe future
future which
which he he foresaw
foresaw with
with hishis spiritual
spiritual sight.
sight. Nadezhda
Nadezhda
Feodorovna
Feodorovna Ostrovsky
Ostrovsky relates:
relates:

MyMy brother,
brother, Lieutenant-Colonel
Lieutenant-Colonel v.F.V.F. Ostrovsky,
Ostrovsky, often
often went
went to to Nizhny -
Nizhny-
Novgorod
Novgorod on on a visit
a visit to to
ourour aunt,
aunt, Princess
Princess Gruzinsky,
Gruzinsky, whowho
hadhad great
great
faith in Fr. Seraphim. Once, she sent him on some errand
faith in Fr. Seraphim. Once, she sent him on some errand to the Sarov to the Sarov
Monastery to the Elder. Fr. Seraphim received my brother
Monastery to the Elder. Fr. Seraphim received my brother very kindly very kindly
and,
and, in in
thethe midst
midst of of
hishis instructions,
instructions, suddenly
suddenly said:
said:
"Ah,
"Ah, what
what a drunkard
a drunkard youyou
willwill
be,be, brother
brother Vladim ir! "
Vladimir!"
These
These words
words made
made mymy brother
brother exceedingly
exceedingly sadsad
andand unhappy
unhappy. HeHehadhad
been endowed by God with many precious talents
been endowed by God with many precious talents and always used and always used
them
them to to
thethe glory
glory of of
God.God.HeHewaswas deeply
deeply devoted
devoted to to
Fr.Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, andand
to his subordinates he was a tender father. Therefore,
to his subordinates he was a tender father. Therefore, he considered he considered
himself
himself farfar from
from being
being a drunkard,
a drunkard, which
which waswas incompatible
incompatible with
with hishis
calling and manner of life. The clairvoyant Elder, noticing
calling and manner of life. The clairvoyant Elder, noticing his trouble, his trouble,
added:
added:
"But
"But do do
notnot
be be troubled
troubled or or
sad.sad.
TheThe Lord
Lord sometimes
sometimes allows
allows people
people whowho
areare devoted
devoted to to
HimHimto to
fallfall
intointo such
such dreadful
dreadful vices;
vices; andand
thisthis is in
is in order
order
to prevent them from falling into a still greater sin-pride. Your temp- p ­
to prevent them from falling into a still greater sin — pride. Your tem
tation
tation willwill
pass pass
by by
thethe mercy
mercy of of God,
God, andandyouyou
willwill spend
spend thethe rem ain ­
remain-
ing days of your life in humility. Only do not forget
ing days of your life in humility. Only do not forget your sin." your sin."

This
This wonderful
wonderful prediction
prediction of of
thethe
manmanof of
GodGod
waswas actually
actually fulfilled
fulfilled lat-lat­
er on. As a consequence of various adverse circumstances
er on. As a consequence of various adverse circumstances my brother my brother

fellfell a prey
a prey to to
thatthat unhappy
unhappy passion —drunkenness;
passion-drunkenness; andandto to
thethe general
general
sorrow of his relations, he spent several years in this wretched
sorrow of his relations, he spent several years in this wretched condi- condi ­
tion. But at last owing to Fr. Seraphim's prayers and to his
tion. But at last owing to Fr. Seraphim's prayers and to his own simplic- own simplic-

256
 T he PP r\(1
e d i !c( t ii o
\ 0n \ s S o()f SST.
t , SS eI r a \ p !'h i mIi

ity
ity of
of heart,
heart, the
the Lord
Lord had
had mercy
mercy on
on him.
him. He
He not
not only
only abandoned
abandoned his his
former vice, but also completely changed his m anner of life and tried
former vice, but also completely changed his manner of life and tried
to
to live
live according
according to
to the
the comm andments of
commandments of the
the Gospel
Gospel as
as aa Christian
Christian
should.
should.

A.A.T.,
A.AT., while
while still
still quite
quite young
young (she
(she was
was about
about twelve),
twelve), once
once went
went to
to
the
the Sarov
Sarov monastery
monastery with
with her
her mother
mother in
in order
order to
to see
see Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim and
and
get
get his
his blessing.
blessing. This
This was
was in
in 1830.
1830. On
On her
her arrival
arrival at
at Sarov
Sarov she
she heard
heard from
from
her
her nurse
nurse about
about some
some poor
poor exhausted
exhausted convict
convict who
who was
was passing
passing by
by the
the
monastery
monastery in
in heavy
heavy chains
chains and
and looked
looked very
very miserable.
miserable. At
Atthe
the sight
sight ooff this
this
unfortunate
unfortunate man
man she
she was
was greatly
greatly touched
touched by
by his
his condition,
condition, but
but did
did not
not
give
give him
him any
any alms
alms because
because she
she had
had no
no money
money with
with her
her at
at the
the time;
time; then
then
she
she found
found aa silver
silver coin
coin of
of fifty
fifty kopeks
kopeks and
and as
as she
she had
had nothing
nothing smaller,
smaller, she
she
decided
decided to
to give
give itit to
to the
the wretched
wretched man.
man. W hen they
When they came
came to
to Fr.
Fr.Seraphim,
Seraphim,
the
the clairvoyant
clairvoyant Elder
Elder who
who had
had never
never before
before seen
seen them
them,, called
called the
the girl,
girl,
blessed
blessed her
her and
and said
said to
to her
her kindly: It was
kindly: ""It was good
good that
that you
you gave
gave fifty
fifty ko
ko-­
peks
peks to
to the
the beggar,
beggar,"" and
and he
he quite
quite unexpectedly
unexpectedly addressed
addressed her
her as your
as ""your
excellency.
excellency."" Her
Her m other was
mother was surprised
surprised at
at this
this form
form ooff address
address and
and tried
tried
to
to explain
explain to
to the
the Elder
Elder that
that this
this title
title did
did not
not at
at all
all belong
belong to
to them
them;; but
but in
in
talking
talking to
to them
them the
the Saint
Saint continued
continued to
to give
give the
the girl
girl this
this title.
title. And
And so
so they
they
returned
returned home
home without
without having
having learned
learned the
the cause
cause ooff this
this strange
strange form
form of
of
address
address from
from the
the Elder,
Elder, and
and for
for aa long
long tim
timee they
they wondered
wondered what
what itit could
could
mean.
mean. But
But afterwards
afterwards itit became
became clear,
clear, for
for when
when A.A.T.
A.AT. came
came ooff age,
age, she
she
married
married aa general.
general.

Two
Two m onths before
months before the
the appointment
appointment ooff Fr.
Fr. Antony
Antony ooff Vysokogorsk
Vysokogorsk
as
as Superior
Superior ooff the
the Lavra
Lavra ooff St.
St. Sergius,
Sergius, and
and while
while the
the form er abbot
former abbot
Archimandrite
Archimandrite Athanasius
Athanasius was
was still
still living
living and
and there
there was
was no
no talk
talk ooff his
his
being
being transferred,
transferred, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim foretold
foretold this
this appointment.
appointment. This
This predic
predic-­
tion
tion was
was recorded
recorded by
by Fr.
Fr.Antony
Antony himself.
himself.
In
In January
January 1831
1831 Fr.
Fr.Antony
Antony went
went to
to St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim in
in Sarov
Sarov in
in order
order to
to
ask
ask his
his advice
advice regarding
regarding his
his thoughts
thoughts of
of death
death which
which had
had become
become almost
almost

257
A" A nE EI xPt\r0aIioI)r 1".\ a r yP r P\ e(!.
d i n P\ ace

anan obsession
obsession and
and which
which greatly
greatly disturbed
disturbed him.
him. Having
Having arrived
arrived in in Sarov
Sarov
in in
thethe evening,
evening, hehe went
went straight
straight to toFr.Fr. Seraphimcell.
Seraphim's s cell. But
But before
before reach ­
reach-
inging
it, it,
hehe met
met some
some brethren
brethren of of
thethe Sarov
Sarov Monastery
Monastery who
who told
told him
him that
that Fr.Fr.
Seraphim
Seraphim had
had notnot
yetyet returned
returned to to
thethe monastery
monastery from
from hishis hermitage.
hermitage. It was
It was
already
already about
about five
five o 'clock
o'clock and
and it was
it was growing
growing dark.
dark. The
The traveler
traveler stopped,
stopped,
and
and was
was wondering
wondering whether
whether to to
gogo somewhere
somewhere or or wait
wait forfor him
him there.
there.
Just
Just at at that
that moment,
moment, thethe brethren
brethren who
who were
were standing
standing with
with him
him saw
saw thethe
Elder
Elder coming
coming in in
thethe distance
distance and
and exclaimed:
exclaimed: "Here
"Here comes
comes Fr.Fr. Seraphim ! "
Seraphim!"
The
The Elder
Elder was
was walking
walking in in
hishis ordinary
ordinary garb
garb with
with a sack
a sack onon
hishis back,
back, lean ­
lean-
inging
ononanan axe.
axe. Fr.Fr. Antony
Antony at at once
once went
went upup
to to him
him and
and bowed
bowed to to himin in
him
thethe usual
usual way.
way.
" W ell?the
"Well?" " the Elder
Elder asked
asked him.
him.
"I "I have
have come
come to to you,
you, Father,
Father, with
with a sorrowful
a sorrowful soul,replied
soul," " replied
Fr.Fr. Antony.
Antony.
"Let
"Let usus
gogo
to to
mymy cell,
cell, mymy joy,said
joy," " said
thethe Elder
Elder affably.
affably.
W hen
When they
they were
were alone
alone in in
thethe cell,
cell, Fr.Fr. Antony
Antony asked
asked St.St. Seraphim
Seraphim to to
telltell
himhim frankly
frankly whether
whether hishis sorrowful
sorrowful thoughts
thoughts would
would bebe realized.
realized. Was
Was
notnot
hishis death
death actually
actually at at hand?"Whether
hand? " W hether I sit
1 sit in in
mymy cell
cell or or walk
walk in in
thethe
monastery,said
monastery," " said Antony,
Antony, it seems
"it"seems to to
meme that
that I see
1see thethe monastery
monastery forfor
thethe
last
last time.
time. From
From this
this I conclude
1conclude that
that I shall
1shall soon
soon die,
die, and
and that
that is why
is why I have
1have
already
already arranged
arranged thethe place
place of omy
f my grave.
grave. I wish
1wish to to know
know about
about mymy death
death
solely
solely sosoas as
to tochange
change
mymy life,
life, soso that
that I may
1 may resign
resign mymy post
post and
and conse ­
conse-
crate
crate mymy
lastlast days
days to to quiet
quiet consideration.
consideration. The
The news
news of omy
f my death
death will
will notnot
frighten
frighten me,added
me," " added
Fr.Fr. Antony.
Antony.
Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim listened
listened without
without changing
changing hishis position,
position, holding
holding Antony
Antony
byby
thethe hand.
hand. W hen
When hehe had
had finished,
finished, thethe blessed
blessed Elder
Elder regarded
regarded him
him lov ­
lov-
ingly
ingly and
and said:
said: "Your
"Your thoughts
thoughts areare
notnot right,
right, notnot right
right at at
all,all,
mymy joy.
joy. The
The
Providence
Providence of oGod
f God
is is entrusting
entrusting you
you with
with a large
a large lavra."
lavra."
Fr.Fr. Antony
Antony thought
thought that
that St.St. Seraphim
Seraphim wanted
wanted to to distract
distract him
him from
from hishis
sorrowful
sorrowful thoughts,
thoughts, and
and therefore
therefore hehe interrupted
interrupted him
him saying:
saying: "Father,
"Father, this
this
will
will notnot quieten
quieten me,
me, this
this will
will notnot
setset
mymy thoughts
thoughts at at rest.
rest. I implore
1 implore you,
you,
telltellmeme frankly,
frankly, areare
notnot
mymy thoughts
thoughts of odeath
f death a sign
a sign from
from God
God that
that mymy
end
end is is near?
near? AndAnd
in in that
that case
case I shall
1shall askask your
your prayers
prayers forfor
mymy soul
soul and
and will
will
receive
receive your
your word
word peacefully
peacefully and
and thankfully.
thankfully. I want
1want to to meet
meet thethe hour
hour of of

258
 I ! P
The P red
n ic
! (ition
()\s\ o
0 fis!St. Se
S I r11.\
a p['hIii im

my
my death
death with
with due
due preparation.
preparation." "
Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim replied
replied with
with an
an angelic
angelic smile:
smile: ""Your
Your thoughts
thoughts are
are wrong!
wrong!
II tell
tell you, the Providence of God is entrusting you with a large lavra.""
you, the Providence o f God is entrusting you with a large lavra.
But
But the
the Superior
Superior ooff the
the Vysogorsk
Vysogorsk monastery
monastery replied:
replied: ""How
How can
can the
the
Vysogorsk
Vysogorsk Monastery become aa lavra?
Monastery become lavra? God grant that it may not become
God grant that it may not become
worse
worse than
than itit now
now is."
is."
To
To Fr.
Fr. Antony's
Antony's still
still greater
greater surprise,
surprise, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, without
without changing
changing
his
his mind,
mind, started
started asking
asking him
him toto receive
receive kindly
kindly the
the brethren
brethren who
who would
would
come to the lavra from Sarov, or anyone he
come to the lavra from Sarov, or anyone he might might send.
send. Remaining un
Remaining un-­
der
der the
the same
same impression,
impression, Antony
Antony continued: Father! Who
continued: ""Father! Who will
will want
want to
to
leave Sarov for the poor Vysogorsk Monastery? But if anyone wanted
leave Sarov for the poor Vysogorsk Monastery? But if anyone wanted to
to
or
or was
was sent
sent by
by you,
you, you
you know
know my
my constant
constant readiness
readiness to
to do
do whatever
whatever you
you
like. But it cannot really happen.
like. But it cannot really happen." "
Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim said,
said, as
as if
if following
following the
the same
same line
line ooff thought: Do not
thought: ""Do not
leave
leave my
my orphans,
orphans, when
when the
the tim
timee comes.
comes.""
Fr.
Fr. Antony
Antony could
could no
no longer
longer restrain
restrain himself,
himself, and
and under
under an
an impulse
impulse
ooff unbounded
unbounded love and veneration for the Elder, he rushed towards him,
love and veneration for the Elder, he rushed towards him,
embraced
embraced him
him and
and wept
wept copiously.
copiously. Not
Not understanding
understanding what
what he
he heard,
heard, he
he
concentrated his attention on the word " orphans, " and it seemed to
concentrated his attention on the word "orphans," and it seemed to him him
that
that the
the Elder
Elder was
was speaking
speaking ooff his
his speedy
speedy end.
end. Blessed
Blessed Seraphim
Seraphim went
went on:
on:
Pray for
""Pray the souls o f my parents
for the souls of my parents Isidore and Agathia. " Then he advised
Isidore and Agathia." Then he advised
him
him to
to submit
submit him self in
himself in everything
everything to to the
the will
will of
of God,
God, to
to be
be diligent
diligent in
in
prayer,
prayer, to
to carry
carry out
out his
his duties
duties strictly,
strictly, to
to be
be charitable
charitable and
and indulgent
indulgent with
with
the
the brethren. Be aa mother,
brethren. ""Be mother, and
and not
not aa father,
father, to
to the
the brethren,
brethren,"" he
he said
said and
and
urged
urged him
him to
to be
be kind
kind to
to all
all in
in general,
general, and
and to
to be
be humble. Humility and
humble. ""Humility and
discretion, " he said, " are the beauty o f virtue. " Then Fr. Seraphim repeat
discretion," he said, "are the beauty of virtue." Then Fr. Seraphim repeat-­
edly
edly embraced
embraced him,
him, blessed
blessed him
him with
with the
the cross
cross which
which hung
hung on
on his
his chest
chest
and
and said: "Now go in the name off the
said: " Now go in the name o the Lord.
Lord. It is time for you to go; they
It is time for you to go; they
are
are waiting
waiting for
for you.
you.""
On
On his
his way
way back
back Fr.
Fr. Antony
Antony noticed
noticed that
that the
the m onk who
monk who was
was traveling
traveling
with
with him
him was
was weeping. Why do
weeping. ""Why do you
you weep?
weep?"" asked
asked Antony.
Antony. The
The monk
monk
replied
replied that
that on
on his
his arrival
arrival in
in Sarov
Sarov he
he had
had met
met Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim who
who was
was
returning
returning from
from the
the hermitage
hermitage to
to his
his monastic
monastic cell,
cell, and
and who
who had
had said
said to
to

259
A\A N E X I R A 0 R D I N A R YPIAC!
Eni{\ORDI\\ln P F. A C E

him"Well,
him: : "Well,
youyou will
will soon
soon have
have to to part
part with
with your
your Superior."
Superior."
Meanwhile,
Meanwhile, time
time passed;
passed; January
January and
and February
February went
went by,by,
andand
thethe Great
Great
Fast
Fast began.OnOn
began. thethe 2nd
2nd ofoMarch,
f March, Monday
Monday of of
thethe first
first week
week of oLent,
f Lent,
thethe
abbot
abbot took
took hishis turn
turn at at reading
reading thethe Psalms
Psalms (each
(each brother
brother used
used to to read
read forfor
twohours,
two hours,and
and thisreading
this reading was
was continued
continued day
day and
and night).
night). Just
Just thena a
then
letter
letter was
was brought
brought to tohim
him from
from thethe Metropolitan
Metropolitan of oMoscow.
f Moscow.
Fr.Fr. Antony
Antony
went
went to tohishiscell.
cell. The
The letter
letter whichinvited
which invited Antony
Antony to totake
take
thethepost
post
of of
su-su ­
perior
perior of othe
f the Lavra
Lavra of oSt.
f St.Sergius,
Sergius,also
alsoenclosed
enclosedanan envelope
envelope addressed
addressed
to toHis
HisEminence
Eminence Athanasius,Bishop
Athanasius, Bishopof oNizhny-Novgorod,
f Nizhny -Novgorod,concerning
concerning
thethe speedy
speedy release
release of oFr.
f Fr. Antony
Antony from
from hishis post
post of oabbot
f abbot
of othe
f the Vysogorsk
Vysogorsk
Monastery
Monastery and
and hishis transfer
transfer to to Moscow.
Moscow. OnOn March
March 4th4thhehe was
was released.
released.

St.St. Seraphim 'prophecy

Seraphim's s prophecy about
about thethe death
death of oAlexy
f Alexy Prokudin
Prokudin refers
refers to to
thetheyear
year1832.
1832.Prokudin
Prokudin was
was a retiredhussar'
a retired hussar1 andowned
and ownedananestate
estatein in
thethe Province
Province of oNizhny-Novgorod.
f Nizhny -Novgorod. Being
Being anan extremely
extremely religious
religious man,
man, hehe
regarded
regarded St.St.Seraphim's
Seraphim personality
s personality withprofound
with profoundreverence
reverence and
and lived
lived
according
according to tohishis advice.
advice.
Being
Being kind
kind and
and sympathetic
sympathetic towards
towards thethe sufferings
sufferings of ohis
f his neighbours,
neighbours,
hehecarried
carriedhishis charity
charity to tosuch
such a degree
a degree that
that hehegave
gave away
away allallhehehad
had
to to
thethepoor.
poor.
In In
thethe summer
summer of o1832
f 1832
hehe was
was with
with St.St.Seraphim
Seraphimin in
thethe Sarov
Sarov
Monastery,
Monastery, accompanied
accompanied byby
thethe Aksakovs.
Aksakovs.
W hen
When Prokudin
Prokudin went
went to to
saysay good -bye,
good-bye, St.St. Seraphim
Seraphim came
came outout
to to him
him
with
with a bunch
a bunch of of lighted
lighted wax
wax candles
candles in in
hishis hand
hand and
and invited
invited him
him into
into hishis
cell.Having
cell. Having stuck
stuck four
four candles
candles to tothethe edges
edges of ohis
f his coffin
coffin which
which stood
stood in in
thethe ante - room,
ante-room, St.St. Seraphim
Seraphim beckoned
beckoned to toProkudin
Prokudin
to to come
come in in and
and then
then
looked
looked intently
intently and
and sadly
sadly into
into hishis eyes.
eyes. HeHe blessed
blessed thethe oaken
oaken coffin
coffin with
with
a large
a large sign
sign of othe
f the cross
cross and
and said
said in in a hollow,
a hollow, butbut solemn
solemn voice:
voice: " On
"On thethe
Feast
Feast of othe
f the Protection.The
Protection." " The holy
holy Elder's
Elder's words
words were
were interpreted
interpreted both
both byby
Prokudin
Prokudin and
and thethe bystanders
bystanders as as a prophecy
a prophecy of ohis
f his end.
end.
St.St.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'prophecy
s prophecy came
came to topass
pass that
that very
very year
year contrary
contrary to toallall
expectations,as as
expectations, Prokudin
Prokudin feltfeltquite
quitestrong
strong
ononthat
that day
day andcheerfully
and cheerfully
1 1A light
A light cavalryman,
cavalryman, or or soldier
soldier on on horseback
horseback in in
thethe army.—ed.
army.-ed.

260
 Jill P!{LIlICII(i1\S 01 ST. 511:,\[>111.1\

received
received the
the numerous
numerous guests who
who had
had come to
to congratulate
congratulate him on his
reception
reception ooff the
the Holy
Holy Mysteries.
Mysteries. Suddenly
Suddenly, at hhalf
alf past
past two, he whom
whom rich
rich
and
and poor
poor alike
alike called
called the
the friend
friend ooff the
the needy
needy and destitute,
destitute, sank down
down in
his arm
arm chair,
chair, leant
kant his head
head against
against its
its high back and died quietly
quietly and
unobtrusively,
unobtrusively, as a baby falls
falls asleep
asleep on its
its m others lap.
mother's

261
 Chapter1717
Chapter
A p p a r i t i o nOFo fTHE
ApPARITION M o t h e rOFo fGOD
t h eMOTHER G od
TOt oST.S t SERAPHIM
. S eraphim

NE n e year
andand
ninenine m onths before
his his departure from
thisthis world, St.

OO
year months before departure from world, St.
Seraphim
Seraphim waswas favoured
favoured by by a wonderful
a wonderful visitation
visitation o f the
of the heavenly
heavenly
Queen. This was Our Lady's twelfth visit to him. It
Queen. This was Our Lady's twelfth visit to him. It took place earlytook place early
in in
the the morning,
morning, on on
the the
feastfeast o f the
of the Annunciation,
Annunciation, March
March 25th,
25th, 1831.
1831. It was
It was
a kind
a kind o f premonition
of premonition o f his
of his blessed
blessed endend
andand o f the
of the incorruptible
incorruptible glo-glo ­
ry which
ry which awaited
awaited him.him. Mother
Mother Eupraxia,
Eupraxia, an an elderly
elderly nunnun o f the
of the Diveyev
Diveyev
Convent
Convent whowhodieddied
on on
the the
28th28th o f March,
of March, 1865,
1865, wrote
wrote o f this
of this wonderful
wonderful
event
event as follows.
as follows.
Father
Father toldtold
me me
twotwo
daysdays in advance
in advance to come
to come to him
to him on on
thatthat
day.day. When
When
I came, Father announced: "We shall have a vision of the Mother of of
I came, Father announced: "We shall have a vision of the Mother
God,
God," " and
and making
making me mebendbend to the
to the ground,
ground, he covered
he covered me mewithwith
his his
m antle1 and read over me out of a book. Then, lifting
mantle! and read over me out of a book. Then, lifting me up, he said: me up, he said:
"Now"Nowholdhold
on on to me
to me andand don
don't be't afraid
be afraid of anything."
of anything."
At that
At that moment,
moment, there
there waswas a noise
a noise likelike
the the noise
noise of aofforest
a forest
in ainstrong
a strong
gale.gale.
WhenWhen it subsided,
it subsided, we we heard
heard singing
singing which
which sounded
sounded likelike church
church
singing. Then the door of the cell opened of itself,
singing. Then the door of the cell opened of itself, it became light, it became light,
brighter
brighter thanthan
day,day,
andand
the the
cellcell
waswas filled
filled withwith a fragrance
a fragrance likelike
thatthat
of of
rose - scented incense, only
rose-scented incense, only better. better.

Father
Father waswas kneeling
kneeling withwith
his his hands
hands raised
raised to heaven.
to heaven. I wasI was terrified.
terrified.
Father stood up and said: " Don ' t be afraid, child. It
Father stood up and said: "Don't be afraid, child. It is not a misfortune,is not a misfortune,
it isitaismercy
a mercy
sentsent to by
to us us God.
by God. Here
Here is our
is our most most glorious,
glorious, most
most purepure
Lady, the most holy Mother of God
Lady, the most holy Mother of God coming to us! n coming to u s ! "

TwoTwo angels
angels werewere walking
walking in front,
in front, holding —one
holding-one in his
in his rightright hand
hand andand
the other in his left —branches, which were just bursting into
the other in his left-branches, which were just bursting into blossom. blossom.

1 Mantia,
Mantia, or liturgical
or liturgical garment.
garment.

262
 A Ap p!) an
r ii\ t! iI o[ U
n o f, ) Ft hl el I L M Mo (,t hI e r ur
of G COD
o d

Their
Theirhair
hairlooked
lookedlike
likegolden
goldenflax
flaxand
andlay
layon
ontheir
theirshoulders.
shoulders. They
They
stood
stood ininfront.
front.They
Theywere
werefollowed
followedbybySt.St.John
Johnthe
theBaptist
Baptistand
andSt.St.John
John
the
theDivine.2
Divine."Their
Theirgarments
garments were
werewhite,
white,shining
shining with
withpurity.
purity.After
After
them
them came
camethe
theMother
MotherofofGod
Godwho
whowas
wasfollowed
followedbybytwelve
twelvevirgins.
virgins.
The
TheQueen
Queen ofofHeaven
Heavenwas
waswearing
wearing a amantle
mantle similar
similartotothe
theone
onepainted
painted
on
onthe
theikon
ikonofofOur
OurLady
LadyofofSorrows.
Sorrows.ItItwas
wasglistening,
glistening, though
though I Icannot
cannot
say
saywhat
whatcolour
colourititwas;
was;ititwas
wasofofinexpressible
inexpressible beauty,
beauty,fastened
fastened under
under
her
herneck
neckbybya alarge
largeround
roundbuckle
buckleororclasp
claspstudded
studded with
withcrosses
crossesvari ­
vari-
ously
ouslyadorned,
adorned, but
butwith
withwwhat-I
hat—I don 't know.
don't know.I Ionly
onlyremember
remember that
thatitit
shone
shonewith
withananextraordinary
extraordinary brightness.
brightness. Her
Herdress
dresswhich
whichwas
wascovered
covered
by
byher
hermantle
mantlewas
wasgreen,
green,girded
girdedhigh
highup
upbybya abelt.
belt.Over
Overthe
themantle
mantle
there
therewas
wasa akind
kindofofepitrachelion,3
epitrachelion, 3and
andononher
herwrists
wristswere
werecuffs;
cuffs;allall
these
thesewere
werecovered
coveredwith
withcrosses.
crosses.She
Sheseemed
seemedtaller
tallerthan
than allallthe
thevir ­
vir-
gins.
gins.On
Onher
herhead
headwas
wasa ahigh
highcrown
crownrichly
richlyadorned
adorned with
withcrosses;
crosses;ititwas
was
beautiful,
beautiful, wonderful,
wonderful, and
andshone
shonewith
withsuch
sucha alight
lightthat
thatmy
myeyes
eyescould
could
not
notlook
lookatatit;it;nor
norcould
couldI Ilook
lookatatthe
thebuckle
buckleororclasp,
clasp,ororatatthe
theface
faceofof
the
theheavenly
heavenly Queen
Queen herself.
herself.Her
Herhair
hairlay
layloose
looseononher
hershoulder
shoulder and
and
was
waslonger
longerand
andfairer4
fairer' than
than that
thatofofthe
theangels.
angels.
The
Thevirgins
virginscame
cameafter
afterher
herininpairs.
pairs.They
Theywore
worecrowns
crownsand
andgarments
garments
ofofvarious
various colours.
colours.They
Theywere
wereofofdifferent
different statures,
statures, and
andtheir
theirfaces
faceswere
were
also
alsodifferent
different asaswell
wellasastheir
theirhair
hairwhich
whichlay
layon
ontheir
theirshoulders.
shoulders. All
All
were
wereofofgreat
greatbeauty,
beauty,but
butsome
somewere
weremore
morebeautiful
beautiful than
than others.
others.They
They
stood
stoodround
round ususall.
all.The
TheQueen
Queen ofofHeaven
Heavenwas
wasininthe
themiddle.
middle.
The
Thecell
cellbecame
becamespacious
spacious and
anditsitstop
topwas
wasfilled
filledwith
withflames
flameswhich
which
seemed
seemed like
likeburning
burning candles.
candles. ItItwas
waslighter
lighterthan
than atatmidday,
midday,but
butititwas
was
a aspecial
speciallight
lightunlike
unlikethe
thelight
lightofofday;
day;ititwas
wasbrighter
brighter and
andwhiter
whiterthan
than
sunlight.
sunlight.
I was
I wasterrified
terrified and
andfell
felldown.
down.The
TheQueen
Queen ofofHeaven
Heavencame
cameup
uptotome
meand,
and,
touching
touching me
mewith
withher
herright
righthand,
hand, said;
said;"Stand
"Standup,
up,girl,
girl,and
anddon 't bebe
don't
afraid
afraidofofus.
us.Just
Justsuch
suchmaidens
maidens asasyou
youare,
are,have
havecome
comehere
herewith
withme."
me."
I did
I didnot
notfeel
feelhow
howI got
I gotup.
up.The
TheQueen
Queen ofofHeaven
Heavengraciously
graciously repeated:
repeated:
" Don 't bebeafraid.
"Don't afraid.We
Wehave
havecome
cometotovisit
visityou. "
you."
Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim was
wasno
nolonger
longerononhis
hisknees,
knees,but
butwas
wasstanding
standing on
onhis
hisfeet
feet

2 2 The
TheApostle
ApostleJohn. — ed.
John.-ed.
3 3 AAlong,
long, thin liturgicalstole.—
thin liturgical ed.
stole.-ed.
4 4 That
Thatis,is,more
morebeautiful
beautiful(not
(notlighter
lighterinincolour).
colour).

263
A AN N E E XI I,I .\R (IA 0R I)R I0 \ ! .\N ::A yR YP PF.\E I_!
ACE

beforethe
before themost
mostholy holyMother
MotherofofGod,
God,and
andshe
shewas
wasspeaking
speakingtotohim
himasas
graciouslyasasif if
graciously hehewere
wereone
oneofof
herherown
ownfamily
family

Filledwith
Filled withgreat
greatjoy
joyI asked
I askedFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimwherewherewe wewere.
were.I thought
I thoughtI I
wasnonolonger
was longeralive.
alive.Then,
Then,when
whenI asked
I askedhim:
him:"Who" Whoarearethese?"
these? "the
the
mostholy
most holyMother
Motherofof Godtold
God toldmemetotogogoupuptotothe
thevirgins
virginsand
andask
askthem
them
myself.
myself.

Theywere
They werestanding
standingininorder orderononboth
bothsides
sidesasasthey
theyhad
hadcome:
come:first,
first,
theGreat
the GreatMartyrs
MartyrsBarbara
Barbaraand andKatharine;
Katharine;second,
second,thetheProtomartyr
Protom artyr
St.St.Thekla
Theklaandandthe
theGreat
GreatMartyr
MartyrMarina;
Marina;third,
third,thetheGreat
GreatMartyr
Martyrand and
QueenSt.St.Irene
Queen Ireneand
andSt.St.Eupraxia;
Eupraxia;fourth,
fourth,the
theGreat
GreatMartyrs
MartyrsSts.
Sts.Pelagia
Pelagia
andDorothea;
and Dorothea;fifth,
fifth,St.St.Macrina
Macrinaand andthe
theMartyr
MartyrJustina;
Justina;sixth,
sixth,the
the
GreatMartyr
Great MartyrSt.St.Juliana
Julianaand andthe
theMartyr
MartyrAnicia.
Anicia.

I wentupuptotoeach
I went eachofof them,and
them, andeach
eachtold
toldmemeher hername
nameand andthe
thelabours
labours
of her martyrdom and life for Christ s sake similarly to what
of her martyrdom and life for Christ's ' sake similarly to what is written is written
ofofthem
themininthe
theLives
Livesofof theSaints.
the Saints.They
Theyallallsaid:
said:"God
"Goddid
didnotnotgrant
grantusus
thisglory
this gloryfor
fornothing,
nothing,but butfor
forour
oursuffering
sufferingand andrevilement.
revilement.YouYouwillwill
suffertoo."
suffer too."

Muchofof
Much whatthe
what themost
mostholy
holyMother
MotherofofGodGodsaidsaidtotoFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimthe the
sharerofofhis
sharer hisvision
visioncould
couldnot
nothear,
hear,but
butthis
thisshe
sheheard:
heard:"Do "Donot
notleave
leave
mymyvirgins,"
virgins,"(the(theDiveyev
Diveyevsisters).
sisters).

Fr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimreplied:
replied:"0"OLady!
Lady!I am
I amgathering
gatheringthem,
them,but
butI cannot
I cannotman-
m an ­
agethem
age thembybymyself."
myself."

ToTothis
thisthe
theQueen
QueenofofHeaven
Heavenanswered:
answered:"I"will
I willhelp
helpyou,
you,my mybeloved,
beloved,
inineverything.
everything.ImposeImposeupon uponthem themobedience.
obedience.IfIf theydodoit,it,they
they theywill
willbebe
withyou
with youandandnearnearme;me;butbutif if theylose
they losetheir
theirwisdom."
wisdom ,5 theywill
they willbebede-
de ­
privedofof
prived thelotlotofof
the thesenear
these nearvirgins
virginsofof mine.There
mine. Therewill
willbebenonoplace
placeoror
crownofof
crown thiskind
this kindforforthem.
them.Whoever
Whoeveroffends
offendsthem
themwill
willbebestruck
struckbyby
me;whoever
me; whoeverserves
servesthemthemfor forthe
theLord's
Lord'ssake
sakewill
willbeberemembered
rememberedbe- be ­
foreGod."
fore God."

Thenturning
Then turningtotome,me,she
shesaid:
said:"Look
"Lookatatthese
thesevirgins
virginsofof mineand
mine andatat
theircrowns.
their crowns.Some
Someofof themleft
them leftananearthly
earthlykingdom
kingdomand andriches,
riches,de-
de ­
siringthe
siring theeternal
eternaland
andheavenly
heavenlyKingdom.
Kingdom.They Theyloved lovedvoluntary
voluntarypov-pov ­
erty,they
erty, theyloved
lovedthe
theLord
Lordalone,
alone,andandyouyousee
seewhat
whatglory gloryand
andhonour
honour
theyhave
they havebeen
beengranted.
granted.AsAsit it
waswasbefore,
before,sosoit itisisnow.
now.Only
Onlythetheformer
former
martyrssuffered
martyrs sufferedopenly,
openly,andandthethepresent
presentones
onesdodosososecretly,
secretly,through
through

5 5 See
See Matt.25:1-4.
Matt. 25:1 - 4.

264
heartfelt
heartfelt sorrows,
sorrows, but
but their
their reward
reward will
will be
be the
the same.
same."

The
The vision
vision ended
ended with
with the
the most
most holy
holy Mother
Mother of
of God
God saying
saying to
to Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim:
Seraphim: ""Soon,
Soon, my
my beloved,
beloved, you
you will
will be
be with
with us,
us,"" and
and she
she blessed
blessed
him.
him. All
All the
the saints
saints bid
bid him
him farewell.
farewell. St.
St. John
John the
the Baptist
Baptist and
and St.
St. John
John
the
the Divine
Divine blessed
blessed him,
him, while
while the
the virgins
virgins and
and he
he kissed
kissed one
one another
another's's
hands.
hands.

II was
was told:
told: "This
"This vision
vision was
was granted
granted you
you by
by the
the prayers
prayers of
of Fr.
Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim,
Mark,
Mark, Nazarius
Nazarius and
and Pachomius.
Pachomius." " And
And then
then in
in an
an instant
instant everything
everything
vanished.
vanished. This
This vision
vision lasted
lasted more
more than
than an
an hour.
hour.

After
After that,
that, Father
Father turned
turned to
to me
me and
and said:
said: ""You
You see,
see, mother,
mother, what
what grace
grace
has
has been
been granted
granted us
us sinners
sinners by
by the
the Lord.
Lord. This
This is
is already
already the
the twelfth
twelfth
time
time that
that II have
have had
had such
such aa vision
vision from
from God.
God. And
And now
now the
the Lord
Lord has
has
granted
granted itit to
to you!
you! We
We have
have had
had something
something which
which justifies
justifies our
our faith
faith
and
and hope
hope in
in the
the Lord.
Lord. Conquer
Conquer the
the enemy — the devil
enemy-the — and be
devil-and be wise
wise in
in
all
all your
your dealings
dealings with
with him.
him. The
The Lord
Lord will
will help
help you
you in
in everything.
everything. Call
Call
to
to your
your help
help the
the Lord
Lord and
and the
the Mother
Mother of
of God,
God, and
and the
the saints,
saints, and
and re
re-­
member
member poor
poor me.
me. Remember
Remember and
and say
say in
in your prayer: O
your prayer: 0 Lord,
Lord, how
how am
am II
to
to die?
die? How
How shall
shall II appear
appear before
before the
the awful
awful judgment,
judgment, O
0 Lord?
Lord? What
What answer
answer
shall
shall II give
give for
for my
my deeds,
deeds, O
0 Lord?
Lord? Queen
Queen of
of Heaven,
Heaven, help
help me!
me!""

265
266
 Chapter i8

TTHE
h e LLAST
a s t YYEAR
e a r oOF f SST.
t . SSERAPHIM'S
er a p h im 's
i f e , HHIS
LLIFE, i s BBLESSED
l e s s e d EEND n d BBURIAL
n d aAND urial
((1832-1833)
1832- 1833)

A ss the
theend
began
endo of hislife
f his
began totofeel
lifedrew
drewnear,
feelananunusual
near,a ayear
yearbefore
unusual exhaustion.
beforehis
exhaustion. Therefore
hisdeath,
death,St.St.Seraphim
Therefore hehewent
wentless
Seraphim
lessfre
fre-
­
quently totohis
quently hisnear
nearhermitage
hermitage and
anddid
didnot
notalways
alwaysreceive
receivevisitors
visitorsininhis
his
cellininthe
cell themmonastery.
onastery ItItmade
mademany
manysad,
sad,but
butthe
themost
mostfervent
fervento of hisadad-
f his ­
mirers,wishing
mirers, wishing totosee
seehim
himatatallallcosts
costsand
andget
getthe
thebenefit
benefit o fofhis
hisadvice,
advice,
wouldwait
would waitpatiently
patiently for
forananopportunity
opportunity and
andwould
wouldstay
stayfor
forquite
quitea along
long
tim e ininthe
time themmonastery.
onastery
AtAtthis
thistim
time
e hehewas
wasvisited
visitedbybya aDiveyev
Diveyevsister,
sister,Paraskeva
Paraskeva Ivanovna.
Ivanovna.
Hewas
He wasininthe
theforest,
forest,ininhis
hisnear
nearhermitage.
hermitage. After
Aftergiving
givingher
herhis
hisblessing,
blessing,
St.St.Seraphim
Seraphim sat
satonona ablock
blocko of wood, and
f wood, andthe
thesister
sisterknelt
kneltnear
nearhim.
him. Fr.Fr.
Seraphimstarted
Seraphim starteda aspiritual
spiritualtalk
talkand
andwent
wentinto
intoecstasy.
ecstasy.He
Hestood
stoodup,
up,raised
raised
hisarms
his armsand
andturned
turnedhis
hiseyes
eyestowards
towardsheaven.
heaven.The
Thelight
lighto of graceillumined
f grace illumined
hissoul
his soulatatthe
thethought
thought o fofthe
thebliss
blisso of thefuture
f the future life.
life.For
Forthe
theElder
Elderhad
had
beentalking
been talking about
aboutthe
theeternal
eternal joy
joywhich
which awaits
awaitsususininheaven
heavenininreturn
return
forthe
for thebrief
briefsorrows
sorrowso of thistemporal
f this temporal life.
life." W
"What joy,what
hat joy, whatrapture
rapturefloods
floods
thesoul
the soulo of
f a arighteous
righteous man
manwhen,
when, after
afteritsitsseparation
separation from
fromthe
thebody,
body,it it
isismet
metbybyangels
angelswho
whobring
bringititbefore
beforethe
theface
faceo fofGGod!
o d !" "
Asheheenlarged
As enlarged ononthis
thistheme
themethe
theElder
Elderasked
askedthe
thesister
sisterseveral
severaltimes
times
whether she
whether sheunderstood
understood him.
him.But
Butthe
thesister
sisterhad
hadbeen
beenlistening
listening totoevery
every-
­
thingwithout
thing without missing
missinga aword.
word.She
Shehad
hadunderstood
understood the
theElders
Elder'sconversa
conversa-
­
tion,but
tion, butshe
shedid
didnot
notsee
seethat
thathis
histalk
talkimplied
impliedhis
hisend.
end.Then
ThenFr.Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim
begantotorepeat
began repeatwhat
whathehehad
hadalready
alreadysaid:
said:"My
"Mystrength
strength isisgiving
givingout.
out.Live
Live
alonenow.
alone now.I am
I amgoing
goingtotoleave
leaveyou.
you."
"

267
A!\"
n El.x xt ri aIi cA ( ) I{ U I \ \ I{y v PPl.iacf
,\ I ,

Thesister
The sisterthought
thought that
that he
hewanted
wanted totogo
gointo
into reclusion
reclusion again,
again, but
but Fr.
FL
Seraphim replied
Seraphim replied totoher
herthought:
thought: "I"Ihave
havebeen
been looking
looking for
foraamother
mother (ab
(ab-
­
bess) for
bess) foryou,
you, but
but I Icould
could not
not find
find one.
one.After
Afterme
meyou
youwill
willfind
findno
noone
onetoto
take my
take myplace.
place.I Ileave
leaveyou
youtotothe
the Lord
Lordand
and totoHis
Hisimmaculate
immaculate Mother.
Mother.""
Thesister
The sisterstill
stilldid
did not
notunderstand
understand that
that the
the Elder
Elderwas
wasspeaking
speaking oof his
f his
death and
death and thought
thought that
that though
though Fr.
FLSeraphim
Seraphim was
wasentrusting
entrusting them
them totothe
the
Lordand
Lord and totothe
the Mother
Mother ofofGod,
God, still
stillthe
the convent
convent could
could not
notremain
remain wwith-
ith ­
out aaspiritual
out spiritual director.
director. But
Butthe
the Elder
Elderreplied:
replied: "You
"Youwill
will not
not find
find aaman,
man,
mother, even
mother, eventhough
though you
yousearch
search with
with aalantern
lantern by
bydaylight.1
daylight.' I Ileave
leaveyou
you
totothe
the Lord
Lordand
and totoHis
Hisimmaculate
immaculate Mother.
Mother.""
Then he
Then hespoke
spoke more
more plainly
plainly about
about his
hisend.
end.Thereupon
Thereupon the
the sister
sisterfell
fell
down atathis
down hisfeet
feetand
andsobbed
sobbed sosobitterly
bitterlythat
thatshe
shecould
couldneither
neither speak
speakherself
herself
nor hear
nor hear what
what he
hesaid.
said. Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim began
began totorecite
reciteby
byheart
heart the
the Gospel
Gospel
oof St.Matthew,
f St. Matthew, "Ye
"Yeare
arethe
the light
light oof the world,
f the world," (5:14) totoverse
" (5:14) verse 20,
20, and
and
when he
when hehad
had finished,
finished, he
hewent
went on
on totothe
the Gospel
Gospel oof St.John
f St. John beginning
beginning
with 1:14.
with 1:14."Let
"Letnot
notyour
your heart
heart be
betroubled.
troubled."" He
Healso
also read
readthe
the 15th
15th chap
chap-­
terand
ter and finished
finished with
with verses
verses 23
23-24
- 24 oof the 16th
f the 16thchapter:
chapter: "Amen,
"Amen,Amen,
Amen, I I
saytotoyou,
say you,whatsoever
whatsoever you
youshall
shall ask
askthe
the Father
Father ininMy
Myname,
name, He
Hewill
willgive
give
itityou.
you. Hitherto
Hitherto you
you have
have asked
asked for
fornothing
nothing ininMy
Myname;
name; ask,
ask, and
and you
you
shall receive,
shall receive,that
that your
your joy
joymay
maybe
befull.
full. Here
Here Fr.
FLSeraphim
Seraphim stopped
stopped and
and
said: "Why
said: "Whyare
areyou
you still
stillweeping,
weeping, mother?
mother? InIntim
time youwill
e you will have
haveaasaint
saint
foryour
for your mother.
mother.""
When
W the other
hen the other sisters
sisters ofofthe
the Diveyev
Diveyev Convent
Convent visited
visited Fr.
FLSeraphim
Seraphim
ininhis
hiscell
cellshortly
shortly before
beforehis
hisdeath,
death, he
heusually
usually pointed
pointed totothe
theikon
ikonoof Our
f Our
Ladyoof
Lady Compunction-
f Com and often
punction2 and often said
said toto com
comfort them: "I"Ientrust
fort them: entrust you
you
and leave
and leaveyou
youtotothe
the care
careoof the Queen
f the Queen oof Heaven."
f Heaven. "
Realizing that
Realizing that his
his end
end was
wasnear,
near, St.
St.Seraphim
Seraphim was
was preparing
preparing atatthis
this
time
tim forhis
e for hisdeparture.
departure. He
Hewent
went less
lessfrequently
frequently totohis
hishermitage.
hermitage. He
Healso
also
received fewer
received fewervisitors
visitors ininhis
hiscell,
cell,ininorder
order totodevote
devote him
himself unhindered
self unhindered
totothe
the final
final preparation
preparation for
foreternity.
eternity. At
Atthis
this tim
time hewas
e he wasfrequently
frequently seen
seen

1 1 This
This isisan
anallusion
allusion totoDiogenes
Diogenes who,
who, when
when asked
asked what
what he
hewas
wasdoing
doing with
with a alantern
lantern inin
the
thedaytime,
daytime, replied:
replied: "I"Iam
amlooking
looking for
fora aman. " This
man," This anecdote
anecdote was
wasvery
verypopular
popular ininRussia.
Russia,
2 2 Tenderness,
Tenderness, ororTender
Tender Emotion.
Emotion,

268
 I T:;;i n : L L,\ a\ si t 'J Yi l\a r
r
oF f ,) S1, t . ,) SL R
'I ri ni :
r e r;\ a1"1 jp 1 hj \j,i m' ~' s _,!L

ininhis
hisante-room.
ante - room.He
Heused
usedtotositsitininhis
hiscoffin
coffinimmersed
immersedininmeditation
meditationonon
theend
the endofo fhis
hislife,
life,the
thefate
fateofo fman
manbeyond
beyondthe
thegrave
graveand
andhis
hisown,
own,too.
too.
Thesemeditations
These meditationswere
wereoften
oftenaccompanied
accompaniedbybybitter
bitterweeping,
weeping,and
andthey
they
beganand
began andended
endedwith
withlong
longprayers.
prayers.
H alfa ayear
Half yearbefore
beforehis
hisdeath
deathFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimsaid
saidtotomany
manydecisively
decisivelywhen
when
hehetook
tookleave
leaveofofthem:
them :"We
"Weshall
shallsee
seeeach
eachother
othernonomore."
more."Some
Someasked
askedhis
his
blessingtotocome
blessing comeininLent
Lentfor
fora aretreat
retreatininSarov,
Sarov,sosoasastotosee
seehim
himonce
onceagain.
again.
" Thenmy
"Then mydoor
doorwill
willbebeshut,"
shut,"the
theElder
Elderreplied.
replied."You
"Youwill
willnot
notsee
seeme."
me."
ItItwas
wasbecoming
becom ingevident
evidentthat
thatthe
theSaint's
Saint'slife
lifewas
wasdeclining,
declining,though
though
hisspirit
his spiritwas
wasasasvigorous
vigorousand
andalert
alertasasever.
ever."My
"Mylife
lifeisisgetting
gettingshort,"
short,"hehe
saidtotosome
said someofo the
f thebrethren.
brethren."In
" Inspirit
spiritI Iseem
seemtotohave
haveonly
onlyjust
justbeen
beenborn,
born,
butininbody
but bodyI Iam
amdead
deadtotoeverything."
everything."
Fourmonths
Four monthsbefore
beforehis
hisdeath,
death,ininAugust
August1832,
1832,His
HisEminence
EminenceBishop
Bishop
Arsenius(Moskvin)
Arsenius (Moskvin)ofTambov,
of Tambov,ononhis
hisfirst
firstdiocesan
diocesanvisitation,
visitation,came
camealso
also
totothe
theSarov
SarovMonastery.
Monastery.St.
St.Seraphim
Seraphimwas
wasininhis
hishermitage
hermitageatatthis
thistime,
time,
yetheheconsidered
yet considereditithis
hisduty
dutytotogogototothe
themonastery
monasterysolely
solelytotomeet
meethis
his
newarchpastor
new archpastortogether
togetherwith
withthe
thebrethren.
brethren.After
Afterthe
thereception
receptionhehewent
went
backtotohis
back hishermitage.
hermitage.Bishop
BishopArsenius
Arseniusinspected
inspectedattentively
attentivelyand
andminutely
minutely
allallthe
thechurches,
churches,the
thecells
cellsofo fthe
thebrethren,
brethren,and
andthe
thepremises
premiseswithin
withinthe
the
monastery.Then
monastery. Thenhehewished
wishedtotosee
seeallallthe
theinstitutions
institutionsand
andbuildings
buildingswhich
which
wereoutside
were outsidethe
theenclosure.
enclosure.Accompanied
Accompaniedbybythe
theSarov
Sarovbursar,
bursar,Hiermonk
Hiermonk
Isaiah,and
Isaiah, anda apriest
priestofo fthe
theTambov
TambovCathedral,
Cathedral,Father
FatherNikephorTeliatinsky,
NikephorTeliatinsky,
hehevisited
visitedthe
thehermitages
hermitagesofo fSeraphim
Seraphimand
andDorotheus.
Dorotheus.Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimwas
was
busyconsolidating
busy consolidatingthe
thebank
bankofo fa asmall
smallbrook
brookwith
withstones.
stones.But
Butasassoon
soonasas
hehesaw
sawthe
theBishop
Bishopapproaching,
approaching,heheleft
lefthis
hiswork
workand,
and,throwing
throwinghimself
him self
atathis
hisfeet,
feet,asked
askedfor
forand
andtook
tookhis
hisblessing.
blessing.
"Whatare
"What areyou
youdoing
doinghere?"
here? "Bishop
BishopArsenius
Arseniusasked
askedhim
himsympathetically.
sympathetically.
"Yousee,
"You see,holy
holyVladyka."
Vladyka,"replied
repliedthe
theSaint,
Saint,"I"Iam
amreinforcing
reinforcingthe
thebank
bank
withstones,
with stones,sosothat
thatthe
thewater
watermay
maynot
notwash
washaway
awaythe
thebank
bankand
andspoil
spoilit."
it."
"It"Itisisgood
goodwork,
work,old
oldman
manofo fGod,"
God,"said
saidthe
theBishop.
Bishop."But
"Butnow
nowshow
showme
me
yourlittle
your littlehermitage
hermitagewithin
w ithinyour
yourhermitage."
hermitage."
"Allright,
"All right,Father,'?
Father,"3heheanswered
answeredand
andled
ledthe
theBishop
Bishopgenially
geniallyinto
intohis
hiscell.
cell.
3 3 InInRussian,
Russian,"batushka."
"batushka."

269
A \A nE x:L * \\ ' . * \ V
According
According to to
thethe description
description of othose
f those who
who were
were present
present onon
thisthis
oc-oc­
casion,
casion, there
there waswas nothing
nothing special
special in in
hishis cell.
cell. It was
It was an an ordinary
ordinary wooden
wooden
cottage
cottage with
with a small
a small ante -room.
ante-room. The
The furniture
furniture consisted
consisted of oaf simple
a simple
un-un ­
painted
painted table
table of of lime - wood
lime-wood andand
twotwo sim ilar
similar chairs.
chairs. In In a corner
a corner stood
stood thethe
holy
holy ikons
ikons with
with a lamp
a lamp burning
burning in in front
front of othem.
f them. There
There were
were also
also twotwo
service
service books.
books. AsAs they
they entered
entered thethe
cellcell
Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim presented
presented thethe Bishop
Bishop
with
with a prayer
a prayer rope,4
rope.' a bundle
a bundle of ocandles
f candles wrapped
wrapped in in homespun
homespun linen,
linen, a a
bottle
bottle of of
oiloil
andand some
some woolen
woolen stockings.
stockings. TheThe Bishop
Bishop accepted
accepted thethe pres ­
pres-
ents
ents with
with paternal
paternal kindliness.
kindliness. Then
Then he he asked
asked St.St. Seraphim:
Seraphim: "But
"But where
where
in in
thisthis hermitage
hermitage dodo
youyou have
have thethe other
other hermitage,
hermitage, thethe other
other stillstill more
more
secluded
secluded place? "
place?"
ButBut
as as
he he knew
knew from
from hearsay
hearsay where
where thethe place
place was,
was, he he
diddid
notnot wait
wait forfor
Fr.Fr. Seraphimreply
Seraphim's s reply
andand made
made straight
straight forfor
thethe stove.
stove. Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim said
said
naively
naively in in order
order to to stop
stop him:
him: " Do
"Do notnot
go go there,
there, Father,
Father, youyou will
will getget dirty."
dirty."
ButBut
thethe Bishop
Bishop opened
opened thethe door
door which
which screened
screened thethe empty
empty space
space be-b e ­
tween
tween thethe wall
wall of of
thethe
cellcell
andand
thethe stove,
stove, andand there
there he he saw
saw a small
a small space
space
which
which was
was so so narrow
narrow thatthat a man
a man could
could enter
enter it and
it and remain
remain standing
standing or or
kneeling
kneeling only
only with
with difficulty,
difficulty, butbut
to to
sit sit
or or make
make yourself
yourself comfortable
comfortable waswas
quite
quite impossible.
impossible. Here
Here too,
too, as as
in in
thethe first
first cell,
cell, a small
a small ikon
ikon with
with a burning
a burning
lamp
lamp stood
stood in in
thethe corner
corner between
between thethe wall
wall andand
thethe door -post.
door-post. Evidently
Evidently
thethe Saint
Saint sometimes
sometimes retired
retired there
there forfor vigils
vigils andand prayer.
prayer.
Thence
Thence thethe Bishop
Bishop went
went to to
thethe hermitage
hermitage of oDorotheus,
f Dorotheus, intending
intending to to
visit
visit Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim again
again on on
hishis
wayway back.
back. Fr.Fr. Nikephor
Nikephor remained
remained with
with thethe
Saint,
Saint, spending
spending thethe timin
time e in conversation.
conversation.
When
When thethe Bishop
Bishop returned,
returned, Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim took
took him
him by by
thethe hand
hand andand
reverently
reverently asked
asked him:
him: "You
"You see,
see, Father,
Father, thethe pilgrims
pilgrims come
come to to
me,me, poor
poor
Seraphim,
Seraphim, andand
askask
meme
to to give
give them
them something
something as as a blessing,
a blessing, andand I give
I give
them
them dried
dried bread,
bread, black
black or or white,
white, andand a spoonful
a spoonful of ored
f red church
church wine.
wine.
May
May I do
I do that? "
that?"
ToTo
thisthis
thethe Bishop
Bishop replied:
replied: "You
"You may,
may, youyou may,
may, butbut only
only separately,
separately,

4 4AlsoAlso called
called "komboskini"
"kornboskini" or or "chotki.
"chotki." " The
The Orthodox
Orthodox useuse
thisthis
forfor practicing
practicing TheThe Jesus.
Jesus
Prayer
Prayer (or,(or, Prayer
Prayer of the
of the Heart).
Heart). It isIt similar
is similar to the
to the Catholic
Catholic rosary,
rosary, butbut usually
usually made
made of of
wool
wool or or
silk.silk. Rather
Rather than
than beads,
beads, intricate
intricate knots
knots areare
tiedtied
in ainspecial
a special way.
way. Beads
Beads maymay
be be
placed
placed every
every 25 25
or or
100100 knots
knots andand a cross
a cross is usually
is usually fashioned
fashioned on on
thethe end.— ed.
end.-ed.

270
so that
that if you give dry
dry bread
bread to someone,
someone, do not him any
not give him any red wine.
wine.
Otherwise
Otherwise the simple
simple people,
people, as I have heard,
heard, in their simplicity think
their simplicity think
and
and tell others
others that
that you give them Com m union. It would
them Holy Communion. would be still
better,
better,"" added
added the B ish o p , " to give no wine
the Bishop, wine at all, but only the
but only the dry
dry bread."
bread."
All right,
""All Father," the Elder replied.
right, Father," That is what
replied. ""That what I shall
shall do." And
And it
was afterwards
afterwards noticed
noticed that
that St.
St. Seraphim actually did
Seraphim actually did do that
that to the
the end
end
o
off his life.
Soon
Soon after
after this
this conversation
conversation the
the Bishop bid farewell
farewell to Fr.
Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim.
The Saint
Saint took
took leave ooff him
him in rather
rather an unusual
unusual way. Having
Having taken
taken the
the
Bishop
Bishop's's blessing
blessing for the last time,
time, he bowed down at his feet, and
bowed down and though
though
the Bishop tried
tried to lift him
him up and asked him
and asked him to stand,
stand, St. Seraphim
Seraphim re-
re ­
mained
mained on his knees and continued
knees and continued bowing
bowing to him
him until the Bishop
until the Bishop was
quite
quite out
out ooff sight.
On the following
following night
night St.
St. Seraphim,
Seraphim, as though
though to prove his obedience,
obedience,
brought
brought a small
small vessel o
off church
church wine
wine to the
the cell where Bishop Arsenius
where Bishop Arsenius
was staying,
staying, and
and gave it to his cell - attendant, saying:
cell-attendant, saying: ""Give
Give it to Father
Father
from
from sinful Seraphim."
sinful Seraphim."
It
It subsequently
subsequently became
became clear
clear that
that all these presents were
these presents were connected
connected
with
with the Saint
Saint's's approaching
approaching end, and
and referred
referred to his request
request to be remem
remem-­
bered
bered in prayer
prayer after
after his death, which he had
death, which also expressed
had also expressed verbally
verbally to
his Bishop.
Bishop Arsenius
Arsenius on his part
part conscientiously carried out
conscientiously carried out Fr.
Fr. Seraphim's
Seraphims
wish.
wish. The candles,
candles, oil and
and wine
wine were used
used when
when the Bishop celebrated
the Bishop celebrated
a Memorial
Memorial Liturgy
Liturgy for the
the eternal
eternal repose
repose of the blessed
blessed Elder
Elder Seraphim,
Seraphim,
while
while the
the prayer
prayer rope,
rope, the stockings and
the stockings and the
the homespun linen he kept
homespun linen kept
himself.
himself.
A few m onths before
months before his end
end St. Seraphim had
St. Seraphim had letters
letters sent
sent to certain
certain
people
people inviting
inviting them
them to see him
him in the
the monastery. those of
monastery. As to those o f his
friends
friends who could not
who could not come
come to him,
him, he instructed
instructed people
people to tell them
them
after
after his death what was needful
death what needful and
and profitable
profitable for their souls, adding
their souls, adding in
explanation: They will not
explanation: ""They not see me themselves.
themselves.""
Not
Not long before
before his end
end a brother
brother who
who came
came to him
him in the
the evening
evening
noticed
noticed that
that it was dark
dark in his cell. But hardly
hardly had
had the Elder said
the Elder said that
that the
the

271
 lampshould
lamp shouldbebelighted
lighted- —and
andcrossed
crossedhimself
him self threetimes
three timeswith
withthethein-in ­
vocation:My
vocation: My Lady,Mother
Lady, Motherof oGod! thanthethelamp
f God!- —than lampwas
waslitlitofoitself.
f itself.That
That
same
same brother
brother came
came ononanother
another occasionat at
occasion 7 p . maccording
7 P.M. . according appoint ­
to toananappoint-
ment
ment thethe Elder
Elder had
had made
made with
with him,and
him, and saw
saw himin in
him hishis ante -roomin in
ante-room front
front
ofohis
f hiscoffin.
coffin.The
Thebrother
brother wantedto totake
wanted takea alight
lightfrom
fromthethecell
cellwhich
whichthethe
Elder
Elder used
used to to give
give himforfor
him a blessing.
a blessing. The
The brother
brother opened
opened thethe door,and
door, and
St.St.
Seraphimsaid:
Seraphim said:"Oh!
" Oh!My
My lamphashasgone
lamp goneout,
out,butbutit itought
ought
to toburn!"
b u rn !And
" And
hehebegan
beganto topray
pray beforethetheimage
before imageofothe
f theMother
M other
ofoGod.
f God.
AtAt thatmoment
that m omentthere
thereappeared
appearedbefore
beforethetheikon
ikona bluish
a bluishlight
light which
which
stretcheditself
stretched itself
outoutlike
likea aribbon
ribbonand
andbegan
beganto tospin
spinround
roundthethewick
wickofoaf a
large
large wax
wax candle,lighting
candle, lighting
it. it.
TheThe Elder
Elder took
took a small
a small candle
candle and,lighting
and, lighting
it it
fromthethebigbigone,
from one,handed
handedit it
to tothethebrother
brotherand
andbegan
begantalking
talking
to tohim.
him.HeHe
thenmentioned
then mentionedamong
amongother
other thingsthat
things thatthere
there wouldshortly
would shortly
bebea guest
a guest
from
from Voronezh.HeHe
Voronezh. told
told thethe brother
brother thethe guest'sname
guest's nameand
and what
what hehe was
was to to
telltellhim,
him,and
and thenadded:
then added:"Do
" Donotnot bringhim
bring himto tome.
me.HeHe willnotnot
will seeseeme!"
m e !"
During
During this
this conversation
conversation thetheElder's
Elder's face
face shone
shone withlight.
with light.
AtAt last
last hehe said:
said:
"Blow out
"Blowout thethecandle."
candle.The
" Thebrother
brother blew,and
blew, andextinguished
extinguishedthethecandle.
candle.
"There,that
"There, thatis is howmymy
how lifelife willgogoout,"
will out,said
" saidthetheElder,
Elder,"and
"andI shall
I shallbebe
seennonomore."
seen more."
AA certain
certain brother,seeing
brother, seeing
hishis ascetic
ascetic life,asked
life, asked himforfor
him hishis own
own edifica ­
edifica-
tion:"Why
tion: "Why donwe,
don't 't we, Father,lead
Father, lead
asas strict
strict a life
a life asas
thethe ancient
ancient ascetics
ascetics did? "
did?"
"Because,replied
"Because," " replied
thethe Saint,"we
Saint, "we have
have nonodetermination
determination
to to
dodo
so.so.If If
wewe
had
had thethe determination,wewe
determination, shouldlive
should live
asas thosefathers
those fathersdiddid who,in inolden
who, olden
times,shone
times, shonewith
withlabours
laboursand
andpiety;
piety;because
becauseGod
Godgives
givesHis
Hisgrace
graceand
and
helpto tothethefaithful
help faithfuland
andto tothose
thosewho
whoseek
seekthetheLord
Lordwith
withallalltheir
theirheart
heart
now
now just
just asasHeHe
diddid before.For
before. For according
according to tothethe word
word ofoGod,
f God,Jesus
JesusChrist
Christ
is is
thethesame
same yesterday,and
yesterday, andtoday,
today,and
andforfor ever."(Heb.
ever." (Heb.l3:8)
13:8)
Thisprofound
This profoundand
andholy
holytruth
truthwhich
whichSt.St.Seraphim
Seraphimhad
hadlearned
learnedfrom
from
actual
actual experiencein in
experience hishisown
ownlifelife was,soso
was, to tosay,
say,hishis finalmessage
final message and
and thethe
sealofohis
seal f hislabours.
labours.
AA weekbefore
week beforehishisend,
end,ononChristmas
Christmas1832,
1832,St.St.Seraphim
Seraphimunexpect-
unexpect ­
edlycame
edly cameto tothetheLiturgy
Liturgywhich
whichwas
wascelebrated
celebratedbybyAbbot
AbbotNiphont.
Niphont.HeHe
hadHoly
had Holy Com m unionand
Communion andafter
after
thetheLiturgy
Liturgy talked
talked to tothetheabbot.
abbot.Among
Among

272
 lu I 1.\) Yi '" IS:. S I.. Ii .\ PI i ! II '., LIi I

other
other things he interceded with the abbot for many, especially for the
younger
younger brethren.
brethren. He did not forget to m ention for the last tim
mention timee that,
when he died, he should be put into his coffin.
coffin. Having said good -bye to
good-bye
the abbot and the brethren,
brethren, the Saint returned
returned to his cell
cell and gave
gave one
ooff the monks, Jacob,
Jacob, who was afterwards
afterwards a hierom onk in the Tolshevsky
hieromonk
Monastery, an enameled
enameled image representing
representing the visit of the Mother of
God to St.
St. Sergius,
Sergius, saying: Put this image on me when II die and put me
saying: ""Put
into the grave
grave with it.
it. This
This image,
image,"" he continued, has been sent to me by
continued, ""has by
the venerable Fr.
Fr. Archimandrite
Archimandrite Antony, abbot of the Holy Lavra,
Lavra, from
the relics
relics of St.
St. Sergius.
Sergius.""
On New Years eve (1833)
Year'seve (1833) St.
St. Seraphim measured his grave
grave him self by
himselfby
the side ooff the sanctuary
sanctuary ooff the Cathedral
Cathedral ooff the Dormition,
Dormition, on the very
spot he had marked with a stone when he left reclusion.
On January 1,
1, 1833,
1833, a Sunday,
Sunday, St.
St. Seraphim came for the last time to
the hospital
hospital church ooff the Wonderworkers
Wonderworkers ooff Solovtsy.
Solovtsy. He came to the
early Liturgy,
Liturgy, put candles before all the ikons and kissed them. Having
received
received Holy Com m union at the ordinary
Communion ordinary time, after the Liturgy he said
good -bye to all the brethren,
good-bye brethren, blessed and kissed them all and comforted
comforted
them with the words: ""Save
Save your souls, do not despond,
despond, be watchful.
watchful.
Crowns are being prepared
prepared for us today.
today.""
Then he kissed the crucifix and the image ooff the Mother ooff God and,
having made the usual acts o
off adoration
adoration in the sanctuary,5
sanctuary," he went round
round
the altar and out through
through the north door, as if
if to indicate that man comes
into the world by one door and goes
goes out by another.
another.
After the Liturgy,
Liturgy, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim was visited by Hieromonk
Hieromonk Theoktist
Theoktist
of the Vysogorsky
Vysogorsky Monastery ooff Arzamas. Fr.
Fr. Seraphim said to him at the
end o
off the talk: ""Youhad
You had better serve here.
here."" But
But Theoktist
Theoktist was in a hurry
hurry
to get home and he refused to serve in Sarov.
Sarov. Then Fr.
Fr. Seraphim said to
him: ""Well,
Well, then you will serve in Diveyev." O f course, Fr.
Diveyev."Of Theoktist did
Fr.Theoktist
not understand
understand the meaning
meaning ooff these words and, having taken the Elder's
Elder's
blessing, he left Sarov
Sarov the same day.
day.

55 On entering
entering and
and leaving
leaving the
the sanctuary,
sanctuary, it is customary
customary to make
make two bows (making
(making the
the
sign of the cross each time)
time) and
and then
then to kiss
kiss the altar, after
after which
which a third
thi rd bow is made.
made.

273
f\ t-.A nE xIT H '() ! ,'\« ji Y P IP>:\ ’-
i" i

NearSt.St.Seraphim's
Near Seraphim 'cell
s cellwas
wasthethecell
cellofoaf amonk
monkcalled
calledPaul
Paul who,be-
who, be­
inghishisneighbour,
ing neighbour,performed
performedthetheduties
dutiesofohis
f hiscell
cellattendant.
attendant.When
Whenhehe
wentfrom
went fromthethemonastery
monasterytotohishisnear
nearhermitage,
hermitage,St.St.Seraphim
Seraphimused
usedtoto
leave
leave candles
candles burningininhishis
burning cell
cell whichhehehad
which had
litlit before
before thetheikons
ikonsinin
thethe
morning.
morning, FLFr. Paul
Paul had
had often
often told
told him
him that
that thethe burning
burning candle
candle might
might cause
cause
a fire.
a fire, ToTo this
this St.St.Seraphim
Seraphimalways
always replied:"While
replied: " W hile I am
I am alive,
alive, there
there will
will bebe
nonofire;
fire;but
but whenI die,
when I die,my
my death
death will
will beberevealed
revealed
bybya fire,"
a fire."
His
His prediction
prediction was
was justified.
justified,
OnOnthetheI" 1st
ofof January,1833
Ianuary, 1833FLFr. Paul
Paul noticed
noticed that
that St.St.Seraphim
Seraphim went
went outout
ofof
hishiscell
cellthree
threetimes
timesininthethecourse
courseofothe
f theday
day
totothethespot
spot whichhehehad
which had
assignedasas
assigned thetheplace
placeofof
hishisburial,
burial.InIn
thetheevening
evening
heheheard
heard
FLFr.Seraphim
Seraphim
singingininhishiscell
singing cellthetheholy
holysongs
songsofof
thetheEaster
EasterCanon:
Canon:"Having
"Havingbeheld
beheld
thetheResurrection
ResurrectionofoChrist,,,
f C hrist,... Shine,shine,
.Shine, shine,New
New Jerusalem ...0 O
Jerusalem", great
great and
and
holiestPassover,
holiest Passover,Christ,"
Christ."
About
About sixsix o 'clock
o'clock inin
thethemorning
morningononthethe2nd
2nd
ofof January,1833,
January, 1833,FLFr. Paul,
Paul,
ononleaving
leavinghishiscell
celltotoattend
attendthetheearly
earlyLiturgy,
Liturgy,noticed
noticedininthetheante-room
ante - room
nearFLFr.Seraphim's
near Seraphim 'cell
s cellthethesmell
smellofosmoke,
f smoke.Having
Havingsaid
saidthethecustomary
customary
prayer,heheknocked
prayer, knockedat at
thethedoor,
door,but
but therewas
there wasnonoanswer,
answer.Then
Thenhehe went
went
outside
outside and
and told
told some
some ofothe
f the brethren
brethren who
who were
were passing
passing by.by.One
Oneofothem,
f them,
thethenovice
noviceAnikita,
Anikita,rushed
rushed
totoSt.St.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'cell
s celland
and tore
tore thethedoor
door from
from
itsitshinges,
hinges.Entering
Enteringthethecell,
cell,Paul
Pauland
andAnikita
Anikitasaw
saw that
that variouspresents
various presents
madeofocoarse
made f coarselinen
linenwhich
whichhad
hadbeen
beengiven
giventotothetheSaint
Saintbyby zealouspil-
zealous pil ­
grimsand
grims andwhich
whichwere
werelying
lyinginingreat
great disorderonona bench
disorder a benchtogether
together with
with
somebooks,
some books,had
hadbegun
beguntotosmoulder.
smoulder.They
Theyhad
hadprobably
probablybeen
beenkindled
kindled
bybya fallen
a fallencandle
candle whose
whose candle - stick
candle-stick was
was standingnearby.
standing nearby.
It It
waswasdark
darkoutside;
outside;there
therewas
wasnonofire
fireininthethecell,
cell,and
andthetheElder
Elderhim-
him ­
self
self was
was neither
neither totobebeseen
seen nor
nor heard.Meanwhile
heard, Meanwhilethetheearly
early Liturgy
Liturgy ininthethe
hospitalchurch
hospital church was
was going
going on,on.They
They were
were already
already singing
singing It Itis istruly
truly m eet,6
meet, 6

when
when thethe young
young novice
novice ranraninto
into
thethechurch
church and
and informed
informed thethebrethren
brethren
ofo f
what
what hadhappened,
had happened. The
The monkshastened
monks hastenedtotoSt.St.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'cell,
s cell.FLFr.Paul
Paul
and
and thethenovice
novice John,
John, wanting
wanting totoknow
know whether
whether thetheElder
Elder was
was resting,be-
resting, be ­
gantotogrope
gan gropeininthethedark
darkininhishiscell,
cell,and
andfound
foundthetheElder
Elderhimself
himself.They
They

6 6 A common
A common hymn
hymn to to
thethe Mother
Mother of of God.— ed.
Cod.e=ed.

274
 Tub LL a\ s, t \Y ea r or sS t . sS k r a pPih i jm's IL u oI , :

brought
brought aa lighted
lighted candle
candle and
and saw
saw that
that St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim was
was kneeling
kneeling before
before
the ikon
the ikon of
o f Our
Our Lady
Lady of
o f Compunction.
Compunction. HeHe was in his
was in his usual
usual white
white smock,
smock,
bare headed,
bare headed, with
with aa brass
brass crucifix
crucifix hanging
hanging from
from his
his neck
neck and
and with
with his
his
arms crossed
arms crossed on
on his chest.
his chest.
At first
At first they
they thought
thought that
that the
the blessed
blessed Elder
Elder had
had fallen
fallen asleep
asleep and
and began
began
to try
to wake him
try to wake him up, but
but there
there was no response. The great
no response. great ascetic
ascetic had
had
already finished his earthly pilgrimage and was resting for ever in God.
already finished his earthly pilgrimage and was resting for ever in God.
His eyed
eyed were closed.
closed. His face was animated
animated by his
his last
last prayer.
prayer.
W ith the
With the blessing
blessing of
of the
the superior,
superior, the
the monks
monks lifted
lifted the
the Saint's
Saint's body
body
and, having
and, dressed him
having dressed him inin the
the mantle,
mantle, according
according to
to the
the monastic
monastic regula-
regula ­
tions, in
tions, the adjoining
in the cell of
adjoining cell o f Hieromonk
Hieromonk Eustace,
Eustace, they
they put
put him
him into
into the
the
oaken coffin which
oaken which he
he had made with
had made with his own
own hands
hands and
and carried
carried him
him
into the
into the cathedral.
cathedral.
Heiromonk Theoktist
Heiromonk who had
Theoktist who had been
been in
in the
the monastery
monastery and
and had
had left
left
the day
it the before, had
day before, had passed
passed the
the night the village
night in the village of
o f Vertyanovo
Vertyanovo and
and
had continued
had continued his
his journey
journey on
on the
the following
following day.
day. On
On the
the way,
way, without
without any
any
apparent reason,
apparent reason, his
his sledge
sledge was
was slightly
slightly damaged,
damaged, the
the horse
horse got
got unhar-
unhar ­
nessed and
nessed and he was obliged
he was obliged to
to put
put up
up at the Diveyev
at the Diveyev Convent.
Convent. There
There he
he
found all
found the sisters
all the sisters in
in deep
deep grief
grief and
and in
in tears.
tears. They
They were
were weeping
weeping over
over Fr.
Fr.
Seraphims death.
Seraphim's The priest
death. The priest of
o f Diveyev
Diveyev was
was absent
absent on
on aa tour
tour of
o f inspection.
inspection.
sisters begged
The sisters begged Fr.
Fr. Theoktist
Theoktist to serve a Panihida
Panihida for the
the repose
repose of
of
the soul
the soul of
o f Fr.
Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. Their
Their desire
desire was
was fulfilled
fulfilled and
and the
the Elder's
Elders words
words
came true:
came true: "Well,
" Well, then
then you
you will
will serve
serve in Diveyev."
The
The news o f the
news of blessed Elder's death
the blessed quickly spread,
death quickly spread, and
and all who
who
had known
had Fr. Seraphim
known Fr. Seraphim during his lifetim
during his lifetimee flocked from all
flocked from all parts
parts of
o f the
the
country to
country to the Sarov Monastery
the Sarov Monastery to
to pray
pray for
for the blessed Elder
the blessed Elder and
and toto kiss
kiss
his hand
his for the
hand for the last
last time.
time.
His body
His body remained
remained in the Cathedral
in the Cathedral of
o f the
the Dormition
Dorm ition for
for eight
eight days
days
and nights
and until all
nights until all had time to
had time bid him
to bid him farewell. During the
farewell. During burial service
the burial service
the cathedral
the cathedral was so crowded
crowded that
that the
the candles
candles standing
standing near
near the
the coffin
melted and
melted went out
and went out owing
owing to the
the insufferable
insufferable heat.
heat. The burial
burial service
service
performed by Abbot
was performed Abbot Nikon
Nikon with the heiromonks
with the heirom onks of the
the monastery.
monastery.
At that
that time
tim e there
there was a novice who later
novice in Sarov who later became
became an archi-
archi ­

275
 A n i " ^ v >

mandrite(Metrophan)
mandrite (Metrophan)and
andoccupied
occupiedthe
thepost
postofo fsacristan
sacristanininthe
theLavra
Lavraofof
St.Alexander
St. AlexanderNevsky.
Nevsky.He
Hereported
reportedthe
thefollowing
followingmiracle.
miracle.When
W henthe
thecon-
con ­
fessorwanted
fessor wantedtotoput
putthe
theprayer
prayerofo fabsolution
absolutioninto
intoFr.
Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim shands,
hands,
thefingers
the fingersloosened
loosenedofo fthemselves.
themselves.The
Theabbot,
abbot,the
thetreasurer
treasurerand
andother
other
monkswho
monks whosaw
sawthis
thiswere
werestruck
struckwith
withamazement.
amazement.
Nosermons
No sermonswere
werepreached
preachedover
overhis
hisgrave.
grave.But
Butthe
thememory
memoryofo fhis
hisex-
ex ­
traordinarylife
traordinary lifeand
andthe
themelodies
melodiesofo fthe
thechurch
churchhymns
hymnshehesosoloved
lovedwere
were
moreeloquent
more eloquentthan
thanany
anysermon.
sermon.
Thebody
The bodyofofSt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphimwas
wasburied
buriedon
onthe
thesouth
southside
sideofo fthe
thesanctu-
sanctu ­
aryofofthe
ary thecathedral,
cathedral,beside
besidethe
thegrave
graveofo fthe
therecluse
recluseMark
Markwho
whohad
haddied
died
fifteenyears
fifteen yearsbefore
beforehim.
him. Later,
Later,a afunerary
funerarymonument
monumentofo fcast
castiron
ironwas
was
erectedononthe
erected thegrave
graveofofSt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphim atatthe
theexpense
expenseofo fa amerchant
m erchantofo f
Nizhny -Novgorodcalled
Nizhny-Novgorod calledStephen
StephenYassyrev.
Yassyrev.The
Thefollowing
followinginscription
inscriptionwas
was
engravedon
engraved onthe
themonument:
monument:"Under
"Underthis
thismonument
monumentisisburied
buriedthe
thebody
body
ofo fthe
thedeceased
deceasedservant
servantofo fGod,
God,Hieromonk
HieromonkSeraphim,
Seraphim,who
whopassed
passedaway
away
onthe
on the2nd
2ndofo fJanuary,
January,1833.
1833.AAmerchant
merchantofo fKursk,
Kursk,heheentered
enteredthe
theSarov
Sarov
Monasteryatatthe
Monastery theage
ageofofseventeen
seventeenand
anddied
diedatatthe
theage
ageofo fseventy-three.
seventy -three.All
All
thedays
the daysofo fhis
hislife
lifewere
wereconsecrated
consecratedby
byhim
himtotothe
theglory
gloryofo fthe
theLord
LordGod
God
andtotothe
and thespiritual
spiritualedification
edificationofo fOrthodox
OrthodoxChristians
Christiansininwhose
whosehearts
hearts
Seraphimeven
Seraphim evennow
nowlives."
lives."
Tworemarkable
Two remarkablecircumstances
circumstancesaccompanied
accompaniedSt.
St.Seraphim's
Seraphim'sdeparture
departure
fromthe
from theworld.
world.On
Onthe
theactual
actualday
dayofofthe
theSaint's
Saint'sdeath,
death,Abbot
AbbotPhilaret
Philaretofof
theGlinsky
the GlinskyMonastery
Monasteryofo fthe
theMother
Motherofo fGod
God(Province
(Provinceofo fKursk)
Kursk)went
wentout
out
ofo fthe
thechurch
churchafter
afterMatins
Matinsand,
and,glancing
glancingupupatatthe
thesky,
sky,hehewas
wasastonished
astonished
totosee
seeananextraordinary
extraordinarylight.
light.Then
Thenthe
theabbot
abbotsaw
sawininspirit
spiritthat
thatititwas
wasthe
the
soulofo fSt.
soul St.Seraphim
Seraphimascending
ascendingtotothe
theheavenly
heavenlymansions,
mansions,and
andhehesaid
saidtoto
thebrethren
the brethrenwho
whowere
werewith
withhim:
him:"That
" Thatisishow
howthe
thesouls
soulsofo fthe
therighteous
righteous
depart.Fr.
depart. Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimhas
hasjust
justpassed
passedaway
awayininSarov."
Sarov."
ArchbishopAntony
Archbishop Antonyofo fVoronezh
Voronezhwho
whowas
wasrenowned
renownedfor
forhis
his piety
piety
wasalso
was alsoinformed
informedininananextraordinary
extraordinarymanner
m annerofFr.
o f Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'send.
end.At
At
thattime
that tim eNikolas
NikolasAlexandrovich
AlexandrovichMotovilov,
Motovilov,a aland
landowner
ownerwho
whohad
hadbeen
been
previouslyhealed
previously healedthrough
throughFr.
Fr.Seraphim,
Seraphim,was
wasininVoronezh.
Voronezh.This
Thisisiswhat
what
Motovilovwrites
Motovilov writesininhis
hismemoirs
memoirsfor
forthe
the2nd
2ndofo fJanuary
January1833:
1833:

276
 I II I I, \ \ I Y! ,\ Ii U! S J, S I Ii ,\ I' II I \, 's L i I I
On
On the
the 2nd
2nd of
of January
Ianuary in
in the
the evening
evening II heard
heard from
from Archbishop
Archbishop Antony
Antony
that Fr.
that Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim had
had passed
passed away
away on
on the
the previous
previous night
night at
at 22 aA.M. and
. m . and

that
that apparently
apparently he
he (St.
(St. Seraphim)
Seraphim) had
had himself
himself appeared
appeared to
to Fr.
Fr. Antony
Antony
and
and informed
informed him
him of
of it.
it. On
On the
the very
very same
same day,
day, Archbishop
Archbishop Antony
Antony
served
served aa Panihida
Panihida for
for the
the Elder
Elder with
with all
all the
the Cathedral
Cathedral clergy.
clergy.

As
As the
the distance
distance between
between Sarov
Sarov and
and Voronezh
Voronezh is
is about
about 500
500 kilom e­
kilome-
ters,
ters, there
there could
could be
be no
no question
question ooff getting
getting news
news in
in the
the evening
evening by
by natu
natu-­
ral means
ral means in
in Voronezh
Voronezh ooff what
what had
had happened
happened in
in the
the morning
morning in
in Sarov
Sarov
on
on the
the same
same day.
day.
Soon
Soon after
after St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim'ss death,
death, I.I. J.J. Karatayov
Karatayov who
who was
was on
on his
his way
way
to join
to join his
his regiment
regiment in
in Kursk,
Kursk, passed
passed through
through Sarov
Sarov in
in order
order to
to take
take St.
St.
Seraphim'ss blessing,
Seraphim blessing, as
as he
he always
always did.
did. ItIt was
was aa great
great grief
grief to
to find
find that
that the
the
blessed
blessed Elder
Elder was
was no
no longer
longer on
on earth.
earth.
""The news ooff his
The news his death,
death,"" he
he said,
said, ""deranged my whole
deranged my whole soul.
soul. II took
took itit
as aa punishm
as punishment for my
ent for my sins.
sins. But
But after
after II had
had had
had aa Panihida
Panihida at
at his
his grave,
grave,
II suddenly
suddenly felt
felt such
such peace
peace ooff soul
soul that
that itit seemed
seemed as
as ifif II had
had received
received the
the
forgiveness ooff my
forgiveness my sins
sins from
from the
the Elder
Elder him
himself and heard
self and heard his
his promise
promise to
to
pray
pray for
for me
me at
at the
the throne
throne ooff God.
Cod."" 7
Abbot Niphont
Abbot Niphont asked
asked him
him to
to see
see Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim'ss relations
relations in
in Kursk,
Kursk, to
to
convey to
convey to them
them some
some holy
holy bread
bread and
and his
his blessing
blessing and
and to
to tell
tell them
them ooff the
the
end ooff their
end their blessed
blessed relative.
relative.
On his
On his arrival
arrival in
in Kursk,
Kursk, Karatayev
Karatayev went
went at
at once
once to
to see
see Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim's's
relations, but
relations, but he
he found
found Alexis,
Alexis, his
his brother,
brother, already
already dead.
dead. Fie
He had
had just
just
passed away.
passed away. A
A few
few days
days previously
previously he
he had
had been
been perfectly
perfectly well,
well, only
only he
he
had felt
had felt great
great sorrow
sorrow though
though he
he had
had known
known nothing
nothing about
about the
the death
death of
of
his brother
his brother and
and had
had been
been unable
unable to
to account
account for
for his
his sadness.
sadness. The
The afflict
afflict-­
ed
ed state
state ooff his
his soul
soul had
had constrained
constrained him
him to
to seek
seek com fort in
comfort in prayer.
prayer. He
He
had gone
had gone every
every day
day to
to church;
church; at
at last
last he
he prepared
prepared for
for Holy
Holy Com
Communion,
munion,
had made
had made his
his confession
confession and
and received
received the
the Holy
Holy Mysteries.
Mysteries. Just
Just at
at that
that
time they
time they received
received aa letter
letter from
from Sarov
Sarov about
about Fr.
Pr. Seraphim
Seraphim'ss death
death with
with aa
portrait ooff him.
portrait him. Then
Then his
his brother
brother began
began to
to prepare
prepare finally
finally for
for his
his death.
death.
He received
He received the
the Sacrament
Sacrament of
of Holy
Holy Unction,
Unction, and
and shortly
shortly after
after this
this last
last
77 See
See Hebrews
Hebrews 4:16;
4:16; 10:19;
10:19; II Tim.
Tim. 3:13;
3:13; Ephes.
Ephes. 3:12.
3:12.

277
\ I* - •* ' ■• 1, V' < .
anointing,
anointing, hehedied.
died.
We
Wehave
haveincluded
included this
thisincident
incident ininSt.
St.Seraphim 's biography
Seraphim's biography because
because
ititwas
wassaid
saidthat
thatwhen
whenhehecame
cametotoKursk
Kurskinin1875,
1875,he
heforetold
foretold his
hisbrothers
brother's
end
end totohim
him ininthe
thefollowing
following words:
words: "Know
"Knowthat
that when
when I Idie,
die,your
your death
death
will
willalso
alsofollow
followsoon
soon after. "
after."
The
TheRussian
Russian OOrthodox
rthodox people
people who
who venerated
venerated Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim during
during
his
hislife,
life,continued
continued totohonour
honour him
himeven
evenafter
afterhis
hispassing
passing from
fromthis
thisworld
world
oof
f shadows.
shadows. They
Theycame
cameinincrowds
crowdstotohis
hisgrave
graveanimated
animated by
byaavivid
vividfaith
faith
ininthe
thepower
poweroof
f his
hisprayers.
prayers.They
Theycame
cametotothe
thegrave
gravewhich
which enshrined
enshrined his
his
holy
holyrelics
relicsasasthey
theyhad
hadcome
cometotohim
him when
when hehewas
wasstill
stillalive,
alive,ininorder
ordertoto
pour
pour out
outtheir
their sorrows,
sorrows, confess
confesstheir
their sins
sinsand
andtell
tellhim
him oof
f their
their diseases;
diseases;
and
andaccording
accordingtototheir
theirfaith
faiththey
theyreceived
receivedspiritual
spiritual comfort,
comfort, supernatural
supernatural
direction
direction and
andeven
evenmiraculous
miraculous healing
healing oof
f their
their bodily
bodily ailments.
ailments.
And
Andwhy
whyshould
should they
theynot
notcome
cometotothe
thegrave
graveoof
f the
thewonderful
wonderful ascetic
ascetic
who
whohad
hadonce
oncetold
toldthem
them prophetic
prophetic words
wordsabout
about his
hisboldness
boldness before
beforeGod
God
and
andhis
hisreadiness
readiness totohelp
helpall
allwho
whowould
would invoke
invokehim
him inintheir
their troubles?
troubles?
" When
"When I Iam
amno
nomore, " said
more," saidthe
the love -filled Fr.
love-filled Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim totohis
hisrever­
rever-
ent
entadmirers,
admirers, "Come
"Cometotomy
mygrave!
grave! Come
Come whenever
whenever you
youhave
havetime,
time, the
the
oftener
oftener the
the better.
better. All
Allthat
that weighs
weighs on
onyour
your soul,
soul, whatever
whatever happens
happens toto
you,
you,whatever
whatever sorrow
sorrowyou
youhave,
have,come
cometotome
meand
andbring
bring all
allyour
yourtroubles
troubles
totomy
mygrave.
grave.Fall
Falldown
down on
onthe
theearth
earth and
and tell
tellme
meeverything
everything asasififI Iwere
were
alive.
alive.And
AndI Iwill
willhear
hearyou;
you;all
allyour
yoursorrow
sorrowwill
willfly away and
flyaway andpass.
pass.Just
lustasas
you
youalways
alwaystalked
talked totome
mewhen
whenI Iwas
wasalive,
alive,sosohere
heretotoo!
o ! For
Foryou
youI Iam
amalive
alive
and
andwill
willlive
livefor
forever!
ever!" "

278
 Chapter i 4>

S u p e r n a t u r a l HELP
SUPERNATURAL H e l p AND
and
M i r a c u l o u s HEALINGS
MIRACULOUS H ealings
OBTAINED T h r o u g h ST.
O b t a i n e d THROUGH S t .SERAPHIM'S
S e r a p h i m ' sINTERCESSION
Intercession
AFTER H isDEATH
A f t e r HIS D eath

TT blessedElder
HEh eblessed

fromthis
from
Elderclosed
thiscorrupt
closedhis
corruptworld
worldinto
hiseyes
eyesininprayer,
intothe
prayer,but
theKingdom
butafter
Kingdomofofeternal
afterhis
eternallight
hisdeparture
departure
lightand
andglory,
glory,
hehedid
didnot
notrest
restfrom
fromhis
hislabours.
labours.Healings
Healingsofothe
f thesick,
sick,comfort
com fortfor
forthe
theaf-af ­
flicted,
flicted,advice
advicetotothe
theerring,
erring,flowed
flowedinina aconstant
constantstream.
stream.Here
Hereininchrono-
chrono ­
logicalorder
logical orderare
area afew
fewinstances
instancesofo St.
f St.Seraphim's
Seraphim smiraculous
miraculousinterven-
interven ­
tionafter
tion afterhis
hisdeath.
death.

l . A LETTER
l.A L e t t e r FROM C a p t a i n AFRICAN
f r o m CAPTAIN A f r i c a n VASILIEVITCH
V a s i l i e v i t c h TEPLOV
T eplov
H i e r o m o n k JOASAPH
TOt o HIEROMONK Joasaph

A b o u tTHE
ABOUT t h e MIRACULOUS
m i r a c u l o u s HEALING
h e a l i n g OFo f HIS children.
h i s CHILDREN.

InIn1834,
1834,already
alreadyafter
afterFr.Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphimsdeath, death,I went
I wenttotothe
theSarov
Sarovmon-m on ­
astery
asterywith
withmy myfamily,
family,asas was
wasour
ourcustom.
custom.One Oneofofmymychildren,
children,my my
three - year -olddaughter,
three-year-old daughter,had hadatatthat
thattime
timediseased
diseasedlegs
legsand
andcould
couldhard-
hard ­
lylystand.
stand.Therefore,
Therefore,after
afterhaving
havingattended
attendeda aPanihida
PanihidaatatFr.Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphims
grave,
grave,weweallallwent
wenttotohis
hishermitage
hermitageand andhis
hisspring,
spring,carrying
carryingthe thechild
child
ininour
ourarms
armsand andfirmly
firmly believingthat
believing thatthe
theLord
Lordwould
wouldhavehavemercy
mercyonon
thesuffering
the sufferingchild
childthrough
throughthe theprayers
prayersofof theElder.
the Elder.

There
Therewe wedrank
drankfrom
fromthethewell,
well,washed,
washed,and andbathed
bathedthethelegs
legsofof
the
thechild.
child.
Thenwewetook
Then tooksome
someofofthethewater
waterand andwent
wenttotothe
themonastery
monasteryintending
intending
totohave
havethetheservice
serviceofof theBlessing
the Blessingofof Waterfor
Water forher.
her.But
Buteven
evenbefore
beforethe
the
service
servicewewesaw sawGod's
G odsmercy
mercytotous.us.When Whenwewe were
wereentering
enteringthethemonas-
m onas ­
terybybythe
tery theback-gate,
back-gate,thethelittle
littlegirl
girlsuddenly
suddenlyasked
askedtotoget
get downfrom
down from
her
hernurse's
nurse'sarmsarmswith
withthetheevident
evidentintention
intentionofofwalking
walkingherself.
herself.The
The

279
\ \ f! r:

nurseopposed
nurse opposedherherfor
forsome
sometime,
time,but
butatatlast
lastshe
shedecided
decidedtotoput putherher
down,and
down, andbegan
begantotolead
leadher
herbybythe
thehand.
hand.ThenThenthe thelittle
littlegirl
girlpulled
pulled
outher
out herhand
handand
andtotoeveryone's
everyone'sastonishment
astonishmentran ranahead
aheadbybyherself.
herself...
..
Overjoyed at her miraculous healing we all hurried to
Overjoyed at her miraculous healing we all hurried to St. Seraphim's St. Seraphim's
graveand
grave andwith
withtears
tearsthanked
thankedhim himforforhis
hisgracious
graciousintercession
intercessionfor forusus
sinners.
sinners.

InIn1848
1848our
oursecond
secondson sontwisted
twistedhis
hisleg
legand
andsuffered
sufferedfromfromit itfor
fortwo
two
years.Meanwhile,
years. Meanwhile,the thetime
timehad
hadcome
cometotosend
sendthethechild
childtotoschool.
school.AsAs
I firmlytrusted
I firmly trustedininthetheintercession
intercessionandandhelp
helpofofFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimwho whohadhad
already shown so many benefits to my family, I
already shown so many benefits to my family, I went with them towent with them to
theSarov
the SarovMonastery.
Monastery.ThereThereweweattended
attendeda aPanihida
Panihidaatatthe thegrave
graveofof the
the
Saint and I drove the children to the well in spite of the
Saint and I drove the children to the well in spite of the bitter cold andbitter cold and
the deep snow (it was the 21st of December,
the deep snow (it was the 21st of December, 1848). 1 848).

OnOnour
ourarrival
arrivalthere
therewewefirst
firstprayed
prayedbefore
beforethetheikons
ikonsatatthethespring,
spring,that
that
God would send down His blessing on us through
God would send down His blessing on us through the prayers of Fr. the prayers of Fr.
Seraphim.Then
Seraphim. Thenwe wedrank
dranksomesomeofof thewater
the waterandandwashed
washedwith withit.it.My
My
secondson
second sonalso
alsowashed
washedhimself
himself andhis
and hisbad
badleg.
leg.AtAtlast
lastwe
wereturned
returnedtoto
thehotel.
the hotel.

AAfewfewhours
hourslater,
later,my mychildren
childrenaskedaskedme mefor forpermission
permissiontotogogoagain againtoto
the well. My youngest son took a bottle with
the well. My youngest son took a bottle with him, and on the way him, and on the wayhehe
outran his elder brother in spite of the pain in his
outran his elder brother in spite of the pain in his leg and the narrow leg and the narrow
way.Having
way. Havingreached
reachedthe thewell
wellbefore
beforehim,him,hehedipped
dippedupupsome somewaterwater
fromthe
from thewell,
well,undressed
undressedand andpoured
pouredit itover
overhimself.
himself.Then
Thenhehedressed
dressed
and knelt before the ikons at the well, asking God to have mercy onon
and knelt before the ikons at the well, asking God to have mercy
himthrough
him throughthe theprayers
prayersofofFr.Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim.His Hiselder
elderbrother
brotherfollowed
followed
hishisexample
exampleand andboth
bothprayed
prayedfor forsome
sometime timeininthis
thisposture,
posture,accord-
accord ­
ingtototheir
ing theirfaith.
faith.NotNotonly
onlydiddidthey
theynotnotfeel
feelthe
thecold
coldatatall,
all,but
butthey
they
even felt a slight perspiration. And so the Lord God
even felt a slight perspiration. And so the Lord God accepted their fer- accepted their fer­
vor and had mercy on them for their childish zeal. On their return toto
vor and had mercy on them for their childish zeal. On their return
thehotel,
the hotel,my myyounger
youngerson sondeclared
declaredrapturously
rapturouslythat thathehenonolonger
longerfelt
felt
anypain
any painininhishisleglegwhatever.
whatever.InInfact,fact,through
throughthe theintercession
intercessionofof St.St.
Seraphimhis
Seraphim hislegleghas
hasbeen
beenquite
quitewellwellever
eversince,
since,and andhehejoined
joinedone oneofof
the cavalry regiments.
the cavalry regiments.

280
 SUP! I{ " \ i u I~.1 L III L [' ,i -, Ll M! R ,i C i I ! o Ii ~ 11i. ,\ L I " l.•S

2.
2. AA STORY
S t o r y FROM E v d o k i a OTCHKINA
f r o m EVDOKIA O t c h k i n a FROM P enza
f r o m PENZA

W h o WAS
WHO w a s IN
i n THE L i v e y e v CONVENT
t h e LIVEYEV C onvent
WI TH HER DAUGHTER,
WITH DAUGHTER, MARIA, IN 1858.
M A R I A , IN 1858.

In 1843 I was walking

walking in the
the garden
garden with
with my three-year-old
three -year -old daughter,
daughter,
Elizabeth. Somehow
Elizabeth. Somehow a thistle
thistle stuck
stuck to the
the fringe
fringe of
of my dress.
dress. As I re-
re ­
moved it, probably
moved probably a tiny
tiny bit
bit flew off
off and
and settled
settled in the
the child's
child 's eye. My
Elizabeth suddenly
Elizabeth suddenly screamed,
screamed, shut
shut both
both her
her eyes and
and began
began to weep
weep
copiously.
copiously. All our efforts
our efforts to help her were of no avail and she lost her
help her were of no avail and she lost her
eyesight completely.
eyesight completely. A year
year passed.
passed. A doctor
doctor came
came from
from Petersburg
Petersburg to
Penza. I took
Penza. took my blind
blind daughter
daughter to him,
him, but
but he could
could not
not even
even exam-
exam ­
ine her
ine her eye. It was impossible open her
impossible to open her eyelids,
eyelids, which
which were
were com-
com ­
pressed as if they
pressed they had
had grown
grown together. The doctor
together. The doctor was unable
unable to help.
help.

year later, my blind

A year blind daughter
daughter was sitting
sitting by me on
on the
the floor. I had
had put
put
some
some toys in her
her lap and she
and she was handling them gropingly.
handling them gropingly. As I looked
looked
at her, I wept
wept and said mentally:
and said mentally: "Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim!I Pray to the
the Lord that
that
the eyes of my blind
the blind daughter
daughter may opened. I shall
may be opened. shall go to you
you on on foot
foot
Sarov."
to Sarov."

that very
At that very minute,
minute, the child jumped
the child jumped to her
her feet, and
and started
started running
running
about the
about the room.
room. From that time she began
that time began to see as before,
before, but
but she
she
died about
died years later. As for me, sinner
about two years sinner that
that I am,
am, I completely
completely for-
for­
got my promise
got promise of
of a journey
journey to Sarov, and
and so I was punished
punished a second
second
time.
time.

other daughter,
My other daughter, Mary, also got a serious
serious eye disease
disease when
when she
she was
three. No medicine
three. medicine could
could help
help her. Then
Then I remembered
remembered that that I had
had
promised to go to Sarov. I set out
promised out on that
that very
very day, and
and as soon
soon as we
had had a Panihida
had had Panihida for Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, my babybaby was healed.
healed. Only
Only on
on
one eye a mark
one mark remained, not a cataract,
remained, not cataract, but
but a tiny
tiny spot
spot which
which does
does
not
not affect her sight,
affect her sight, as though
though in remembrance
remembrance of of the
the fact that
that her
her
mother, through
mother, through her
her forgetfulness,
forgetfulness, offended
offended a man
man of of God.
God.

3.
3 . AA SSTORY r o m AALEXEY
t o r y fFROM lexey M
MICHAILOVITCH
ichailovitch LLAVROV
avrov

A n ELETZ
AN Eletz merchant.
MERCHANT.

on business
In 1848 I was on business not
not far from
from the
the Sarov
Sarov Monastery,
Monastery, in the
the
Voznesensky factory
Voznesensky factory belonging
belonging to Mr. Batashev.
Batashev. There
There I saw almost ev ­
almost ev-
day a portrait
ery day of an Elder of
portrait of of Sarov, Fr.
Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, whom
whom I had
had long
long

281
,\ An F I'\ • ' • >V
Pi.. •i
knownfrom
known fromhearsay
hearsayand
andwhom
whomI respected,
I respected,though
thoughI had
I hadnot
notknown
known
himpersonally.
him personally.Iwanted
I wantedtotohave
havea aportrait
portraitlike
likethat
thattoo,
too,and
andsosoItold
I told
myclerk
my clerktotofind
finda agood
goodpainter
paintertotomake
makeme
mea atrue
trueand
andartistic
artisticreplica.
replica.

Twodays
Two dayslater,
later,Iwent
I wentaway
awayand
andwhen
whenIcame
I cameback,
back,ononthe
the1st
1stofof
November,my
November, myclerk
clerkhanded
handedme
mea aportrait
portraitofofFr.
Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim.But
Butit itwas
was
sosobadly
badlydone
donethat
thatIwas
I wasangry
angryand
andbegan
begantotoscold
scoldmy
myclerk,
clerk,and
andIsaid
I said
totohim
himamong
amongother
otherthings
thingsthat
thatthe
theplace
placefor
forthat
thatportrait
portraitwas
wasthe
the
wardrobe,because
wardrobe, becauseit itwas
wastoo
toodisgraceful
disgracefultotoput
putinina aroom.
room.

Allthat
All thatday,
day,Iwas
I wasangry
angrywith
withmy
myclerk
clerkand
andasasa apunishment
punishmentfor
formy
my
rudewords
rude wordsIfelt
I feltininthe
theevening
eveningofofthe
thesame
sameday
daysuch
sucha aterrible
terribletooth-
tooth ­
achethat
ache thatIcould
I couldhardly
hardlybear
bearit.it.That
Thatsame
samenight,
night,Icalled
I calledfor
forthe
themedi-
medi­
calpractitioner
cal practitionerofofthe
thefactory
factoryand
andimplored
imploredhim
himtotohelp
helpme.
me.Itold
I toldhim
him
moreoverabout
moreover aboutmy
myrudeness
rudenesswith
withregard
regardtotoFr.Fr.Seraphim's
Seraphim'sportrait
portraitinin
ordertotoquieten
order quietenmy
myconscience
consciencebybythis
thisavowal.
avowal.The
Themedical
medicalpractitio-
practitio ­
nerput
ner putsome
somedrops
dropsononmy
myteeth
teethand
andthe
thepain
painapparently
apparentlystopped,
stopped,but
but
it itcame
cameononagain.
again.From
Fromthat
thattime,
time,it ittortured
torturedme
medaily,
daily,with
withrare
raremo-
m o­
mentsofofrespite,
ments respite,for
fornearly
nearlythree
threeyears,
years,until
untilthe
the4th
4thofofAugust,
August,1851.
1851.

Howmany
How manysleepless
sleeplessand
andagonizing
agonizingnights
nightsIspent!
I spent!How
Howoften
oftenIran
I ran
aboutmy
about myroom
roomhalf
halfcrazy
crazyand
andshouting
shoutingwith
withpain!
pain!How
Howoften
oftenIre-
I re ­
solvedtotoremove
solved removethe
thediseased
diseasedteeth!
teeth!But
Butasassoon
soonasasa adiseased
diseasedtooth
tooth
hadbeen
had beentaken
takenout,
out,the
theone
onenext
nexttotoit itbegan
begantotoache.
ache.AtAtlast
lastallallmy
my
friendsand
friends andrelations
relationsbegan
beganadvising
advisingme
metotowalk
walktotoSarov
Sarovand
andask
askFr.
Fr.
Seraphimsforgiveness.
Seraphim's forgiveness.AtAtfirst,
first,Icould
I couldnot
notprevail
prevailupon
uponmyself
myselftotododo
so,but
so, butininthe
theend,
end,seeing
seeingthe
thefutility
futilityofofevery
everykind
kindofoftreatment,
treatment,Ide-
I de ­
cidedtotoapply
cided applytotothe
theportrait
portraitofofFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimwhich
whichhad
hadcaused
causedme
mesoso
muchdispleasure.
much displeasure.Itook
I tookit itininmy
myhands
handsand
andbegan
begantotoask
askGod
Godand
andthe
the
humbleElder
humble Elderwith
withbitter
bittertears
tearsfor
forthe
theforgiveness
forgivenessofofmy
mysins
sinsand
andfor
formy
my
healing.That
healing. Thatwas
wasononthe
the20th
20thofofJune,
June,1851,
1851,ininthe
thetown
townofofKassimov.
Kassimov.

Onthe
On thefollowing
followingday
daymy
mypain
painsubsided
subsideda alittle.
little.Then
Thenmy
mywife
wifeurged
urgedme
me
totogogototoSt.St.Seraphim
Seraphimand
andtotohave
havea aPanihida
Panihidaserved
servedatathis
hisgrave.
grave.On
On
the30th
the 30thofofJuly
JulyIwent
I wentwith
withFr.Fr.Nikolas
NikolasGratsianov
Gratsianovand
anda acolleague
colleagueofof
mine,Leonty
mine, LeontyPerryzhoggin.
Perryzhoggin.We
Wewalked
walkedfor
for404 0versts,
versts,1 butIcould
1 but I couldwalk
walk
nonofurther
furtherand
andwas
wasobliged
obligedtotoride.
ride.2525versts-
versts2from
fromSarov
Sarovmy
myteeth
teethbe-
be ­
gantotoache
gan acheagain.
again.

Wearrived
We arrivedininSarov
Sarovononthe
the3rd
3rdofofAugust
Augustand
andwent
wenttotothe
thelate
lateLiturgy.
Liturgy.

1 1 2626miles
milesoror4949km.
km.
2 2 16.5
16.5miles
milesoror26.5
26.5km.
km.

282
 \;11 \II.ILO S II AI. \C\

My teeth were so painful

teeth were painful that
that I could
could not
not even
even stand
stand on
on my
my feet.
feet. After
After
the Panihida
the Panihida I made
made the acquaintance of
the acquaintance of an
an elderly
elderly colonel
colonel to
to whom
whom
I told
told my
my story
story and
and who
who advised
advised me
me to
to bathe
bathe in
in St. Seraphim's
Seraphim's spring
spring
and ask
and ask for
for a cure.
cure. I gladly
gladly agreed
agreed to
to this,
this, but
but I could
could not
not walk,
walk, so my
my
friends drove
friends drove me
me in
in a cart.
cart.

On our
On our arrival,
arrival, Fr. Nikolas
Nikolas at
at once
once took
took some
some water
water in
in his mouth to
his mouth to see
see
whether I could
whether could bathe
bathe in
in the
the spring
spring or
or not.
not. And
And he
he found
found the
the water
water so
cold that
cold that his
his teeth
teeth began
began to
to ache,
ache, so
so that
that he did not
he did not advise
advise me
me to
to bathe.
bathe.
But
But I had
had already decided to
already decided to have
have recourse to Fr. Seraphim's
recourse to Seraphim's help
help and
and
did not
did not want
want to listen
listen to
to anyone's
anyone's advice.
advice.

When he
When he saw
saw that
that I was
was undressing,
undressing, he said to
he said to me:
me: ""What
What are
are you
you go-
go ­
ing to
ing to do
do?l ""

I replied
replied imperturbably:
imperturbably: "I
"I am going to
am going to bathe."
bathe."

"But you
"But you will
will never
never come
come out
out again!"
again ! " he
he rejoined. "One cannot
rejoined. "One cannot hold
hold the
the
water in
water in one's
one's mouth
mouth and
and you
you want
want to
to get
get in
in there
there with
with your
your aching
aching
teeth."
teeth."

But I said
But said to
to him
him resolutely:
resolutely: "It won't
won't be
be worse
worse than
than what
what I feel
feel now,"
now,"
and making
and making the
the sign
sign of
of the
the cross,
cross, I hurled
hurled myself into the
myself into the spring
spring head
head
first, saying:
first, saying: "Lord
"Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ,
Christ, by
by the
the prayers of Fr. Seraphim
prayers of Seraphim cure
cure
my unbearable
my unbearable toothache."
toothache. " When
When I came
came out,
out, I no
no longer
longer felt any pain
felt any pain
whatever, and
whatever, and I said
said from
from the
the fullness
fullness of
of my
my heart: "Glory to
heart: "Glory to Thee,
Thee, 0
O
Lord, and
Lord, and to
to thee,
thee, Fr. Seraphim!"
Seraphim!"

Ever since
Ever since then,
then, my
my teeth
teeth have
have been
been perfectly
perfectly well.
well. And
And I am
am not
not afraid
afraid
out without
to go out without galoshes
galoshes in
in autumn
autumn and
and spring,
spring, which
which I never
never dared
dared
to do
to do before
before for
for fear
fear of
of the
the cold.
cold.

4. THE
4. T h e STORY
Story C olonel
o f COLONEL
OF V. A. P.

Colonel V. A. P., a landowner

Colonel V. landowner of
of the
the district
district of
of Shatak,
Shatak, province
province of
of
Tambov, suffered
Tambov, suffered from
from continual
continual headaches.
headaches. In
In 1857
1857 he
he came
came to
to Sarov
Sarov
on August
on August 15th,
15th, the
the Feast
Feast of
of the
the Dormition
Dormition of
of the
the most
most holy
holy Mother of
Mother of
God. He
God. He attended
attended the
the early
early Liturgy in the
Liturgy in the hospital
hospital church
church and
and wanted
wanted
to go
to go to
to St. Seraphim's
Seraphim's spring
spring before the last
before the last Liturgy.
Liturgy. But
But the
the thought
thought
that his
that his wife
wife was
was waiting
waiting for
for him the hotel
him at the to have
hotel to have tea
tea troubled
troubled him,
him,
and he
and he was
was already
already making
making his
his way
way towards
towards the
the hotel when, all
hotel when, all at
at once,
once,
and without
and without knowing
knowing how,
how, he
he found
found himself
himself on
on his
his way
way to
to the
the spring.
spring.
On coming
On coming there,
there, he
he hesitated
hesitated for
for some
some time
time to
to pour
pour water
water on
on his
his head
head

283
 \. L Pi \
whichwas
which wasbuzzing
buzzingand andaching
achingbadly,
badly,especially
especiallyasasthe themorning
morningwas was
coldand
cold anddamp
dampand andthere
therewaswasa adrizzling
drizzlingrain.
rain.But
Butthe
theinvisible
invisiblehandhand
ofofGod
Godmiraculously
miraculouslyeffected
effectedhis hiscure.
cure.Unexpectedly,
Unexpectedlyhis hisfeet
feetslipped
slipped
ononthe
thewet
wetclay
clayand
andhehefell
fellbybythe
thespring
springwith
withhis hishead
headunder
underthe thespout.
spout.
HeHewas
wasdrenched
drenchedagainst
againsthis hiswill
willwith
withthethehealing
healingwater.
water.No Nolonger
longer
afraidtotocatch
afraid catchcold,
cold,the
thepatient
patientroserosetotohis
hisfeet
feetand
andpoured
pouredthe thewater
water
on his head several times without feeling the
on his head several times without feeling the slightest pain.slightest pain.

Onhis
On hisway
wayback
backtotothe
themonastery,
monastery,Colonel
ColonelV.V.A.A.P.P.met
meta apeasant
peasantwho,
who,
ininhis
histurn,
turn,told
toldhim
himofo his
f hiscure.
cure."Fr.
"Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimhas
hashealed
healedme
metoday!"
today! "hehe
said."My
said. "Myarm
armwas
wasvery
verypainful.
painful.ItItwas
wasswollen,
swollen,had
hadbecome
becom ehard
hardand
andI I
couldnot
could notlift
liftit.it.And
AndsosoI came
I cametotoSarov
Sarovwith
withthis
thisdisease.
disease.Today
TodayI bathed
I bathedit it
twicewith
twice withwater
waterfrom
fromthe
thespring,
spring,and
andnow
nowmy
myarm
armisisperfectly
perfectlywell
wellagain."
again."
Onreaching
On reachingthe
thehotel,
hotel,the
theColonel
Coloneltold
toldeveryone
everyoneabout
aboutthese
thesetwo
two
cures.
cures.

5.5 . AA LETTER
L e t t e r FROM F r .GABRIEL
f r o m FR. G a b r i e l GALITSKY
G a l i t s k y TO
t o THE A b b e s s OFo f
t h e ABBESS
D i v e y e v CONVENT,
t h e DIVEYEV
THE C o n v e n t , MOTHER
M o t h e r MARIA
M aria

InInAugust
August1861,
1861,I fell
I fellillillwith
withtyphoid
typhoidfever
feverasasa aresult
resultofofcatching
catchinga acold
cold
andstill
and stillmore
moreononaccount
accountofofmy mygrave
gravesins.
sins.I was
I wastreated
treatedininthe
thetown
town
ofofOrIov
Orlov(province
(provinceofofViatka),
Viatka),butbutthe
themedicines
medicinesbroughtbroughtme menonorelief,
relief,
asasI vomited
I vomitedeverything
everythingI took. I took.Besides
Besidesthat,
that,I could
I couldnot
notsleep,
sleep,sosothat
thatI I
despairedofofmy
despaired mylife.
life.

Onenight
One nightI said
I saidfarewell
farewelltotomy mywife
wifebecause
becauseI felt
I feltthe
theapproach
approachofof
death.But
death. Butmymywife
wifesaid
saidtotome:
me:"If"If youdodonot
you nothope
hopetotoliveliveany
anylonger,
longer,
youshould
you shouldatatleast
leastdie
dieasasa aChristian."
Christian."I had
I hadnonoinclination
inclinationtotocleanse
cleanse
mymyconscience
consciencebybyrepentance
repentanceand andtotohave
haveHoly
HolyCommunion,
Communion,asasI was I was
ininanguish
anguishand anddespondency.
despondency.I told I toldmymywife
wifethis,
this,butbutshe
sheimplored
imploredme me
withtears
with tearstotosend
sendforfora apriest,
priest,though
thoughit itwas
wasalready
alreadymidnight.
midnight.I toldI told
mymywife
wifetotogive
givememesome
somebook,
book,ininthethehope
hopethat
thatthethereading
readingwould
would
driveaway
drive awaymy mydejection,
dejection,and andshe
shegave
gavememea abook,
book,The TheLife
LifeofofHieromonk
Hieromonk
Seraphim,Hermit
Seraphim, HermitofofSarov
Sarov. Having
. Havingreadreadthis
thisbook,
book,I resolved
I resolvedatatonce
oncetoto
repentofofmy
repent mysins,
sins,and
andthere
thereand
andthen
thensent
sentfor
forthe
thepriest
priestwho
whocamecameim- im ­
mediately and gave me the
mediately and gave me the Sacrament. Sacrament.

InInabout
aboutfour
fourdays
daysafter
afterHoly
HolyCommunion
CommunionI wentI wentforfortreatment
treatmenttoto
Viatka, where I arrived in the evening. It was at the beginning ofof
Viatka, where I arrived in the evening. It was at the beginning
September.InInthe
September. themorning
morningofofthethenext
nextday,
day,atatseven
seveno'clock,
o 'clock,ananold
old

284
 C'
S
,)
.,
up
! e r n a tIii
ural III
H e li pI' a n dD ;\11 c.u
M i r a c u lr.o
ous II
H e ai lI i: n\ g( s

woman came
woman came to
to my
my lodgings
lodgings and
and offered
offered to
to sell
sell me
me aa portrait
portrait of
of Fr.
Seraphim of
Seraphim of Sarov.
Sarov. II took
took two
two portraits
portraits from
from her
her and
and she
she said
said on
on
leaving me:
leaving me: "Batushka,
"Batushka, when
when the
the time
time comes,
comes, do
do not
not forget
forget Agathia."
Agathia."
Regarding these
Regarding these two
two incidents
incidents as
as signs
signs from
from God,
God, II turned
turned in
in prayer
prayer to
to
Seraphim and
St. Seraphim and promised
promised to
to go
go to
to the
the Sarov
Sarov Monastery
Monastery and
and have
have a
Panihida sung
Panihida sung at
at the
the grave
grave of
of Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim.

From that
From that time
time I began
began to
to feel
feel better,
better, so
so that
that the
the doctor
doctor even
even allowed
allowed
me to
me to go
go to
to the
the monastery
monastery and
and to
to the
the town,
town, and
and II began
began to
to regret
regret my
my
promise. And
promise. And probably
probably as
as aa result
result of
of that
that regret
regret my
my illness
illness took
took such
such aa
bad turn
bad turn that
that the
the doctors
doctors whom
whom II invited
invited refused
refused to
to treat
treat me,
me, and
and the
the
last of
last of them
them said
said to
to me:
me: "I
"I shall
shall visit
visit you,
you, but
but I cannot
cannot promise
promise to
to heal
heal
you. Look
you. Look for
for aa spiritual
spiritual healer."
healer." Then
Then II again
again made
made the
the firm
firm promise
promise
to go
to go to
to the
the Sarov
Sarov Monastery.
Monastery. And
And by
by the
the prayers
prayers of
of Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim I was
was
completely cured
completely cured of
of my
my illness.
illness.

During my
During my stay
stay in
in the
the Sarov
Sarov Monastery
Monastery II bought The Life
bought The Life of
of the
the Elder
Elder
Seraphim(ed.
Seraphim 1863) and
( ed. 1863) and from
from itit II learned
learned that
that the
the first
first abbess
abbess ofof the
the
Diveyev Convent
Diveyev Convent was
was Agathia.
Agathia. Then
Then II remembered
remembered the
the words
words of
of the
the old
old
woman from
woman from whom
whom II had
had bought
bought the
the portraits
portraits of
of Fr. Seraphim:
Seraphim: "When
"When
the time
the time comes,
comes, remember
remember Agathia."
Agathia," and
and thought
thought that
that II must
must pray
pray also
also
for this
for this saint,
saint, that
that she
she also
also was
was close
close to
to the
the Lord.
Lord.

6 . THE
6. T h e STORY
Story D m i t r y SABANYEYEV
o f DMITRY
OF Sabanyeyev

A fourteen-year-old Dmitry Sabanyeyev, fell ill

fourteen -year-old boy, Dmitry ill in St. Petersburg
Petersburg in
mother was
1864. His mother was very
very sad
sad both
both at her
her son's
sons illness
illness and
and because
because he
he had
had
pass an
to pass an examination
exam ination just
just at
at that
that time
tim e in
in order
order to enter
enter the
the institute
institute of
of
higher studies.
higher studies. His illness
illness threatened
threatened to
to prevent
prevent his
his entering
entering the
the institute.
institute.
Sabanyeyeva, who
Mrs. Sabanyeyeva, who was
was fervently
fervently devoted
devoted to
to Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, had
had
recourse to him
recourse him in her
her prayer
prayer for
for help.
help. On
On the
the very
very next
next night
night she
she saw
the Elder
the Elder in a dream,
dream, and
and he
he said
said to her:
her: "Your
"Your son
son will
will get
get well
well and
and he
will pass
will pass his
his examination."
exam ination. " Waking
Waking with
with a feeling
feeling of
o f joy, she
she went
went at
at once
once
the infirmary
to the infirmary of
o f the
the naval
naval school
school where
where she
she expected
expected to find
find her
her son
son
still sick. But they
still they told
told her
her that
that he was already
already well
well and
and had
had gone
gone to sit
his examination.
for his exam ination.
When they
When they saw
saw one
one another,
another, they
they met
met with
with tears.
tears. The
The mother's
m others joy
changed into
changed into amazement
amazem ent when
when she
she heard
heard that
that her
her son,
son, who,
who, like her, had
had

285
\\ A n1\ E x!ilf) d i n a vr y P
t r a o r i\\ P i. u s

a deep
a deep venerationforfor
veneration FI.Fr.Seraphim,
Seraphim,had
hadalso
alsoseen
seenthetheElder
Elder
in ina dream
a dream
and
and had
had heard
heard from
from him
him thethe same
same words:"You
words: "You will
will getget well
well andand you
you will
will
pass
pass your
your exam ination."
examination."

7.7.ALEXANDRA
A l e x a n d r aVINOGRADOVA'S
V i n o g r a d o v a ' sSTORY
Story
A b o u tTHE
ABOUT t h eCURE
c u r eOFo fHER
h e rSON
s o nFROM
f r o mSTAMMERING.
sta m m erin g .

In In 1865,
1865, as as a punishment
a punishment forfor
mymy sins,
sins, mymy three -year -old
three-year-old boy
boy who
who
spoke
spoke quite
quite fluently,
fluently, suddenly
suddenly began
began to to stammer.
stammer. This
This stammering
stammering
became
became worse
worse andand worse,
worse, andand it grew
it grew so so
badbad
at at
thethe beginning
beginning of of 1866,
1866,
that
that he he could
could notnot
saysay a single
a single word
word at at once,
once, butbut
forfor about
about five
five minutes
minutes
would
would repeat:
repeat: 'a ...a a.....
.a a.....
.a '..growing
growing quite
quite red;
red; then
then he he would
would seize
seize hishis
jaws
jaws with
with hishis hands
hands andand
runrun away
away in in tears.
tears. HeHe would
would hide
hide andand
crycry
be-be ­
cause
cause he he could
could notnot
saysay what
what he he wanted.
wanted. ForFor
us,us,
hishis parents,
parents, it was
it was a a
great
great sorrow
sorrow to to
seesee this.
this. WeWe thought
thought anxiously
anxiously of of
thethe future,
future, when
when thethe
poor
poor boy
boy would
would have
have to to answer
answer hishis lessons
lessons at at school.
school. Often
Often wewe used
used to to
saysay
to to him,
him, "Sashenka,3
"Sashenka.:' think
think first,
first, andand then
then speak,imagining
speak," " imagining that
that
he he
hadhad
gotgot into
into thethe habit
habit of of stammering
stammering so so terribly
terribly through
through speaking
speaking
tootoo fast.
fast. Sometimes
Sometimes wewe would
would saysay
to to him:
him: " Better
"Better be be quiet.
quiet. It very
It is is very
disagreeable
disagreeable to to hear
hear your
your stammering.All
stammering." " All
thisthis made
made thethe boy,
boy, who
who was
was
clever
clever beyond
beyond hishis age,
age, very
very sad.
sad.

In In
thethe Great
Great Fast
Fast of of 1866
1866 some
some friends
friends lent
lent memeTheThe
LifeLife
of of
thethe Ascetic
Ascetic of of
Sarov,
Sarov, Fr.Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim. I read
I read it aloud
it aloud to to
mymy son.
son. HeHe listened
listened to to
mymy reading
reading
with
with amazing
amazing attention
attention andand understanding,
understanding, andand from
from that
that time
time he he
be-be ­
gangan
to to have
have faith
faith in in
thethe holiness
holiness of of
Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim andand
to to cherish
cherish love
love forfor
him.
him. HeHe expressed
expressed it by
it by kissing
kissing with
with reverence
reverence pictures
pictures representing
representing Fr.Fr.
Seraphim.
Seraphim.

Easter
Easter passed.
passed. OnOn Tuesday,
Tuesday, father
father sent
sent Sasha
Sasha from
from thethe front
front half
half of of
ourour
house
house to to a back
a back room
room to to
telltell
meme something.
something. HeHe opened
opened thethe door,
door, tried
tried
to to speak
speak butbut couldn 'grew
couldn't, t, grew red,
red, pressed
pressed hishis jaws
jaws (because
(because from
from stam ­
stam-
mering
mering a pain
a pain hadhad developed
developed in in
hishis jaws)
jaws) ranran
outout
of of
thethe room
room andand
started
started to to cry.
cry. Seeing
Seeing him
him in in
thisthis state
state both
both I and
I and hishis nurse
nurse began
began to to
crycry too.
too. I comforted
I comforted mymy poor
poor boy
boy andand advised
advised him
him to to pray
pray or or even
even only
only
to to cross
cross himself
himself at at
thethe ringing
ringing of of
thethe bells
bells before
before It meet,
It is is meet, wherever
wherever hehe
might
might be,be,
andand
to to pray
pray to to
Fr.Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim to to heal
heal him
him through
through hishis prayers.
prayers.
The
The boy
boy accepted
accepted mymy advice
advice with
with joyjoy
andand promised
promised to to carry
carry it out,
it out,
which
which he he did.
did. AtAt
thethe same
same time
time I made
I made a vow
a vow to to have
have a Panihida
a Panihida served
served

3 3 A diminutive
A diminutive
or or nickname
nickname forfor "Alexander."
"Alexander."

286
 S U P E K N A 1" UR A i If E I P A N E) M 1R A C II E 0 U S H E A E I N Cl S

for
forthe
the repose
repose of
ofthe
the soul
soul of
ofFr.
Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim.

IIwent
went toto my
myhusband
husband and
and told
told him
him everything,
everything, but
but my
myhusband,
husband, who
who
atatthat
that time
time had
had not
not yet
yetread
read the
the life
lifeof
ofSt.
St.Seraphim,
Seraphim, listened
listened indif
indif-­
ferently
ferently toto my
myvow
vow and
and promised
promised me
metoto have
have aaPanihida
Panihida served
served some
some
time.
time. ItItisisremarkable
remarkable that
that from
from the
the very
very day
day we
we made
made the
the vow
vow totohave
have
recourse
recourse toto Fr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim and
and toto pray
pray for
forthe
the repose
repose of
ofhis
his blessed
blessed soul,
soul,
our
our son
son suddenly
suddenly stopped
stopped stammering
stammering and
and began
began toto speak
speak well
well and
and
distinctly.
distinctly. We,
We,sinners,
sinners, thought
thought ininour
our folly:
folly: "It
"Itwas
wastrue
true after
after all
allwhat
what
people
people said
said about
about his
hisdisease
disease disappearing
disappearing inintime.
time. Now
Now itithas,
has, and
and we
we
have
have not
not had
had the
the Panihida.
Panihida."" Still,
Still, IIthought
thought in
in my
myheart
heart that
that some
some time,
time,
should
should an
an opportunity
opportunity occur,
occur, IIwould
would fulfil
fulfil my
myvow.
vow.

And
And so
sothree
three weeks
weeks passed.
passed. And
And then
then the
the Lord
Lorddeigned
deigned toto enlighten
enlighten
us,
us, careless
careless people,
people, and
and toto show
show us
usthat
that our
our son
son had
had not
not recovered
recovered by
by
himself,
himself, but
but through
through the
the prayers
prayers of
ofFr.
Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim. Our
Our son
son began
began toto
stam mer again
stammer again asasbefore,
before, and
and again
again he
hecould
could not
not say
sayaasingle
single word
word atat
once.
once. Then
Then I,I,aasinner,
sinner, understood
understood the
the cause
cause of
ofall
all this
this and
and told
told my
my
husband
husband what
what IIthought.
thought. Then
Then he
hewanted
wanted toto read
read the
the biography
biography of
ofFr.
Fr.
Seraphim,
Seraphim, and
and asashe
heread
read it,it,he
hefelt
feltreverence
reverence towards
towards the
the Saint
Saint and
and
soon
soon expressed
expressed the
the wish
wish totoserve
serve the
the promised
promised Panihida,
Panihida, which
which he
hedid.
did.
Straight
Straight after
after the
the Panihida
Panihida our
our child
child completely
completely recovered.
recovered. And
And not
not
only
only that,
that, but
but ininthe
the same
same year,
year,being
being only
only four
four and
and aahalf,
half, he
he insistent
insistent-­
lylyasked
asked totobe
betaught
taught how
how totoread.
read.

88.
. AA LLETTER r o m AANNA
e t t e r fFROM n n a SSIMEONOVNA
i m e o n o v n a RRUBTSOVA
u b t s o v a tTO
o tTHE
he
AABBOT
b b o t oOF h e SSAROV
f tTHE arov M o n a s
MONASTERY t e r y

Wonderful
Wonderful isisGod
God inin His
Hissaints,
saints, the
the God
God of
ofIsrael,
Israel, and
and even
even toto me
me aa
wretched,
wretched, unworthy
unworthy sinner,
sinner, He
Hehas
has shown
shown His
His mercy
mercy through
through His
His
great
great Saint,
Saint, the
the Sarov
Sarovsolitary,
solitary, Hieromonk
Hieromonk Seraphim.
Seraphim. May
Mayhis
his glory
glory
spread
spread from
from end
end totoend
end of
ofthe
the land
land of
ofRussia!
Russia! Here,
Here, on
on the
the frontier
frontier be ­
be-
tween
tween Russia
Russia and
and Poland,
Poland, IIsing
sing Panihidas
Panihidas toto him
him"4 with
with heartfelt
heartfelt tears
tears
of
ofgratitude,
gratitude, and
and IIask
askyou,
you, Your
YourReverence,
Reverence, toto convey
convey my
my most
most respect
respect-­
ful
ful request
request toto one
one of
ofthe
the hieromonks
hieromonks toto serve
serve aaPanihida
Panihida atathis
his grave
grave
and
and aaMoleben
Moleben of
ofthanksgiving
thanksgiving toto Our
Our Lady
Ladyof
ofAll
Allin
in Sorrow.
Sorrow. And
And now
now
do
do me
methe
the kindness
kindness totolisten
listen toto how
how IIlearnt,
learnt, while
while living
living several
several thou
thou-­
sand
sand versts
versts away,
away,that
that your
your holy
holy monastery
monastery possesses
possesses such
such aatreasure.
treasure.

When
When IIwas
was still
still aachild
child IIoften
often stayed
stayed in
in aaconvent
convent with
with my aunt. There
myaunt. There

44 She
Shewas
wasnot
notstrictly
strictlycorrect.
correct. Panihidas
Panihidas are
aresung
sungtotoGod
Godfor
forthe
thedeparted.
departed.

287
A '\ [, \ [ I~ ...\ () f: D i \.' ,\ r: \ P I: :\ (' I

I saw
[ saw a wonderful
a wonderful oiloilpainting,
painting,"The
"TheEndEndofof Hieromonk
Hieromonk Seraphim."
Seraphim."
My aunt used to tell me much of his sublime life and
My aunt used to tell me much of his sublime life and his incredible his incredible
labours.Many
labours. Many years
years passed.My
passed. My husband
husband waswas appointed
appointed vice - gover­
vice-gover-
nornorofof Kovno
Kovno ononthethenorthwest
northwest frontier
frontier (of(of Poland).
Poland). There,[ do
There, I donotnot
know
know why,
why, this
this picture
picture often
often hauntedmy
haunted my memory,though
memory, though[ had
I had never
never
thought of it before.
thought of it before.

AA year
year later
later mymy husband
husband was
was transferred
transferred to toVilno,
Vilno.OnOnmymy arrival
arrival in in
Vilno,[ became
Vilno, I became seriously
seriously illill
andandforfor almost
almost four
four years
years I suffered
[ suffered from
from
various
various maladies.
maladies. AtAt last
last I had
[had a disease
a disease ofof thethenose.
nose.
AA bigbig tum our
tumour de-de ­
veloped
veloped ininmymyleft
left nostril
nostril which
which became
became redredoutside.
outside.ForFor eight
eight months,
months,
I was
[ was treatedbyby
treated several
several doctors,but
doctors, but nothing
nothing helped
helped me.me. Some
Some said
said
it was a polyp; others said it was a more serious disease.
it was a polyp; others said it was a more serious disease. Finally they Finally they
decided
decided totooperate
operate ononmemein inthethespring
springif if
thethetumour
tum our diddidnotnot yield
yield to to
treatment;but
treatment; but
ananoperation
operation would
would have
have been
been very
very dangerous
dangerous ononac-ac­
count
count ofofmymy anemia.
anemia.

Once
Once after
after having
having weptwept mymy fill,
fill, I went
[ went totobed.
bed. Then
Then I saw
[ saw in in a dream
a dream
thethepicture
picture which
which hadhadremained
remained soso vividly
vividly in inmymy memory
memory that
that even
even
now I could draw that fragile old man with
now [ could draw that fragile old man with white hair and waxen com- white hair and waxen com ­
plexion,kneeling
plexion, kneeling withhishis
with arms
arms folded
folded ononhishischest.
chest.HeHe was
was in in a white
a white
smock,
smock, holding
holding a prayer
a prayer rope.His
rope. His eyes
eyes were
were cast
cast down
down asasif if
in in contem ­
contem-
plation,and
plation, andhehediddidnotnotlooklook like like a dead
a dead man manin inthetheleast.
least.
ThisThis picture
picture
so gripped my soul that for a long time I did
so gripped my soul that for a long time [ did not want to get up. [ kept not want to get up. I kept
mymy eyes
eyes shut
shut sosoasas totoenjoy
enjoy it,it,andand felt
felt heartily
heartily sorry
sorry that
that now now it it
waswas
impossible
impossible toto
getgetit,it,forfor I did
[ did notnotknow know who
who had had received
received it it after
after mymy
auntsdeath.
aunt's death.OnOnthethesame same dayday I asked
[ asked Abbess
Abbess Flaviana
Flaviana forfor some
some books,
books,
and you can imagine my surprise and joy when she sent me a life ofof
and you can imagine my surprise and joy when she sent me a life
Hieromonk
Hieromonk Seraphim
Seraphim with
with sixsix pictures,among
pictures, among which
which there
there waswas oneone
with
with hishishermitage
hermitage and and thethespring.
spring.

After
After reading
reading about
about allall
thethecures
cures wrought
wrought byby himduring
him duringhishislifetime
lifetime
and
and after
after hishisdeath,
death,[ applied
I applied that
that picture
picture to tomymyface
face and
and wept,
wept, saying:
saying:
"Those
"Those happy
happy people!
people! They
They saw
saw you,
you, Saint
Saint ofof God,and
God, and through
through your
your
prayers and your blessing they received healing from
prayers and your blessing they received healing from this spring. But this spring. But
[ I
cannever
can neverdodothat,
that,living
living sosofarfar away
away from
from that
that holy
holy place."
place."

I pressed
[ pressed mymy diseased
diseased nostril
nostril just
just under
under thetherepresentation
representationofof thethe spout,
spout,
andandto tomymy amazem ent
amazement somesome blood
blood came
came outoutofof
thethenostril,
nostril, after
after which
which
it it
waswas a tiny
a tiny bitbit easier
easier to tobreathe.
breathe.Next
Next day
day I repeated
[ repeated thethesame
same thing,
thing,
andand again
again blood
blood came
came out.
out. And
And every
every time
time I did
[ did it,it,mymy nose
nose began
began toto

288
 S uU PE
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bleed. The tum our and the swelling gradually

tumour gradually disappeared,
disappeared, and my
nose returned
returned to normal.
normal.

9.
9. A L
A etter
LETTER from
FROM IIVAN L atkin t
v a n LATKIN TOo

A bbess
ABBESS M aria o
MARIA D iveyev
OFf DIVEYEV

In 1860
1860 I was ill for about
about two months
months in Krasnoyarsk, where I was a
merchant.
merchant. I could not even walk. But the master, in whose service I
was, sent for me and took me with him to Tomsk. The medical
medical practi
practi-­
tioner
tioner who was treating
treating me at the time told me that unless I changed
that unless changed
the bandages
bandages on my wounded
wounded leg four times
times a day, I must
must die. In spite
of this, though
though against
against my will, I had to go with my master. We
We sat side
by side in a cart and on account
account of the bad roads, it took us more than
than
three
three days to reach Tomsk. I dared
dared not speak of my illness to my mas-
mas ­
ter and did not dress my wounds
wounds on the way.
way.

At Tomsk we went to some lodgings where, in the evening

evening some time
later, I lay down
down on a sofa and fell asleep. And I saw in a dream
dream an old
man in a white smock reaching
reaching to a little above his knees and with a
belt, who entered
entered my room. Coming
Coming near
near me, he struck
struck my leg with
the palm of his hand
hand and said: "Well,
"Well, you have stopped
stopped the treatment
treatment
and you have recovered!
recovered!""

I woke up at once, struck

struck a light and looked at my wounds
wounds which I had
not dressed throughout
throughout the journey.
journey. To
To my am azem ent there
amazement there were
even no signs of the disease. I felt so overjoyed that
that I ran irresponsibly
irresponsibly
several times to the chapel
chapel of Our
Our Lady
Lady of Iberia and back again with
the intention
intention of buying
buying a book
book of the Lives
Lives of the Saints, but
but everyone
was asleep because it was past midnight.
midnight.

When it began
began to get light I ran there
there again and to my delight
delight saw a
monk
monk sweeping away the snow near the chapel. I asked him whether
whether
there
there were any books
books of the Lives
Lives of the Holy Fathers, and he replied
that
that there were. The monk
monk opened
opened the chapel
chapel and handed
handed me a book.
Remembering
Remembering the face
face of the old man
man whom I had seen in my dream,
dream, I
took the book,
book opened
opened it, and saw unexpectedly
unexpectedly that
that same old man. It
was Fr.
Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, a hieromonk
hieromonk of the Sarov Monastery, whom I had
previously neither seen nor known.
previously neither known.

289
A\A NE\IR\OI~IlI\\I~\
E x T R A 0 R D I N A R Y[lLA(
P I:A I.€ E
10.
1 0 . A ASTORY
S t o r yABOUT C hildbirth
a b o u tCHILDBIRTH

Mrs.
Mrs. A.,A.,who
who waswaspregnant,
pregnant,felt felt extremelyafraid
extremely afraidat at
thetheapproach
approachofof de ­
de-
livery,because
livery, because child -birthhad
child-birth hadalways
always beenparticularly
been particularly difficult
difficult andand
dangerousforfor
dangerous her.lust
her. Just
at atthat
that timea pilgrim
time a pilgrimcame
cametototheirtheir houseand
house and
hehehadhad withhim
with hima biography
a biography of Fr.Seraphim.
ofFr. Seraphim.Mrs.
Mrs. A.A.read
read thethebook.
book.
Thenshe
Then sheprayed
prayedtotoGodGodand andasked
askedSt.St. Seraphimforfor
Seraphim hishishelp.
help. After
After that
that
she
she felt
felt muchbetter.
much better.
AllAll
her her fearspassed
fears passedandandher
her soul
soul waswasfilled
filled with
with
joy.
joy. The
The timeofof
time delivery
delivery came.Without
came. W ithout any
any humanaid,
human aid,invoking
invoking onlyonly
thethehelp
helpofofthetheMother
Mother ofof Godand
God andSt.St. Seraphim,without
Seraphim, without anyanyofofherher
previoussufferings,
previous sufferings,A.A.gavegave birthtotoa son
birth a sonwhom
whomshe she calledSeraphim.
called Seraphim.

11.
1 1 . A ASTORY
S t o r yFROM M o t h e rATHANASIA
f r o m MOTHER A thanasia
A ANUN
n u n OFo fTHE P o n e t a y e vCONVENT
t h e PONETAYEV C onvent

I suffered
I suffered forfora long
a long timefrom
time fromananinflammation
inflammationofof thetheright
right side,and
side, and
thoughI used
though I usedmedicines,
medicines,they they helpedme
helped me very
very little.
little. ThereforeI tried
Therefore I tried
aboveallall
above totohavehave recourse
recourse totothethehelp
helpofofFr.Fr.Seraphim,
Seraphim,asking askinghimhimwith
with
sincere faith to raise me from my bed of sickness.
sincere faith to raise me from my bed of sickness. And truly, the Saint And truly, the Saint
ofofGodGodappeared
appearedtotome meinina light
a light sleepinin
sleep hishisusual
usual white
white smock
smock andand
hishiskarnilavka."
kamilavka.5 HeHesatsatdown
downbyby mymybedbedandandsaidsaid totomemewith
withfatherly
fatherly
compassion:"Why
compassion: "Why dodoyou
you weepallall
weep thethetime?"
tim e? "

I put
I put my my headononhishislap
head lapand
and saidtotohim
said himweeping:
weeping:"Father,
"Father,I think
I think that
that
I shallnot
I shall not
bebesaved,
saved,because
becauseI lead
I leada slack
a slacklife."
life."

But
But hehereplied
repliedtotome
mebyby way
way ofof comfort:"Do
comfort: "Donot
not think
think that,my
that, my joy.
joy. All
All
whocall
who callononmy
my name
name willbebe
will saved."
saved."

After
After these
these wordsofof
words thethewonderful
wonderfulElder,Elder,I woke
I woke upupat atonce
onceand
andfelt
feltinin
mymy heart
heart ananunutterable
unutterablejoy joy andinin
and mymycell
cellI smelt
I smelt a fragrance.From
a fragrance. From
that
that timeI gradually
time I gradually begantotorecover,
began recover,andandnownowI am
I amperfectly
perfectly well
well byby
thethegrace
graceofof
thetheLord
Lordand andHis
His Saint,the
Saint, theunforgettable
unforgettableElder Elder Seraphim.
Seraphim.
Thishappened
This happenedat at thetheend
endofof 1882.
1882.

12.
1 2 . THE
T h eSTORY
S t o r yOFo fMARIA
M a r i aMICHAILOVNA
M i c h a i l o v n a ELiNOVA
E linova

MariaElinova.
Maria Elinova,the
thewidow
widowofoaf amerchant
merchantfrom
fromKotelnitch
Kotelnitch(province
(province
ofofV iatka),wrote
Viatka) wroteononthe
t the27th
27thofoFebruary,
f February,1903,
1903,that
thatininJuly
July1890
1890there
there
hadbeen
had beenininthat
thattown
townseveral
severalfatal
fatalcases
casesofo cholera.
f cholera.Her
Herservant
servantwas
was
5 5 AA stiff
stiff cylindrical
cylindrical hathat worn
worn byby priests
priests and
and monks.
monks.

290
 SUf'FRN'\lUR,\L HELP AND M!RACUL(1l1S Hrx u xr.s
also
also among
among the
the dead.
dead. A little
little later
later she
she herself
herself showed
showed symptoms
symptoms ooff the
the
same
same disease.
disease. Her
Her husband
husband had
had gone
gone on
on business
business to the
the fair
fair o
off Nizhni
Nizhni- -
Novgorod.
Novgorod. The
The illness
illness reached
reached a dangerous
dangerous stage —vomiting and
stage-vomiting and convul
convul- ­
sions.
sions. W hen all human
When human means
means had
had been
been exhausted
exhausted and
and had
had proved
proved of
of
no avail,
avail, Elinova
Elinova was
was confessed
confessed and
and communicated
communicated by
by her
her parish
parish priest.
priest.
Her
Her strength
strength had
had ebbed
ebbed so low
low that
that she
she could
could not
not even
even raise
raise herself
herself on
on
her
her bed,
bed, and
and the
the unbearable
unbearable abdom inal pain
abdominal pain as well
well as the
the convulsions
convulsions
gave
gave her
her no
no rest.
rest.
On
On the
the night
night after
after she
she had
had received
received Holy
Holy Com m union, she
Communion, she dozed
dozed ooff
ff
for a mom ent and
moment and suddenly
suddenly saw
saw a stooping
stooping old
old man
man in a monk
monk's's habit
habit
with
with a cross
cross on
on his
his chest
chest who
who seemed
seemed to come
come up
up to her.
her. The
The old
old man
man
blessed
blessed her,
her, kissed
kissed her
her on
on the
the head
head and
and said: Live a little
said: ""Live little longer."
longer."
Maria
Maria Michailovna
Michailovna asked
asked with
with joy: ""Who
W ho are
are you,
you, Father?
Father?" "
Seraphim ooff Sarov,"
""Seraphim Sarov, n he replied.
replied.
W hen the
When the sick
sick woman
woman woke
woke up,
up, she
she felt
felt great
great relief.
relief. The
The pain
pain in her
her
abdomen
abdomen had
had gone
gone and
and the
the convulsions
convulsions had
had subsided.
subsided. Then
Then her
her strength
strength
began
began to return
return and
and in a few days
days she
she had
had completely
completely recovered.
recovered. The
The
following
following year,
year, Maria
Maria Michailovna
Michailovna went
went with
with her
her husband
husband to Sarov,
Sarov, to
venerate
venerate St. Seraphim
Seraphim at his
his grave
grave and
and to thank
thank him
him in prayer
prayer for
for the
the m
mi-i ­
raculous
raculous healing
healing which
which had
had been
been granted
granted her.
her.

3. A
113. A SSTORY
tory R y D
e c o r d e d bBY
RECORDED octor S
DOCTOR S.. A praxin
APRAXIN

OONn tTHE
h e cCURE
ure o OFf tTHE
he d aughter o
DAUGHTER OFf
a
ANn iINHABITANT OFf N
n h a b ita n t o izh n i-N ovgorod
NIZHNI-NOVGOROD. .

On March 8,
8, 11903,1
9 0 3 ,1 was invited
invited to Andrew
Andrew Vasilievitch
Vasilievitch Vinokurov's
Vinokurov's
house.
house. After
After a talk
talk about
about his own
own illness,
illness, I was asked
asked by the
the parents
parents to
see their
their daughter,
daughter, a thirteen -year -old girl. They told
thirteen-year-old told me that
that just
just be
be-­
Christmas, Manya,
fore Christmas, Manya, who was
was a pupil
pupil in a college, became
became ill with
with
acute arthritis.
arthritis. This illness
illness was soon
soon complicated
complicated by chorea6
chorea" in its
worst
worst stage, so that
that the patient
patient could
could neither
neither sit, on account
account of the
the con
con-­
stant
stant twitching
twitching of all her muscles,
muscles, nor
nor speak,
speak, on account
account ooff a m otory
motory
trouble
trouble of the tongue.
tongue. She could
could only
only lie down
down while
while her
her body
body kept
kept
tossing
tossing from one side to the other
other on her
her bed.
66 An
An involuntary
involuntary movement
movement disorder,
disorder, ie
ie Huntington's
Huntington's or
or Sydenham.—ed
Sydenham.-ed

291
ANA n FXTRAORPIN'\RY
E x t r a o r d i n a r y PE,\Ci
P e a c i ;,

Aftersome
After sometime,
time,this
thisserious
seriousillness
illnesswas
wasaggravated
aggravatedbybya astill
stillgraver
graver
on e —namely,endocarditis."
one-namely, endocarditis.7Besides
Besidesthe
thetwitching
twitchingofofthe
thelimbs
limbscaused
caused
bybychorea,
chorea,the
thegirl
girlbegan
begantotohave
havefits
fitsofofconvulsions
convulsionsatatnight.
night.The
Theneu-
neu ­
ropathologistswho
ropathologists whotreated
treatedher
herpronounced
pronouncedher
hercase
casevery
veryserious
seriousand
and
warnedthe
warned theparents
parentstotobebeready
readyfor
foranything.
anything.After
Afterfive
fiveweeks
weeksofofun-
un ­
successfultreatment,
successful treatment,the
theparents
parentsofofthe
thegirl,
girl,ononthe
theadvice
adviceofofa arelative,
relative,
hadrecourse
had recoursetotoGod's
God'shelp
helpthrough
throughHis
HisSaint,
Saint,Seraphim
SeraphimofSarov.
of Sarov.

Abandoningallallmedical
Abandoning medicaltreatment,
treatment,they
theyhung
hungininfront
frontofofthe
thebed
bedofofthe
the
sickgirl
sick girla apicture
pictureofofFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimpraying
prayingbefore
beforethe
theikon
ikonofofOur
OurLady
Lady
ofofCompunction.
Compunction.And
Andthe
thesick
sickgirl's
girl'smother
mothersaid
saidtotoher:
her:"Manya,
"Manya,pray
pray
totoFr.
Fr.Seraphim.
Seraphim.He
Hewill
willheal
healyou.
you.I fIfyou
youcannot
cannotspeak,
speak,atatleast
leastwith
with
yourheart
your heartask
askhim
himtotohelp
helpyou."
you."

Fromthat
From thatnight,
night,the
thenightly
nightlyconvulsions
convulsionsstopped.
stopped.InIna afew
fewdays
daysthe
thegirl
girl
whohad
who hadbeen
beenunable
unabletotospeak
speakatatall,
all,began
begantotosay:
say:"He
"Heappeared
appeared...
... hehe
appeared...
appeared Butshe
... n "But shecould
couldnot
notyet
yetrelate
relateinindetail
detailwhat
whathad
hadhappened.
happened.

Meanwhile,a adistinct
Meanwhile, distinctturn
turnfor
forthe
thebetter
bettertook
tookplace,
place,and
andinina afew
fewdays
days
thegirl
the girlcould
couldalready
alreadyrelate
relatehow
howone
onenight
nightFr.
Fr.Seraphim
Seraphimhad
hadappeared
appeared
totoher,
her,blessed
blessedher
herand
andsaid:
said:"Don't
"Don 'tbebeafraid,
afraid,you
youwill
willbebewell."
well."And
And
thenheheadded:
then added:"You
"Youare
arenot
notthe
thefirst
firstI Ihave
havehealed.
healed.Your
YourAnyuta"
Anyuta8inin
Arzamaswas
Arzamas wasalso
alsoill.ill.I Ihave
havehealed
healedher,
her,too."
too."

Theparents,
The parents,who
whowere
weregreatly
greatlystruck
struckbybythis,
this,gave
gavethanks
thankstotoGod
Godand
and
madea avow
made vowtotogogototoSarov
Sarovasassoon
soonasastheir
theirManya
Manyagot
gotwell.
well.Then
Thenthey
they
anointedthe
anointed thebody
bodyofofthe
thepatient
patientwith
withoiloilfrom
froma alamp
lampburning
burningbefore
before
theikons,
the ikons,after
afterwhich
whichshe
shegradually
graduallyrecovered.
recovered.On
Onthe
thesame
sameday
daythey
they
wenttotoAnyuta's
went Anyuta'smother,
mother,totolearn
learnwhether
whetherAnyuta
Anyutahad
hadreally
reallybeen
beenillill
atatArzamas,
Arzamas,asasManya
Manyahad
hadreported.
reported.

Anyuta'smother,
Anyuta's mother,whom
whomI Ipersonally
personallysaw
sawatatthe
thetime
timeand
andtotowhom
whomI I
talked,was
talked, wasvery
verysurprised
surprisedand
andsaid
saidthat
thatshe
shehad
hadnot
nothad
hadany
anyletters
letters
fromher
from herdaughter
daughterfor
fora along
longtime
timeand
andhad
hadnot
notheard
heardofofher
herillness.
illness.On
On
thesame
the sameday
daya aletter
letterwas
wassent
senttotoAnyuta
AnyutaininArzamas.
Arzamas.Anyuta
Anyutawrote
wroteinin
replythat
reply thatshe
shehad
hadreally
reallybeen
beenillillwith
witha asevere
severeattack
attackofofmumps,
mumps,after
after
whichthe
which theschool
schooldoctor
doctorhad
hadforbidden
forbiddenher
hertotogogototoschool
schoolfor
fora aweek.
week.

Thesick
The sickManya
Manyarecovered
recoveredsoon
soonafter
afterthis,
this,sosothat
thatshe
shewas
wasable
abletotogogototo
Sarovwith
Sarov withher
herparents
parentsininthe
thethird
thirdweek
weekofofLent
Lentininfulfillment
fulfillmentofoftheir
their

7 7 An
Aninflammation
inflammationofofthe
theheart's
heart'sinner
innerlining.
lining.
8 8 AAdiminutive
diminutivefor
for"Anna."
"Anna."

292
 s
SU TI
I! PI' E!. RIi N" A.\ T u!R H EF I
R A.\ LI H lI' P A.\" N Dj) M\11IKR AA C( UIIII..00 l!I)SS HIt LE A\ Li I1 N (, S

vow. At the
the medical
medical test no traces
traces of chorea
chorea were visible.
visible. There
There was
only
only a modification
modification in the
the valves of the
the heart
heart as a result
result of the
the endo
endo-­
carditis.
carditis. The grateful
grateful parents
parents had
had a large image
image of Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim paint
paint-­
ed in the Diveyev Convent,
Convent, and
and this
this image
image was to be placed
placed after
after St.
Seraphim's
Seraphim's canonization
canonization in St.
St. Elias
Elias'' Church
Church in Nizhni - Novgorod be
Nizhni-Novgorod be-­
cause the miraculous
miraculous cure had
had taken
taken place
place in that
that parish.
parish.

4. T
114. he
THE H ealing o
HEALING G r a n d DUCHESS
f GRAND
OF D uchess
M aria A
MARIA lexandrovna
ALEXANDROVNA

A
Ass tTOLD
old b
BYy D aria F
DARIA T ew tcheva,
e o d o r o v n a TEWTCHEVA,
FEODOROVNA
a d y - in -w a itin g
lLADY-IN-WAITING the E
t o THE
TO mpress A
EMPRESS lexandra F
ALEXANDRA eodorovna,
FEODOROVNA,
AND
AND DAUGHTER
DAUGHTER OF
OF THE FAMOUS
FAMOUS POET.

My sister
sister Anna
Anna Feodorovna
Feodorovna was in charge
charge of the
the education
education of the
the
Grand
Grand Duchess
Duchess Maria
Maria Alexandrovna.
Alexandrovna. In early
early October
October 1860,
I8 6 0 , the five-
the five-
year -old Grand
year-old Grand Duchess
Duchess became
became ill with
with an inflammation
inflammation of the
the throat
throat
and
and this
this illness
illness soon
soon became
became dangerous.
dangerous. My sister
sister was very anxious.
anxious.
Moreover
Moreover the
the Empress, her mother,
mother, had
had not
not yet recovered after the
recovered after the
birth
birth of the
the Grand
Grand Duke
Duke Paul Alexandrovitch.
Alexandrovitch.

Towards
Towards evening
evening the Grand
Grand Duchess
Duchess grew worse.
worse. She groaned
groaned con
con-­
tinually
tinually and
and complained
complained of an unbearable
unbearable pain
pain in her
her throat.
throat. The
doctor
doctor looked
looked very worried,
worried, and
and my sister
sister was in despair.
despair. Our
Our sister,
Yekaterina
Yekaterina Feodorovna,
Feodorovna, was her
her guest
guest at the
the time.
time. At nine
nine oo'clock
'clock she
came
came to the apartm ent
the apartment of the
the Grand Duchess and told Anna that
Grand Duchess and told Anna that a nun,
nun,
Sister Glykeria,
Glykeria, had come from St.
St. Petersburg
Petersburg and
and had
had brought
brought with
with
her a short
short cloak
cloak which
which had belonged
belonged to Fr.
Fr. Seraphim. Anna gave or
Seraphim. Anna or-­
ders that this cloak
that this cloak was to be brought
brought and the patient covered with it.
and the patient covered with
The Grand
Grand Duchess
Duchess immediately
immediately fell asleep
asleep and
and whenever
whenever she woke up
during
during the night,
night, she would
would grope
grope with
with her
her hands
hands for it and
and say: "Give
me that
that black
black thing.
thing."" And she pulled
pulled it over
over herself.
herself.
In the morning,
morning, Doctor
Doctor H artm an came
Hartman came and
and was amazed
amazed to find her
her on
the
the way to recovery. The illness
illness was transformed
transformed into
into a bad
bad cold in the
head
head which
which passed
passed in two days, so that
that the
the Grand
Grand Duchess
Duchess left her
her bed
bed
and
and had completely
completely recovered.
recovered. The joy of the
the Emperor
Emperor and
and the
the Empress
Empress
knew
knew no bounds.
bounds.

The Empress
Empress Alexandra
Alexandra Feodorovna
Feodorovna believed
believed in the
the prayers
prayers of Fr.
Fr.
Seraphim.
Seraphim. She used
used to say: "Je
"Ie sais que
que ce petit
petit vieux
vieux m 'aidera aa bien
rn'aidera bien
mourir.
mourir."" (I know
know that
that that
that little
little old man
man will help
help me to die well.)

293
Ai','A nE\ E 1x1;,\1)1,01\.\1,\
t r a o r d i n a r yP Pi\(,L
eace

TheThe Emperor
Emperor allowed
allowed St.St. Seraphims
Seraphim's cloak
cloak to to
bebeputput
onon thethe
bedbed of of
hishis
dying
dying mother.
mother. HerHer Majesty
Majesty at at once
once feltfelt relief
relief andand afterwards
afterwards wished
wished to to
bid farewell to her court. At eight o ' clock in the
bid farewell to her court. At eight o'clock in the morning the Empress morning the Empress
died.
died. I was
I was onon duty
duty that
that day.
day. I went
I went to tomymy room
room forfor a minute,
a minute, andand
ononthethewayway looked
looked in in
at at
thethe little
little Grand
Grand Duke's.
Duke's. There
There I found
I found thethe
priest,
priest, whowho had
had been
been sent
sent forfor
to to serve
serve a Panihida
a Panihida forfor
Fr.Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim.
The
The Panihida
Panihida had
had notnotyetyet finished
finished when
when I told
I told thethe people
people there
there of of
thethe
Empress ' death. At the Panihida the priest mentioned
Empress' death. At the Panihida the priest mentioned her name with her name with
that
that of of
thethe holy
holy Elder
Elder sosothatthat
thethe Empresssoul
Empress' ' soul was
was borne
borne to to heaven
heaven onon
thethe wings
wings of of prayer
prayer offered
offered forfor
Fr.Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim.

L o s tIN i nTHE
1 5 .LOST
15. S now
t h eSNOW

St.St. Seraphimalso
Seraphim alsooften
oftenhelped
helpedpeople
people who
who were
were in indanger
danger
or or
in indif-
dif ­
ficultcircumstances.
ficult circumstances.A A merchantof othe
merchant f theprovince
provinceof of Kostroma,who
Kostrorna. whoaf-af­
terwardsvisited
terwards visitedthetheDiveyev
Diveyev Conventevery
Convent every year,related
year, relatedthethefollowing
following
about
about hishis first
first visit
visit there.
there.
Returning
Returning home
home from
from Sarov,
Sarov, hehe stopped
stopped with
with hishis clerk
clerk at at Diveyev.
Diveyev. After
After
Vespers,hehe
Vespers, wantedto tocontinue
wanted continuehishisjourney.
journey.The
Thesister
sister whoattended
who attendedto to
thethetravelers
travelersin inthethehostel
hostel urged
urged themto tostay
them stay
thethenight
night
soso
as as
to toseesee next
next
morningthethethings
morning things whichhad
which hadbelonged
belongedto toFr.Fr. Seraphimand
Seraphim and were
were kept
kept
in in
thethe convent;
convent; butbut they
they left.
left. About
About one
one verst
verst from
from Diveyev
Diveyev a black
a black cloud
cloud
overtookthem
overtook themand
andsuch
sucha snowstorm
a snowstormarose
arosethat,
that,though
thoughthey
they werefol-
were fol ­
lowing
lowing thethehigh
highroad,
road,they
they lost
lost sight
sight of othe
f thetrack
track completely.
completely. The
The postil ­
postil-
ionion beganto tofreeze.
began freeze.
The
The prayers
prayers they
they addressedto tomany
addressed many saintsdiddid
saints notnot help
help them.
them. AllAll
at at
once
once thethe merchant
merchant exclaimed:"Ah,
exclaimed: "Ah, brothers,
brothers, how
how foolish
foolish wewe are!
are! WeWe have
have
just
just been
been onon a pilgrimage
a pilgrimage to to
Fr.Fr. Seraphim,
Seraphim, and
and wewe
dodonotnot
askask
forfor
hishis help.
help.
LetLet
usus
askask himto tohelp
him help
us!u "s ! "
Theyhad
They hadnotnotyetyetfinished
finishedtheir
theirprayer
prayer whensuddenly
when suddenlythey
theyheard
heard
someone
someone shuffling
shuffling in in
thethe snow
snow nearby,
nearby, and
and a voice
a voice said:"Hey,
said: "Hey, you!
you! WhyWhy
areare you
you sitting
sitting there?Come
there? Come on,on,follow
follow
us.us.
WeWe will
will show
show youyou
thethe w ay! "
way!"
Thenthey
Then they saw
saw anan
oldoldman
manand
and
ananoldold womanpass
woman pass thembyby
them pulling
pulling
a sledge
a sledge whichleftlefta wide
which a widetract.
tract.The
Thesledge
sledgemoved
movedononquickly
quickly andthey
and they

294
 S li P E R N A T U R A f, H 11 P AND M I R A C U L 0 If S H EAEfNGS

drove behind W hen they reached the village, the old couple sudden
behind it. When sudden-­
ly vanished.
vanished. Undoubtedly
Undoubtedly they were Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim and
and Mother
Mother Agathia
Simeonovna.
Simeonovna.

116. A DISASTER
6. A D i s a s t e r AVERTED
Averted i n THE
IN the F orest
FOREST

A pilgrim
pilgrim was going through
through the Mouromsky
Mouromsky Forest. In a deserted
deserted
place she heard terrible shrieks and
heard terrible and groans. She had with
with her a picture
picture of
of
Fr. Seraphim. She took it out and crossed herself
Fr.Seraphim. herself with it as well as the place
shouts came. All became
from which the shouts becam e quiet. She went
went further.
further. On the
road stood
stood a cart and
and close by it lay two mutilated
mutilated men. They said that
that
robbers had wanted
robbers wanted to kill them,
them , but
but that
that all at once they
they had run
run away.
away.
After some tim
timee a police officer passed by,
by, took all three
three of
o f them,
them, and
suspected the woman
suspected woman of being a part
part to the robbery. After this the rob
rob-­
bers remained tim e at liberty
remained for a long time liberty but
but were finally caught for an-
an ­
other misdemeanor.
other misdemeanor.
They repented
repented and also confessed the robbery committed
robbery they had committed
Mouromsky Forest. They had just been going to deal the last blow
in the Mouromsky
their victims
to their victim s when
when they had seen a stooping
stooping white-haired
white - haired monk
monk in a
crumpled kamilavka
crumpled kamilavka and
and a white
white smock running
running at them
them from the forest.
He shook
shook his finger at them
them and
and shouted:
shouted: "lust
" lust you wait!"
w ait! " Behind him
o f people with
ran a crowd of with sticks.
robbers were shown the picture
The robbers picture of
o f Fr.
Fr. Seraphim which had been
taken from the pilgrim and
taken and they at once recognised him as the old monk
monk
them away and prevented
who had scared them prevented them
them from murdering
murdering the two
men in the forest.

7. A
117. C h r i s t m a s MIRACLE
A CHRISTMAS M ir a cle

In 1865,
1865, in Mrs. B's
B's house
house the customary
customary distribution
distribution of
o f Christmas
Christmas
presents to the needy took place before the feast. A stooping white -haired
stooping white-haired
man came separately
old man separately from the rest and
and having "Peace
having prayed, said: "Peace
and blessing be upon h o u se! "
upon this house!"
servant who distributed
The servant distributed the gifts asked him: "Have you come
him : "Have
alm s? "
for alms?"

295
A'\A l:X I \(lfllll\,\flY
nEXTII R A 0 R I) I N A R YPI.,\(I
P !AC E

"No,not
"No, not
forfor that."
that."
"Anyway,
"Anyway, take
take it itif if
youyou want
want it."it."
"No,I do
"No, I donot
not want
want anything.I only
anything. I only want
want to toseesee your
your mistress
mistress and
and to to
say
say a few
a few words
words to toher."
her."
"The
"The mistress
mistress is isnotnot
at at home.If If
home. youyou have
have something
something to tosay,
say,
telltellus."
us."
"No,I must
"No, I must
dodoit itmyself."
myself."
One
One ofothe
f theservants
servantssoftly
softly said
said to toanother:
another:"What
" What does
does hehewant?
want?Let
Let
himgo.go.
him Perhaps
Perhaps heheis is a tramp."
a tramp."
Theoldoldman
The mansaid:
said:"When
" W henyour
yourmistress
mistressis isat athome,
home,I shall
I shallcome.
come.I I
shall
shall come
come soon.And
soon." " And
hehe went
went out.
out.
Themaid
The maiddistributing
distributing giftssaw
gifts saw
thetheoldoldman's
man 'bad
s badshoes.
shoes.She
Shefelt
felt
re-re­
morse
morse and
and a certain
a certain uneasiness.
uneasiness. She
She ranran
outout
ofothe
f the house,
house, butbut there
there was
was nono
one
one near
near it.it.HeHehad
had disappeared.
disappeared. The
The servants
servants diddidnotnot
telltelltheir
their mistress.
mistress.
But
But thethemaid
maidheard
heard someone
someone talking
talking to toherherin inherhersleep:
sleep:"You
"You spoke
spoke
inconsiderately.HeHe
inconsiderately. who
who came
came to to your
your house
house was
was notnot a tramp,
a tramp, butbut a great
a great
Saint
Saint ofoGod."
f God."
OnOn
thethe following
following morning
morning a parcel
a parcel came
came byby post
post to to Mrs.
Mrs. B.B. It contained
It contained
a picture
a picture ofoFr.
f Fr. Seraphim(who
Seraphim (who was
was greatly
greatly venerated
venerated byby
thethefamily)
family)feed-
feed ­
inging a bear.Great
a bear. Great was
was thethegeneral
general surprise
surprise when
when those
those who
who had
had talked
talked to to
thetheoldold beggar
beggar recognised
recognised thethepicture
picture
ofoSt.
f St. Seraphim.
Seraphim.

296
 Chapter
Chapter 20
20

T he C
THE anonization
CANONIZATION

festival
festival of
of the
the solemn
solemn glorification
glorification ooff the
the holy
holy relics
relics of
of St.
St. Seraphim
T Seraphim
h
HEe

ooff Sarov,
Sarov, which
which took
took place
place on
on the
the 19th
19th ooff July,
July, 1903,
1903, necessitated
necessitated
aa whole
whole series
series ooff preparations
preparations on
on the
the part
part ooff Bishop
Bishop Innocent,
Innocent, the
the lo
lo-­
cal
cal diocesan.
diocesan. These
These preparations
preparations were
were undertaken
undertaken with
with aa view
view to
to giving
giving
full
full religious
religious satisfaction
satisfaction to
to all
all the
the pilgrims
pilgrims who,
who, as
as itit afterwards
afterwards proved,
proved,
gathered
gathered from
from the
the remotest
remotest confines
confines ooff the
the Russian
Russian Empire
Empire in
in numbers
numbers
exceeding
exceeding 2200,000.
0 0 ,0 0 0 .
Sarov
Sarov Monastery
Monastery isis situated
situated in
in aa dense
dense forest.
forest. The
The nearest
nearest village
village isis 66
versts1
versts' away.
away. Around
Around the
the churches
churches ooff the
the monastery,
monastery, there
there are
are only
only the
the
buildings
buildings where
where the
the brethren
brethren live
live and
and aa few
few hostels
hostels (four
(four in
in number)
number)
outside
outside the
the m onastery enclosure.
monastery enclosure. Obviously,
Obviously, the
the crowds
crowds ooff pilgrims
pilgrims who
who
were
were expected
expected for
for the
the festival
festival could
could not
not possibly
possibly be
be accommodated
accommodated in
in the
the
monastery
monastery buildings.
buildings. Therefore
Therefore rows
rows ooff huts
huts were
were erected
erected by
by the
the civil
civil au
au-­
thorities
thorities in
in different
different directions,
directions, near
near the
the roads
roads leading
leading to
to the
the monastery
monastery
and
and in
in open
open spaces
spaces free
free from
from overgrowth.
overgrowth.
The
The diocesan
diocesan authorities
authorities considered
considered itit necessary
necessary to
to erect
erect aa chapel
chapel near
near
each
each group
group ooff huts
huts and
and to
to provide
provide itit with
with everything
everything necessary
necessary for
for the
the
serving
serving ooff Panihidas
Panihidas and
and Molebens.
Molebens. If
If the
the group
group was
was aa large
large one,
one, two
two or
or
three
three chapels
chapels were
were erected.
erected. Each
Each chapel
chapel was
was beautifully
beautifully adorned
adorned with
with
ikons,
ikons, the
the principal
principal ikon
ikon being
being that
that ooff St.
St. Seraphim.
Seraphim. In
In these
these chapels
chapels there
there
was
was always
always aa priest
priest on
on duty
duty and
and singers
singers for
for the
the performance
performance ooff services.
services.
There,
There, during
during the
the festivities,
festivities, ikons
ikons ooff St.
St. Seraphim,
Seraphim, pamphlets, Trinity
pamphlets, ""Trinity
Leaflets,
Leaflets,"" lives
lives ooff the
the Saint
Saint and
and pieces
pieces ooff dry
dry bread
bread blessed
blessed in
in his
his m em o ­
memo-
ry,
ry, were
were distributed
distributed to
to the
the people.
people. Bishop
Bishop Innocent
Innocent summoned
summoned for
for this
this
11 About
About 44 miles
miles or
or 6.5
6.5 km.
km.

297
A A\; n E xE Ix Ht r\ ()a o1< f)r dI "i n1\ aH rY y P PF e ,:a c e
purpose3030hieromonks
purpose hieromonksfrom
from3 3dioceses,
dioceses,and
andasasmany
manypriests
priestsfrom
fromthe
the
provinceofTambov
province o f Tambovwhich
whichlay
laynearest
nearesttotoSarov
SarovMonastery,
Monastery,and
andupuptoto150
150
novicesand
novices andsacristans,
sacristans,for
forthe
theperformance
performanceofo Panihidas
f Panihidasand
andMolebens
Molebens
asaswell
wellasasfor
forother
otherneeds.
needs.These
Thesemeasures
measuresproved
provedtotobebefully
fullyjustified,
justified,asas
it itwas
wasnaturally
naturallyquite
quiteimpossible
impossiblefor
foreach
eachand
andeveryone
every oneofothe
f thepilgrims
pilgrims
totoattend
attendthe
theservices
servicesininthe
themonastery
m onasteryitself.
itself.
M etropolitanAntony
Metropolitan Antonyofo S1.
f St.Petersburg
Petersburggave
gaveorders
ordersthat
thatsome
someofo the
f the
clergyofothe
clergy f thecapital,
capital,his
hisown
ownchoir
choirand
andother
otherchurch
churchattendants
attendantsshould
should
bebesent
senttotoSarov
Sarovininorder
ordertototake
takepart
partininthe
theservices
servicesand
andprocessions
processions
duringthe
during thefestivities
festivitiesofothe
f theexposition
expositionofothe
f theholy
holyrelics
relicsofoSt.
f St.Seraphim.
Seraphim.
Healso
He alsodispatched
dispatchedtwo
twoofo the
f thesecular
secularclergy
clergyofo the
f thecapital-Archpriest
capital —Archpriest
PhilosophOrnatsky
Philosoph Ornatskyand
andFr.
Fr.Alexander
AlexanderRozhdestvensky-both
Rozhdestvensky —bothofofwhom
whom
actedasaspublic
acted publicpreachers
preachersduring
duringthe
theSarov
Sarovfestival.
festival.
Onthe
On the3rd
3rdofoIuly,
f July,1903,
1903,Metropolitan
MetropolitanAntony
Antonyofof
St.St.Petersburg
Petersburgarrived
arrived
ininSarov
SarovMonastery.
Monastery.Assisted
AssistedbybyBishop
BishopNazarius
Nazariusofo fNizhny-Novgorod
Nizhny -Novgorod
andBishop
and BishopInnocent
InnocentofTambov,
o f Tambov,hehetransferred
transferredthe
therelics
relicsofoSt.
f St.Seraphim
Seraphim
fromtheir
from theiroriginal
originalburial
burialplace
placetotothe
theChurch
Churchofo Saints
f SaintsZossimus
Zossimusand
and
Sabbatius,and
Sabbatius, andplaced
placedthem
theminina anew
newcypress
cypresscoffin
coffinwhich
whichhad
hadbeen
beenmade
made
bybythe
thezeal
zealand
anddevotion
devotionofo their
f theirImperial
ImperialMajesties.
Majesties.The
Thestory
storyofo that
f that
greatand
great andblessed
blessedevent
eventfollows.
follows.
Onthe
On themorning
morningofo the
f thesame
sameday,
day,the
theLord
LordMetropolitan
Metropolitancelebrated
celebrated
ininthe
theCathedral
Cathedralofo the
f theDormition
Dorm itionofo the
f theSarov
SarovMonastery
Monasterya aMemorial
Memorial
Liturgyininmemory
Liturgy memoryofothe
f theblessed
blessedElder,
Elder,Hieromonk
HieromonkSeraphim,
Seraphim,ininthe
thepres-
pres­
enceofofa alarge
ence largeconcourse
concourseofopilgrims.
f pilgrims.AtAtthe
thesame
sametime,
time,with
withthe
theblessing
blessing
ofofMetropolitan
MetropolitanAntony
Antonyand
andunder
underthe
thesupervision
supervisionofo Bishops
f BishopsNazarius
Nazarius
ofo Nizhny-Novgorod
f Nizhny -Novgorodand
andInnocent
InnocentofTambov,
o f Tambov,some
somepreparatory
preparatorywork
work
wasdone
was doneininthe
thechapel
chapelenclosing
enclosingthe
thetomb
tombofo St.
f St.Seraphim
Seraphimininorder
ordertoto
liftthe
lift theSaint's
Saint'scoffin
coffinfrom
fromthe
thegrave.
grave.To
Tothis
thisend,
end,the
thegravestone
gravestonewith
withitsits
coveringofo glazed
covering f glazedwhite
whitebrocade
brocadewas
wasremoved,
removed,the
themarble
marbleslabs
slabswhich
which
coveredthe
covered thegrave
gravewere
weretaken
takenout,
out,and
andthe
theoaken
oakencoffin
coffinwith
withthe
theremains
remains
ofothe
f theSaint
Saintwas
wasraised
raisedtotothe
thesurface
surfaceofothe
f theearth.
earth.
Afterthe
After theLiturgy,
Liturgy,the
theLord
LordMetropolitan
Metropolitanwent
wentininprocession
processionfrom
fromthe
the
Cathedralofothe
Cathedral f theDormition
Dorm itiontotoSt.St.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'sresting-place,
resting -place,and
andthere
therehehe

298
 CC A \O\!/\iIO\
N 0 N 1 Z A T i0 N

celebrated a Panihida
celebrated Panihida before
before his
his grave
grave for
for the
the repose
repose of
o f the
the soul
soul of
of the
the holy
holy
Elder, assisted
Elder, assisted by
by Bishops
Bishops Nazarius
Nazarius and
and Innocent.
Innocent. Then
Then the
the priests
priests lifted
lifted
the coffin
the coffin with
with the
the relics
relics of
of the
the Saint
Saint on
on to
to their
their shoulders
shoulders and
and carried
carried
itit in
in procession
procession to
to the
the Church
Church of
of Saints
Saints Zossimus
Zossimus and
and Sabbatius
Sabbatius (which
(which
was within
was within the
the monastery
monastery walls)
walls) to
to the
the accompaniment
accompaniment of
o f the
the impressive
impressive
singing of
singing o f "Holy
" Holy God,
God, Holy
Holy Mighty,
Mighty, Holy
Holy Immortal"
Im m ortal " by
by the
the brethren
brethren of
of
the monastery.
the monastery. This
This procession
procession made
made aa deep
deep impression
impression on
on the
the pilgrims
pilgrims
who by
who by this
this time
tim e had
had gathered
gathered in large
large numbers
numbers in
in the
the monastery.
monastery.
The coffin
The coffin was
was brought
brought into
into the
the church
church and
and put
put in
in the
the middle,
middle, on
on the
the
tombstone which
tombstone which had
had formerly
formerly covered
covered the
the Saint's
Saint's grave.
grave. At
At the
the insistent
insistent
request of
request o f the
the fervent
fervent pilgrims
pilgrims who
who wanted
wanted to
to see
see and
and at
at least
least touch
touch St.
St.
Seraphim s coffin,
Seraphim's coffin, Metropolitan
Metropolitan Antony
Antony gave
gave his
his blessing
blessing to
to allow
allow the
the
people free
people free access
access to
to it
it for
for some
some time.
time. For
For the
the space
space of
o f an
an hour
hour aa continual
continual
stream of
stream o f people
people poured
poured into
into the
the church
church to
to see
see the
the precious
precious and
and sacred
sacred
relics and
relics and venerate
venerate them.
them. After
After the
the people
people had
had left
left the
the church
church the
the coffin
coffin
with the
with the holy
holy relics
relics was
was carried
carried by
by hieromonks
hieromonks into
into the
the sanctuary
sanctuary (by
(by
way of
way o f the
the north
north doors),
doors), and
and there
there the
the relics
relics were
were transferred
transferred to
to the
the new
new
cypress coffin
cypress coffin by
by Metropolitan
M etropolitan Antony,
Antony, assisted
assisted by
by Bishops
Bishops Nazarius
Nazarius and
and
Innocent and
Innocent and other
other persons.
persons. What
What was
was especially
especially remarkable
remarkable was
was that
that all
all
who were
who were present
present in
in the
the sanctuary
sanctuary smelt
smelt aa distinct
distinct fragrance
fragrance coming
coming from
from
the holy
the holy relics
relics which
which bore
bore no
no resemblance
resemblance to
to ordinary
ordinary perfumes.
perfumes. The
The
cypress coffin
cypress coffin with
with the
the holy
holy relics
relics was
was inserted
inserted into
into aa specially
specially prepared
prepared
oaken coffin
oaken coffin which
which was
was then
then placed
placed in
in the
the middle
middle of
o f the
the church
church where
where
was to
it was to remain
remain till
till the
the solemn
solemn opening
opening of
o f the
the holy
holy relics
relics on
on the
the day
day of
of
the Saint's
the Saint's canonization.
canonization.
At aa distance
At distance of
o f two
two versts
versts from
from the
the monastery,
monastery, aa small
small "town"
"town " com-
com ­
prising more
prising more than
than aa hundred
hundred huge
huge huts
huts had
had been
been built
built for
for the
the reception
reception of
of
the pilgrims.
the pilgrims. A
A whole
whole row
row of
o f shops
shops for
for the
the sale
sale of
o f food
food products
products was
was also
also
built. In
built. In spite
spite of
of the
the fact
fact that
that there
there still
still remained
remained more
more than
than aa week
week be-
be­
fore the
fore the festivities
festivities were
were scheduled
scheduled to
to begin,
begin, life
life in
in the
the "town"
"town " was
was already
already
in full
in full swing.
swing. Crowds
Crowds of
o f pilgrims
pilgrims settled
settled in
in the
the huts,
huts, men
men in
in one
one block
block
and women
and women in
in another.
another. These
These simple
simple people
people who
who had
had come
come to
to enjoy
enjoy the
the
spiritual festival
spiritual festival presented
presented an
an extremely
extremely picturesque
picturesque and
and motley
motley spectacle.
spectacle.

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T R A RllINAI, AC E

Herehad
Here hadgathered
gatheredrepresentatives
representativesofo almost
f alm ostallallthe
thevarious
variouspeoples
peoplesofo f
theRussian
the RussianEmpire.
Empire.The
Themajority
majorityofopilgrims,
f pilgrims,ofocourse,
f course,were
werefrom
fromGreat
Great
andLittle
and LittleRussia,
Russia,but
butamong
amongthem
themthere
therewere
werealso
alsomany
manyWhite
WhiteRussians,
Russians,
Morduates,Korelians,
Morduates, Korelians,Zyrians
Zyriansand
andvarious
variousother
othernationalities.
nationalities.All
Allthese
these
people
people whoatathome
who homelived
livedininways
waysdiffering
differing widelyfrom
widely fromone
oneanother,
another,here
here
seemedtotobebeone
seemed onefamily.
fam ilyOne
Onethought
thoughtanimated
animatedthem-to
th em —tovenerate
veneratethe
the
holyrelics
holy relicsofoSt.
f St.Seraphim
Seraphimand
andtotofind
findlife,
life,strength
strengthand
andconsolation
consolationinin
ferventprayer
fervent prayertotohim.
him.And
Andwhat
whatenormous
enormouscrowds
crowdshad
hadgathered
gatheredhere
hereinin
thehope
the hopeoforeceiving
f receivingspiritual
spiritualhelp
helpand
andthe
thehealing
healingofovarious
f variousdiseases
diseases
throughSt.St.Seraphim's
through Seraphim 'sintercession!
intercession!AtAtalmost
alm ostevery
everystep
stepone
onecould
couldmeet
meet
thelame,
the lame,the
theblind,
blind,the
theparalyzed,
paralyzed,and
andallallkinds
kindsofoother
f othersufferers.
sufferers.And
And
manywere,
many were,ininfact,
fact,healed
healedaccording
accordingtototheir
theirfaith.
faith.
AtAtSt.St.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'spring,
s spring,manifestations
manifestationsofoGod's
f God 'mercy
s mercyoccurred
occurredcon-
con ­
tinually.On
tinually. Onone
oneday
daymore
morethan
thanten
tencures
curesofolame
f lamepeople
peoplewere
wereregistered.
registered.
InInorder
ordertotobear
bear testimonytotoGod's
testimony God'smercy
mercy whichhad
which hadbeen
beensosomiraculously
miraculously
manifestedininthem,
manifested them,these
thesepeople
peoplecollected
collectedtheir
theircrutches
crutchesand
andburnt
burnt them
them
ononthe
thebanks
banksofothe
f theRiver
RiverSarovka
Sarovkaininthe
thepresence
presenceofocrowds
f crowdsofopeople.
f people.
Outofo the
Out f themany
manycases
casesofo healing
f healingwhich
whichtook
tookplace
placeatatthis
thistime
timewe
we
shallselect
shall selectfive
fivefor
forbrief
briefmention.
mention.
1.1.AApeasant
peasantboy,
boy,Basil
BasilYovlev,
Yovlev,1212years
yearsold,
old,who
whocame
cametotoSarov
Sarovwith
with
hisgrandmother
his grandmotherfrom
fromthe
thevillage
villageofoIlisskoye
f IlisskoyeininEniseisk
EniseiskProvince,
Province,had
had
beendumb
been dumbfrom
frombirth
birthand
andhad
hada acertificate
certificatetotothis
thiseffect
effectfrom
fromhis
hisparish
parish
priest.He
priest. Hebathed
bathedininSt.St.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'sspring
springand
andbegan
begantotospeak.
speak.
2.2.AApeasant
peasantgirl,
girl,Agripinna
AgripinnaElizarovna
ElizarovnaTabayeva,
Tabayeva,1818years
yearsold,
old,from
from
thevillage
the villageofTazneevo
of TazneevoininSimbirsk
SimbirskProvince,
Province,had
hadbeen
beenblind
blindfrom
frombirth.
birth.
Shebathed
She bathedthree
threetimes
timesininSt.St.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'sspring.
spring.After
Afterthe
thesecond
secondbath-
bath ­
ing,she
ing, shebegan
begantotosee
seethe
thelight
lightofothe
f thesun,
sun,trees
treesand
andother
otherobjects.
objects.After
After
thethird
the thirdbathing,
bathing,her
hersight
sightbecame
becam enormal.
normal.
3.3.AApeasant
peasantcalled
calledMichael
MichaelTifkin
Tifkinfrom
fromthe
thevillage
villageofoNikolskoye
f Nikolskoyeinin
ViatskProvince,
Viatsk Province,totouse
usehis
hisown
ownwords,
words,"had
" hadnot
notbeen
beenable
abletotomove
move(his)
(his)
neckfor
neck for2323years,
years,ononboth
bothsides
sidesofowhich
f whichwere
wereswellings,
swellings,and
and(his)
(his)head
head
hungononit itasasonona astring.'?
hung string." 2After
Afterbathing
bathingininSt.St.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'sspring,
spring,the
the
2 2 Literally,
Literally, a piece
a piece ofof bast:
bast: linden
linden bark.
bark

300
 CCt\\O;\I/\TiO\
a n o n i z a t i o n

swellings
swellings went
went down
down and
and his
his neck
neck became
became normal
normal and
and straight.
straight.
4.
4. A
A m an ooff the
man the lower
lower middle
middle classes
classes called
called Basil
Basil N ikolaevitch
Nikolaevitch
Bogomolov,
Bogomolov, 50 years
years old,
old, from
from the
the town
town ooff Spassk,
Spassk, Ryazan
Ryazan Province,
Province,
had
had lain
lain for
for 77 years
years in
in a state
state ooff paralysis,
paralysis, without
without the
the use
use ooff his
his legs; his
his
tongue
tongue and
and hearing
hearing were
were also
also paralyzed.
paralyzed. He was
was brought
brought to St. Seraphim's
Seraphim's
spring
spring and
and bathed.
bathed. After
After that,
that, he
he began
began to hear,
hear, talk
talk and
and walk.
walk. He threw
threw
away
away his
his crutches.
crutches.
5.
5. A
A widow
widow called
called Anna
Anna Ivlev, 43 years
years old,
old, who
who lived
lived 4 versts
versts from
from
the
the town
town oofVerny,
f Verny, had
had suffered
suffered from
from bad
bad eyesight
eyesight for 19 years.
years. In spite
spite
ooff the
the fact
fact that
that itit was
was extremely
extremely difficult
difficult for
for her
her to leave
leave her
her house
house as she
she
had
had four
four young
young orphans
orphans to
to take
take care
care of, she
she nevertheless
nevertheless set
set out
out for
for Sarov
Sarov
and
and walked
walked the
the 9900
00 versts3
versts' on foot.
foot. After
After bathing
bathing in St. Seraphim
Seraphim's 's spring,
spring,
she
she completely
completely recovered
recovered her
her sight.
sight.
Besides
Besides the
the spring
spring which
which drew
drew a constant
constant stream
stream ooff pilgrims,
pilgrims, another
another
place
place ooff attraction
attraction was
was the
the vast
vast monastery
monastery square
square with
with its churches
churches and
and
the
the monks
monks' ' cells.
cells. Here
Here the
the special
special attention
attention ooff the
the pilgrims
pilgrims was
was attracted
attracted
by
by the
the two -storied stone
two-storied stone Church
Church ooff Saints
Saints Zossimus
Zossimus and
and Sabbatius.
Sabbatius, In
front
front ooff this
this church
church could
could be
be continually
continually seen
seen kneeling
kneeling pilgrims
pilgrims who
who
well
well knew
knew that
that here
here was
was hidden
hidden for
for aa tim
timee a precious
precious treasure —the holy
treasure-the holy
relics
relics ooff Fr.
Fr. Seraphim.
Seraphim.
From
From July
July 10th,
10th, the
the numerous
numerous hostels
hostels which
which had
had been
been built
built for
for well
well--
to - do people
to-do people began
began to
to fill. Wednesday,
Wednesday, July
July 16th,
16th, was
was the
the first
first day
day ooff the
the
Sarov
Sarov festivities.
festivities.
At
At noon
noon the
the tolling
tolling ooff the
the bells
bells from
from the
the monastery
monastery belfry
belfry summoned
summoned
the
the people
people to
to a solem
solemnn Panihida
Panihida in
in the
the Cathedral
Cathedral ooff the
the D orm ition.
Dorrnition.
The
The officiant
officiant was
was M etropolitan Antony,
Metropolitan Antony, assisted
assisted by
by an
an Archbishop,
Archbishop, two
two
Bishops,
Bishops, eleven
eleven Archimandrites,
Archimandrites, and
and nineteen
nineteen members
members ooff the
the regular
regular
and
and secular
secular clergy.
clergy. The
The Cathedral
Cathedral was
was packed
packed with
with people.
people. The
The wonder
wonder- ­
ful
ful singing
singing ooff the
the Metropolitan
Metropolitan's 's choir
choir conducted
conducted by
by Mr. Ternov
Ternov made
made a
deep
deep impression
impression on
on everyone.
everyone. The
The Archbishop
Archbishop oof'Iambov's
f Tambov's singers
singers formed
formed
the
the left
left choir.
choir. The
The names
names ooff the
the Emperors
Emperors and
and Empresses
Empresses beginning
beginning with
with
the
the Empress
Empress Elisabeth
Elisabeth and
and ending
ending with
with Alexander
Alexander III
III inclusive,
inclusive, then
then the
the
33 600
600 miles
miles or
or 966
966 km.
km.

301
 An EXT
AN E x tH r,\ a(1oRrIIId iNn \aRr\ y P Peace
r ,\ C!.

namesofo fthe
names thedeceased
deceased Bishops
Bishopsofo fTarnbov,
Tambov, the
thebuilders
buildersand
andabbots
abbotsofo f
SarovMonastery,
Sarov Monastery,the
theSaint's
Saint'sparents
parentsIsidore
Isidoreand
andAgathia,
Agathia,and
and"the
" theever-
ever-
memorableHieromonk
memorable HieromonkSeraphim",
Seraphim ",were
werementioned
mentionedininthe
thelitanies.
litanies.The
The
Panihidalasted
Panihida lastedmore
morethan
thanananhour
hourand
anda ahalf.
half.Vast
Vastnumbers
numbersofo fpilgrims
pilgrims
couldnot
could notget
getinto
intothe
theCathedral.
Cathedral,and
andremained
remainedoutside.
outside.At
Atthe
thesame
sametime,
time,
Panihidaswere
Panihidas werecelebrated
celebratedininthe
theChurch
Churchofo fthe
theLiving
LivingFountain
Fountainand
andinin
otherchurches
other churchesofo fthe
the monastery.
monastery.The
Theconcourse
concourseofo fpilgrims
pilgrimsincreased
increased
fromday
from daytotoday.
day.
At66P.M.
At onthe
p . m .on thesame
sameday
dayininthe
theCathedral
Cathedralofo fthe
theDormition
Dorm itionand
andininthe
the
Churchofo fthe
Church theLiving
LivingFountain,
Fountain,asaswell
wellasasininother
otherchurches
churchesofo fthe m onas ­
themonas-
terywhere
tery whereconfessions
confessionswere
werenot
notgoing
goingon, All-NightVigils
on,All-Night Vigilswere celebrat­
werecelebrat-
ededwith
withthe
thegreat Panihida- —
greatPanihida parastas.4The
parastas." Thename
nameofo fthe ever-memorable
theever-memorable
HieromonkSeraphim
Hieromonk Seraphimwas
wasmentioned
mentionedininthe
thelitanies.
litanies.The
Thepilgrims
pilgrimswho
who
wereininthe
were theCathedral
Cathedralofo fthe
theDormition
Dorm itioncould
couldenjoy
enjoythe
thebeautiful
beautifulsing-
sing ­
ingofo fthe
ing theMetropolitan's
Metropolitan 'schoir.
choir. "Bless
"Blessthe
theLord,
Lord,0Omy
mysoul"
soul "(composed
(composed
byKastalsky)
by Kastalsky)and
and"Blessed
"Blessedisisthe
theman"
m an "(Kiev
(Kievmelody)
melody)ininthe
thewonderful
wonderful
interpretationofo fthe
interpretation thechoir
choirevoked
evokedaaprofound
profoundsense
senseofo fawe
aweand
anddevotion
devotion
anda arealization
and realizationofofthe
themarvelous
marvelousbeauty
beautyofo fthe
theOrthodox
Orthodoxservices.
services.
OnThursday,
On Thursday,July
July17th,
17th,from
fromearly
earlymorning
morningthere
therewas
wasananunusual
unusualstir
stir
amongthe
among thepilgrims.
pilgrims.They
Theywere
wereexpecting
expectingthe
thearrival
arrivalofo fprocessions
processionsfrom
from
Diveyevand
Diveyev andPonyetayev,
Ponyetayev,St.
St.Seraphim's
Seraphim 'stwo
twoconvents.
convents.At
Atexactly
exactly77A.M.
a . m .a a

processionwent
procession wentout
outofo fthe
thegate
gateofo fSarov
SarovMonastery
Monasterytotomeet
meetthose
thosewho
who
wereexpected.
were expected.ItItwas
wasaabeautiful,
beautiful,clear
clearand
andsunny
sunnyday.
day.The
Thecrosses,
crosses,ikons
ikons
andbanners
and bannerswere
werecarried
carriedby
byrepresentatives
representativesofo fguilds
guildsofo fbanner
bannerbearers
bearers
whohad
who hadcome
comefrom
fromvarious
varioustowns
townsfor
forthe
thefestivities.
festivities. Bishop
BishopInnocent
Innocent
accompaniedthe
accompanied theprocession
processionwith
withlarge
largenumbers
numbersofo fregular
regularand
andsecular
secular
clergy.After
clergy. Aftercrossing
crossingthe
theRiver
RiverSatis
Satisthe
theprocession
processionstopped
stoppedinina awooden
wooden
chapelopen
chapel openon
onall
allsides
sideswhich
whichhad
hadbeen
beentemporarily
temporarilyerected
erectedthere,
there,and
and
waitedfor
waited forthe
theexpected
expectedprocessions.
processions.
About88A.M.
About . theprocession
a . m the processionfrom
fromthe
theDiveyev
Diveyevand
andPonyetayev
PonyetayevConvents
Convents

4 4 The
TheGreek,
Greek,"parastas,"
"parastas/is' iscommonly
commonlyinterchangeable
interchangeablewith withthe
theRussian
Russian"panihida."
"panihida/'how-
how­
everininthis
ever thiscontext
contextFr.
Fr.Lazarus
Lazarusseems
seemstotobebeusing
usingitittotodenote
denotea alonger,
longer,fuller
fuller"Prayers
"Prayersfor
for
theDeparted"
the Departed"which
whichoccurs
occursovernight.
overnight. —ed.
-ed.

302
 c.\
C a n\ o0 n\ iI z/ a.\tI i Io0 n\

emerged
emerged from the
the famous
famous Sarov forest. It brought to Sarov the
It brought the ikon
ikon of Our
Our
o f Compunction
Lady of Com punction before
before which Seraphim used
which St. Seraphim used to pray and which
pray and which
kept in the
was kept the Diveyev
Diveyev Convent.
Convent. The processions merged into
processions merged into one
one and
and
formed an imposing
formed imposing pageant. giant column
pageant. This giant colum n then
then moved
moved towards
towards
the gates of
the gates o f the
the monastery. Throughout its course
monastery. Throughout course innumerable
innumerable crowds
crowds
o
off pilgrims
pilgrims lined the road.
lined the road.
At 9 aA.M. the bells
. m . the bells began
began to ring
ring for the
the late Memorial
Memorial Liturgy. There
There
was a beautiful service in the
beautiful service the Cathedral
Cathedral of the
the Dormition
Dorm ition which
which was cel-
cel ­
ebrated by Metropolitan
ebrated M etropolitan Antony
Antony and
and Bishop Nazarius.
Nazarius. In the
the Church
Church of
of
the Living Fountain
the the Liturgy
Fountain the Liturgy was celebrated
celebrated by Archbishop
Archbishop Dimitry.
Dimitry.
The sermon
sermon was preached
preached by Fr. P. Ornatsky.
Fr. P. Ornatsky. After the Liturgy, Panihidas
After the Panihidas
were served
served in both churches for the
both churches the repose
repose of
o f the
the soul
soul of
o f Hieromonk
Hieromonk
Seraphim.
Seraphim.
On the
On the previous
previous days, after
after the
the Liturgy the people
Liturgy the people had
had usually
usually retired
retired
for some
some tim
timee to their
their huts
huts and
and hostels.
hostels. But this
this time
tim e they
they did
did not
not leave
the court of
the court o f the
the monastery,
monastery, for news had been
news had received that
been received that His Majesty
Majesty
the Emperor
the Emperor accompanied
accompanied by Their
Their Majesties the Empresses
Majesties the Empresses and
and other
other
persons o f high
persons of rank were on their
high rank their way to Sarov.
Thousands of pilgrims
Thousands lined the
pilgrims lined the road
road in dense
dense walls. Beyond the gates
Beyond the
o
off the
the monastery,
monastery, in front
front of
o f the
the people, orderly rows stood
people, in orderly stood the
the nuns
nuns
o
off the
the Diveyev and
and Ponyetayev Convents. All eyes were turned
Ponyetayev Convents. turned towards
towards
the majestic Sarov forest
the majestic whence the
forest whence the carriages
carriages with the august
with the august travelers
travelers
would first appear.
would appear.
About
About 4 pP.M. the big bell o
.m . the off the
the monastery
monastery belfry
belfry began
began to ring,
ring, an-
an ­
nouncing
nouncing the
the speedy arrival of
speedy arrival o f the retinue. At five o'clock
the royal retinue. o ' clock all the
the
bells ofSarov,
of Sarov, which renowned for their
which are renowned their mellow tone, began
mellow tone, began to ring. At
5:30 the
the first carriage
carriage emerged
emerged from the
the forest, in which Their Imperial
which sat Their Imperial
Majesties: the
Majesties: the Emperor
Emperor Nikolas
Nikolas and
and the
the Empress
Empress Alexandra.
Alexandra. The deafen-
deafen ­
ing cheers
cheers o
off a crowd
crowd of
o f many thousands rent
many thousands the air. The enthusiasm
rent the enthusiasm of
of
the
the people indescribable. In the
people was indescribable. the next
next carriage
carriage was the
the Empress
Empress Maria
Maria
Feodorovna. Then followed
Feodorovna. Then followed Their
Their Imperial
Imperial Highnesses:
Highnesses: the
the Grand
Grand Duke
Duke
Sergius Alexandrovitch
Alexandrovitch with
with his wife Elisabeth
Elisabeth Feodorovna,
Feodorovna, the
the Grand
Grand
Duchess Olga Alexandrovna
Duchess Alexandrovna with her husband,
with her husband, His Highness
Highness Prince
Prince

303
 A n EXIF\UI;DI\\I;\
A\ E x t r a o r d i n a r y Puc
P eace

PeterNikolaevitch
Peter Nikolaevitchwith
withhis
hiswife
wifethe
theGrand
GrandDuchess
DuchessMilitza
MilitzaNikolaevna,
Nikolaevna,
and His
and His Highness
Highness Prince
Prince George
GeorgeMaximilianovitch
M axim ilianovitch with
with his
hiswife
wife Her
Her
HighnessAnastasia
Highness AnastasiaNikolaevna,
Nikolaevna, Duchess
Duchessof
o fLeuchtenberg.
Leuchtenberg.At
Atthe
thegates
gates
ofo fthe
themonastery
monasterythe
theroyalty
royaltyalighted
alightedfrom
fromtheir
theircarriages
carriagesand
andwere
weremet
met
byMetropolitan
by M etropolitanAntony
Antonywith
withall
allthe
theother
otherprelates
prelatesand
andclergy
clergywho
whowere
were
takingpart
taking partininthe
theSarov
Sarovfestivities.
festivities.
From the
From themonastery
monasterygates
gatesTheir
TheirImperial
ImperialMajesties
Majestiesand
and Highnesses
Highnesses
walked through
walked through aapathway
pathwaycovered
coveredwith
with red
redcloth,
cloth, following
followingthe
the Lord
Lord
M etropolitan and
Metropolitan and the
the other
otherclergy
clergytoto the
the Cathedral
Cathedral ofo fthe
the Dormition
Dorm ition
whereaashort
where shortMoleben
Molebenwas
wascelebrated.
celebrated.From
Fromthe
theCathedral
CathedralTheir
TheirMajesties
Majesties
wenttotothe
went the Church
Churchofo fSaints
SaintsZossimus
Zossimus and
andSabbatius
Sabbatiuswhere
wherethe
thecoffin
coffin
withthe
with thevenerable
venerableremains
remainsofofSt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphimstood.
stood.On
Onentering
enteringthe
theChurch
Church
withthe
with theLord
LordMetropolitan
Metropolitanand
andthe
theother
otherBishops,
Bishops,the
theroyal
royalretinue
retinuevener-
vener­
atedthe
ated theholy
holyrelics
relicsofo fthe
theSaint.
Saint.Then
ThenTheir
TheirImperial
ImperialMajesties
Majestieswent
wenttotothe
the
abbot 'shouse
abbot's housewhere
whererooms
roomshad
hadbeen
beenprepared
preparedon
onthe
theupper
upperfloor
floorfor
forthe
the
Emperorand
Emperor andEmpress,
Empress,and
andon
onthe
theground
groundfloor
floorfor
forthe
theGrand
GrandDuke
DukeSergius
Sergius
Alexandrovitch and
Alexandrovitch andhis
hiswife
wifethe
theGrand
GrandDuchess
DuchessElizabeth
Elizabeth Feodorovna.
Feodorovna.
Atthe
At theentrance
entrancetototheir
theirrooms
roomsTheir
TheirMajesties
Majestieswere
weremet
metby
bythe
thebrethren
brethren
whooffered
who offeredthem
thembread
breadand
andsalt,
salt,according
accordingtotoRussian
Russiancustom.
custom.
At77P.M.
At inall
p . m .in allthe
thechurches
churchesofo fthe
themonastery
monasteryMemorial
MemorialAll-Night
All-NightVigils
Vigils
(Parastas)were
(Parastas) werecelebrated
celebratedby
byspecially
speciallyappointed
appointedpriests.
priests.
On Friday,
On Friday, July
July 18th,
18th, atat 55 A.M. the bells
a . m . the bells began
began toto ring
ring for
for the ear ­
the ear-
lyly Liturgy
Liturgywhich
which was
was celebrated
celebrated inin all
all the
the churches
churches ofo fthe
the monastery.
monastery.
TheirMajesties
Their Majestiesthe
the Emperor
Emperorand
andthe
the Empresses
EmpressesAlexandra
AlexandraFeodorovna
Feodorovna
andMaria
and MariaFeodorovna
Feodorovnaattended
attendedthe
theLiturgy
Liturgyininthe
theAntony
AntonyChapel
Chapelofo fthe
the
Cathedralof
Cathedral o fthe
theDormition
Dorm itionand
andpartook
partookofo fthe
theHoly
HolyMysteries.
Mysteries.They
Theyhad
had
madetheir
made theirconfessions
confessionson
onthe
theprevious
previousevening
eveningwith
withHieromonk
HieromonkSimeon.
Simeon.
Onthat
On thatday
daythe
thenumber
numberofo fcommunicants
com m unicantswas
wascolossal.
colossal.
At8:30
At 8 :3 0A.M. thebells
a . m .the bellsstarted
startedtotoring
ringfor
forthe
thelate
lateFuneral
FuneralLiturgy
Liturgyfor
forthe
the
ever -memorable Hieromonk
ever-memorable HieromonkSeraphim.
Seraphim. Specially
Specially appointed
appointed priests cel ­
priestscel-
ebratedthe
ebrated theLiturgy
Liturgyininthe
theCathedral
Cathedralofo fthe
theDormition.
Dormition.After
Afterthe
theLiturgy
Liturgy
thebells
the bellswere
wererung
rungtotoinvite
invitethe
thefaithful
faithfultotoaaPanihida
Panihidaininthe
theCathedral,
Cathedral,
toto pray
prayfor
forthe
the repose
repose of
o fthe
the soul
soul ofo fHieromonk
Hieromonk Seraphim
Seraphim for
forthe
the last
last

304
 C an o n iz at io n

time. Their Imperial

time. Their Imperial Majesties
Majesties and Highnesses
and Highnesses attended the
attended Panihida in
the Panihida in
the Cathedral.
the Cathedral. Just before the Panihida,
Just before the Panihida, Metropolitan
Metropolitan Antony came out
Antony came out
o f the
of the sanctuary
sanctuary on to
on to the am bon and
the ambon and preached
preached the
the following
following sermon:
sermon:
Wonderful
Wonderful isis God
God in
in His
His Saints!
Saints! To all of
To all of us
us who
who are
are here
here assembled
assembled
in
in prayer the Lord
prayer the Lordhas
has granted the great privilege" of taking part
granted the great privilege5 of taking part inin the
the
splendid solemnity
splendid solemnity ofof the
the glorification
glorification of of the
the ever -memorable ascetic,
ever-memorable ascetic,
Hieromonk Seraphim. Glory
Hieromonk Seraphim. and thanks
Glory and thanks to to the
the Lord
Lord W ho is
Who so good
is so good to to
us. Be
us. glad and
Be glad and rejoice,
rejoice, holy
holy Sarov
Sarov Monastery, which is
Monastery, which being glorified
is being glorified
and has been glorified with the glory of your Saint!
and has been glorified with the glory of your Saint!
We
We are
are now
now about
about to
to offer our
offer our last
last prayer
prayer for
for him
him as
as aa departed servant
departed servant
of God. Henceforward,
of God. Henceforward, and at
and at all times, Orthodox Christians will turn
all times, Orthodox Christians will turn
to
to him
him in
in prayer
prayer as to aa glorified
as to glorified Saint
Saint of
of God.
God. And
And his
his venerable
venerable rere-­
mains
mains which
which for
for 70
70 years
years have
have rested
rested inin the bosom of
the bosom of the
the earth,
earth, have
have
now been brought out to be put into this shrine for the veneration
now been brought out to be put into this shrine for the veneration of of
the
the faithful
faithful who
who inin prayer
prayer have
have recourse
recourse to
to him
him for help, healing
for help, and
healing and
consolation.
consolation. Truly
Truly in
in this
this glorification
glorification anan image
image of
of the
the resurrection
resurrection
shines
shines forth
forth for
for us.
us. The
The words
words of
of the
the Apostle
Apostle insistently
insistently come
come to our
to our
mind: "It is sown in dishonour,
mind: "It is sown in dishonour, it
it is raised in glory; it is sown in weak
is raised in glory; it is sown in weak- ­
ness,
ness, it
it is
is raised
raised in
in power."
power." (I
(I Cor.
Cor. 15:43)
15:43)
In
In the apparent deadness
the apparent deadness of the relics
of the relics of
of saints
sai nts there
there is
is hidden
hidden byby the
the
grace of God the power of life. Through their instrumentality
grace of God the power of life. Through their instrumentality the
the Lord
Lord
grants
grants to
to people
people various
various cures
cures from
from pain
pain and
and sickness.
sickness. The
The glory of
glory of
the
the venerable Fr. Seraphim
venerable Fr. Seraphim resides
resides in
in just
just such
such miraculous
miraculous cures.
cures. His
His
boldness
boldness in prayer before God always attracted, even before, crowds
in prayer before God always attracted, even before, of
crowds of
pilgrims
pilgrims to Sarov Monastery.
to Sarov Monastery. And
And now
now the
the Lord
Lord has
has glorified
glorified him
him inin
the
the eyes of the
eyes of the whole
whole Orthodox
Orthodox world,
world, having
having gathered
gathered in in this
this place
place
hundreds
hundreds of of thousands
thousands from
from the
the remotest
remotest confines
confines ofof Russia,
Russia, and even
and even
from
from distant
distant Siberia,
Siberia, from
from West
West and
and East,
East, North
North and
and South.
South. And
And this
this
great
great multitude of people is headed by the Orthodox Tsar himself, the
multitude of people is headed by the Orthodox Tsar himself, the
pious Tsarinas and many members of the Imperial Family
pious Tsarinas and many members of the Imperial Family who are who are
prayerfully
prayerfully taking
taking part
part in
in the
the solemnity.
solemnity.
In
In this
this vast
vast but
but united
united gathering of pilgrims
gathering of pilgrims at at the
the holy
holy relics
relics of
of the
the
Saint is expressed the basic sense of life, as it has been understood
Saint is expressed the basic sense of life, as it has been understood
by
by the
the Russian
Russian people
people from
from time
time immemorial.
immemorial. Russian
Russian people
people know
know
their
their country
country and
and their
their history
history not
not so
so much
much from
from political
political or histori-
or histori-

55 Literally,
Literally, "mercy/'
"mercy."

305
A\A n ExE x tiUORlIi\ r y PIP
r a o r d i n aRY eace

calevents
cal eventsasasthrough
throughtheirtheirascetics
asceticswho
whostand
standforforfaith
faithand
andtruth,
truth,love
love
andgoodness.
and goodness.They Theyknow
knowKievKievthrough
throughSaints
SaintsAntony
Antonyand andTheodosius
Theodosius
ofofPetchersk,
Petchersk,the theLavra
Lavraofofthe
theHoly
HolyTrinity
Trinityand
andMoscow
Moscowthrough
throughSt. St.
Sergiusand
Sergius andthe
theHoly
HolyMetropolitans
MetropolitansofofMoscow,
Moscow,the theNorth
NorthandandSolovky
Solovky
throughSaints
through SaintsZossimus
Zossimusand andSabbatius,
Sabbatius,Siberia
Siberiathrough
throughSimeon
Simeonofof
Verhotursk and St. Innocent of Irkutsk. From year
Verhotursk and St. Innocent of Irkutsk. From year to year, from to year, fromageagetoto
age,the
age, thepeople
peoplevisit
visitthe
theholy
holyplaces
placeswhich
whichhave
havebeen
beenglorified
glorifiedby bythe
the
asceticlabours
ascetic laboursofofGod's
God'ssaints,
saints,and
andlearn
learnfrom
fromthem
themthe therules
rulesofoflife,
life,
andstrengthen
and strengthenthemselves
themselvesininfaith
faithand
andtruth,
truth,goodness
goodnessand andlove.
love.And
And
now in the person of St. Seraphim the Lord has raised up a new light, aa
now in the person of St. Seraphim the Lord has raised up a new light,
newteacher,
new teacher,aanew newspiritual
spiritualstronghold
strongholdforforthe
theRussian
Russianpeople.
people.Glory
Glory
betotoour
be ourGod
GodWhoW hoisiswonderful
wonderfulininHisHissaints.
saints.

Throughthe
Through theprayers
prayersofofthetheSaint
Saintnumerous
numerousmiracles
miraclesare
areperformed
performed
hereevery
here everyday.
day.And
Andififanyone
anyonewereweretotoask
askus
usabout
aboutthem,
them,we weshould
should
answer such a questioner with reverent boldness, and in full
answer such a questioner with reverent boldness, and in full conformi- conform i ­
ty with the actual facts, in the words of the Saviour to John's disciples:
ty with the actual facts, in the words of the Saviour to John's disciples:
"Theblind
"The blindreceive
receivetheir
theirsight,
sight,the
thelame
lamewalk.
walk,the
thedeaf
deafhear,
hear,and
andthe
the
poorhave
poor havethe
theGospel
Gospelpreached
preachedtotothem."
them."(Luke
(Luke7:22)
7:22)

Letus
Let usthen
thenpray
prayfervently,
fervently,reverently
reverentlyand
andwith
withheartfelt
heartfeltwarmth
warmthforfor
thelast
the lasttime
timefor
forthe
therepose
reposeofofthe
thesoul
soulofofthe
theservant
servantofofGod,
God,the
theever-
ever-
memorable Hieromonk Seraphim, and let us give the
memorable Hieromonk Seraphim, and let us give the glory to God glory to God
Whoisiswonderful
Who wonderfulininHis
HisSaints.
Saints.Amen.
Amen.

Thenbegan
Then beganthe
thePanihida
Panihidaininwhich
whichall
allthe
theArchpastors
Archpastorswho
whowere
werepresent
present
atatthe
thefestival
festivaltook
tookpart,
part,with
withthe
thewonderful
wonderfulsinging
singingofo fthe
theMetropolitan's
Metropolitan 's
choir.The
choir. ThePanihida
Panihidaended
endedininaaLitia"
Litia6atatthe
thetomb
tombofSt.
o f St.Seraphim
Seraphimininfront
front
ofo fhis
hisformer
formercoffin,
coffin,whither
whitherall
allthe
theclergy
clergyand
andsingers
singerswent
wentininprocession
procession
fromthe
from thecathedral.
cathedral.After
Afterthe
thePanihida
PanihidaMetropolitan
MetropolitanAntony,
Antony,on
onentering
entering
thecathedral,
the cathedral, stopped
stoppedatatthe
thenewly
newlyerected
erectedshrine
shrineand
andread
readthe
theprayer
prayer
whichisisappointed
which appointedtotobe
besaid
saidatatthe
theblessing
blessingofo fholy
holyikons,
ikons,and
andsprinkled
sprinkled
withholy
with holywater
waterthe
theshrine
shrineand
andthe
theholy
holyikons
ikonsdepicted
depictedon
onit.it.
At66P.M.
At thebells
p.m .the bellswere
wererung
rungfor
foran
anAll-Night
All-NightVigil.
Vigil.This
ThisVigil
Vigilhad
hadaa
specialsignificance.
special significance.ItItwas
wasthe
thefirst
firstchurch
churchservice
serviceininwhich
whichSt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphim
begantotobe
began beglorified
glorifiedby
bythe
theChurch
Churchininthe
thechoir
choirofo fGod's
God 'ssaints,
saints,and
andinin
66 AAbrief
briefseries
seriesofofsupplications.
supplications.

306
 CC.\\,l)
a n o n i 11..\1
z a t i !l)\,
on

which
which his
his holy
holy relics were exposed
exposed for public
public veneration.
veneration. In view ooff the
significance
significance ooff this service
service the people
people who had gathered
gathered for the festivi
festivi-­
ties rushed
rushed to the monastery
monastery in
in thousands.
thousands. About
About one hundred
hundred thousand
thousand
pilgrims
pilgrims arrived.
arrived. As
As the actual
actual enclosure
enclosure ooff the monastery
monastery cannot
cannot hold
even one third
third ooff that
that number,
number, on the last days pilgrims
pilgrims were admitted
admitted
inside
inside the monastery
monastery walls only with
with special
special tickets.
The Lord Metropolitan
Metropolitan with all the clergy in procession
procession entered
entered the
Cathedral
Cathedral ooff the Dorm ition. He
Dormition. He was soon followed
followed by Their
Their Imperial
Imperial
Majesties and Their
Their Highnesses
Highnesses who stood
stood near
near the right
right choir. Until
Until the
Litia,
Litia, the service followed
followed the usual
usual order; only in the stichera7
stichera" the name
name
ooff St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim was already
already sung. But at the beginning
beginning ooff the Litia all lit
their
their candles.
candles. During
During the singing
singing ooff the stichera
stichera a procession
procession issued from
the western
western doors
doors ooff the Cathedral
Cathedral of the Dorm ition and proceeded
Dormition proceeded to
to-­
wards
wards the Church
Church ooff Saints
Saints Zossimus
Zossimus and Sabbatius.
Sabbatius.
Their
Their Highnesses
Highnesses also took
took part
part in
in the procession.
procession. They were fol
fol-­
lowed
lowed by
by Ministers
Ministers ooff State and other
other persons
persons ooff high rank. The doors
doors ooff
the church
church flew open
open and the procession
procession entered.
entered. At the sight ooff the rel
rel-­
ics
ics which
which stood
stood in the middle
middle ooff the church,
church, all knelt. The M etropolitan
Metropolitan
censed
censed the coffin all around,
around, and then
then the coffin was carried
carried out by His
His
Imperial
Imperial Majesty and Their Highnesses
Highnesses the Grand
Grand Dukes with
with the assis
assis-­
tance
tance ooff some specially
specially appointed
appointed clergy.
clergy.
After carrying
carrying it out ooff the church,
church, the coffin was put on a stretcher
stretcher and
raised
raised high
high above the heads
heads ooff the multitude.
multitude. The m oment ooff the appear
moment appear-­
ance ooff the coffin with
with the holy relics
relics outside
outside the church
church was profoundly
profoundly
moving.
moving. As
As it was carried
carried to the Cathedral,
Cathedral, peasant
peasant women
women strewed
strewed the
way with
with homespun
homespun linen,
linen, towels and skeins ooff thread.
thread. On both
both sides of
the
the way all kinds
kinds ooff sick people
people and cripples
cripples were lying.
At
At the western
western entrance
entrance ooff the Cathedral
Cathedral ooff the Dorm ition the first
Dormition
little
little litany
litany was said.
said. There were four more stations
stations at other
other points
points as the
procession
procession made
made its way around
around the cathedral,
cathedral, and each tim
timee there
there was
a little litany.
litany. After the Litia prayer had
had been read at the western
western entrance,
entrance,
the
the procession
procession entered
entered the Cathedral,
Cathedral, and the coffin with
with the holy rel
rel-­
77 The
The verses
verses sung
sung for
for the
the commemoration
commemoration of
of the
the day.
day.

307
 A n EXIR\()I\IlI\\I\\
AN E x t r a o r d i n a r y PIIC
P eace

icswas
ics wasplaced
placedininthe
themiddle
middleofo fthe
thechurch
churchon
onananelevated
elevatedplatform.
platform.The
The
servicecontinued.
service continued.
Duringthe
During theprocession
processionwith
withthe
theholy
holyrelics
relicsthere
therewere
wereseveral
severalcures.
cures.
AApeasant
peasantwoman
womanfrom
fromthe
thevillage
villageofo fPromyslovky
Promyslovkyininthe
theprovince
provinceofo f
Astrakhan,called
Astrakhan, calledVera
VeraTchernysheva,
Tchernysheva,29
29years
yearsold,
old,who
whofor
for5 5years
yearshad
had
beencrippled
been crippledwith
withparalysis
paralysisand
andhad
hadcontracted
contractedlegs,
legs,got
gotup
upand
andbegan
began
totowalk
walkwithout
withouthelp.
help.Another
Anotherpeasant
peasantwoman
womancalled
calledTheodora
TheodoraSlezheva.
Slezheva,
2626years
yearsold,
old,was
washealed
healedfrom
fromattacks
attacksofo fepilepsy
epilepsyfrom
fromwhich
whichshe
shehad
had
continuallysuffered.
continually suffered.
Betweenthe
Between the Kathisma"
Kathism a8Bishop
Bishop Innocent
Innocentpreached
preached the
the following
following
sermon:
sermon:

"Thesaints
"The saintsshall
shallrejoice
rejoiceininglory."
glory."CPs.149:S)
(Ps. 149:5)Before
Beforethis
thiscoffin
coffinwith
with
theholy
the holyrelics
relicsofofa aSaint,
Saint,human
humanthought
thoughtisisinvoluntarily
involuntarilydrawn drawntotothethe
realmofoffaith.
realm faith.Only
Onlythenthendo dowe wesee
seewhat
whatdifferent
differentCand(andsometimes
sometimesop- op ­
posite) meanings things have in ordinary life and in
posite) meanings things have in ordinary life and in the sphere of faith. the sphere of faith.
InInordinary
ordinarylife
lifea acoffin
coffinisisfor
forususall
alla asource
sourceofofaffliction
afflictionand andsorrow,
sorrow,a a
causeofoflamentation
cause lamentationand andtears.
tears.At Atthe
thesight
sightofofa acoffin
coffinwe weinvoluntarily
involuntarily
imaginethe
imagine theunhappiness
unhappinessinvolved,involved,the thesad
sadseparation,
separation,the thebereave-
bereave ­
ment. But in the sphere of Christian hope, a coffin is for a Christian a a
ment. But in the sphere of Christian hope, a coffin is for a Christian
restingplace
resting placeuntil
untilthe thegeneral
generalresurrection;
resurrection;and andininthe
thelight
lightofoffaith,
faith,itit
sometimesbecomes
sometimes becomesby byGod's
God'smercymercya asource
sourceofofheavenly
heavenlyrevelations,
revelations,
a atestimony
testimonyofofGod's
God'spower,
power,a aclear
clearsign
signofofheavenly
heavenlyrewardrewardfor forrigh-
righ ­
teousness on earth, a cause of the most exalted Christian
teousness on earth, a cause of the most exalted Christian sentiments. sentiments.

Thecoffin
The coffinwhich
whichliesliesbefore
beforeususevokes
evokesinineach
eachbelieving
believingsoul
souljust
justsuch
such
a sense of spiritual joy, tears of compunction and reverence.
a sense of spiritual joy, tears of compunction and reverence. As we As we
standaround
stand aroundit,it,headed
headedby byour
ourmost
mostpious
piousEmperor
Emperorand andEmpresses,
Empresses,we we
allknow
all knowthat
thatititconceals
concealsthetheprecious
preciousrelics
relicsofofa arighteous
righteousman
manwhowho
waspleasing
was pleasingtotothe
theLord,
Lord,a aman
manofofprayer
prayerandandasceticism,
asceticism,who
whowas
was
great in his simplicity, who was crowned with humility
great in his simplicity, who was crowned with humility and meekness, and meekness,
andwho
and whowas
wasburning
burningwithwithChrist's
Christ'slove
lovefor
forevery
everyman.man.

Thepersecuted
The persecutedand
andoppressed
oppressedChurch
Churchofofthe
thefirst
firstthree
threecenturies
centuriesknew
knew
hermartyrs
her martyrsandandconfessors
confessorswho
whosuffered
sufferedfor
forthe
thename
nameofofChrist.
Christ.She
She
buriedtheir
buried theirbodies
bodieswith
withfull
fullhonours,
honours,and
andcarefully
carefullycollected
collectedtheir
their
bones.The
bones. Thecalm
calmand
andpeaceful
peacefulChurch
Churchofofour
ourdays
daysknows
knowsherherinterces-
interces-

8 8 The
ThePsalter
Psalterisisdivided
dividedinto
into2020sections
sectionsororKathismas,
Kathismas,during
duringthe
thereading
readingofof whichit itisis
which
customarytotosit.
customary sit.Each
EachKathisma
Kathismatakestakesfrom
from1515toto2020minutes.
minutes.

308
 C anonization

sors
sors and
and ascetics;
ascetics; she
she also
also honours
honours the
the graves
graves of
of her
her righteous
righteous m em ­
mem-
bers
bers and
and venerates
venerates their
their holy
holy relics.
relics. When
When St.
St. Polycarp,
Polycarp, Bishop
Bishop of
of
Smyrna,
Smyrna, suffered
suffered martyrdom
martyrdom and
and was
was torn
torn to
to pieces
pieces by
by wild
wild beasts,
beasts, the
the
citizens
citizens of
of Smyrna
Smyrna sent
sent to
to the
the other
other churches
churches an
an epistle
epistle in
in which
which they
they
informed
informed them
them that
that they
they had
had collected
collected the
the bones
bones of
of the
the m artyr into
martyr into aa
vessel
vessel and
and that
that they
they would
would keep
keep and
and venerate
venerate these
these sacred
sacred remains
remains as
as aa
most
most precious
precious treasure.
treasure. Following
Following the
the example
example ofof that
that ancient
ancient church
church
of
of those
those early
early Christians,
Christians, our
our Orthodox
Orthodox Church
Church has
has extracted
extracted from
from
the
the bosom
bosom of
of the
the earth
earth the
the bones
bones of
of her
her ascetic
ascetic and
and man
man of
of prayer,
prayer,
St.
St.Seraphim.
Seraphim. Henceforward
Henceforward sheshe will
will surround
surround them
them with
with reverence,
reverence,
psalmody
psalmody and
and veneration,
veneration, as
as aa precious
precious and
and sacred
sacred treasure.
treasure.
W hat message
What message will
will the
the holy
holy relics
relics of
of God's
God's Saint
Saint convey
convey to
to the
the
Christian
Christian world?
world? Henceforth
Henceforth they
they will
will speak
speak to
to the
the world
world of
of God's
God's
power
power which
which isis wonderful
wonderful in
in His
His saints,
saints, of
of God's
God's love
love for
for His
His righteous
righteous
sons
sons whose
whose very
very bones
bones He
He keeps.
keeps. (Ps.
(Ps. 333:20)
3 :2 0 ) Henceforth
Henceforth they
they will
will tes
tes-­
tify
tify to
to God's
God's glory
glory which
which envelops
envelops God's
God's saints
saints in
in the
the heavenly
heavenly abodes.
abodes.
And
And even
even their
their holy
holy relics
relics on
on earth
earth participate
participate in
in this
this glory.
glory. They
They shed
shed
fragrance,
fragrance, and
and they
they give
give healing,
healing, comfort
comfort and
and spiritual
spiritual help
help to
to all
all who
who
have
have recourse
recourse to
to them.
them. By
Bymeans
means of
of this
this help
help the
the Saint's
Saint's holy
holy relics
relics will
will
clearly
clearly say
say to
to all
all that
that the
the abode
abode of
of God's
God's glory,
glory, the
the place
place of
of His
His om
om-­
nipresence,
nipresence, isis surrounded
surrounded not
not only
only by
by aa world
world of
of angels,
angels, but
but also
also by
by
God's
God's saints —that people
saints-that people would
would not
not get
get this
this unseen
unseen help
help ifif there
there were
were
no
no prayerful
prayerful intercession
intercession for
for itit in
in heaven.
heaven. The
The source
source of
of this
this supernatu
supernatu-­
ral
ral help would be unknown if there did not exist an invisible though
help would be unknown if there did not exist an invisible though
spiritually
spiritually discernible
discernible prayer - connection between
prayer-connection between the
the Church
Church on
on earth
earth
and
and the
the heavenly
heavenly Church.
Church.
But
Butthe
the significance
significance of
of this
this holy
holy coffin
coffin isis revealed
revealed to
to us
us who
who are
are chil
chil-­
dren
dren of
of the
the O rthodox Church
Orthodox Church from
from yet
yet another
another angle.
angle. In
In itit we
we recog
recog-­
nise
nise the
the truth
truth of
of our
our Holy
Holy Orthodox
Orthodox Faith.
Faith. The
The Church
Church does
does not
not err
err
but
but stands firmly in the right way for whom the heavenly world of
stands firmly in the right way for whom the heavenly world of
God's
God's saints
saints isis aa constant
constant guide,
guide, on
on which
which itit moulds
moulds its
its dispositions,
dispositions,
which
which inspires
inspires its
its prayer,
prayer, and
and which
which is
is aa source
source of
of spiritual
spiritual consola
consola-­
tion,
tion, help
help and
and protection.
protection. In
In these
these holy
holy relics
relics of
of aa new
new intercessor
intercessor for
for
the
the Russian
Russian Church
Church we we feel
feel the
the heartbeat
heartbeat of
of the
the life
life of
of our
our Church.
Church. For
For
aa Church
Church which
which isis constantly
constantly being
being adorned
adorned with
with new
new saints
saints of
of God
God
is
is not
not dead
dead or
or frozen
frozen or
or fossilized,
fossilized, but
but is
is alive
alive and
and flourishing,
flourishing, and
and
enjoys
enjoys perennial
perennial youth.
youth. In
In this
this tomb
tomb isis the
the source,
source, the
the light,
light, and
and the
the
joy
joy of
of our
our faith.
faith. Our
Our faith
faith would
would be be cold
cold andand dim
dim ifif itit did
did not
not receive
receive

309
 A n E xtraordinary P eace
AN EXIR,\Uf:DIN,\I:Y Pr,ler
the obvious encouragement that prayer and an ascetic life are always
the obvious encouragement that prayer and an ascetic life are always
rewarded and glorified by the Lord. In these holy relics we see a new
rewarded and glorified by the Lord. In these holy relics we see a new
sign of the mercy and goodness of God to the Russian people and the
sign of the mercy and goodness of God to the Russian people and the
Orthodox Church. It is as if the heavens were opened and a new inter­
Orthodox Church. It is as if the heavens were opened and a new inter-
cessor and mediator for us sinners stood at the throne of God. And we
cessor and mediator for us sinners stood at the throne of God. And we
see clearly the fruits of his prayer to the Lord: the blind see, the deaf
see clearly the fruits of his prayer to the Lord: the blind see, the deaf
hear, the dumb speak, the paralyzed rise.
hear, the dumb speak. the paralyzed rise.
In a moment the lid of this salutary grave will be thrown open, and
In a moment the lid of this salutary grave will be thrown open, and
the holy relics will be exposed to our view. New streams of miracles
the holy relics will be exposed to our view. New streams of miracles
will flow from them. And the image of St. Seraphim will rise even
will flow from them. And the image of St. Seraphim will rise even
more distinctly before us, the image of him who is now wonderful
more distinctly before us, the image of him who is now wonderful
among God's saints, but who was meek, humble and poor in earthly
among God's saints, but who was meek. humble and poor in earthly
life. And under the spell of his wonderful personality we shall sing to
life. And under the spell of his wonderful personality we shall sing to
him with penitent joy which is a fruit of faith: We bless thee, holy Fr.
him with penitent joy which is a fruit of faith: We bless thee, holy Fr.
Seraphim. Amen.
Seraphim. Amen.
After reading another Kathisma, at the singing o f " Praise the Name
After reading another Kathisma, at the singing of "Praise the Name
o f the Lord," all the officiating clergy came out o f the sanctuary into the
of the Lord," all the officiating clergy came out of the sanctuary into the
middle of the church. M etropolitan Antony opened the lid o f the coffin.
middle of the church. Metropolitan Antony opened the lid of the coffin.
All knelt and the clergy sang the Magnification to the Saint: We bless thee,
All knelt and the clergy sang the Magnification to the Saint: We bless thee,
holy Fr. Seraphim, and we honour thy holy memory, O director o f monks and
holy Fr. Seraphim, and we honour thy holy memory, 0 director of monks and
converser with angels. After the reading o f the Gospel, the Metropolitan and
converser with angels. After the reading of the Gospel, the Metropolitan and
the other Prelates kissed the holy relics. Then Their Imperial Majesties
the other Prelates kissed the holy relics. Then Their Imperial Majesties
and Their Highnesses kissed them, followed by the officiating clergy and
and Their Highnesses kissed them, followed by the officiating clergy and
all the pilgrims who were in the cathedral.
all the pilgrims who were in the cathedral.
After the All-Night Vigil the Cathedral was left open for the venera ­
After the All-Night Vigil the Cathedral was left open for the venera-
tion o f the relics o f the Saint. All through the night the pilgrims passed
tion of the relics of the Saint. All through the night the pilgrims passed
before the coffin one by one, kissed the holy relics and were anointed
before the coffin one by one, kissed the holy relics and were anointed
with oil by the priests on duty.
with oil by the priests on duty.
On the following day, July 19th, the late Liturgy in the Cathedral of
On the following day, July 19th, the late Liturgy in the Cathedral of
the Dorm ition began at 8 a . m . It was celebrated by Metropolitan Antony
the Dormition began at 8 A.M. It was celebrated by Metropolitan Antony
together with the other hierarchs: 12 archimandrites, 8 protopriests and
together with the other hierarchs: 12 archimandrites, 8 protopriests and
priests. Their Imperial Majesties as well as Their Highnesses the Grand
priests. Their Imperial Majesties as well as Their Highnesses the Grand
Dukes and Grand Duchesses were present. At the little entry with the
Dukes and Grand Duchesses were present. At the little entry with the
Gospel, the following was sung: O come let us worship and fall down before
Gospel, the following was sung: 0 come let us worship and fall down before
Christ, O Son o f God, W ho art wonderful in Thy saints, save us who sing to
Christ, 0 Son of God, Who art wonderful in Thy saints, save us who sing to
310
 CAN0 N iZ A T' I0 N
C \\ i \! i) \

Thee: Alleluia! At the beginning o f this singing, the archimandrites lifted

Thee: Alleluia! At the beginning of this singing, the archimandrites lifted
the cypress coffin with the holy relics which was standing in the middle
the cypress coffin with the holy relics which was standing in the middle
o f the Cathedral and together with the hierarchs carried it around the
of the Cathedral and together with the hierarchs carried it around the
holy altar, and then placed it in the shrine prepared for it.
holy altar, and then placed it in the shrine prepared for it.
Just at this time, the following case o f healing took place. Among those
Just at this time, the following case of healing took place. Among those
who were praying in the cathedral was a certain Mrs. Evdokia Maslennikov
who were praying in the cathedral was a certain Mrs. Evdokia Maslennikov
from Moscow with her 12 year-old daughter Katharine, who was suffering
from Moscow with her 12 year-old daughter Katharine, who was suffering
from catalepsy9 and who for two years had not spoken a word. Doctors
from catalepsy? and who for two years had not spoken a word. Doctors
had been unable to help her. As the coffin with the holy relics was carried
had been unable to help her. As the coffin with the holy relics was carried
past the sick girl, her mother touched the coffin with a handkerchief and
past the sick girl, her mother touched the coffin with a handkerchief and
wiped her daughter's face with it. To everyone's amazem ent Katharine
wiped her daughter's face with it. To everyone's amazement Katharine
there and then pronounced her mother 's name and began to speak. The
there and then pronounced her mother's name and began to speak. The
healed girl was afterwards given Holy Com m union by the Metropolitan.
healed girl was afterwards given Holy Communion by the Metropolitan.
At the end o f the Liturgy, Archbishop Dim itry preached a sermon
At the end of the Liturgy, Archbishop Dimitry preached a sermon
which ended with the following words: "By his prayerful intercession
which ended with the following words: "By his prayerful intercession
before God may he help us also to accomplish our earthly journey to
before God may he help us also to accomplish our earthly journey to
heaven without stumbling or falling, in the love, joy and peace o f our
heaven without stumbling or falling, in the love, joy and peace of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
After the Liturgy a M oleben was sung to St. Seraphim. W hen the
After the Liturgy a Moleben was sung to St. Seraphim. When the
Troparion to St. Seraphim was sung, the archimandrites went up to the
Troparion to St. Seraphim was sung, the archimandrites went up to the
shrine and took out o f it the coffin with the holy relics. Then a procession
shrine and took out of it the coffin with the holy relics. Then a procession
took place from the cathedral around the churches o f the monastery. The
took place from the cathedral around the churches of the monastery. The
coffin was carried by the Emperor and Their Imperial Highnesses, assisted
coffin was carried by the Emperor and Their Imperial Highnesses, assisted
by the archimandrites. As on the eve, the crowds formed a living wall on
by the archimandrites. As on the eve, the crowds formed a living wall on
either side o f the way and were deeply moved. On all sides could be heard
either side of the way and were deeply moved. On all sides could be heard
the weeping and sobbing o f women. When the procession returned to
the weeping and sobbing of women. When the procession returned to
the cathedral, a prayer to St. Seraphim was read by Metropolitan Antony
the cathedral, a prayer to St. Seraphim was read by Metropolitan Antony
while all knelt. The M oleben ended with the usual singing o f "Many
while all knelt. The Moleben ended with the usual singing of "Many
years! " 10 Their Imperial Majesties and Highnesses kissed the holy relics
years! "10 Their Imperial Majesties and Highnesses kissed the holy relics
and left the cathedral.
and left the cathedral.

9 A nervous condition characterized by an involuntary rigidity of muscles and posture.

9 A nervous of
Symptomatic condition characterized
those suffering by an involuntary
from Parkinson's rigidity
and epilepsy of muscles and posture.
— ed.
Symptomatic of those suffering from Parkinson's and epilepsy-ed.
10 A song customarily sung on anniversaries: "God grant you many years! "— ed.
10 A song customarily sung on anniversaries: "God grant you many years!" -ed.

311
 A n E xtraord inary P eace
AN EXTR:\(lRDINARY PE!\CE

On the following day, July 20th, the Emperor and Empress with the
On the following day, July 20th, the Emperor and Empress with the
other members o f the Imperial Family who had attended the canoniza ­
other members of the Imperial Family who had attended the canoniza-
tion visited Diveyev Convent on their way back from Sarov.
tion visited Diveyev Convent on their way back from Sarov.
Long before July 20th the convent had been preparing for the worthy
Long before July 20th the convent had been preparing for the worthy
reception o f their most exalted and honoured guests. The whole way was
reception of their most exalted and honoured guests. The whole way was
adorned with greenery, flags and triumphal arches. The people (both the
adorned with greenery, flags and triumphal arches. The people (both the
local inhabitants and those from distant lands) met the Imperial visitors
local inhabitants and those from distant lands) met the Imperial visitors
in their best and most festive national costumes and gave them a joyous
in their best and most festive national costumes and gave them a joyous
and enthusiastic welcome. Inside the convent enclosure, the Imperial
and enthusiastic welcome. Inside the convent enclosure, the Imperial
route was lined on both sides with nuns with the children o f their schools
route was lined on both sides with nuns with the children of their schools
in front of them. At about 10 a .m .the Imperial carriages drew up at Diveyev
in front of them. At about 10 A.M. the Imperial carriages drew up at Diveyev
amid deafening cheers and the ringing o f the cathedral bells. The exalted
amid deafening cheers and the ringing of the cathedral bells. The exalted
guests were met at the entrance to the Cathedral by Bishop Nazarius and
guests were met at the entrance to the Cathedral by Bishop Nazarius and
a number o f clergy, with the cross and holy water. His Lordship greeted
a number of clergy, with the cross and holy water. His Lordship greeted
the Emperor and Empress with an address o f welcome. After the custom ­
the Emperor and Empress with an address of welcome. After the custom-
ary litany and "Many years," the Imperial Guests prayed before the ikon
ary litany and "Many years," the Imperial Guests prayed before the ikon
o f Our Lady o f Com punction (it was while praying before this ikon that
of Our Lady of Compunction (it was while praying before this ikon that
St. Seraphim had breathed his last) and before a locally venerated ikon
St. Seraphim had breathed his last) and before a locally venerated ikon
o f the Saviour " Not- made - with - hands," 11 and then kissed them. All the
of the Saviour "Not-made-with-hands, "II and then kissed them. All the
Imperial Pilgrims were then presented with ikons painted by the sisters
Imperial Pilgrims were then presented with ikons painted by the sisters
o f the convent: ikons o f St. Seraphim, Our Lady o f Compunction, The
of the convent: ikons of St. Seraphim, Our Lady of Compunction, The
Apparition o f the Mother o f God to St. Seraphim, etc. The Emperor and
Apparition of the Mother of God to St. Seraphim, etc. The Emperor and
Empress then visited the north side - chapel in the Cathedral, designed to
Empress then visited the north side-chapel in the Cathedral, designed to
be consecrated in honour o f St. Seraphim; they also inspected such of
be consecrated in honour of St. Seraphim; they also inspected such of
the paintings in the cathedral as were o f special merit (all the ikons and
the paintings in the cathedral as were of special merit (all the ikons and
paintings were the work o f the Diveyev sisters themselves).
paintings were the work of the Diveyev sisters themselves).
From the Cathedral the exalted guests went to the apartments o f the
From the Cathedral the exalted guests went to the apartments of the
superior o f the convent, Abbess Maria, and attended the Liturgy in the
superior of the convent, Abbess Maria, and attended the Liturgy in the
house - chapel in the abbess7 apartments. Breakfast was served in the ab ­
house-chapel in the abbess' apartments. Breakfast was served in the ab-
bess ' house. After breakfast the Imperial guests looked over the convent
bess' house. After breakfast the Imperial guests looked over the convent
11 This is the name of a particular composition which depicts Christ's face on a napkin,
11 referring
This is the
to name of a particular
an apocryphal story composition
in which ourwhich depictsHis
Lord wiped Christ's face aonnapkin
face with a napkin,
at the
referring
requesttoofana apocryphal
man who had story in which
an ailing our Lord
daughter. Thewiped
imageHis face with
of Christ's a napkin
face remainedat on
the the
request of a man who had an ailing daughter. The image of Christ's face remained on the
napkin and as it was placed on the sick girl, she recovered.
napkin and as it was placed on the sick girl, she recovered.

312
 C AN 0 N iZ A T I0 N
C ,\ ,\ 0 ,\ i ,\T ! 0 ,\

and its institutions. At about two o 'clock the Emperor and Empress visited
and its institutions. At about two o'clock the Emperor and Empress visited
the convent school with its orphanage for orphan - girls. From the school
the convent school with its orphanage for orphan-girls. From the school
they went to the Church o f the Transfiguration, in which they inspected
they went to the Church of the Transfiguration, in which they inspected
the sanctuary and souvenirs of St. Seraphim s ascetic labours.
the sanctuary and souvenirs of St. Seraphim's ascetic labours.
Thence, the exalted guests went to the so - called Diveyev " herm itage;"
Thence, the exalted guests went to the so-called Diveyev "hermitage;"
that is, the hut which St. Seraphim built him self for his "near hermitage "
that is, the hut which St. Seraphim built himself for his "near hermitage"
in Sarov, at the spring by the River Sarovka. The Imperial visitors prayed
in Sarov, at the spring by the River Sarovka. The Imperial visitors prayed
in St. Seraphim's cell or hut and inspected various souvenirs o f his labours.
in St. Seraphim's cell or hut and inspected various souvenirs of his labours.
After that, they visited the ikon -painting studio o f the convent. The
After that, they visited the ikon-painting studio of the convent. The
Diveyev studio has several departments: ikon - painting, photographic,
Diveyev studio has several departments: ikon-painting, photographic,
lithographic, and chrom otypographic departm ents. All the Imperial
lithographic, and chromotypographic departments. All the Imperial
Family visited the studio. Bishop Nazarius met them there and intro ­
Family visited the studio. Bishop Nazarius met them there and intro-
duced them to the work of the sister-artists. The senior " painter," Mother
duced them to the work of the sister-artists. The senior "painter," Mother
Seraphima, as well as two other nuns, Anastasia and Lydia, gave explana ­
Seraphima, as well as two other nuns, Anastasia and Lydia, gave explana-
tions. The Empress, in the presence o f the Emperor, was pleased to award
tions. The Empress, in the presence of the Emperor, was pleased to award
Mother Seraphima with a gold cross, saying as she put it around her neck:
Mother Seraphima with a gold cross, saying as she put it around her neck:
"You work very well. We have been very pleased with all we have seen."
"You work very well. We have been very pleased with all we have seen."
At 3:10 p.m . the Imperial visitors took their departure. Nuns, school ­
At 3:10 P.M. the Imperial visitors took their departure. Nuns, school-
children and people lined the route. Amid the ringing o f the bells and
children and people lined the route. Amid the ringing of the bells and
deafening cheers, the exalted guests left the monastery enclosure, signing
deafening cheers, the exalted guests left the monastery enclosure, signing
themselves with the sign o f the cross as they passed the convent churches.
themselves with the sign of the cross as they passed the convent churches.
Immediately after the departure of the august guests, Bishop Nazarius
Immediately after the departure of the august guests, Bishop Nazarius
served a Moleben in the Diveyev Cathedral, assisted by all the clergy, for
served a Moleben in the Diveyev Cathedral, assisted by all the clergy, for
their safe journey, ending with "Many years " to the Imperial travelers.
their safe journey, ending with "Many years" to the Imperial travelers.
The Sarov festivities ended with the consecration o f two churches in
The Sarov festivities ended with the consecration of two churches in
honour o f St. Seraphim. The first church in Russia to be dedicated to him
honour of St. Seraphim. The first church in Russia to be dedicated to him
was consecrated in Sarov over his monastic cell. The second church was
was consecrated in Sarov over his monastic cell. The second church was
consecrated on July 22nd in Diveyev Convent.
consecrated on July 22nd in Diveyev Convent.
The Sarov ceremonies came to an end. But henceforward the name of
The Sarov ceremonies came to an end. But henceforward the name of
St. Seraphim will be joined with the names o f the multitude o f glorified
St. Seraphim will be joined with the names of the multitude of glorified
soldiers in the heavenly army. And with them and the Heavenly Queen
soldiers in the heavenly army. And with them and the Heavenly Queen
under whose special protection he lived his earthly life, he will stand as
under whose special protection he lived his earthly life, he will stand as
a strong intercessor for those who have recourse to him.
a strong intercessor for those who have recourse to him.
313
 Chapter21
Chapter 21
T h e MINGLING
THE M i n g l i n g OF H e a v e n AND
o f HEAVEN E arth
a n d EARTH

first
firstthe
theKingdom
Kingdomofo God
f Godand
andHis
Hisrighteousness."
righteousness."InInthe
theKingdom
Kingdom
SS
EEK
ee k

ofofGod -—
G od the
theworld
worldofo fmen,
men,women
womenand
andchildren
childrenasasplanned
plannedininthe
the
mind
mindand
andintention
intentionofo fGod-people
G od —peoplewill
willbebesosoalive,
alive,sosofilled
filledwith
withthe
the
eternal
eternallife
lifeofo fheaven
heavenand
andthe
thepowers
powersofo fthe
theage
agetotocome,
come,that
thatthe
thespirit
spirit
ofo ffriendship,
friendship,creative
creativeenergy
energyand
andjoy
joywill
willbebesuch
suchthat
thatititisisdifficult
difficultfor
for
ususatatpresent
presenteven
eventotoimagine
imagineit.it.Human
Humanlife
lifeisisbound
boundtotoundergo
undergoa agreat
great
change.
change.There
Therewill,
will,ininfact,
fact,bebe"a"anew
newheaven
heavenand
anda anew
newearth."
earth."At
Atthe
thevery
very
beginning
beginningofo the
f theChristian
Christianera,
era,the
theholy
holyMother
Motherofo fJesus
Jesussaw
sawclearly
clearlythe
the
vast
vastchange
changeininthe
thesocial
socialorder
orderthat
thather
herDivine
DivineSon's
Son 'slife
lifeand
andteaching
teachingisis
destined
destinedtotobring
bringabout.
about.She
Shesaw,
saw,asasinina avision,
vision,how
how"the
" theold
oldthings
thingshave
have
passed
passedaway,
away,allallthings
thingshave
havebecome
becom enew,"
new,"and
andexultingly
exultinglyshe
shesang
sangher
her
revolutionary
revolutionaryand
andprophetic
prophetichymn:
hymn:

He
Hehas
hasput
putdown
downprinces
princesfrom
fromtheir
theirthrones
thrones
And
Andhas
hasexalted
exaltedthe
thehumble.
humble.
He
Hehas
hasfilled
filledthe
thehungry
hungrywith
withgood
goodthings,
things,
And
Andthe
therich
richHe
Hehas
hassent
sentempty
emptyaway.
away.

This
Thisvision
visiontends
tendstotobecome
becomedim,
dim,and
andwhere
wherethere
thereisisnonovision
visionthe
thepeo-
peo ­
ple
pleperish.
perish.InInthe
thelife
lifeofoSt.
f St.Seraphim
Seraphimwe
werealize
realizethat
thatthe
theglorious
gloriousQueen
Queenofo f
Heaven
Heavenwho
whospoke
spokethose
thoseremarkable
remarkablewords
wordsisisstill
stillalive
aliveand
andactive,
active,close
close
totoususininthat
thatinvisible
invisibleworld
worldwhich
whichinterpenetrates
interpenetratesthis
thisworld,
world,able
ableand
and
eager
eagertotohelp
helpusustotobuild
buildthat
thatnew
neworder
orderofo love
f loveand
andjustice
justicewhich
whichwill
willful-
ful ­
fill
fillher
hervision.
vision.Let
Letusustherefore
thereforeclose
closeour
ourbrief
briefstudy
studyofothe
f thelife
lifeofo our
f ourSaint
Saint
with
withthe
thewords
wordsofo Archimandrite
f ArchimandriteEvdokim
Evdokim(later
(laterBishop
BishopofVolokolam),
o f Volokolam),

314
 TIII!
11 h in c;i,!i\C
M:\\1\(, n (, oo f: HII}■
;a v11,\
i;:n n d
a\\1) E a r rhIi

for
for they
they also
also have
have aa definitely
definitely prophetic
prophetic ring
ring about
about them
them. . In
In the
the conclud
conclud- ­
ing
ing pages
pages ooff his
his article,
article, ""At
At the
the Relics
Relics oofSt.
f St. Seraphim
Seraphim ooff Sarov,"
Sarov, " he
he writes:
writes:
The
The glorification
glorification (or
(or canonization)
canonization) of
of St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim of
of Sarov
Sarov isis un
un-­
doubtedly
doubtedly one
one of
of the
the greatest
greatest events
events of
of our
our times.
times. Such
Such days
days are
are of
of rare
rare
occurrence
occurrence in in the
the life
life of
of aa nation.
nation. ItItwas
was impossible
impossible to to remain
remain indiffer
indiffer-­
ent
ent to
to July
July 19th
19th (1 9 0 3 ), whatever
(1903), whatever one's
one's outlook
outlook on on life
life may
may have
have been.
been.
That
That day,
day, itit seems
seems toto me,
me, ought
ought to
to be
be called
called aa test -day for
test-day for the
the Russian
Russian
people,
people, aa day
day by
by which
which they
they examine
examine themselves
themselves and
and their
their cherished
cherished
beliefs,
beliefs, hopes
hopes and
and aspirations.
aspirations. And
And so,
so, let
let us
us all
all stand
stand mentally
mentally at
at the
the
Saint's
Saint's shrine
shrine and
and examine
examine ourselves
ourselves and
and ourour life
life ideals.
ideals.
Casting
Casting aa rapid
rapid glance
glance over
over the
the Saint's
Saint's life,
life, one
one isis involuntarily
involuntarily struck
struck
by
by the
the height
height of
of its
its attainments.
attainments. AsAs one
one studies
studies the
the life
life more
more closely,
closely,
one
one begins
begins to
to think
think that
that the
the holy
holy Elder
Elder did
did not
not live
live in
in our
our days,
days, but
but
in
in the
the days
days of
of the
the great
great ascetics
ascetics of
of antiquity - Antony,
antiquity — Antony, Pachomius,
Pachomius,
Makarius,
Makar ius, Sabba,
Sabba. Hilarion,
Hilarion, Euthymius,
Euthymius, and and the
the rest —so closely
rest-so closely was
was
his
his life
life interwoven
interwoven with
with the
the lives
lives of
of the
the great
great ascetics.
ascetics. And
And actually
actually itit
isis difficult
difficult to
to point
point to
to anything
anything in
in the
the life
life of
of St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim in
in which
which he
he
suffers
suffers by
by comparison
comparison with
with the
the early
early ascetics.
ascetics. For
For he
he went
went through
through all
all
the
the various
various forms
forms ofof the
the old
old asceticism.
asceticism. HeHe lived
lived as
as aa solitary,
solitary, as
as aa sty-
sty-
lite,
lite, as
as aa recluse,
recluse, in
in silence,
silence, as
as aa hermit,
hermit, and
and asas an
an elder
elder ministering
ministering to to
his
his neighbor
neighbor by
by word
word and
and deed.
deed. The
The ancient
ancient ascetics
ascetics earnt
earnt their
their piece
piece
of
of bread
bread with
with their
their own
own hands.
hands. And
And he
he procured
procured his
his food
food with
with his
his own
own
hands.
hands. The
The ancient
ancient ascetics
ascetics had
had no
no spare
spare clothing.
clothing. Neither
Neither did
did he.
he. The
The
ancient
ancient ascetics
ascetics had
had no
no possessions,
possessions, so
so that
that they
they always
always left
left their
their huts
huts
unlocked.
unlocked. And
And he
he had
had nothing
nothing of
of his
his own
own and
and left
left his
his hut
hut open
open for
for all.
all.
The
The ancient
ancient ascetics
ascetics slept
slept on
on the
the bare
bare earth
earth and
and ate
ate little
little food.
food. And
And he
he
did
did not sleep on luxurious beds, and his food was poor and scanty. The
not sleep on luxurious beds, and his food was poor and scanty. The
ancient
ancient ascetics
ascetics lived
lived for
for years
years in
in the
the desert.
desert. And
And he
he lived
lived for
for 55
55 whole
whole
years
years in
in his
his monastery.
monastery. The
The ancient
ancient ascetics
ascetics worked
worked miracles.
miracles. And
And
by
by his
his prayers
prayers many
many miracles
miracles are
are performed.
performed. They
They were
were great
great men
men of
of
prayer.
prayer. And
And so
so was
was he.
he. In
In aaword,
word, ififwe
we compare
compare the the lives
lives of
of the
the ancient
ancient
ascetics
ascetics with
with that
that of
of our
our Saint,
Saint, we
we find
find aa striking
striking similarity
similarity everywhere
everywhere
and
and in
in everything.
everything. This
This similarity
similarity isis so
so great
great that
that after
after aa time
time you
you be
be-­
gin
gin to
to wonder
wonder whether
whether he
he isis really
really ours
ours and
and lived
lived in
in our
our time.
time.
Undoubtedly
Undoubtedly the
the monastic
monastic life
life isis difficult.
difficult. The
The monastic
monastic craft
craft constant
constant-­
ly
ly has
has to
to weather
weather the
the most
most violent
violent interior
interior and
and exterior
exterior storms.
storms. Not
Not all
all
the
the wrestlers
wrestlers stand
stand their
their ground
ground in
in the
the fight.
fight. In
In many
many cases,
cases, page
page after
after

315
An
A N Er;xxtTr l(a\gUr I(dDi nI \ a \r I(y Y PI) iI ace
'\ C r
page
page isisgradually
gradually torn
torn out
out of
ofthe
the book
book of
oflife,
life, from
from those
those most
most sacred
sacred
writings
writings bybywhich
which they
they once
once promised
promised toto be
be guided
guided throughout
throughout their
their
whole
whole life. The monastic vows begin to seem almost impracticable,
life. The monastic vows begin to seem almost impracticable,
and
and the
the lives
livesof
of the
the ancient
ancient ascetics,
ascetics, whose
whose feats
feats illumined
illumined the
the whole
whole
world,
world, are
are little
little understood
understood and
and seem
seem to to be
be very
very remote
remote and
and even
even im
im-­
possible
possible at
at the
the present
present day.
day.Thus
Thus life
lifeisisgradually
gradually knocking
knocking people
people off
off
the
the old
old foundations
foundations and
and putting
putting them
them on
on new
new ones
ones which
which are
are some
some-­
times entirely alien to the principles of ancient monasticism.
times entirely alien to the principles of ancient monasticism.
Come
Come and
and stand
stand at
at the
the shrine
shrine of
ofthe
the holy
holy Elder,
Elder,the
the Russian
Russian monk.
monk.
There
There you
you have
have the
the true
true monastic
monastic life
lifewhich
which has
has blossomed
blossomed soso splen
splen-­
didly and wonderfully almost before our eyes in the forests of Sarov.
didly and wonderfully almost before our eyes in the forests of Sarov.
The
The times
times of
ofthe
the ancient
ancient asceticism
asceticism would
would seem
seem to
to have
have returned
returned to
to
us.
us. Only
Only now
now we
we are
are not
not reading
reading or
or hearing
hearing about
about them,
them, but
but see
see them
them
with
with our
our own
own eyes
eyesand
and touch
touch them
them with
with our
our hands.
hands. But
Butdo
do not
not lose
lose
courage,
courage, monk! Go firmly straight ahead, sanctifying each step of
monk! Go firmly straight ahead, sanctifying each step ofyour
your
life
lifewith
with the
the teachings
teachings of
ofthe
the holy
holy ascetics
ascetics and
and elders.
elders.
And
And you,
you, Russian
Russian people,
people, come
come to
to the
the shrine
shrine of
ofthe
the holy
holy Elder.
Elder.
Grievous
Grievous and
and difficult
difficult has
has been
been your
your lot.
lot. In
In spite
spite of
of all
all your
your national
national
misfortunes
misfortunes and
and failures,
failures, you
you have
have not
not lost
lost your
your ardent
ardent faith
faith in
in God's
God's
will
will on
on earth.
earth. You
Youhave
have kept
kept the
the rules
rules of
of the
the Church.
Church. You
Youhave
have loved
loved
above
above everything
everything on
on earth
earth to
to think
think of
ofthe
the Kingdom
Kingdom of
of God,
God, and
and while
while
enduring great hardships, you have not complained of your fate.
enduring great hardships, you have not complained of your fate. YouYou
have
have firmly
firmly believed
believed that
that God's
God's righteousness
righteousness and
and justice
justice can
can be
be ev
ev-­
erywhere
erywhere on
on earth.
earth. ItItcan
can dwell
dwell in
in the
the hut
hut of
ofthe
the poorest
poorest peasant.
peasant. The
The
Kingdom
Kingdom of
of God
God isisnot
not measured
measured byby palaces
palaces and
and wealth.
wealth. But
Butlately
lately new
new
self -appointed teachers
self-appointed teachers have
have begun
begun to
to worry
worry you
you and
and to
to undermine
undermine
your
your age -long beliefs
age-long beliefs and
and hopes.
hopes. Some
Some of
of the
the simple
simple folk
folk have
have already
already
begun
begun to
to shilly-shally.
shilly-shally. Others
Others have
have gone
gone further
further and
and have
have deliberately
deliberately
begun
begun to
to shelve
shelve the
the ancient
ancient traditions.
traditions. Many
Many have
have abandoned
abandoned thethe faith
faith
of
of their
their fathers.
fathers. Many
Many are
are already
already finding
finding various
various new
new faiths.
faiths.
Russian
Russian people,
people, go
go to
to the
the shrine
shrine of
ofthe
the holy
holy Elder
Elder and
and learn
learn that
that itit
was
was not
not for
for nothing
nothing that
that you
you kept
kept your
your ancient
ancient faith.
faith. Therein
Therein isisyour
your
strength
strength and power, and not in vagaries and novelties. The
and power, and not in vagaries and novelties. The holy
holy Elder
Elder
isisyour
your hero
hero and
and your
your guide
guide to
to eternity.
eternity. He
He embodied
embodied and
and realized
realized
all
all your
your beliefs
beliefs and
and all
all your
your dreams
dreams of of salvation
salvation and
and happiness
happiness onon
earth.
earth. There
There you
you will
will see
seethat
that the
the meaning
meaning and
and end
end of
of life
lifeisisnot
not in
in
struggling for a piece of daily bread into which you are sometimes
struggling for a piece of daily bread into which you are sometimes
dragged
dragged by
by force
forceand
and even
even by
by deception,
deception, but
but in
in God's
God's righteousness
righteousness

316
 Til: :\1:.\ ! I .\ (. () I H \v I. -, r:.\ f\ !"! 1

and justice. You will see that G ods righteousness found a congenial
and justice. You will see that God's righteousness found a congenial
home in the forest of Sarov, in a breast covered with little better than
home in the forest of Sarov, in a breast covered with little better than
rags, in a man who slept on stones and earth, and who for years
rags, in a man who slept on stones and earth, and who for years
lived only on vegetables. You will see that this justice, God's justice,
lived only on vegetables. You will see that this justice, God's justice,
and not any other kind of justice of merely animal interests and
and not any other kind of justice of merely animal interests and
outward advantages and privileges, gathered around itself hundreds
outward advantages and privileges, gathered around itself hundreds
of thousands of people. Everything has now bowed before this justice:
of thousands of people. Everything has now bowed before this justice:
wealth, fame and wisdom. To the poor solitary of the Sarov forests all
wealth, fame and wisdom. To the poor solitary of the Sarov forests all
have come with the Tsar at their head: princes, courtiers, nobles, the
have come with the Tsar at their head: princes, courtiers, nobles, the
rich, the learned, archpastors, pastors, monks, nuns, the poor, the
rich, the learned, archpastors, pastors, monks, nuns, the poor, the
wretched, old men, children, young men and girls, old women, fathers,
wretched, old men, children, young men and girls, old women, fathers,
mothers. W ho gathered them there? They were gathered there by
mothers. Who gathered them there? They were gathered there by
G ods righteousness embodied in the life of the poor Elder of Sarov.
God's righteousness embodied in the life of the poor Elder of Sarov.
How otherwise could such vast numbers of guests have been drawn to
How otherwise could such vast numbers of guests have been drawn to
the holy Elder? The people of Russia went to Sarov to worship G ods
the holy Elder? The people of Russia went to Sarov to worship God's
righteousness there, in order to confess and bear witness to their
righteousness there, in order to confess and bear witness to their
burning faith in divine justice. Keep that faith in G ods righteousness
burning faith in divine justice. Keep that faith in God's righteousness
on earth; guard your peace of soul. Do not yield to any temptations. Be
on earth; guard your peace of soul. Do not yield to any temptations. Be
firm and unbending. And teach it to your children. And it will be well
firm and unbending. And teach it to your children. And it will be well
with you. But if you forget your spiritual inheritance, you will perish
with you. But if you forget your spiritual inheritance, you will perish
with curses in a bloody struggle for existence.1 And Russian educated
with curses in a bloody struggle for existence.' And Russian educated
society will not go away from this holy shrine without edification.
society will not go away from this holy shrine without edification.
There is no need to speak of the progress that science has made in the
There is no need to speak of the progress that science has made in the
various spheres of learning. That would be merely a dull repetition
various spheres of learning. That would be merely a dull repetition
of old outworn platitudes. But is man happy with all this visible
of old outworn platitudes. But is man happy with all this visible
glitter,2 and the various blessings of culture and civilization? Not at
glitter." and the various blessings of culture and civilization? Not at
all. How many complaints do we hear nowadays from all quarters
all. How many complaints do we hear nowadays from all quarters
against modern life! " Educated society is going through a severe moral
against modern life! "Educated society is going through a severe moral
crisis," says Ternavtsev. "The need for something higher than one's
crisis," says Ternavtsev. "The need for something higher than one's
own knowledge and attainments, for a more profound peace than
own knowledge and attainments, for a more profound peace than
one can obtain by one's own efforts, is burning the soul. All natural
one can obtain by one's own efforts, is burning the soul. All natural
knowledge with its thousand - eyed science is proving to be inhuman
knowledge with its thousand-eyed science is proving to be inhuman
and empty, for it is powerless to solve our torturing doubts as to the
and empty, for it is powerless to solve our torturing doubts as to the
supreme meaning of existence or to answer the riddle of the universe.
supreme meaning of existence or to answer the riddle of the universe.
The socialistic schemes of the intelligentsia are collapsing. It becomes
The socialistic schemes of the intelligentsia are collapsing. It becomes
impossible to enlighten others and communicate to them the treasures
impossible to enlighten others and communicate to them the treasures

1 This was prophetic, for it was written in 1903, years before the Red Revolution of 1918 -
This was prophetic, for it was written in 1903, years before the Red Revolution of 1918-
1948. Unfortunately, for the most part such warnings fell on deaf ears.
1948. Unfortunately, for the most part such warnings fell on deaf ears.
2 There is a proverb: "All is not gold that glitters."
2 There is a proverb: "All is not gold that glitters."

317
A\ Eli! ,\ I.' r: f) I ,,\ Y PI..\ ( I
of one's own theory of political econom y when those treasures are
of one's own theory of political economy, when those treasures are
impugned by the conscience as fictitious. Crushed by their own self-
impugned by the conscience as fictitious. Crushed by their own self-
sufficiency complex, the intelligentsia are now in a state of spiritual
sufficiency complex, the intelligentsia are now in a state of spiritual
bankruptcy."
bankruptcy."
Hence the wanderings of educated society by impossible by-ways.
Hence the wanderings of educated society by impossible by-ways.
Hence the myriads of different new teachers and reformers. Some say:
Hence the myriads of different new teachers and reformers. Some say:
" Our salvation is in the West; let us go to the West." Others say: "It is
"Our salvation is in the West; let us go to the West." Others say: "It is
time to go home. The West is decaying." A third group preaches the
time to go home. The West is decaying." A third group preaches the
ideal of the full man, as if a full man is delivered from the torturing
ideal of the full man, as if a full man is delivered from the torturing
problems of life and death! A fourth group says that it is essential to
problems of life and death! A fourth group says that it is essential to
get above the ordinary conceptions of good and evil, to "stand on the
get above the ordinary conceptions of good and evil, to "stand on the
farther side of good and evil." A fifth group preaches a new faith. A
farther side of good and evil." A fifth group preaches a new faith. A
sixth group of fanatics, arming themselves with fire, sword and every
sixth group of fanatics, arming themselves with fire, sword and every
kind of crude outward violence, set out to build the Kingdom of God
kind of crude outward violence, set out to build the Kingdom of God
on earth as if Christ the Saviour spread His Kingdom among men in
on earth as if Christ the Saviour spread His Kingdom among men in
that manner. But enough! Why paint pictures familiar to all?
that manner. But enough I Why paint pictures familiar to all?
The hermitage at Sarov will undoubtedly explain much to many. It will
The hermitage at Sarov will undoubtedly explain much to many. It will
teach people how to create their own personal happiness, how to lead
teach people how to create their own personal happiness, how to lead
others to happiness, what happiness actually is and wherein consists
others to happiness, what happiness actually is and wherein consists
a man's well-being, how to struggle with human weaknesses and with
a man's well-being, how to struggle with human weaknesses and with
one's own personal defects.3 It will reconcile those who hold Eastern
one's own personal defects.' It will reconcile those who hold Eastern
ideologies with those who hold Western. Here people will learn how
ideologies with those who hold Western. Here people will learn how
to love one another, and how to help one another. It will be remem ­
to love one another, and how to help one another. It will be remem-
bered that not only all sorts and conditions of men, but even wild ani ­
bered that not only all sorts and conditions of men, but even wild ani-
mals were given a welcome and every kind of assistance by the holy
mals were given a welcome and every kind of assistance by the holy
Elder.
Elder.
The sick and suffering will not go away from the shrine without con ­
The sick and suffering will not go away from the shrine without con-
solation, for by the prayers of the holy hermit, the Lord will soon
solation, for by the prayers of the holy hermit, the Lord will soon
see their diseases and hear their troubles, and will answer their
see their diseases and hear their troubles, and will answer their
prayers and petitions. Nor will all future generations go away without
prayers and petitions. Nor will all future generations go away without
consolation.
consolation.
Rays from the all-holiest Source of all life and righteousness have
Rays from the all-holiest Source of all life and righteousness have
once again brilliantly illumined the land of Russia and flooded it with
once again brilliantly illumined the land of Russia and flooded it with
their light. Not a single hidden corner of the human heart now re ­
their light. Not a single hidden corner of the human heart now re-
mains which has not been lit up by these new rays bringing life, peace
mains which has not been lit up by these new rays bringing life, peace
and joy into the world. Doubts have been scattered to the winds. The
and joy into the world. Doubts have been scattered to the winds. The
3 Fighting with another makes war, but struggling with one's self brings peace.
3 Fighting with another makes war, but struggling with one's self brings peace.

318
 * Mi or H e avion a n d E a r t h
\1 iJ II L\
ground under our feet has become firmer. Now we can go boldly
ground under our feet has become firmer. Now we can go boldly
ahead. A new spring has descended upon our land, bringing an extra ­
ahead. A new spring has descended upon our land, bringing an extra-
ordinary freshness, charm, and vitality. Let us refresh and renew our ­
ordinary freshness, charm, and vitality. Let us refresh and renew our-
selves, and mend our ways. Let us go back to where we lost our bear ­
selves, and mend our ways. Let us go back to where we lost our bear-
ings and start afresh according to the directions of the holy Elder.
ings and start afresh according to the directions of the holy Elder.
And shall we not bend our knees before the holy ascetic of Sarov? Let
And shall we not bend our knees before the holy ascetic of Sarov? Let
us bend not only our knees but also our hearts. Let us bless and mag ­
us bend not only our knees but also our hearts. Let us bless and mag-
nify the holy man of God not only with words and bows, but also in
nify the holy man of God not only with words and bows, but also in
deed. Let us take him as our model, let us make his teachings the sub ­
deed. Let us take him as our model, let us make his teachings the sub-
stance of our lives, and let us try to burn with the same love for God
stance of our lives, and let us try to burn with the same love for God
and our neighbor as he burnt, living on this sinful earth in the forests
and our neighbor as he burnt, living on this sinful earth in the forests
of Sarov.
ofSarov.

319
 F r . LAZARUS
FR. L a z a r u s MOORE
M oore

"Nothing happens
"Nothing happens by by chance
chance inin God's
God's world.
world. Even
Even apparently
apparently small
small
things have
things have their
their significance
significance....Incomprehensible
.... Incomprehensible are the
are the ways
ways of
of
God, but
God, but itit is
is undoubtedly
undoubtedly truetrue that
that the
the Lord
Lord Who
W ho with
with wisdom
wisdom
profound orders
profound orders allall things
things with
with love
love and
and gives
gives to
to all
all that
that which
which isis
useful...called
useful. His servant
.. called His servant to
to Himself."
Himself."
An Extraordinary
-—An Extraordinary Peace,
Peace, Chapter
Chapter One
One

ItIt seems
seems like
like only
only yesterday
yesterday Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus walked
walked among
among us us in
in the
the Orthodox
Orthodox com-
com ­
munity of St. John the Evangelist in Eagle River, Alaska. He was living
munity of St. John the Evangelist in Eagle River, Alaska. He was living out the last out the last
days of
days ofhis
his life
life and
and preparing
preparing to
to take
take flight
flightheavenward,
heavenward, his
his last
last pilgrimage.
pilgrimage. ByByGod's
God's
providence, IIhad
providence, had been
been given
given the
the blessing
blessingofofcaring
caring forforhim
him during
duringthe
the last
lastthree
threeyears
years
of his
of his life:
life: aa gift
gift which
which would
would change
change my my life.
life. II often
often pondered, Who isis this
pondered, Who this man?
man?
What isis his
What his story?
story?
II had
had heard
heard itit said
said that
that every
every English-speaking
English-speaking Orthodox
Orthodox person
person in
in the
the world
world
is indebted to this man for his life-long pioneering work in translating
is indebted to this man for his life-long pioneering work in translating the services the services
and the
and the spiritual
spiritual writings
writings of of the
the Church,
Church, and
and that
that done
done inin aa time
time when
when there
there were
were
no computers
no computers withwith spell-check,
spell-check, butbut rather
rather white-out
white-out oror an
an erase
erase ribbon.
ribbon. His
His diaries
diaries
reveal working
reveal working alone
alone in
in damp
damp and
and cold
cold conditions
conditions without
without electricity,
electricity, fighting
fighting mos-
mos ­
quitoes and
quitoes and repeated
repeated bouts
bouts of
ofmalaria,
malaria, in
insome
someofofthe
the most
most remote
remoteplaces
placesofofthe
theworld.
world.
Father Lazarus
Father Lazarus was
was born
born October
October 18,
18, 1902
1902 on
on the
the feast
feastofSt.
of St. Luke
Luke the
the Evangelist,
Evangelist,
as ififto
as to announce
announce his
hiscalling
calling as
as aafuture
future missionary
missionaryand
and labourer
labourer in
inGod's
God'svineyard.
vineyard. He
He
would master seven languages. His life would span nearly all of the twentieth
would master seven languages. His life would span nearly all of the twentieth century. century.
Almost sixty
Almost sixty of
of those
those years
years would
would bebe spent
spent as
as an
an Orthodox
Orthodox hierornonk,
hieromonk, beginning
beginning
in the Holy Land, where he lived fourteen years laying a strong foundation
in the Holy Land, where he lived fourteen years laying a strong foundation by by learn-
learn ­
ingSlavonic
ing Slavonic and
and the
the services
services of
ofthe
the Church,
Church, translating,
translating, and
and overseeing
overseeing 100
100 nuns
nuns asas
an archimandrite.
an archimandrite. Later,
Later, he
he would
would continue
continue the
the proclamation,
proclamation, spending
spending more
more than
than
twenty years
twenty years in
in India,
India, nine
nine in
in Australia,
Australia, and
and ending
ending his
his earthly
earthly journey
journey in
inAmerica.
America.
Father Lazarus,
Father Lazarus, in
in our
our midst,
midst, cast
cast Sonshine
Sonshine into
into the
the hearts
hearts ofofall
all who
who knew
knew him,
him,
from little
from little children
children toto the
the elderly.
elderly. We
We came
came to
to know
know himhim asas aa man
man full
full of
of joy,
joy fear-
fear­
less, full of faith and with great freedom which only the Holy Spirit can inspire. AA
less, full of faith and with great freedom which only the Holy Spirit can inspire.
ready song
ready song ororword
word on
on his
his lips
lips lifted
lifted us
us from
from earth
earth to
to heaven.
heaven. Once
Once again
again IIwondered,
wondered,
Who isis this
Who this man?
man? So
So selfless.
selfless. So
So peaceful
peaceful inin turbulent
turbulent times.
times. So
So joyful
joyful even
even in
in dying.
dying.
One day
One day while
while he
he was
was living
living among
among us,
us, aa little
little chickadee
chickadee crashed
crashed intointo the
the win-
win ­
dow and
dow and appeared
appeared to
to be
be dead.
dead. IIpicked
picked up
up the
the bird
bird andand brought
brought ititto
to Father
Fatherwho
who held
held

320
 1, ]
L'
itit gently
gently in
in his
his warm
warm hands.
hands. He
He blessed
blessed the
the dying
dying bird
bird and
and itit flew
flew away.
away. Years
Years earlier
earlier
in his 1962 diary entry, he had written about another
in his 1962 diary entry, he had written about another bird:bird:

Sitting in
Sitting in (the)
(the) garden
garden in
in the
the sun,
sun,
a bird on a nearby branch made aa plaintive
a bird on a nearby branch made plaintive chirping.
chirping.
II said:
said: 'God
'God loves
loves you
you and
and is
is caring
caring for
for you:
you/
and the bird stopped.
and the bird stopped.

All over
All over the
the world,
world, onon every
every continent,
continent, inin every
every time
time and
and place,
place, Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus wanted
wanted
all people
all people and
and creatures
creatures toto know: God loves
know: God loves you.
you. You're
You're not
not alone.
alone. You
You can
can sing
sing again.
again. He
He
cares for
cares for you.
you. There
There really
really is
is good
good news,
news, not
not just
just the
the bad
had news
news we
we read
read in
in the
the papers,
papers, hear
hear on
on
TV, or
TV, or experience
experience in
in our
our lives.
lives. There
There isis no
no brokenness
hrokenness that
that is
is irreparable
irreparable with
with God.
God. He
He makes
makes
everything new. He turns our hells into heavens if we hold His hand and walk
everything new. He turns our hells into heavens if we hold His hand and walk home with home with
Him. Through
Him. Through the
the cross,
cross, joy
joy has
has come
come into
into all
all the
the world.
world.
And because Fr. Lazarus believed this
And because Fr. Lazarus believed this with all with all his
his heart,
heart, he
he laboured
laboured toto bring
bring
the love of God to each country, to each person, through the writings of
the love of God to each country, to each person, through the writings of the fathers,the fathers,
the lives
the lives of
of the
the saints,
saints, and
and the
the services
services of
of the
the Church.
Church. Thus,
Thus, he
he laboured
laboured during
during his
his
Holy Land
Holy Land years
years translating
translating from
from the
the Slavonic
Slavonic and
and writing
writing this
this Life
Life of
of St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim of
of
Sarov, aa saint
Sarov, saint not
not far
far removed
removed from
from our
our time.
time. A
A saint
saint who
who loved
loved all
all who
who came
came to
to him,
him,
calling each: My joy. A saint who was aflame with the love of God, shining His
calling each: My joy. A saint who was aflame with the love of God, shining His radi- radi­
ance on
ance on each
each one.
one. A
A saint
saint who
who struggled
struggled too,
too, spending
spending aa thousand
thousand days
days and
and nights
nights
on a rock seeking God. A saint who shows us the way
on a rock seeking God. A saint who shows us the way home. home.
This man,
This man, St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim ofof Sarov,
Sarov, Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus loved
loved and
and laboured
laboured to to bring
bring to
to all
all
of us in this time. We too can experience God's presence, just as St. Seraphim
of us in this time. We too can experience God's presence, just as St. Seraphim did. did.
We too
We too can
can become
become aflame
aflame with
with the
the love
love of
of God.
God. We
We tootoo can
can "acquire
"acquire peace
peace and
and
thousands will
thousands will be
be saved
saved with
with us."
us." We
We too
too are
are called
called to
to trade
trade the
the joys
joys and
and sorrows
sorrows ofof
this life
this life for
for the
the grace
grace of
of the
the Holy
Holy Spirit,
Spirit, "for
"for the
the only
only sorrow
sorrow is
is not
not to
to be
be aa saint."
saint." St.
St.
Seraphim shows us the
Seraphim shows us the way. way.
When the
When the time
time came
came for
for Father
Father Lazarus
Lazarus to
to cross
cross the
the line
line from
from this
this life
life to
to the
the next,
next,
from earth to heaven, he did so peacefully, with faith, hope and love. He fell asleep
from earth to heaven, he did so peacefully, with faith, hope and love. He fell asleep in in
the Lord the day after Thanksgiving, November 27, 1992 in Eagle River, Alaska.
the Lord the day after Thanksgiving, November 27, 1992 in Eagle River, Alaska. Cold Cold
white snow
white snow lay
lay on
on the
the ground,
ground, but
but God
God caused
caused aa warm
warm Chinook
Chinook wind
wind to
to melt
melt itit all,
all,
proclaiming the
proclaiming the promise
promise ofof the
the resurrection
resurrection through
through the
the green
green grass
grass revealing
revealing itself,
itself,
despite an
despite an Alaskan
Alaskan winter.
winter. Three
Three eagles
eagles circled
circled high
high above
above the
the cemetery
cemetery as
as his
his grave
grave
was dug by men in the Church. He was buried on a Monday, traveling with the
was dug by men in the Church. He was buried on a Monday, traveling with the angels. angels.
Christ is
Christ is risen
risen from
from the
the dead,
dead, trampling
trampling down
down death
death by
by death
death and
and upon
upon those
those
in the tombs, bestowing life.
in the tombs, bestowing life.

Dominica Dianne
Dominica Dianne Cranor
Cranor
Paschal Season,
Paschal Season, May
May 2009
2009
Fr. Lazarus
Fr. Lazarus Moore
Moore Foundation
Foundation www.frlazarus.com
www.frlazarus.com

321
 T h e MANUSCRIPT
THE M anuscript

"Allthings
"All thingswork
worktogether
togetherfor
forgood
goodtotothem
themthat
thatlove
loveGod."
God."There
Thereisisa adegree
degreeofof
comfortthat
comfort thatcomes
comesininbeing
beingfound
foundby
bysomething
somethingcompletely
completelyun
unlooked for.Like
looked for. Like
a awindow-shade
window -shadedrawndrawnupupinina adarkened
darkenedroom,
room,it's
it'sa awelcome
welcomesurprise.
surprise.That's
That's
howI've
how I'vefelt
feltabout
aboutbeing
beinggiven
giventhis
thisremarkable
remarkablebook
booktotowork
workon.
on.

H i s t o r y OF
HISTORY o f THE M anuscript
t h e MANUSCRIPT

Themanuscript
The manuscriptitself itselfhashasa astory
storytototell. tell.Originally
Originallywritten
writtenininthe the1940's,
1940 's,
atatleast
leastone
onedraft
draftwas wasapparently
apparentlyabandoned
abandoned ininthe theMid-east.
Mid -east.The Theauthor,
author,
ArchimandriteLazarus
Archimandrite LazarusMoore,
Moore,was wasoverseeing
overseeinga agroup groupofof100 100nuns
nunsand andliving
livingatat
the Russian Mission in Palestine. When the Israeli-Arab war broke out inin1948,
the Russian Mission in Palestine. When the Israeli-Arab war broke out 1948,
theMission
the Missionwas wasseized
seizedandandthey theyhad
hadtotoflee,flee,leaving
leavingeverything
everythingbehind,
behind,includ-
includ ­
ingthe
ing themanuscript.
manuscript.AAsecond seconddraft draftofofthe
themanuscript
manuscriptremainedremainedwith withhim himororwas was
reproduced.At
reproduced. Atsome
somepointpointamong
amonghis hismany
manytravels
travelsitittootoowas
waslost.
lost.
Oneofofthese
One thesecopies
copiesmademadeitsitsway waytotoNovo-Diveyevo,
Novo - Diveyevo,a aRussianRussianOrthodox
Orthodox
ConventininNanuet,
Convent Nanuet,New NewYork.York.InInthe thelatelate1980's
1980 ' sititwas
wasaccidentally
accidentallyrecovered
recovered
therebybynovice
there noviceMary MaryCrockwell
Crockwell(now (nowMotherMotherMagdalena).
Magdalena).She Shewas wasassisting
assisting
DimitriMishetsky,
Dimitri Mishetsky,who whohadhadbeen beenthethesecretary
secretaryfor forArchbishop
ArchbishopAndre AndreRimarenko
Rimarenko
formany
for manyyears.
years.They
Theywere wereorganizing
organizingdocuments
documentsininthe thebishops'
bishopsoffice
' officeafter
afterhishis
repose,and
repose, and"in "ina alarge
largestack
stackofofpapers
papersunderundera achair,"
chair,"asasshe sherecalled,
recalled,the themanu-
manu ­
scriptwas
script wasrecovered,
recovered,with withnonoauthorship
authorshipattribution
attribution(typical
(typicalofofFr.
Fr.Lazarus).
Lazarus).Sister
Sister
Maryread
Mary readititseveral
severaltimes
timesover overthethenext
nextfew fewyears,
years,gaining
gaininggreat
greatspiritual
spiritualedifi-
edifi­
cation.Finally,
cation. Finally,someone
someonesuggested
suggestedshe shetelltelltheir
theirbishop
bishopaboutaboutit,it,and
andshe
shedid didso.
so.
BishopHilarion
Bishop HilarionKapralKapralread readthe
themanuscript
manuscriptand andwas wasvery
verymoved
movedby byititasas
well.He
well. Hecontacted
contactedFr. Fr.Benedict
BenedictGreene,
Greene,abbot abbotofofChrist
Christofofthe theHills
HillsMonastery,
Monastery,
whichwas
which wasthen
thencoming
comingunder underthe theROCOR
ROCORDiocese. Diocese.He Heasked
askedthem
themtotopublish
publish
thismanuscript,
this manuscript,saying: saying:"It's
"It'sthe
themost
mostamazing
amazingbiography
biographyofofSt. St.Seraphim
SeraphimI've I've
everseen.
ever seen.I Ihave
havethe theoriginal
originalhere.here.It'sIt'sobviously
obviouslythirty thirtyororforty
fortyyears
yearsold.
old.It's
It's
yellowand
yellow andcrumbly
crumblyand andit'sit'stypewritten,
typewritten,with withhandwritten
handwrittencorrections
correctionsindicat-
indicat­
ingseveral
ing severaledits."
edits."At Atfirst,
first,they
theyplanned
plannedtotopublish publishititanonymously,
anonymously,but butBishop
Bishop
Hilarionsubsequently
Hilarion subsequentlyrealizedrealizedititcouldcouldbebeFr. Fr.Lazarus'
Lazaruswork,' work,and
anddecided
decidedtotoin- in ­
vestigatethe
vestigate thepossibility.
possibility.

322
 Tii 1 M\ 11)( I, II' I

They
They located
located Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus in
in Alaska,
Alaska, already
already almost
almost 9090 years
years old.
old. He
He was
was liv­
liv-
ing
ing with Dominica Dianne Cranor and her husband Deacon Harley, where he
with Dominica Dianne Cranor and her husband Deacon Harley, where he
was
was being
being cared
cared for
for by
by the
the comm unity of
community of St.
St. John
John Cathedral
Cathedral in in Eagle
Eagle River
River dur
dur-­
ing
ing the
the final
final stages
stages of
of cancer.
cancer. Fr.
Fr. Benedict
Benedict wrote
wrote himhim aa letter
letter inquiring
inquiring about
about the
the
manuscript
manuscript and
and Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus replied
replied that
that he
he was
was ""too
too old
old to
to remember/
remember." '
In September of 1992, Fr. Benedict visited Fr. Lazarus
In September of 1992, Fr. Benedict visited Fr. Lazarus in
in Alaska
Alaska and
and asked
asked
again
again about
about the
the manuscript.
manuscript. This
This time,
time, Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus indicated
indicated that
that he
he had
had written
written
aa Life
Life of
of St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim many
many years
years earlier,
earlier, but
but had
had lost
lost both
both copies
copies of
of it.
it. He
He bebe-­
lieved
lieved one
one may
may have
have ended
ended upup at
at Novo -Diveyevo with
Novo-Diveyevo with Archbishop
Archbishop Andrew.
Andrew. He
He
was
was intrigued by
intrigued by the
the description
description of what the manuscript looked like and
of what the manuscript looked like and asked
asked
Fr.
Fr. Benedict
Benedict to
to forward
forward him
him some
some pages
pages toto examine.
examine.
Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus' ' room
room inin Alaska
Alaska was
was filled
filled with
with boxes
boxes of
of manuscripts,
manuscripts, radio
radio ad
ad-­
dresses from years in India, shelves of books and magazines often
dresses from years in India, shelves of books and magazines often containingcontaining
his
his unattributed
unattributed work,
work, 50
50 years
years of
of personal
personal journals,
journals, letters,
letters, photographs
photographs and and
translation
translation records.
records. Dominica
Dominica Cranor
Cranor had
had made
made aa concerted
concerted effort
effort to
to catalogue
catalogue
and
and label
label as
as much
much material
material asas possible
possible while
while Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus was
was yet
yet living,
living, and
and
had
had become familiar with his style of working. When half a dozen pages of the
become familiar with his style of working. When half a dozen pages of the
manuscript
manuscript arrived,
arrived, they
they examined
examined them
them carefully,
carefully, noting
noting the
the unique
unique footnot
footnot- ­
ing
ing system
system from
from his
his early
early years
years of
of working
working onon the
the Holy
Holy Scriptures.
Scriptures. It
It appeared
appeared
more
more likely
likely this
this was
was Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus' ' work.
work.
Further
Further investigation
investigation also
also confirmed
confirmed this.
this. Holy
Holy Trinity
Trinity Monastery
Monastery (ROCOR)
(ROCOR)
published
published aa magazine
magazine called Orthodox Life,"
called ""Orthodox Life," (1 9 5 0 - 1 9 9 6 ) to
(1950-1996) to which
which Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus
frequently
frequently contributed,
contributed, offering
offering the
the first
first English
English translations
translations of of important
important saints
saints' '
lives
lives and
and liturgical
liturgical texts.
texts. They
They ran
ran several
several installments
installments of
of the
the Life
Life of
of St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim
which
which were known to be Fr. Lazarus' work although they were unattributed to
were known to be Fr. Lazarus ' work although they were unattributed to
him
him inin print.
print. Most
Most notable
notable of
of these
these is
is the
the widely
widely known
known encounter
encounter ofof Motovilov:
Motovilov:
A Wonderful
""A Wonderful Revelation
Revelation to to the
the World.
World."" This
This excerpt,
excerpt, published
published inin the
the Jan./Feb.
Jan./Feb.
edition
edition of
of 1953,
1953, reveals
reveals aa virtually
virtually verbatim
verbatim copy
copy of
of the
the newly -found manuscript
newly-found manuscript's 's
Chapter
Chapter 8.
8. In
In fact,
fact, the
the very
very slight
slight departures
departures from
from the
the manuscript
manuscript are
are corrected
corrected
by
by Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus' ' own
own hand
hand in
in his
his personal
personal copy
copy of
of the
the 1953
1953 publication,
publication, further
further
attesting
attesting to
to his
his authorship.
authorship.
After
After examining
examining thethe full
full manuscript,
manuscript, Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
Lazarus was
was convinced
convinced that
that this
this
was
was an earlier version of his lost biography of St. Seraphim. When asked if the
an earlier version of his lost biography of St. Seraphim. When asked if the
work
work was
was complete,
complete, hehe said:
said: "The
"The writing
writing isis finished,
finished, but
but the
the book
book still
still needs
needs
some
some work.
work. It
It is
is not
not ready
ready for
for publication.
publication." " It
It was
was October
October of
of 1992,
1992, just
just weeks
weeks
before
before his
his repose.
repose.
Unfortunately,
Unfortunately, he he did
did not
not have
have the
the strength
strength toto complete
complete aa final
final edit,
edit, leav
leav-­
ing
ing this
this manuscript
manuscript andand all
all his
his personal
personal effects
effects in
in the
the care
care of
of Dominica
Dominica Cranor,
Cranor,
trustee
trustee ofof his
his literary
literary estate.
estate.

323
 The
Thefirst
firstpublication
publication ofofthis
this manuscript
manuscript bybyNew
NewSarov
SarovPress
Presswas
wasreleased
released
inin1994.
1994.They
Theypublished
published ititwithout
without editing,
editing, except
exceptfor
forthe
thedecision
decision totocapitalize
capitalize
" monk " and
"monk" and"nun,"
"nun,"a adeparture
departure from
fromthe
theoriginal.
original. The
Thebook
bookhas
hasbeen
beenout
outofofprint
print
for
fornearly
nearlya adecade
decadenow,
now,with
withpeople
peopleallallover
overthe
theworld
worldcontinuing
continuing totoask
askabout
about
a areprint.
reprint.The
Thesubsequent
subsequent history
historyofofChrist
Christthe
theHills
HillsMonastery
Monastery has
hasprecluded
precluded a a
second
secondprinting.
printing.
Dominica
Dominica Cranor
Cranorapproached
approached me
meatatAnaphora
Anaphora Press
Presstotoconsider
consider a arepublica ­
republica-
tion
tionininFall,
Fall,2007.
2007.Living
Livingnear
neareach
eachother
otherand
andattending
attending the
thesame
sameparish
parishallowed
allowed
usustotocollaborate
collaborate freely
freelythroughout
throughout the
theeditorial
editorial process.
process.With
WithDominica 's input,
Dominica's input,
I was
I wasable
abletotoproceed
proceedwith
witha asense
senseofofconnection
connection totoFr.Fr.Lazarus
Lazarus'' spiritual
spiritual legacy
legacy
and
anda agood
goodindication
indication ofofhis
hispreferences.
preferences.

EEDITORIAL
d ito rial NNOTES
otes

I think
I thinkmost
mosteditors
editorsapproach
approach their
theirwork
workwith
witha adegree
degreeofofcaution
caution atatbest
bestand
and
trepidation
trepidation atatworst,
worst,and
andthis
thisisisquite
quite magnified
magnified when
when the
theauthor
author isisdeceased
deceased
and
and one
onehas
hasnonopersonal
personal recourse
recourse totohim
him for
forapproval
approval on
onthe
the changes
changes being
being
made
madetotohis
hisgreat
greatlabour
labour ofoflove.
love.Since
SinceFr.Fr.Lazarus
Lazarushimself
himself said
saidthe
themanuscript
manuscript
was
wasnot
notready
readyfor
forpublication,
publication, I decided
I decidedon
ona alight
lightediting
editing ofofthe
thetext.
text.Certainly,
Certainly,
I Icould
could have made many more changes to contemporize the book, fromdrop
have made many more changes to contemporize the book, from ­
drop-
ping
ping"versts " altogether
"versts" altogether totoremoving
removingrepeated
repeated stories
storiesororshaping
shapingthe
thetextual
textual flow
flow
much
muchmore
morestrongly.
strongly.However,
However,I valued
I valuedpreserving
preserving the
the"voice " ofofFr.Fr.Lazarus
"voice" Lazarusinin
this
thiswork,
work,even
evenwith
with itsitsidiosyncrasies
idiosyncrasies and
and occasionally
occasionally unpolished
unpolished passages,
passages,
which
which create
createa acertain
certain intimacy
intimacy with
withthe
thereader.
reader.Although
Although I Ifeel
feelsure
surehehewould
would
have
havewanted
wanted totochange
change more
moreininthe
thetext,
text,without
without him
himhere
heretotoconsult
consult I Itook
tooka a
conservative
conservative approach.
approach.
An
Anearly
earlydraft
draftalmost
almost 7070years
yearsold
oldnaturally
naturally offered
offeredmany
manydetails
detailstotoaddress.
address.
One
Oneofofthe
thefirst
firstwas
wasFr.Fr.Lazarus ' British
Lazarus' Britishheritage,
heritage, which
which comes
comesthrough
through inintwo
two
ways:
ways:spelling
spellingand
andsome
someAnglican
Anglicanliturgical
liturgicalterms.
terms.The
Thespelling,
spelling, I left
I leftintact.
intact.The
The
liturgical
liturgical terms,
terms,however,
however,I Isubstituted
substituted with
withthe
thenow - com mon OOrthodox
now-common rthodox coun ­
coun-
terparts
terparts whenever
whenever possible,
possible, asasgreater
greatertheological
theological accuracy
accuracyisisreflected
reflectedininthem
them
(ie
(ie"Assumption " became
"Assumption" became " D ormition " ).
"Dorrnition"].
My
Myoverall
overallapproach
approach with
withwriting
writing style
stylewas
wastotosmooth
smooth out
outsmall
smalllinguistic,
linguistic,
grammatical,
grammatical, and
andstylistic
stylisticencumbrances
encumbrances that
thatI felt
I feltwould
wouldregister
registerfor
formost
mostread ­
read-
ers. The goal was to gently improve the reading experience by clarifying, and
ers. The goal was to gently improve the reading experience by clarifying, and not not
changing,
changing, meaning.
meaning. Transliterations
Transliterations from
fromRussian
Russianwere
wereretained,
retained, but
butI Ioccasion
occasion-­
ally
allybroke
brokeupuprun - on sentences,
run-on sentences, and
andjoined
joinedone - and
one- andtwo -sentence stand
two-sentence -alones
stand-alones
into
intomore
morestandard
standard sized
sizedparagraphs.
paragraphs. AAfew
fewarchaic
archaic words
wordswere
werereplaced
replaced alto ­
alto-
gether,
gether,and
andconjunctives
conjunctives were
wereoccasionally
occasionally added
addedtotoimprove
improveflow.
flow.InIntwo
twocases,
cases,
paragraphs
paragraphs were
weremoved
movedtotocreate
createa abetter
betterdevelopment
development ofofthought
thought and
anda asimple
simple

324
 I. ,\1
stylesheet
style sheetwas
wasdeveloped
developedand andapplied
appliedtotothe
thetext
textfor
forconsistency.
consistency.

Like most of his spiritual brethren, Fr. Lazarus had a avast

Like most of his spiritual brethren, Fr. Lazarus had vastknowledge
knowledgeofofboth
both
Scriptureand
Scripture andwritings
writingsofofthe
theHoly
HolyFathers.
Fathers.Throughout
Throughoutthe themanuscript
manuscripthehefreely
freely
quotes them, only giving an actual reference a few times. There are also
quotes them, only giving an actual reference a few times. There are also several several
instancesininwhich
instances whichFr.
Fr.Lazarus
Lazarusappears
appearstotobebequoting
quotingsomeone,
someone,butbutthere
thereisisnono
indication of who it is. Certainly, the main primary document used
indication of who it is. Certainly, the main primary document used by Fr.by Fr.Lazarus
Lazarus
wasthe
was theDiveyevo
DiveyevoChronicles,
Chronicles,atatthis
thisprinting
printingstill
stillonly
onlyavailable
availableininSlavonic,
Slavonic,and
and
he did not give references for these quotations, either. We did not attempt
he did not give references for these quotations, either. We did not attempt to track to track
downany
down anyofofthese
thesereferences.
references.
The final issue to considerwas
The final issue to consider wasthe
theScriptural
Scripturalquotations,
quotations,which
whichare
areplentiful
plentiful
throughout.Fr.
throughout. Fr.Lazarus
Lazaruswas
wasa alinguistic
linguisticand
andBiblical
Biblicalscholar,
scholar,routinely
routinelytranslating
translating
directly from primary sources. In this early draft, he treats
directly from primary sources. In this early draft, he treats quotationsquotations ininthree
three
differentways:
different ways:quotation
quotationmarks
markswith
withreferences,
references,quotation
quotationmarks
markswithout
withoutrefer-
refer­
ences, and underlining
ences, and underlining (with or without quotation marks). In the first two cases,
(with or without quotation marks). In the first two cases,
weleft
we leftthem
themintact.
intact.We
Wewere
wereunable
unabletotodetermine
determinewhat
whatthe
theunderlining
underliningindicates.
indicates.
In order to keep the page visually simple, we elected to place these underlined
In order to keep the page visually simple, we elected to place these underlined
passagesininquotation
passages quotationmarks
marksasaswell.
well.(In(Inthe
the1994
1994publication
publicationthey
theyare
areitalicized.)
italicized.)
Alongside preparing the text itself, the process of
Alongside preparing the text itself, the process of determiningdetermining the overall
the overall
designofofthe
design thebook
bookwas
wasbegun.
begun.From
Fromdeep
deeplove
loveofofFr.
Fr.Lazarus
Lazarusand
andSt.
St.Seraphim,
Seraphim,

a avariety
varietyofofpeople
peopleemerged
emergedtotocontribute
contributetotothe
theprocess
processofofpreparing
preparingthis
thismanu-
manu ­
script.ItItisisnot
script. nota ateam
teamI Icould
couldhave
haveenvisioned,
envisioned,but
butatateach
eachstep
stepofofthe
theway
waywhat
what
was needed was provided by the
was needed was provided by the hand of God.hand of God.
Weretained
We retainedthe
thefirst
firsthalf
halfofofCatherine
CatherineLucinda
LucindaPenn's
Pennselegant
elegantIntroduction
Introduction
fromthe
from the1994
1994edition,
edition,using
usingdetails
detailsfrom
fromthe
thesecond
secondhalf
halfininour
ourhistorical
historicalover-
over­
viewabove.
view above.I Iadded
addeda afew
fewsentences
sentencestotothe
theending
endingparagraph
paragraphofofthe
theIntroduction
Introduction
to bring it closure, as we were unable to contact the author. We were
to bring it closure, as we were unable to contact the author. We were thrilled thrilledtoto
discoverthe
discover theAkathist
AkathisttotoSt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphimasastranslated
translatedbybyFr.
Fr.Lazarus
Lazarusandandfelt
feltthat
thatitit
andthe
and thePrayer
PrayerRules
RulesofofSt.
St.Seraphim
Seraphimasaspresented
presentedininthe
thetext
textprovided
providedvaluable
valuable
additionstotothe
additions thebook.
book.
Early on, Matushka AnnaHipsch
Early on, Matushka Anna HipschofofTexas
Texasput
puttogether
togethera acrew
crewtotore-type
re -typethe
the
entiremanuscript
entire manuscriptofofalmost
almost200
2 0 0 pages.
pages.After
Afterthethefirst
firstedit,
edit,another
anothercrewcrewcom-
com ­
prisedofofvolunteers
prised volunteersfrom
fromSt.
St.Seraphim
SeraphimparishparishininSanta
SantaRosa,
Rosa,CACAand
andSt.
St.Herman
Herman

ofofAlaska
Alaskaparish
parishininPort
PortTownsend,
Townsend,WA,WA,offered
offeredtheir
theirproofreading
proofreadingservices.
services.Final
Final
proofreaders
proofreaders were Fr. Philip T. Vreeland, Stephen Ullstrom and Nick Muzekari.
were Fr. Philip T. Vreeland, Stephen Ullstrom and Nick Muzekari.
NikitaSimmons
Nikita Simmonswas
wasananextraordinary
extraordinaryresource
resourceforforallallobscure
obscureRussian
Russianquestions
questions
andconundrums,
and conundrums,able
abletotoanswer
answerevery
everymystifying
mystifyingdetail
detailthethetext
textgave
gaveus.
us.Indexer
Indexer
CathyGlitsch
Cathy Glitschvolunteered
volunteeredher herservices
servicesasasdid
didNina
NinaNoble,
Noble,designer.
designer.
We commissioned
We commissioned original art from artists Aaron -
original art from artists Aaron-HermanHerman Breitbach,who
Breitbach, who
createdseveral
created severalstriking
strikingillustrations
illustrationsfor
forthe
thetext,
text,and
andValerie
ValerieCraig
CraigMurray,
Murray,painter
painter

325
 A n Ex!
AN E x tIUURDIN,\RY P eace
r a o r d i n a r y PEACE

ofofthe
theexquisite
exquisiteportrait
portraitofofSt. St.Seraphim
Seraphimatatthe theopening
openingchapter.
chapter.The
Thefresco
frescoononthe
the
frontcover
front coverby
byan anunknown
unknowniconographer
iconographerisiskept keptininthe
theformer
formercell
cellofFr.
of Fr.Seraphim
Seraphim
Roseatatthe
Rose themonastery
monasteryofofSt. St.Herman
HermanofofAlaska
AlaskaBrotherhood,
Brotherhood,Platina,
Platina,CA,CA,who
who
graciously allowed us to use it. Patrick Doolan gave permission
graciously allowed us to use it. Patrick Doolan gave permission for us to use his for us to use his
full-lengthfresco
full-length fresco(back
(backcover)
cover) whichwhichresides
residesininSt.
St.Seraphim's
SeraphimsChurch,
Church,Santa
SantaRosa,
Rosa,
CA. Fine
CA. Fineartist
artistAlexei
AlexeiAntonov
Antonovalso alsoallowed
allowedusustotouseusethethenow-classic
now -classicportrait
portrait
ofofFr.
Fr.Lazarus
Lazarusininhis hisfinal
finalyears.
years.
As we have done throughout
As we have done throughout this thisprocess,
process,we weappeal
appealtotoFr.
Fr.Lazarus,
Lazarus,asking
asking
hisprayers
his prayersand andblessing
blessingfor forthe
thework
workwe wehave
havetried
triedtotodo domindfully
mindfullyand andprayer-
prayer­
fullyherein.
fully herein.And Andwe wethank
thankhim himprofoundly
profoundlyfor foropening
openingtotoususwith
withsuch
suchwarmth
warmth
andcandor
and candorthe thelife
lifeofofthis
thismost-beloved
most -beloved"flaming
"flamingSeraphim."
Seraphim."May Maythethefruits
fruitsofof
these spiritual labours be extended once again to those
these spiritual labours be extended once again to those seeking to know God seeking to know God
"inspirit
"in spiritand
andinintruth."
truth."
Formore
For moredetailed
detailedinformation
informationon onchanges
changestotothe theoriginal
originalmanuscript,
manuscript,please
please
contactususatatanaphorapress.com.
contact anaphorapress.com.We Wecan
canprovide
provideyou youwith
withfuller
fullerdocumentation.
documentation.
— MacrinaLewis
-Macrina Lewis
Anaphora
Anaphora PressPress

ContactValerie
Contact ValerieCraig
CraigMurray
Murrayand
andAaron-Herman
Aaron - HermanBreitbach
Breitbachthrough
through
info @ anaphorapress.com
info@anaphorapress.com
PatrickDoolan:
Patrick Doolan:http://www.gsinai.com
http://www.gsinai.com
Alexei Antonov: http://www .antonovart.com
Alexei Antonov: http://www.antonovart.com
Nina Noble: http://wwwninanobledesign.com
Nina Noble: http://wwwninanobledesign.com

326
 T he P
THE rayer R
PRAYER ules o
RULES OFf S t. S
ST. eraphim
SERAPHIM

T he S
THE imple
SIMPLE R ule
RULE

Many
Many among
among the simple
simple people told
told St. Seraphim
Seraphim that
that on account
account ooff their ilil-­
literacy or lack ooff time they could not read the appointed
appointed rules ooff prayer.
prayer. To
To such
people Fr.
Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim gave aa rule which could be
be carried out quite
quite easily.
easily.
Let
Let every Christian
Christian on rising from sleep, stand
stand before the ikons and say the
following:
following:
Our
Our Father, W ho art in heaven,
Who heaven, hallowed
hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom
Kingdom
come, Thy
Thy will
will be done, on earth
earth as itit is
is in heaven.
heaven. Give us this day our
daily
daily bread,
bread, and forgive us
us our debts, as we forgive our
our debtors;
debtors; and lead
us
us not into
into temptation,
temptation, but
but deliver
deliver us from the evil one. (3x,
(3x, in honour
honour
ooff the Trinity)
Rejoice,
Rejoice, O
0 Virgin Theotokos,
Theotokos, Mary full ooff grace, the Lord is
is with
with thee.
Blessed art thou
thou among
among women,
women, and blessed
blessed is
is the fruit
fruit ooff thy womb,
womb, for
thou
thou hast born
born the Saviour
Saviour ooff our souls.
souls. (3x)
(3x)

TTHE
he C reed
CREED

II believe in
in one God, the Father
Father Almighty,
Almighty,
Maker ooff heaven
heaven and earth
earth and ooff all things
things visible and invisible.
invisible.
And in one Lord
Lord Jesus Christ,
Christ, the Son ooff God,
the Only - begotten, begotten
Only-begotten, begotten ooff the Father before all ages;
Light
Light ooff Light,
Light, true
true God ooff true
true God;
begotten,
begotten, not made; ooff one essence with
with the Father, by W hom all things
Whom things
were
were made;
Who for us men and for our salvation
salvation came down
down from the heavens,
heavens,
and was
was incarnate
incarnate ooff the Holy Spirit
Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became
became
man;

327
 A n E xtraordinary P eace

Andwas
And wascrucified
crucifiedfor
forususunder
underPontius
PontiusPilate,
Pilate,
andsuffered
and sufferedand
andwas
wasburied;
buried;
AndHe
And Hearose
aroseagain
againononthe
thethird
thirdday
dayaccording
accordingtotothe
theScriptures;
Scriptures;
Andascended
And ascendedinto
intoheaven,
heaven,and
andsitteth
sittethatatthe
theright
righthand
handofothe
f theFather;
Father;
AndHe
And Heshall
shallcome
comeagain,
again,with
withglory,
glory,totojudge
judgethe
theliving
livingand
andthe
thedead;
dead;
Whosekingdom
Whose kingdomshall
shallhave
havenonoend.
end.
Andininthe
And theHoly
HolySpirit,
Spirit,the
theLord,
Lord,the
theGiver
Giverofolife;
f life;Who
Whoproceedeth
proceedethfrom
from
theFather;
the Father;
Whowith
Who withthe
theFather
Fatherand
andthe
theSon
Sontogether
togetheris isworshipped
worshippedand
andglorified;
glorified;
W hospake
Who spakebybythe
theprophets.
prophets.
InInOne,
One,Holy,
Holy,Catholic,
Catholic,and
andApostolic
ApostolicChurch.
Church.
I confessone
I confess onebaptism
baptismfor
forthe
theremission
remissionofosins.
f sins.
I lookfor
I look forthe
theresurrection
resurrectionofothe
f thedead,
dead,and
andthe
thelife
lifeofothe
f theage
agetotocome.
come.
Amen.
Amen.
~
Havingperformed
Having performedthis
thisrule,
rule,letletevery
everyChristian
C hristiangogototothe
thework
worktoto
whichhehehas
which hasbeen
beenappointed
appointedororcalled.
called.But
Butduring
duringhis
hiswork,
work,atathome,
home,oror
ononhishisway
waytotosome
someplace,
place,letlethim
himsay
saysoftly,
softly,Lord
LordJesus
JesusChrist,
Christ,Son
SonofoGod,
f God,
havemercy
have mercyononmemea asinner. Butif ifheheis issurrounded
sinner.But surroundedbybypeople,
people,while
whiledoing
doing
whateverhehehas
whatever hastotodo,
do,letlethim
himsay
saymentally
mentallyonly,
only,Lord,
Lord,have
havemercy! and
mercy!and
continuetilltilllunch-time.
continue lunch - time.
Beforelunch
Before lunchletlethim
himagain
againperform
performthe
theabove-mentioned
above - mentionedmorning
morning
rule(three
rule (threetimes).
tim es).
Afterlunch
After lunchletletevery
everyChristian
Christianwhile
whilegoing
goingabout
abouthis
hisbusiness
businesssay
say
softly:Most
softly: Most holy
holy M other
Mother ofoGod,
f God,save
savememea sinner, andletlethim
a sinner,and himcontinue
continuethat
that
untilbedtime.
until bedtime.
IfIfhehehappens
happenstotospend
spendhis
histime
tim ealone,
alone,letlethim
himsay:
say:Lord
LordJesus
JesusChrist,
Christ,
throughthetheMother
through M otherofoGod,
f God,have
havemercy
mercyononmemea asinner.
sinner.
AtAtbedtime
bedtimeletletevery
every Christianread
Christian readagain
againthe
theabove-mentioned
above - mentionedmorn-
m orn ­
ingrule.
ing rule.Then
Thenletlethim
himgogototosleep,
sleep,having
havingprotected
protectedhimself
him self withthe
with thesign
sign
ofothe
f thecross.
cross.
ByBykeeping
keepingthis
thissimple
simplerule,
rule,it itis ispossible
possibletotoreach
reacha ameasure
measureofoChristian
f Christian
perfectionand
perfection anddivine
divinelove.
love. —St.Seraphim
-Sr. Seraphim

328
 T : I L P i~'\ \ 1 ii. Rtn.. S f\ 1ST. S L R .'\ P ; I ! \\

T
THE ST.
he S t. P achomius R
PACHOMIUS RULE
ule

A short
A short but frequently
frequently repeated
repeated rule
rule "which an angel ooff the Lord had given
given to
the great
the great Pachomius
Pachomius ooff Egypt."
Egypt." These prayers
prayers were to be
be performed
performed twelve
twelve times
during the
during the day and twelve
twelve during
during the night, i.i. e.e. every hour. They
the night, They took the place
ooff all
all other
other services fo
forr the hermits
hermits and were practised
practised by
by St. Seraphim
Seraphim during
during
his period
his period ooff solitude
solitude in forest.
in the forest.

T
TRISAGION
risagion

Glory to Thee, our

Glory our God, glory
glory to
to Thee.
o Heavenly
O Heavenly King,
King, Comforter,
Comforter, Spirit ooff Truth,
Truth, W
Who everywhere
ho art everywhere
present and
present and fillest
fillest all
all things,
things, Treasury
Treasury of good things
things and Giver ooff life:
life:
in us,
Come and dwell in us, and cleanse
cleanse us
us of all impurity,
impurity, and save our souls,
o Good One.
O
Holy God, Holy
Holy Holy Mighty, Holy
Holy Immortal,
Immortal, have
have mercy on us.
us. (3x)
(3x)
Glory to
Glory to the
the Father,
Father, and
and to
to the
the Son,
Son, and
and to
to the
the Holy Spirit, both
both now
now
ever, and
and ever, and unto
unto the
the ages
ages ooff ages.
ages. Amen.
Amen.
o Most
O Most Holy Trinity, have
have mercy
mercy on us. O
0 Lord, blot out our sins. O
0
Master, pardon
Master, pardon our iniquities.
iniquities. O
0 Holy One, visit
visit and heal
heal our infirmities
infirmities
for Thy
for Thy nam
name's sake.
es sake.
Lord have
Lord have m
mercy. (3x)
ercy (3x)
Glory to
Glory the Father
to the Father and
and to
to the
the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both
both now
now
and ever,
and ever, and
and unto
unto the
the ages ooff ages.
ages. Amen.
Amen.
Our Father,
Our Father, W
Who art in
ho art in heaven,
heaven, hallowed
hallowed be Thy Name.
Name. Thy Kingdom
Kingdom
come, Thy
come, Thy will
will be done,
done, on earth
earth as itit is
is in
in heaven.
heaven. Give us
us this
this day our
daily bread,
daily bread, and
and forgive
forgive us
us our debts, as
as we
we forgive our debtors;
debtors; and lead
us not
us not into
into temptation,
temptation, but
but deliver
deliver us
us from
from the
the evil one.
Lord have
Lord have mercy.
mercy. (12x)
(12x)
Glory to
Glory to the
the Father
Father and to
to the
the Son and to the
the Holy Spirit, both
both now
now
and ever,
and ever, and
and unto
unto the
the ages
ages ooff ages.
ages. Amen.
Amen.
o come,
O come, let us
us worship
worship God our King.
King.
o come,
O come, let us
us worship
worship and fall down
down before Christ
Christ our King
King and God.

329
A\ L\I !
I(! > f

oOcome,come,
let uslet us worship
worship anddown
and fall fall down before
before ChristChrist Himself,
Himself, our King
our King
andGod.
and God.

P salm
PSALM 50
50

Have mercy
Have mercyon
on me,
me, 0O God,
God, according
accordingtotoThy
Thygreat
great mercy;
mercy; and
and ac-
ac­
cordingtotothe
cording themultitude
multitudeofo fThy
Thycompassions
compassionsblot
blotout
outmy
mytransgression.
transgression.
Wash me
Wash methoroughly
thoroughlyfrom
from mine
mineiniquity,
iniquity, and
andcleanse
cleanseme
mefrom
from my
mysin.
sin.
ForI Iknow
For knowmine
mineiniquity,
iniquity,and
andmy
mysin
sinisisever
everbefore
beforeme.
me.Against
AgainstThee
Theeonly
only
haveI Isinned
have sinnedand
anddone
donethis
thisevil
evilbefore
beforeThee,
Thee,that
thatThou
Thoumightest
mightestbe
bejus-
jus ­
tifiedininThy
tified Thywords,
words,and
andprevail
prevailwhen
whenThou
Thouart
artjudged.
judged.For
Forbehold,
behold,I Iwas
was
conceivedinininiquities,
conceived iniquities,and
andininsins
sinsdid
didmy
mymother
m otherbear
bearme.
me.For
Forbehold,
behold,
Thouhast
Thou hastloved
lovedtruth;
truth;the
thehidden
hiddenand
andsecret
secretthings
thingsofo fThy
Thywisdom
wisdomhast
hast
Thoumade
Thou mademanifest
manifestunto
untome.
me.Thou
Thoushalt
shaltsprinkle
sprinkleme
mewith
withhyssop,
hyssop,and
and
I Ishall
shallbe
bemade
madeclean;
clean;Thou
Thoushalt
shaltwash
washme,
me,and
andI Ishall
shallbe
bemade
madewhiter
whiter
thansnow.
than snow.Thou
Thoushalt
shaltmake
makeme
metotohear
hearjoy
joyand
andgladness;
gladness;the
thebones
bonesthat
that
behumbled,
be humbled,they
theyshall
shallrejoice.
rejoice.Turn
TurnThy
Thyface
faceaway
awayfrom
frommy
mysins,
sins,and
andblot
blot
outall
out all mine
mine iniquities.
iniquities. Create
Createinin me
meaaclean
clean heart,
heart, 0O God,
God, and
andrenew
renew
aaright
rightspirit
spiritwithin
withinme.
me.Cast
Castme
menot
notaway
awayfrom
fromThy
Thypresence,
presence,and
andtake
take
notThy
not ThyHoly
HolySpirit
Spiritfrom
from me.
me. Restore
Restoreunto
unto me
methe
thejoy
joyofo fThy
Thysalvation,
salvation,
andwith
and withThy
Thygoverning
governingSpirit
Spiritestablish
establish me.
me. I Ishall
shallteach
teachtransgressors
transgressors
Thyways,
Thy ways,and
andthe
theungodly
ungodlyshall
shallturn
turnback
backunto
untoThee.
Thee.Deliver
Deliverme
mefrom
from
blood - guiltiness, 0O God,
blood-guiltiness, God,Thou
Thou God
God ofo fmy
mysalvation;
salvation; my
mytongue
tongueshall
shall
rejoice ininThy
rejoice Thyrighteousness.
righteousness. 0OLord,
Lord,Thou
Thoushalt
shaltopen
openmy
mylips,
lips,and
andmy
my
mouthshall
mouth shalldeclare
declareThy
Thypraise.
praise.For
ForififThou
Thouhadst
hadstdesired
desiredsacrifice,
sacrifice,I Ihad
had
given it;it;with
given withwhole-burnt
whole - burntofferings
offeringsThou
Thoushalt
shaltnot
notbe
bepleased.
pleased.AAsacri-
sacri­
ficeunto
fice untoGod
Godisisaabroken
brokenspirit;
spirit;aaheart
heartthat
thatisisbroken
brokenand
andhumbled
humbledGod
God
willnot
will notdespise.
despise.Do
Dogood,
good,0OLord,
Lord,ininThy
Thygood
goodpleasure
pleasureunto
untoZion,
Zion,and
and
letthe
let thewalls
wallsofo fJerusalem
Jerusalembe
bebuilded.
builded.Then
Thenshalt
shaltThou
Thoube
bepleased
pleasedwith
withaa
sacrificeofofrighteousness,
sacrifice righteousness,with
withoblation
oblationand
andwhole-burnt
whole - burntofferings.
offerings.Then
Then
shallthey
shall theyoffer
offerbullocks
bullocksupon
uponThine
Thinealtar.
altar.

330
 P■ . / R S.
S t : ^\ \ ,j ,

T he C
THE reed
CREED

JJESUS
esus P rayer
PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ,

Christ, Son ooff God, have mercy on me (a sinner).
sinner). (lOOx)
(100x)

IIT s T
t iIS ruly M
TRULY eet
MEET

It
It is truly
truly meet
meet to bless thee, O
0 Theotokos,
Theotokos, ever -blessed and
ever-blessed and most
most pure
pure
and
and the Mother
Mother ooff our
our God. More honourable
honourable than
than the cherubim,
cherubim, and
and
more glorious
glorious beyond
beyond compare
compare than
than the seraphim.
seraphim. W ithout corruption
Without corruption
thou
thou gavest birth
birth to God the Word: true
true Theotokos,
Theotokos, we magnify
magnify thee.
thee.

D ismissal
DISMISSAL

Through
Through the prayers
prayers ooff our
our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ
Christ our
our God,
have mercy
mercy on us. Amen.
Amen.

331
AA\ n EE x1 tr,r a o r d i\i n a uv P eace
r v PI.I([

R u l e OF
RULE o f THE D i v e y e v CONVENT
t h e DIVEYEV C onvent

Foreseeing aa period
Foreseeing period ofo fslackness,
slackness, feeble
feeb le strength
strength and
and feeble
feeb le people,
people, Fr.
Fr.
Seraphimadvised
Seraphim advisedthe
theDiveyev
Diveyevnuns
nunstotogive
giveup
upthe
therule
ruleofo fthe
theSarov
SarovMonastery
Monastery
whichwas
which wasbeyond
beyondtheir
theirstrength.
strength. He
Fiesaid:
said: "I"Ihave
havegiven
givenaanew
newand
andeasier
easierrule
rule
toto this
this convent
conventaccording
according toto the
thecommand
command ofo fthe
the Queen
Queen ofo fHeaven
Heaven herself
herselftoto
me, poor
me, poorSeraphim.
Seraphim. This
Thisisissufficient
sufficientfor
forthem.
them. IfI fonly
onlythey
theykeep
keepit,it, they
theywill
willbe
be
saved."Such
saved." Such was
was his
hissimple
simplerule
ruleofo fprayer
prayerwhich
which was
waswithin
withineveryone's
everyone'spower.
power.
Thefollowing
The followingshould
shouldbe
besaid
saidthree
threetimes
timesaaday:
day:

ITI t ISi s TRULY

T ruly M eet
MEET

ItItisistruly
trulymeet
meettotobless
blessthee,
thee,0OTheotokos,
Theotokos,ever-blessed
ever-blessedand
andmost
mostpure
pure
andthe
and the Mother
Motherof
o four
ourGod.
God. More
Morehonourable
honourablethan
than the
the cherubim,
cherubim, and
and
moreglorious
more gloriousbeyond
beyondcompare
comparethan
thanthe
theseraphim.
seraphim.Without
W ithoutcorruption
corruption
thougavest
thou gavestbirth
birthtotoGod
Godthe
theWord:
Word:true
trueTheotokos.
Theotokos,we
wemagnify
magnifythee.
thee.

O u r FATHER
OUR Father

OurFather,
Our Father,Who
Whoart
artininheaven,
heaven,hallowed
hallowedbe
beThy
ThyName.
Name.Thy
ThyKingdom
Kingdom
come,Thy
come, Thywill
willbe
bedone,
done,on
onearth
earthas
asititisisininheaven.
heaven.Give
Giveus
usthis
thisday
dayour
our
dailybread,
daily bread,and
andforgive
forgiveus
usour
ourdebts,
debts,asaswe
weforgive
forgiveour
ourdebtors;
debtors;and
andlead
lead
usnot
us notinto
intotemptation,
temptation, but
butdeliver
deliverus
usfrom
from the
theevil
evilone.
one. (3x,
(3x, ininhonour
honour
ofo fthe
theTrinity)
Trinity)

R ejoice, 0
REJOICE, O VIRGIN
V irgin

Rejoice,0OVirgin
Rejoice, VirginTheotokos.
Theotokos,Mary
Maryfull
fullof
o fgrace,
grace,the
theLord
Lordisiswith
withthee.
thee.
Blessedart
Blessed artthou
thouamong
amongwomen,
women,and
andblessed
blessedisisthe
thefruit
fruitof
o fthy
thywomb,
womb,for
for
thouhast
thou hastborn
bornthe
theSaviour
Saviourof
o four
oursouls.
souls. (3x)
(3x)

T h e CREED
THE C reed

Eachofo fthe
Each thefollowing
followingwith
withaabow
bowtotothe
thewaist:
waist:

LordJesus
Lord JesusChrist,
Christ,have
havemercy
mercyon
onme
meaasinner.
sinner. (2x)
(2x)

332
 R! 1III1 D \LYi C: \\ \1

Christ, have
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy
mercy on us sinners.
sinners, (Ix)
(lx )
Lord Jesus Christ,
Christ, through
through Our
Our Lady, Virgin
Virgin Mary, Mother
Mother o
off God,
God, have
mercy on me, a sinner.
mercy sinner. (2x)
Christ, through
Lord Jesus Christ, Our Lady, Virgin
through Our Virgin Mary, Mother
Mother of God,
God, have
mercy on us sinners.
mercy sinners, (Ix)
(lx )
Christ, our
Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy
mercy on us. (12x)
My Lady, most
most holy Mother of
holy Mother o f God,
God, save us sinners.
sinners. (12x)

Along
Along with this rule, the regular
with this regular Morning
Morning Prayers, Evening
Evening Prayers/
Prayers, I
Intercessions, and 12 Psalms
Intercessions, and o f the Holy
Psalms of Fathers, each done
Holy Fathers, done once a day.
Additionally, prostrations to Jesus and
Additionally, 100 prostrations and 100 prostrations
prostrations to the Theotokos.
Theotokos.

IINTERCESSIONS
ntercessions

Remember, 0
Remember, O Lord Jesus Christ
Christ our
our God, Thy mercies and bounties
mercies and bounties
which
which are from all eternity,
eternity, and
and through
through which
which Thou didst become
Thou didst man
become man
and didst
and didst will to suffer
suffer crucifixion
crucifixion and
and death
death for the salvation of
the salvation o f those
those
who
who rightly
rightly believe
believe in Thee, and
and having
having risen
risen from the dead didst
the dead didst ascend
ascend
into heaven,
into and sittest
heaven, and sittest at the
the right
right hand o f God
hand of God the
the Father
Father and regardest
and regardest
the humble
the entreaties of those
humble entreaties those who upon Thee with
who call upon with all their
their heart:
heart: in
in-­
cline Thine
cline Thine ear, and hear the
and hear the humble
humble prayer
prayer of
o f me, Thy worthless
worthless servant,
servant,
as the
the fragrance
fragrance of
o f spiritual incense, which
spiritual incense, which I offer to Thee
Thee for all people.
people.
remember thy
And first remember thy Holy, Catholic
Catholic and
and Apostolic
Apostolic church,
church, which
which Thou
Thou
hast provided through
hast provided Precious Blood. Confirm,
through Thy Precious Confirm, strengthen,
strengthen, extend,
extend,
and increase
and and keep
increase her, and her in peace,
keep her peace, and
and for ever proof
proof against
against the
the
power off hell. Calm
power o the dissensions
Calm the dissensions of the Churches,
o f the Churches, and
and foil the
the plans
plans of
the powers
the powers of
o f darkness,
darkness, dispel
dispel the
the prejudice
prejudice of
o f the
the nations,
nations, and
and quickly
quickly
ruin and root
ruin and out the
root out the risings
risings o
off heresy, and
and frustrate
frustrate them
them by the
the power
power
off the
o the Holy
Holy Spirit.
Spirit. (Bow).
Save, O
0 Lord, and mercy on our
and have mercy our president
president and
and all in authority
authority
throughout
throughout the world, commanders-in-chief
the world, com m anders - in - chief of
o f armies
armies and navies and
and navies and

1 M Morning
orning and Evening Prayer rules can be found in numerous
num erous Orthodox
O rth od ox prayer
books.-ed.
b ook s. — ed.

333
 A N EXlli;\()1l
i\\ E X T R A 0 R D1\I N AuRv Y PI.<\(I
PH A C !

airfleets,
airfleets, governors
governors of
o fprovince
province and
and cities,
cities, and
and all
all the
the Christ-loving
Christ-loving na-
na ­
vies,
vies, armies
armiesand
andpolice;
police; protect
protecttheir
theirpower
powerwith
with peace,
peace, and
andsubdue
subdueun-
un ­
der
dertheir
theirfeet
feetevery
everyenemy
enemyand
andfoe,
foe,and
andspeak
speakpeace
peaceand
andblessing
blessinginintheir
their
hearts
heartsfor
forThy
ThyHoly
HolyChurch,
Church,and
andfor
forall
allthy
thypeople,
people,and
andgrant
grantthat
thatinintheir
their
calm
calmwe
wetoo
too may
maylead
leadaaquiet
quietand
andpeaceful
peacefullife
lifeinintrue
truebelief,
belief, ininall
allpiety
piety
and
andhonesty.
honesty (Bow).
(Bow).
Save,
Save, 0O Lord,
Lord, and
and have
havemercy
mercyon
on our
ourfather
father(parish
(parish priest
priestororabbot
abbot
ofo fmonastery),
m onastery),with
withall
allhis
hisbrethren
brethrenininChrist,
Christ, and
andby
bytheir
theirprayers
prayershave
have
mercy
mercyon
onme,
me,wretch
wretchthat
thatIIam.
am. (Bow).
(Bow).
Save,
Save,0O Lord,
Lord,and
andhave
havemercy
mercyon
onmy
mySpiritual
SpiritualFather
Father(name)
(name) and
andby
by
his
hisprayers
prayersforgive
forgiveme
memy
mysins.
sins. (Bow).
(Bow).
Save,
Save, 0O Lord,
Lord, and
and have
havemercy
mercyon
on my
myparents
parents (names),
(nam es), my
mybrothers
brothers
and
and sisters
sisters and
and all
all my
myrelatives,
relatives, and
and the
the neighbours
neighbours ofo fmy
myfamily,
family, and
and
friends,
friends,and
andgrant
grantthem
themThy
Thyworldly
worldlyand
andspiritual
spiritualgoods.
goods. (Bow).
(Bow).
Save,
Save, 0O Lord,
Lord, and
andhave
havemercy
mercyon
onall
allwho
who live
liveand
anddwell
dwellininthe
themon-
m on ­
asteries
asteries of
o fthe
the Holy
Holy Mountain
M ountain and
and inin the
the Holy
Holy Land,
Land, the
the Fathers
Fathers and
and
Brothers
Brothers and
and Sisters
Sisters (in
(in Russia,
Russia, China,
China, Yugoslavia,
Yugoslavia, Poland,
Poland, Bulgaria,
Bulgaria,
Romania
Romania etc.)
etc.) and
and inin every
every place,
place, and
and by.
bytheir
their prayers
prayers have
have mercy
mercyon
on
me,
me, aasinner.
sinner. (Bow).
(Bow).
Save,
Save,0OLord,
Lord,and
andhave
havemercy
mercyaccording
accordingtotothe
themultitude
multitudeof
ofThy
Thyboun-
boun ­
ties,
ties, on
on all
allpriests,
priests, monks
monksand
andnuns,
nuns, and
andon
onall
allliving
livingininvirginity,
virginity,devo-
devo ­
tion
tion and
andfasting,
fasting, inin monasteries,
monasteries, inindeserts,
deserts, inincaves,
caves,on
on mountains,
mountains, on
on
pillars,
pillars,ininhermitages,
hermitages,ininthe
theclefts
cleftsof
o frocks,
rocks,and
andright
rightfaith
faithininevery
everyplace
place
ofo fThy
Thydominion,
dominion,and
anddevoutly
devoutlyserving
servingThee,
Thee,and
andpraying
prayingtotoThee.
Thee.Lighten
Lighten
their
theirburden,
burden,console
consolethem
them inintheir
theirafflictions,
afflictions, and
andgrant
grantthem
themstrength,
strength,
power
powerand
andperseverance
perseveranceinintheir
theirstruggle,
struggle, and
andby
bytheir
theirprayers
prayersgrant
grantme
me
remission
remissionof
o fsins.
sins. (Bow).
(Bow).
Save,
Save, 0O Lord,
Lord, and
and have
have mercy
mercy on
on the
the old
old and
and the
the young,
young, the
the poor
poor
and
anddestitute,
destitute,the
theorphans
orphansand
andwidows,
widows,the
theleper
lepercolonies,
colonies,epileptics
epilepticsand
and
disabled,
disabled, and
andthose
those inin sickness
sicknessand
andsorrow,
sorrow, misfortune
misfortuneand
andtribulation,
tribulation,
captives
captives and
and exiles,
exiles, inin mines
mines and
and prisons
prisons and
and reformatories,
reformatories, and
and espe-
espe ­
cially
ciallyon
onthose
thoseof
o fThy
Thyservants
servantssuffering
sufferingpersecution
persecutionfor
forThy
Thysake
sakeand
andfor
for
the
the Orthodox
Orthodox Faith
Faith from
from godless
godless peoples,
peoples, apostates
apostates and
and heretics.
heretics. Visit,
Visit,

334
 R:ll! UI ill! D:liYli Cl)\\j\i

strengthen, com
strengthen, comfort, them,, and by Thy power
fort, and heal them power quickly
quickly grant
grant
them relief,
them relief, freedom
freedom and deliverance.
deliverance. (Bow).
Save, O
Save, 0 Lord, and have mercy on our benefactors,
benefactors, who have mercy on
us and feed
us feed us, and relieve us ooff anxiety
anxiety by giving us alms,
alms, and
and entrust
entrust
us, unworthy
us, unworthy as we are, to
to pray for
for them;
them; and
and give them
them Thy grace, and
and
grant them
grant them all their
their requests
requests which
which conduce
conduce to salvation,
salvation, and the attain
attain-­
ment ooff eternal
ment eternal joy.
joy. (Bow).
Save, O
Save, 0 Lord, and have
have mercy on the Fathers
Fathers and
and Sisters, and
and our
our
Brotherhood, and on all Orthodox
Brotherhood, Orthodox Christians
Christians who are messengers
messengers and
and
missionaries in Thy service, and are traveling.
missionaries traveling. (Bow).
Save O
Save 0 Lord,
Lord, and have mercy
mercy on those
those whom
whom I have offended
offended or scan
scan-­
dalized by
dalized by my
my madness
madness or inadvertence,
inadvertence, and
and whom
whom I have turned
turned from
way ooff salvation,
the way salvation, and whom
whom II have led into evil and
and harm
harmful By
ful deeds. By
divine providence
Thy divine providence restore them
them again to the way ooff salvation.
salvation. (Bow).
Save, O
Save, 0 Lord,
Lord, and have
have mercy on those
those who hate and
and offend
offend me, and
me harm,
do me harm, and let
let them
them not perish
perish through
through me, a sinner.
sinner. (Bow).
Illumine
Illum ine with the light ooff grace all apostates
apostates from the Orthodox
Orthodox Faith,
those blinded
and those blinded by pernicious
pernicious heresies, and
and draw
draw them
them to Thyself, and
and
unite them
unite them to Thy Holy,
Holy, Apostolic,
Apostolic, Catholic
Catholic Church.
Church. (Bow).

PPRAYER
rayer fFOR
or T hose D
THOSE DEPARTED
eparted iIN
n S
SLEEP
leep

Remember, O
Remember, 0 Lord,
Lord, those
those who have departed
departed from this life,
life, Orthodox
Orthodox
kings and
kings and queens,
queens, princes
princes and
and princesses,
princesses, O
Orthodox Patriarchs,
rth od ox Patriarchs,
Metropolitans, Archbishops
Metropolitans, Archbishops and Bishops, Priests and
and Deacons
Deacons and
and those
those
who have served Thee in the monastic
who monastic state, and
and the laity ooff the Church,
Church,
blessed founders
and the blessed founders of all Churches
Churches and
and monasteries,
monasteries, and grant
grant them
them
rest with the saints
rest saints in Thy eternal
eternal dwellings.
dwellings. (Bow).

P
PRAYER
rayer OF
o f R
REMEMBRANCE
emembrance fFOR
or P arents D
PARENTS DEPARTED
eparted iIN
n S
SLEEP
leep

Remember, O
Remember, 0 Lord, the souls ooff Thy servants
servants who have departed
departed in
my parents
sleep, my parents (nam
(names), and all my relatives according
es), and according to the flesh;
forgive them
forgive them every transgression,
transgression, voluntary
voluntary and
and involuntary;
involuntary; grant
grant them
them
Kingdom and a part
the Kingdom part in Thy eternal
eternal joys,
joys, and
and the delight
delight of Thy blessed

335
 \ 'I' !; i\!
1/1

and
andeverlasting
everlastinglife.
life.(Bow).
(Bow).

P r a y e r FOR
PRAYER M o n a s t e r y BROTHERHOOD
f o r MONASTERY B rotherhood

Remember,
Remember,0OLord,
Lord,also
alsoall
allFathers
Fathersand
andSisters
Sistersand
andmembers
membersofofour
our
Brotherhood
Brotherhoodwho
whohave
havedeparted
departedininsleep
sleepwith
withthe
thehope
hopeofofresurrection
resurrection
and
andeternal
eternallife,
life,and
andall
allOrthodox
OrthodoxChristians
Christianswho
wholie
liehere
hereand
andinall
inallthe
the
world,
world,and
andwith
withThy
Thysaints
saintsgive
givethem
themrepose
reposewhere
wherethe
thelight
lightofo fThy
Thyface
face
shines
shinesand
andhave
havemercy
mercyon
onus,
us,for
forThou
Thouart
artgood
goodand
andthe
theLover
Loverofo fmen.
men.
Amen.
Amen.(Bow).
(Bow).
Grant,
Grant,0OLord,
Lord,remission
remissionofofall
allsins
sinstotoour
ourFathers,
Fathers,Brothers
Brothersand
andSisters
Sisters
departed
departedininthe
thefaith
faithand
andhope
hopeofofresurrection,
resurrection,and
andgrant
grantthem
themmemory
memory
eternal.
eternal.(3x)
(3x)

12
1 2 PSALMS
P s a l m s OF
o f THE H o l y FATHERS
t h e HOLY F athers

The
TheOrder
Orderofofthe
the 12
12Psalms
Psalmsisisan
anancient
ancientprayer
prayerrule
ruleoriginating
originatinginin
the
thePalestinian
Palestinianmonastic
monastictradition,
tradition,where
whereearly
earlymonastic
monasticelders
eldersstressed
stressed
the
thechanting
chantingofofPsalms
Psalmsover
overthe
thesinging
singingofo f"worldly
"worldlystichera
sticheraand
andtropar-
tropar-
ia"
ia"from
fromthe
theurban
urbancenters.
centers.InInearlier
earliercenturies,
centuries,ititwas
wasprayed
prayedininsketes
sketesinin
the
theevening,
evening,especially
especiallywhere
wherethe
thecommunity
com m unitylacked
lackedbooks
bookstotoperform
perform
the
theservices
servicesproperly,
properly,ororon
onoccasions
occasionswhere
wherethey
theylacked
lackedenough
enoughpeople
people
totomake
makecommunal
com m unalservices
servicespossible.
possible.The
Thewide
widedistribution
distributionofo fprinted
printed
prayer
prayerbooks
bookssimply
simplyeliminated
eliminatedthis
thistradition,
tradition,for
forthe
themost
mostpart.
part.The
Theser-
ser­
vice
viceconsists
consistsof:
of:
1)1)Psalms
Psalms26,
26,31,
31,56,
56,a agroup
groupofoftroparia.
troparia,
2)2)Psalms
Psalms33,
33,38,
38,40,
40,a asecond
secondgroup
groupofo ftroparia,
troparia,
3)3)Psalms
Psalms69,
69,70,
70,76,
76,aa3rd
3rdgroup
groupofo ftroparia,
troparia,
4)4)Psalm
Psalm 101,
101,the
thePrayer
Prayerofo fManasses.
Manasses,and
anda aPrayer
Prayerofo fSt.
St.Eustratius.
Eustratius,
followed
followedby
bya afinal
finalgroup
groupofoftroparia.
troparia.
During
Duringlenten
lentenperiods,
periods,the
thePrayer
PrayerofofSt.
St.Ephraim
Ephraimthe
theSyrian
Syrianwith
withpros-
pros ­
trations
trationsisissaid
saidfollowing
followingeach
eachofo fthe
the44groups
groupsofo ftroparia.
troparia.

336
 A:\ PPR\YER
rayer Ruu lue
R fInR
or tIIIOSF
hose Struggling
SIRUCCLI\C w ith
WITH D
DESI'U\DENCY
esponde ncy

A PPRAYER
A rayer R
RULE FOR
ule f hose S
THOSE
or t STRUGGLING
truggling
WITH
w ith D
DESPONDENCY OR
espondency o r D
DESPAIR
espair

Do not listen to where your thoughts

thoughts send you, but
but pray like this:

Remember me,
me, O
0 Lord,
Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
kingdom.
Blessed
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is
is the kingdom
kingdom ooff heaven.
Remember me, O
0 Lord,
Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
Blessed
Blessed are they that
that mourn,
mourn, for they shall be comforted.
comforted.
Remember
Remember me,
me, O
0 Lord,
Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
kingdom.
Blessed
Blessed are the meek, for
for they shall inherit
inherit the earth.
earth.
Remember
Remember me,
me, O
0 Lord,
Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
Blessed
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst
thirst after righteousness,
righteousness, for they shall
be filled.
filled.
me, O
Remember me, 0 Lord,
Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
kingdom.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain
Blessed obtain mercy.
mercy.
Remember
Remember me,
me, O
0 Lord,
Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
kingdom.
Blessed
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Remember me,
Remember me, O
0 Lord,
Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
kingdom.
Blessed
Blessed are the peacemakers,
peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons ooff God.
Remember
Remember me,
me, O
0 Lord,
Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
kingdom.
Blessed
Blessed are they which are persecuted
persecuted for righteousness
righteousness' ' sake, for theirs
is
is the kingdom ooff heaven.
Remember
Remember me,
me, O
0 Lord,
Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
kingdom.
Blessed
Blessed are ye,
ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
persecute you, and shall
say
say all m anner o
manner off evil against
against you falsely,
falsely, for my sake.
Remember me, O
Remember 0 Lord,
Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
kingdom.
Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is
Rejoice, is your reward in heaven.
Glory to
to the Father,
Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Both now and ever,
ever, and unto the ages
ages ooff ages.
ages. Amen.
Remember
Remember me,
me, O
0 Lord,
Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
kingdom.
Remember
Remember me,
me, O
0 Master,
Master, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.
kingdom.

337
A AN N EXT
Ex TR ;\R <)A 0I~ I)R DI N;\
! N AR YR Y P P
E .\E r:
A CE E

Rememberme,
Remember me,0 OHoly
HolyOne,
One,when
whenThou
Thoucomest
comestininThy
Thykingdom.
kingdom.
o0 all-hymned
all - hymnedMother
Motherwho
whodidst
didstbear
bearthe
theWord,
Word,holiest
holiestofo fallallthe
thesaints,
saints,
acceptnow
accept nowour
ouroffering,
offering,and
anddeliver
deliverususfrom
fromallallmisfortune,
misfortune,and
andres-
res­
cuefrom
cue fromthe
thetorment
tormenttotocome
comethose
thosethat
thatcry
crytotothee:
thee:'Alleluia!'
'Alleluia!7 (3x)
(3x)
Remember,Lord,
Remember, Lord,our
ourfather
fatherSt.
St.Seraphim;
Seraphim;and
andremember
rememberme,
me,(your
(yourown
own
name,)0 OLord.
name.) Lord.

InInthis
thisway
waythe
theLord
Lordwill
willforgive
forgivemy
mysins
sinsand
andyours
yoursasaswell.
well.And
Andsosowe
weshall
shall
bebesaved!
saved!

A d d i t i o n a l PRAYERS
ADDITIONAL P rayers
WHEN A t t a c k e d BY
W h e n ATTACKED D espair
b y DESPAIR

T h e PRAYER
THE o f ST.
P r a y e r OF S t .ANTIOCH
A ntioch

Trusting,0 OLord,
Trusting, Lord,ininthe
theabyss
abyssofo fThy
Thyloving-kindness,
loving -kindness,I Ioffer
offerThee
Thee
thisprayer
this prayerfrom
frommy
myfoul
foulmouth
mouthand
andmy
myunclean
uncleanlips.
lips.Remember
Rememberme,
me,for
for
Thyholy
Thy holyname
namewas
wasinvoked
invokedover
overme
meand
andThou
Thouhast
hastredeemed
redeemedme
mewith
with
theprice
the priceofoThy
f Thyblood,
blood,for
forThou
Thouhast
hastsealed
sealedme
mewith
withthe
thebetrothal
betrothalofoThy
f Thy
HolySpirit
Holy Spiritand
andThou
Thouhast
hastraised
raisedme
mefrom
fromthe
thedepth
depthofo my
f mytransgressions,
transgressions,
thatI Ishould
that shouldnot
notbebeseized
seizedby
bythe
theenemy.
enemy.
oOJesus
JesusChrist,
Christ,defend
defendme
meand
andbebemy
mystrong
stronghelper
helperininmy
mystruggle,
struggle,for
for
I 1amama slave
a slave
ofolust
f lust andI am
and I amassailed
assailed
bybyit.it.But
But Thou,0 OLord,
Thou, Lord,leave
leaveme
me not
not
casttotothe
cast theearth
earthand
andcondemned
condemnedbybymy
mydeeds.
deeds.Free
Freeme,
me,0 OLord,
Lord,from
fromthe
the
evilslavery
evil slaveryofo fthe
theprince
princeofo fthis
thisworld
worldand
andmake
makeme
meThine
Thineown
ownininThy
Thy
commandments.Thy
commandments. ThyPerson
Personisisthe
theway
wayofo fmy
mylife,
life,0 Omy
myChrist,
Christ,and
andthe
the
lightofofmy
light myeyes.
eyes.0 OGod,
God,Master
Masterand
andLord,
Lord,give
giveme
menot
notroving
rovingeyes,
eyes,and
and
dispelfrom
dispel fromme
meevil
evillust.
lust.Defend
Defendme
mewith
withThy
Thyholy
holyarm.
arm.Let
Letnot
notlongings
longings
andlusts
and lustsoverwhelm
overwhelmme,
me,and
andgive
giveme
menot
notup
uptotoa ashameless
shamelesssoul.
soul.
Maythe
May thelight
lightofoThy
f Thypresence
presenceshine
shineininme,
me,0 OLord,
Lord,lest
lestdarkness
darknessover-
over­
whelmme,
whelm me,and
andI Ibebesnatched
snatchedby
bythose
thosewho
whowalk
walkininthe
thenight.
night.Do
Donot
not
surrendertotoinvisible
surrender invisiblebeasts,
beasts,0 OLord,
Lord,a asoul
soulwhich
whichconfesses
confessestotoThee.
Thee.Do
Do
notallow
not allowThy
Thyservant,
servant,0 OLord,
Lord,totobebewounded
woundedbybyalien
aliendogs.
dogs.
Grantme
Grant metotobebea areceptacle
receptacleofo fThy
ThySpirit,
Spirit,and
andmake
makeme
mea ahouse
houseofo f

338
 A P Ri\ YFR Ru i F I (1 f{ Til (l 'l. S I I, 1I CCL I "C w IT II D IS I' () " D I: " C Y

Thy Christ,
Christ, Holy
Holy Father.
Father. 0O Guide
Guide of
o f the
the lost,
lost, guide
guide me
me lest
lest I stray
stray to the
the
long to see Thy face, 0
left. I long O Lord. 0
O God,
God, guide
guide me by the
the light
light of
o f Thy
countenance.
countenance.
Grant me, Thy servant,
Grant servant, a fountain
fountain of
o f tears,
tears, and
and give Thy creature
creature the
the
dew of
dew o f Thy Holy
Holy Spirit,
Spirit, lest I wither
wither like the
the fig tree
tree which
which Thou
Thou didst
didst
curse; and
curse; and let tears drink, and
tears be my drink, and prayer
prayer my
my food.
food.
Turn, 0
Turn, O Lord, my weeping
weeping into
into joy and
and receive me into
into Thine
Thine eternal
eternal
tabernacles.
tabernacles. Let Thy mercy
mercy overtake
overtake me, 0O Lord, and
and Thy
Thy bounty
bounty encom-
encom ­
pass me, and
pass and pardon
pardon all my sins,
sins, for Thou
Thou art
art the
the true
true God
God Who
Who pardon-
pardon -
transgressions. And
est transgressions. And do
do not
not allow, 0O Lord, the
the work
work of
o f Thy hands
hands to be
put to shame
put shame on account
account of
o f the
the multitude
multitude of
o f my
my transgressions,
transgressions, but
but call
me, 0
O Lord, through
through Thine
Thine only-begotten
only -begotten Son, our
our Saviour.
Saviour.
And raise
And raise me who
who lie prostrate
prostrate like Levi the publican, and
the publican, and quicken
quicken
who am slain
me who slain by my sins,
sins, like the
the son
son of
o f the
the widow.
widow.
Thou alone
For Thou alone art
art the
the Resurrection
Resurrection of
o f the
the dead,
dead, and
and to Thee
Thee is due
due
the glory
the glory for ever. Amen.
Amen.

And another
And another prayer
prayer Fr. Seraphim
Seraphim advised
advised people
people to say
say in
in moments
moments of
o f de-
de ­
spondency and
spondency and as an antidote
antidote to despair.
despair.

Master and
Master and Lord of
o f Heaven
Heaven and
and earth
earth and
and King of
o f the
the ages! Deign
Deign to
open the
open the door
door of
o f repentance
repentance to me, for in anguish
anguish I pray
pray to Thee, our
our true
true
God, the
God, the Father
Father of
o f our
our Lord Jesus Christ,
Christ, the
the Light of
o f the
the world.
world. Look upon
upon
me in Thy
Thy great
great loving-kindness
loving -kindness and
and accept
accept my prayer.
prayer. Incline
Incline Thine
Thine ear
ear
to my
my prayer
prayer and
and forgive
forgive me all the
the evil that
that I have
have done
done by the
the abuse
abuse of
of
will. Behold,
my free will. Behold, I seek
seek rest, yet I do
do not
not find
find it, for I have
have not
not received
received
forgiveness from
forgiveness from my conscience.
conscience. I thirst
thirst for peace,
peace, but
but there
there is no peace
peace
from the
in me from dark abyss
the dark abyss of
o f my transgressions.
transgressions. Hear,
Hear, 0O Lord, a heart
heart
which cries
which cries to Thee.
Thee. Regard not
not my evil
evil deeds,
deeds, but
but consider
consider the
the agony
agony of
of
soul and
my soul and make
make haste
haste to heal
heal me who
who am badly
badly wounded.
wounded. By the
the grace
grace
o f Thy love for men
of men give me time
tim e for repentance
repentance and
and deliver
deliver me from
from my
shameful deeds.
shameful deeds. Reward
Reward me not
not according
according to Thy justice
justice and
and requite
requite me

339
i\ Nn E
A xx It rR a,\ oI) rR dDINi n a,\ rRyY P Ee a:\ cC eI

not according
not according to my deeds,
deeds, lest I finally
finally perish.
perish.
Hear
Hear me, 0
O Lord, in my despair.
despair. Behold,
Behold, I am
am bereft
bereft of
o f my will
will and
and
o f every
of every thought
thought of
o f amendment.
amendment. Therefore,
Therefore, I have
have recourse
recourse to Thy com-
com ­
passion. mercy on me, cast down
passion. Have mercy down and
and condemned
condemned on account
account of
of
my sins. 0O Lord, rescue
rescue me who enslaved and
who am enslaved and held
held by my evil deeds,
deeds,
as if I were shackled
shackled with
with chains:
chains. Thou
Thou Alone
Alone knowest
knowest how
how to set prison-
prison ­
ers free; and
and as Thou
Thou Alone
Alone knowest
knowest secret
secret things, Thou healest
things, Thou healest wounds
wounds
which known to no one, but
which are known but seen
seen by Thee.
Therefore,
Therefore, being tortured in every
being tortured every way by cruel
cruel pains,
pains, I cry only
only to
to
the Physician
Thee, the Physician of
o f all who afflicted, the
who are afflicted, the Door
Door of
o f those
those who knock
who knock
without, the
without, the Way of
o f the
the lost, the
the Light of those
those in darkness,
darkness, the
the Redeemer
Redeemer
of
o f those
those in bonds, who ever restrainest
bonds, who restrainest Thy right-hand
right -hand and
and witholdest
witholdest
Thine anger
Thine anger prepared sinners, but
prepared for sinners, but who
who givest
givest time
tim e for repentance
repentance
through Thy great
through great love for men.
men.
o
O Thou
Thou Who
W ho art
art quick
quick to show
show mercy
mercy and
and slow to punish,
punish, shine
shine the
the
light of
light o f Thy countenance
countenance upon
upon me, who
who have
have fallen
fallen badly,
badly, 0
O Lord. And
And
loving -kindness stretch
in Thy loving-kindness stretch out
out Thy hand
hand to me and
and raise
raise me from
from the
the
depth off my transgressions.
depth o transgressions.
Thou Alone
For Thou Alone art
art our
our God, Who
W ho dost
dost not
not rejoice at the
the destruction
destruction
o f sinners,
of and W
sinners, and ho dost
Who dost not
not turn
turn away Thy face from
from those
those who
who cry to
Thee with
Thee with tears.
tears.
Hear, 0O Lord, the
the voice of
o f Thy servant
servant who
who cries to Thee, and
and mani-
m ani ­
fest Thy light
light to me who
who am deprived
deprived of
o f light.
light. And
And give me Thy grace, for
I have
have no
no hope
hope whatever,
whatever, that
that I may
may always
always trust
trust in
in Thy
Thy help
help and
and power.
power.
Turn
Turn my weeping
weeping into
into joy, rend
rend my rage and
and gird
gird me with
with gladness.
gladness.
And grant
And grant that
that I may rest from
from my dark
dark deeds
deeds and
and enjoy
enjoy the
the morning
morning
calm with chosen, 0
with Thy chosen, O Lord, whence
whence all pain,
pain, sorrow
sorrow and
and sighing
sighing have
have
And may
fled away. And the door
may the door of
o f Thy Kingdom
Kingdom be opened
opened to me, that
that I
may enter
enter with
with those
those who
who rejoice in the
the light
light of
o f Thy countenance,
countenance, 0
O Lord,
and
and that
that even
even I may receive eternal
eternal life in Christ
Christ Jesus our
our Lord. Amen.
Amen.

340
 AA PHAYili
P r a y e r RULE
Rule IOH t h o s e.. STI~lI(,(,LINC
f o r TIIOSI Struggl ing with
Willi D espondency
DLSPONDI.NC:Y

A
A P e n i t e n t RULE
PENITENT R u l e FOR
f o r THE D eparted
t h e DEPARTED

In order
In order to
to drive
drive away
away from
from aa spiritual
spiritual child
child all
all gloomy
gloomy thoughts
thoughts connected
connected
with
with the
the memory
memory of
o f her
her departed
departed husband
husband and
and to
to save
save her
her from
from despondency
despondency
and despair,
and despair, St.
St. Seraphim
Seraphim commanded
commanded her
her to
to go
go for
fo r forty
forty days
days without
without fail
fail to
to
his
his tomb
tomb and
and say:
say:
Bless me,
Bless me, my
my lord
lord and
and father!
father! Forgive
Forgive me
me in
in so
so far
far as
as II have
have sinned
sinned
against you,
against you, and
and the
the Lord
Lord God
God will
will also
also forgive
forgive and
and release
release you.
you.
Dig
Dig aa hole
hole 11foot
foot deep
deep in
in the
the grave.
grave. Take
Take the
the ashes
ashes from
from the
the censer
censer at
at church
church
and pour
and pour them
them into
into it,
it, saying:
saying:

O u r FATHER
OUR F ather

Our Father,
Our Father, Who
W ho art
art in
in heaven,
heaven, hallowed
hallowed beThy
be Thy Name.
Name. Thy
Thy Kingdom
Kingdom
come, Thy
come, Thy will
will be
be done,
done, on
on earth
earth as
as itit is
is in
in heaven.
heaven. Give
Give us
us this
this day
day our
our
daily bread,
daily bread, and
and forgive
forgive us
us our
our debts,
debts, as
as we
we forgive
forgive our
our debtors;
debtors; and
and lead
lead
us
us not
not into
into temptation,
temptation, but
but deliver
deliver us
us from
from the
the evil
evil one.
one. (3x,
(3x, in
in honour
honour
o f the
of the Trinity)
Trinity)

J e s u s PRAYER
JESUS P rayer

Lord Jesus
Lord Jesus Christ
Christ, Son
Son of
o f God,
God, have
have mercy
mercy on
on me
me (a
(a sinner).
sinner). (3x)
(3x)

R ejoice, 0
REJOICE, O VIRGIN
V irgin

Rejoice, 0O Virgin
Rejoice, Virgin Theotokos,
Theotokos, Mary
Mary full
full of
o f grace,
grace, the
the Lord
Lord is
is with
with thee.
thee.
Blessed
Blessed art
art thou
thou among
among women,
women, and
and blessed
blessed is
is the
the fruit
fruit of
o fthy
thy womb,
womb,
for
for thou
thou hast
hast born
born the
the Saviour
Saviour of
o f our
our souls.
souls. (3x)
(3x)

T h e CREED
THE C reed

341
 AAKATHIST
kathist

T To
o OOUR
ur HHOLY n d GGOD-BEARING
o l y a AND o d -bearing
F FATHER
a t h e r S SERAPHIM
eraphim
WWONDERWORKER f S SAROV
o n d e r w o r k e r o OF arov

K KONTAKION
ontakion 1 1

Chosenwonderworker
Chosen wonderworker and
andmarvellous
marvellous Saint
Sainto fofChrist,
Christ,our
ourspeedy
speedy
helperand
helper andintercessor,
intercessor,holy
holyFather
FatherSeraphim,
Seraphim,while
whilemagnifying
magnifyingthe
theLord
Lord
Whoglorified
Who glorifiedthee,
thee,wewe sing
sing praisestotothee.
praises thee.And
Andsince
sincethou
thouhast
hastgreat
greatbold
bold-
­
nesstowards
ness towardsthe
theLord,
Lord,free
freeususfrom
fromallalldisasters
disastersasaswewecry:
cry:Rejoice,
Rejoice,Saint
Saint
Seraphim,Wonderworker
Seraphim, Wonderworkero fofSarov.
Sarov.

E iEIKOS
kos 1 1

TheCreator
The Creatoro fofangels
angelschose
chosethee
theefrom
fromthe
thebeginning
beginning totoglorify
glorifythe
the
mostwonderful
most wonderfulname
nameo fof theHoly
the HolyTrinity
Trinitybybythy
thylife.
life.For
For thouwast
thou wasttruly
truly
ananangel
angelononearth
earthand
anda Seraphim
a Seraphimininthe
theflesh,
flesh,and
andthou
thoudidst
didstmake
makethy
thy
lifeshine
life shineasasa bright
a brightray
rayo fofthe
theeternal
eternalsun
suno fofrighteousness.
righteousness. And
Andseeing
seeing
thyadmirable
thy admirablelabours,
labours,with
withjoy
joyand
andreverence
reverencewewespeak
speaktotothee
theethus:
thus:

Rejoice,rule
Rejoice, ruleo foffaith
faithand
andpiety!
piety!
Rejoice,model
Rejoice, modelo fofmeekness
meeknessand
andhumility!
humility!
Rejoice,glorious
Rejoice, gloriousmmagnification
agnification o fof thefaithful!
the faithful!
Rejoice,quiet
Rejoice, quietcom
comfort
fort o fof thesorrowful!
the sorrowful!
Rejoice,beloved
Rejoice, belovedpraise
praiseo fofmonks!
monks!
Rejoice,wonderful
Rejoice, wonderfulhelp
helpo fofthose
thoseliving
livingininthe
theworld!
world!
Rejoice,glory
Rejoice, gloryand
andprotection
protectiono fofthe
theD Dominion
om inion o fofRussia!
Russia!
Rejoice,sacred
Rejoice, sacredadornment
adornment o fofthe
theland
lando fofTambov!
Tambov!
Rejoice,Saint
Rejoice, SaintSeraphim,
Seraphim,Wonderworker
Wonderworker o fofSarov!
Sarov!

342
 A K A T HI ST
AI\,\TIII)T

K o n t a k i o n2 2
KONTAKION

Seeing
Seeing thythy fervent
fervent love
love forfor
thethemonastic
monastic life,
life, thythy m other
mother recognised
recognised
it it
to tobebethetheLord's
Lord's holy
holy will
will forfor thee,holy
thee, holy Father
Father Seraphim.
Seraphim. And
And offer ­
offer-
inging thee
thee as as a perfect
a perfect giftgift
to toGod,
God,sheshe blessed
blessed thee
thee to tofollow
follow
thethe narrow
narrow
monastic
monastic way
way with
with herher holy
holy cross,
cross, which
which thou
thou didst
didst wear
wear onon
thythy breast
breast
to to
thethe end
end of othy
f thy life,
life, indicating
indicating thythy great
great love
love forfor Christ
Christ ourour God
God Who
Who
was
was crucified
crucified forfor
us.us.
AndAnd
to toHim
Him
wewe
allall
crycry with
with compunction:
compunction: Alleluia!
Alleluia!

E i k o s2 2
EIKOS

Heavenly
Heavenly knowledge
knowledge having
having been
been bestowed
bestowed upon
upon thee,
thee, Saint
Saint of oGod,
f God,
thou
thou didst
didst never
never cease
cease from
from thythy youth
youth onwards
onwards to to think
think of oheavenly
f heavenly things,
things,
and
and thou
thou didst
didst leave
leave thythy father 'house
father's s house
forfor
thethesake
sake
of othe
f the Kingdom
Kingdom of o f
God
God and
and His
His righteousness.
righteousness. SoSo accept
accept from
from usus these
these praises:
praises:

Rejoice,
Rejoice, divinely
divinely chosen
chosen child
child of othe
f the City
City of oKursk!
f Kursk!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, precious
precious scion
scion of opious
f pious parents!
parents!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who didst
didst inherit
inherit thythy mothervirtue!
mother's 's virtue!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who wast
wast taught
taught byby
herher prayer
prayer andand piety!
piety!
Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thouwho
whowast
wastblessed
blessedforforthethefray
fraywith
w itha across
crossfrom
from
thythy m other!
mother!
Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thouwho
whodidst
didstkeep
keepthis
thisblessing
blessingas asa asacred
sacredrelic
relictilltill
thythy death!
death!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who didst
didst leave
leave thythy fatherhouse
father's 's house
outout
of olove
f love
forfor
thethe Lord!
Lord!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who didst
didst regard
regard allall
thethe beautiful
beautiful things
things of othis
f this world
world as as
nothing!
nothing!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, Saint
Saint Seraphim,
Seraphim, Wonderworker
Wonderworker of oSarov!
f Sarov!

K o n t a k i o n3 3
KONTAKION

The
The power
power of othe
f the Most
Most High
High from
from thythy youth
youth truly
truly kept
kept thee,
thee, 0 O Saint.
Saint.
For
For having
having fallen
fallen from
from thetheheight
height
of othe
f the church,
church, thetheLord
Lord kept
kept thee
thee un-un ­
harmed;
harmed; and
and when
when thou
thou wast
wast suffering
suffering cruelly
cruelly thethe Lady
Lady of othe
f the world
world her ­
her-
self
self appeared
appeared and
and brought
brought thee
thee healing
healing from
from heaven,
heaven, because
because thou
thou hadst
hadst
faithfully
faithfully served
served God
God from
from childhood,
childhood, ever
ever crying
crying to to Him:
Him: Alleluia!
Alleluia!

343
A\A n E xtraord
EXII?ilORDI\ilf?Y i n a r y P
PLI e a cE e

E ikos
EIKOS 33
Havingaalonging
Having longingfor
forthe
thehard
hardcalling
callingofo the
f theangelic
angelicmonastic
monasticlife,
life,thou
thou
didstgo
didst goon
ona apilgrimage
pilgrimagetotothe
theholy
holycity
cityofo fKiev
Kievtotovenerate
veneratethe
thesaints
saints
ofo fPetchersk.
Petchersk.And
Andhaving
havingreceived
receivedfrom
fromthe
thelips
lipsofofSaint
SaintDositheus
Dositheusthe
the
commandtotomake
command makethy
thyway
waytotothe
thedesert
desertofo fSarov,
Sarov,thou
thoudidst
didstkiss
kissthat
that
holy
holyplace
placefrom
fromafar
afarby
byfaith,
faith,and
andhaving
havingsettled
settledthere,
there,thou
thoudidst
didstend
end
thyGod-pleasing
thy God -pleasinglife.
life.And
Andmarvelling
marvellingatatGod's
God 'sprovidence
providenceininthy
thyregard,
regard,
withcompunction
with com punctionwe
wecry
crytotothee:
thee:

Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thouwho
whodidst
didstrenounce
renounceworldly
worldlyvanities!
vanities!
Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thouwho
whodidst
didstardently
ardentlydesire
desirethe
theheavenly
heavenlyhome!
home!
Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thouwho
whodidst
didstlove
loveChrist
Christwith
withall
allthy
thyheart!
heart!
Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thouwho
whodidst
didsttake
takeupon
uponthyself
thyselfChrist's
C hristseasy
easyyoke!
yoke!
Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thouwho
whowast
wastfilled
filledwith
withthe
thespirit
spiritofo fperfect
perfectobedience!
obedience!
Rejoice,faithful
Rejoice, faithfulkeeper
keeperofo fthe
theLord's
Lordsholy
holycommandments!
comm andments!
Rejoice, thou
Rejoice, thou who
who didst
didst strengthen
strengthen thy
thy mind
m ind and
and heart
heart inin God
God
byprayer!
by prayer!
Rejoice,pillar
Rejoice, pillarofo funshakable
unshakablepiety!
piety!
Rejoice,Saint
Rejoice, SaintSeraphim,
Seraphim,Wonderworker
Wonderworkerofo fSarov!
Sarov!

K ontakion
KONTAKION 44

Stillingthe
Stilling thestorm
stormofo fthe
theattacks
attacksofo fthe
theevil
evilone,
one,thou
thoudidst
didsttraverse
traverse
all
allthe
thenarrow
narrowand
anddifficult
difficultway
wayofo fthe
themonastic
m onasticcalling,
calling,and
anddidst
didstbear
bear
theyoke
the yokeofo fthe
thesolitary
solitarylife,
life,seclusion
seclusionand
andsilence,
silence,night
nightafter
afternight
nightvigil,
vigil,
andsosoby
and bythe
thegrace
graceofo fGod
Godthou
thoudidst
didstmount
mountfrom
fromstrength
strengthtotostrength,
strength,
fromactivity
from activitytotodivine
divinecontemplation,
contemplation,and
anddidst
didstpass
passtotothe
theabodes
abodeson
on
high,where
high, wherewith
withthe
theangels
angelsthou
thousingest
singesttotoGod:
God:Alleluia!
Alleluia!

E ikos
EIKOS 44

On
Onhearing
hearingand
andseeing
seeingthy
thyholy
holylife,
life,holy
holyFather
FatherSeraphim,
Seraphim,all
allthe
thebreth-
breth ­
ren
renwere
wereamazed
amazedatatthee
theeand
andcame
cametotothee.
thee.And
Andreflecting
reflectingon
onthy
thywords
words
and
andstruggles,
struggles,they
theyglorified
glorifiedthe
theLord
LordWho
Whoisiswonderful
wonderfulininHis
Hissaints.
saints.And
And
with
withfaith
faithand
andlove
lovewe
weall
allpraise
praisethee,
thee,holy
holyFather,
Father,and
andsing
singtotothee
theethus:
thus:

344
 AA kat
I( Allllhi st
SI

Rejoice, thou
Rejoice, thou Who
W ho didst
didst offer
offer the
the whole
whole of
o f thyself
th y self as a sacrifice
sacrifice
the Lord!
to the
thou who
Rejoice, thou who didst
didst mount
mount to the
the height
height of
o f dispassion!
dispassion!
victorious soldier
Rejoice, victorious soldier of
o f Christ!
Christ!
Rejoice, good
good and
and faithful
faithful slave o
off the
the heavenly
heavenly Master!
Master!
Rejoice, unshamed
unshamed intercessor
intercessor for us with
with the
the Lord!
unsleeping suppliant
Rejoice, unsleeping suppliant for us to the
the Mother
Mother of
o f God!
Rejoice, desert
desert lily of
o f wonderful
wonderful fragrance!
fragrance!
spotless vessel of
Rejoice, spotless o f the
the grace of
o f God!
Rejoice, Saint
Saint Seraphim,
Seraphim, Wonderworker
Wonderworker of
o f Sarov!

K ontakion
KONTAKION 5
5

divine light
A divine light irradiated thy dwelling,
irradiated thy dwelling, 0
O Saint,
Saint, when
when lying
lying sick and
and on
thy death-bed,
thy death -bed, the
the most
most pure
pure Virgin
Virgin herself
herself came
came to thee
thee with
with the
the holy
holy
Apostles Peter
Apostles Peter and
and John
John and
and said, "This
" This is one
one of
o f our
our kind,"
kind," and
and touched
touched
thy head.
thy head. And
And thou
thou wast
wast immediately
immediately healed
healed and
and didst
didst gratefully
gratefully sing to
the Lord: Alleluia!
the Alleluia!

E ikos
EIKOS 5
5

Seeing thy
Seeing thy holy
holy life, Saint
Saint Seraphim,
Seraphim, the
the enemy
enemy of the
the human
human race
wanted to destroy
wanted destroy thee.
thee. For he led evil men
men to thee
thee who
who wickedly
wickedly attacked
attacked
thee and
thee and left thee
thee scarcely
scarcely alive. But thou,
thou, holy
holy father,
father, like a gentle
gentle lamb,
lamb,
didst
didst endure everything, praying
endure everything, praying to the
the Lord for thy
thy offenders.
offenders. Therefore,
Therefore,
marvelling at thy
marvelling thy so great
great freedom
freedom from
from malice,
malice, we all cry to thee:
thee:

Rejoice, thou
thou who
who didst
didst imitate
im itate Christ
Christ our
our God
God in thy
thy meekness
meekness and
and
humility!
humility!
thou who
Rejoice, thou who didst
didst conquer
conquer the
the spirit
spirit of
o f malice
malice by thy
thy freedom
freedom from
from
malice!
malice!
Rejoice, zealous
zealous guardian
guardian of
o f spiritual
spiritual and
and bodily
bodily purity!
purity!
Rejoice, solitary desert
Rejoice, solitary desert dweller, filled to overflowing
overflowing with
with the
the gifts of grace!
grace!
Rejoice, ascetic
ascetic glorified
glorified by God
God and
and gifted
gifted with
with spiritual
spiritual insight!
insight!
Rejoice, amazing
amazing and
and divinely
divinely wise
wise director o f monks!
director of monks!

345
A n EXTIi'\OHllIN!II(\
AN Extraordinary P eace
PEACE

Rejoice, praise
Rejoice, praise and
and joy
joy of
o f the
the Holy
Holy Church!
Church!
Rejoice, thou
Rejoice, thou who
who art
art the
the glory
glory and
and lustre
lustre ofSarov
o f Sarov monastery!
monastery!
Rejoice, Saint
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim,
Seraphim, Wonderworker
Wonderworker ofSarov!
o f Sarov!

K o n ta kio n
KONTAKION 66
The desert
The desert ofSarov
of Sarov preaches
preaches thy
thy labours
labours and
and struggles,
struggles, 0O God-bearing
God -bearing
Saint of
Saint o f Christ;
Christ; for
for thou
thou didst
didst make
make fragrant
fragrant by
by prayer
prayer its
its trees
trees and
and forests,
forests,
imitating God's
imitating God 's Prophet
Prophet Elijah
Elijah and
and the
the Lord's
Lord's Baptizer
Baptizer John,
John, and
and thou
thou
didst display
didst display aa most
most fruitful
fruitful blossoming
blossom ing of
o f the
the desert
desert with
with the
the gifts
gifts of
of
the Holy
the Holy Spirit.
Spirit. And
And by
by the
the working
working of
o f the
the Spirit
Spirit thou
thou didst
didst accomplish
accomplish
many glorious
many glorious things
things which
which stir
stir the
the faithful
faithful to
to sing
sing to
to God,
God, the
the Giver
Giver of
of
all good
all good things:
things: Alleluia!
Alleluia!

E iko s
EIKOS 66
A new
A new seer
seer like
like Moses
Moses arose
arose in
in thee,
thee, blessed
blessed Seraphim.
Seraphim. For
For while
while ir-
ir­
reproachably performing
reproachably performing thy
thy ministry
ministry in
in the
the Sanctuary
Sanctuary of
o fthe
the Lord,
Lord, thou
thou
wast granted
wast granted to
to see
see Christ
Christ walking
walking in
in the
the temple
temple with
with the
the Bodiless
Bodiless Powers.
Powers.
And marvelling
And marvelling at
at the
the divine
divine favour
favour in
in thy
thy regard,
regard, we
we sing
sing to
to thee
thee thus:
thus:

Rejoice, glorious
Rejoice, glorious seer
seer of
o f God!
God!
Rejoice, thou
Rejoice, thou who
who wast
wast illumined
illum ined with
with the
the triune
triune light!
light!
Rejoice, faithful
Rejoice, faithful servant
servant of
o f the
the Most
Most Holy
Holy Trinity!
Trinity!
Rejoice, embellished
Rejoice, embellished abode
abode of
o f the
the Holy
Holy Spirit!
Spirit!
Rejoice, thou
Rejoice, thou who
who didst
didst see
see face
face to
to face
face with
with thy
thy bodily
bodily eyes
eyes Christ
Christ and
and
the angels!
the angels!
Rejoice, thou
Rejoice, thou who
who didst
didst foretaste
foretaste the
the sweetness
sweetness of
o f Paradise
Paradise in
in aa body
body of
of
clay!
clay!
Rejoice, thou
Rejoice, thou who
who wast
wast filled
filled with
with the
the Bread
Bread of
o f Life!
Life!
Rejoice, thou
Rejoice, thou who
who didst
didst drink
drink the
the Water
Water of
o f Immortality!
Im mortality!
Rejoice, Saint
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim,
Seraphim, Wonderworker
Wonderworker of
o f Sarov!
Sarov!

346
 A KAIIIIS'I

K ontakion
KONTAKION 77
W ishing to
Wishing to manifest
m anifest in
in thee,
thee, 0O Saint,
Saint, His
His unutterable
unutterable mercy
mercy to
to men,
men,
the Lord
the Lord-—the
the Lover
Lover of
o f men
men -—showed
showed thee
thee to
to be
be truly
truly aa God-given
God -given light,
light,
for by
for by thy
thy words
words and
and deeds
deeds thou
thou leadest
leadest all
all to
to piety
piety and
and the
the love
love of
o f God.
God.
Therefore, enlightened
Therefore, enlightened by
by the
the splendour
splendour of
o f thy
thy struggles
struggles and
and satisfied
satisfied
with the
with the bread
bread of
o f thy
thy teaching,
teaching, we
we fervently
fervently magnify
magnify thee
thee and
and we
we cry
cry to
to
Christ who
Christ who glorified
glorified thee:
thee: Alleluia!
Alleluia!

E ikos
EIKOS 77
Seeing thee
Seeing thee as
as aa new
new chosen
chosen vessel
vessel of
o fGod,
God, the
the faithful
faithful flocked
flocked to
to thee
thee
from afar
from afar in
in their
their troubles
troubles and
and sufferings.
sufferings. And
And thou
thou didst
didst not
not turn
turn away
away
those who
those who were
were weighed
weighed down
down with
with misfortunes,
misfortunes, but
but didst
didst give
give them
them
healing and
healing and comfort
com fort and
and didst
didst intercede
intercede for
for them
them in
in prayer.
prayer. Therefore,
Therefore,
the report
the report of
o f thy
thy miracles
miracles has
has gone
gone through
through the
the length
length and
and breadth
breadth of
of
Russia, and
Russia, and thy
thy spiritual
spiritual children
children glorify
glorify thee
thee thus:
thus:

Rejoice, our
Rejoice, our good
good shepherd!
shepherd!
Rejoice, meek
Rejoice, meek and
and merciful
merciful father!
father!
Rejoice, speedy
Rejoice, speedy and
and gracious
gracious physician!
physician!
Rejoice, merciful
Rejoice, merciful healer
healer of
o f our
our infirmities!
infirmities!
Rejoice, speedy
Rejoice, speedy helper
helper in
in time
tim e of
o f trouble
trouble and
and adversity!
adversity!
Rejoice, sweet
Rejoice, sweet peacemaker
peacemaker of
o f troubled
troubled souls!
souls!
Rejoice, thou
Rejoice, thou who
who couldst
couldst foresee
foresee the
the future
future as
as present!
present!
Rejoice, thou
Rejoice, thou whose
whose spiritual
spiritual insight
insight could
could bring
bring to
to light
light hidden
hidden sins!
sins!
Rejoice, Saint
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim,
Seraphim, Wonderworker
Wonderworker of
o f Sarov!
Sarov!

K ontakion
KONTAKION 88
We see
We see aa strange
strange wonder
wonder in
in thee,
thee, 0O Saint,
Saint, for
for being toil - worn and
being aa toil-worn and
feeble old
feeble old man,
man, thou
thou didst
didst continue
continue in
in prayer
prayer on
on aa rock
rock for
for aa thousand
thousand
days and
days and nights.
nights. Who
W ho can
can tell
tell of
o fthe
the pains
pains and
and struggles
struggles which
which thou
thou didst
didst
endure, 0O blessed
endure, blessed Father,
Father, raising
raising thy
thy holy
holy hands
hands to
to God,
God, conquering
conquering the
the
spiritual Amalek
spiritual Amalek and
and singing
singing to
to the
the Lord:
Lord: Alleluia!
Alleluia!

347
AA Nn EExx I't Rr a\ Uo [(r DIN r y PP I:eIIaCc 1e
d i n ;\a I~Y

E ikos
EIKOS 88
"Thou
" Thou art
art all
all my
my desire,
desire, all
all my
my delight,
delight, sweetest
sweetest Jesus!"
Jesu s! " So
So in
in thy
thy
prayers,
prayers, Father,
Father, thou
thou didst
didst cry
cry in
in thy
thy solitary
solitary silence.
silence. But
But we
we who
who are
are
darkened by
darkened by vanity
vanity and
and have
have wasted
wasted our
our life
life in
in sins,
sins, praise
praise thy
thy love
love for
for
the
the Lord
Lord and
and cry
cryto
to thee
thee thus:
thus:

Rejoice, mediator
Rejoice, mediator of
o fsalvation
salvation to
to those
those who
who love
love and
and honour
honour thee!
thee!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who leadest
leadest sinners
sinners to
to amendment!
am endment!
Rejoice, most
Rejoice, mostwonderful
wonderful recluse
recluse and
and solitary!
solitary!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, fervent
fervent intercessor
intercessor for
for us!
us!
Rejoice, thou
Rejoice, thou who
who didst
didst show
show flaming
flaming love
love for
forthe
the Lord!
Lord!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who didst
didst scorch
scorch with
with the
the fire
fire of
o f prayer
prayer the
the darts
darts of
o f the
the
enemy!
enemy!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, inextinguishable
inextinguishable candle
candle flaming
flamingwith
with prayer
prayer in
in the
thewilds!
wilds!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, lamp
lamp aglow
aglowwith
with the
the light
light and
and warmth
warmth of
o fspiritual
spiritual gifts!
gifts!
Rejoice,
Rejoice, Saint
Saint Seraphim,
Seraphim, Wonderworker
Wonderworker of
o fSarov!
Sarov!

K ontakion
KONTAKION 99

The
The whole
whole nature
nature of
o f angels
angels was
was amazed
am azed at
at the
the strange
strange sight,
sight, for
for
when
when thou
thou wast
wast an
an elder
elder in
in seclusion,
seclusion, the
the Queen
Queen of
o f heaven
heaven and
and earth
earth
appeared
appeared to
to thee,
thee, commanding
commanding thee
thee to
to open
open thy
thy seclusion
seclusion and
and not
not pre-
pre­
vent
vent Orthodox
O rthodox people
people from
from visiting
visiting thee,
thee, but
but that
that thou
thou shouldest
shouldest teach
teach
all
all to
to sing
sing to
to Christ
Christ as
as God:
God: Alleluia!
Alleluia!

E ikos
EIKOS 99

Most
Most eloquent
eloquent orators
orators cannot
cannot express
express the
the strength
strength of
o f thy
thy love,
love, 0O
blessed
blessed Saint.
Saint. For
For thou
thou didst
didst give
give thyself
thyself up
up to
to the
the service
service of
o f all
all who
who
came
came to
to thee,
thee, fulfilling
fulfilling the
the commandment
com m andm ent of
o f the
the Mother
Mother of
o f God,
God, and
and
thou
thou wast
wast an
an adviser
adviserof
o fthose
those in
in doubt,
doubt, aacomforter
com forterof
o fthe
the despondent,
despondent, aa
gentle
gentle guide
guide to
to those
thosewho
who had
had gone
gone astray,
astray, aaphysician
physician and
and healer
healer of
o fthe
the
sick.
sick. Therefore,
Therefore, we
we cry
cry to
to thee:
thee:

348
 A KK;\ATIIII! 1S
A I S Tr

Rejoice, thou who didst

thou who didst leave the world and
the world settle in the
and settle the wilds
wilds so as to
obtain the
obtain the virtues!
virtues!
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who didst
didst leave the wilds and
the wilds return to the
and return the monastery
monastery in
order to sow the
order the seeds
seeds ooff virtue!
virtue!
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who wast
wast radiant
radiant with the Holy Spirit!
with the
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who wast
wast filled with
with hum ility and
humility and meekness!
meekness!
Rejoice, thou
thou who wast a loving
who wast father to all who
loving father who flocked
flocked to thee!
thee!
Rejoice, thou who didst
thou who didst give them comfort
them com fort and
and encouragement
encouragement by thy
thy
words ooff love!
words
thou who
Rejoice, thou who didst
didst call those
those who
who came
came to thee
thee "My
"My joy"
joy " and
and "My
treasure"!" !
treasure
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who for thy
thy holy love wast
wast granted
granted the
the joys of the heavenly
o f the heavenly
Kingdom!
Kingdom!
Rejoice, Saint
Saint Seraphim,
Seraphim, Wonderworker
Wonderworker of
o f Sarov!

K o n t a k i o n 110
KONTAKION 0

Having reached
Having reached the end ooff thy
the end saving struggle,
thy saving struggle, 0O Saint,
Saint, thou
thou didst
didst
surrender thy
surrender thy holy soul
soul into
into the
the hands
hands ooff God
God while
while kneeling
kneeling at prayer,
and
and the holy angels
the holy angels bore
bore it aloft
aloft to the throne ooff the
the throne the Almighty, that thou
Almighty, that thou
mightest stand
mightest stand with
with all the
the saints
saints in eternal
eternal glory, singing the song
singing the song ooff
praise to the
praise the Word, most
most holy
holy of holies: Alleluia!
o f holies: Alleluia!

E
EIKOS
ikos 110
0

The Most Holy Virgin

Virgin who
who is a wall
wall ooff protection
protection to all saints
saints and
and
monks appeared
monks appeared to thee
thee at thy
thy end and foretold
end and foretold thy near departure
thy near departure to
God. And
And we, amazed such a visit of
amazed by such o f the
the Mother
Mother of God, cry to thee:
o f God, thee:

Rejoice, thou
thou who didst see face to face the
who didst the Queen
Queen ooff heaven
heaven and
and earth!
earth!
Rejoice, thou who wast
thou who wast gladdened
gladdened by the
the appearance off the
appearance o Mother ooff
the Mother
God!
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who didst
didst receive news from her
her of
o f thy passing to heaven!
thy passing heaven!
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who didst show by thy
didst show thy righteous
righteous end
end the holiness ooff thy
the holiness thy life!
Rejoice, thou
thou who
who didst surrender thy
didst surrender thy contrite
contrite spirit
spirit to God in prayer
prayer be-
be -

349
ANA nEX1H!\(lRDIN;\HY
E x t r a o r d i n a r yPEACE
P eace

fore thetheikon
fore ikonofoOur Lady
f Our ofoCompunction!
Lady f Com punction!
Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thou whodidst
who didst fulfil
fulfil thythyprophecies
prophecies
bybya painless
a painless death!
death!
Rejoice,
Rejoice,thou
thouwho
whowast
wastcrowned with
crowned withthethecrown
crownofoimmortality
f im m ortalitybyby
thethe
handofothe
hand f the Almighty!
Almighty!
Rejoice,
Rejoice,thou who
thou didst
who inherit
didst thetheblbliss
inherit iss ofoParadise with
f Paradise withallallthethe
saints!
saints!
Rejoice,Saint
Rejoice, Saint Seraphim,Wonderworker
Seraphim, WonderworkerofoSarov!
f Sarov!

K o n t a k i o n 11
KONTAKION 11

Offering
Offeringthythy
whole life
whole asas
life anan
unceasing song
unceasing totothetheMost
song MostHoly
HolyTrinity,
Trinity,
oOSaint,
Saint,thou
thoudidst show
didst thyself
show totobebea great
thyself ascetic
a great and
ascetic exponent
and ofopi-
exponent f pi­
etyety
forfor
thetheenlightenment ofothose
enlightenm ent inin
f those error and
error forfor
and thethe
healing ofothe
healing sick
f the sick
ininbody and
body soul.
and And
soul. wewe
And who arearegrateful
who totoGod
grateful Godforfor
His great
His mercy
great toto
mercy
us,us,ever sing
ever totoHim:
sing Him:Alleluia.
Alleluia.

E i k o s11
EIKOS 11

Thou
Thouwast
wasta shining light
a shining during
light thythy
during life,
life,0 O
most blessed
most Father,
blessed Father,and
and
even
evenafter thythydeath
after deaththou
thoudidst light
didst upupthetheland
light landofoRussia asasa brilliant
f Russia a brilliant
luminary. For
luminary. thou
For dost
thou pour
dost from
pour thythy
from venerable relics
venerable streams
relics ofomiracles
streams f miracles
forforallallwho
whowith
withfaith
faithand
andlove
lovehave
haverecourse to tothee.
recourse thee.Therefore,
Therefore,asas
totoa a
fervent
fervent and
and wonderworking
wonderworking intercessor
intercessor forfor
us,us,wewe
crycry
totothee:
thee:

Rejoice,
Rejoice,thou who
thou wast
who glorified
wast bybyGod
glorified Godwith
witha multitude ofomiracles!
a multitude f miracles!
Rejoice,
Rejoice,thou who
thou whodidst light
didst upupthethewhole
light wholeworld
worldwith
withthythylove!
love!
Rejoice,
Rejoice,faithful
faithfulfollower ofothe
follower love
f the ofoChrist!
love f Christ!
Rejoice,
Rejoice,comfort totoallall
com fort whowhoneed thythy
need help!
help!
Rejoice,
Rejoice,unfailing
unfailingsource ofomiracles!
source f miracles!
Rejoice,
Rejoice,healer ofothe
healer sick
f the and
sick andinfirm!
infirm!
Rejoice,
Rejoice,inexhaustible well
inexhaustible ofohealing
well water!
f healing water!
Rejoice,
Rejoice,thou who
thou didst
who embrace
didst allallthetheearth
embrace with
earth thythy
with love!
love!
Rejoice,
Rejoice,Saint Seraphim,
Saint Wonderworker
Seraphim, ofoSarov!
Wonderworker f Sarov!

350
 A AK KA r\ Mi IiiiS Tsr
KKONTAKION
ontakion 1 12
2

Knowingthy
Knowing thygrace
graceand
andthy
thygreat
greatboldness
boldness with
withGod,
God,we
wepray
praytotothee,
thee,
holyFather:
holy Father: Pray
Prayfervently
fervently totoGod
Godthat
that He
Hemay
maykeep
keep His
HisHoly
HolyChurch
Church
fromunbelief
from unbelief and
andschism,
schism, from
fromdisaster
disaster and
andattack,
attack. that
thatwe
wemay
maysing
singtoto
GodWho
God Whothrough
through thee
theepours
pours His
Hisblessings
blessingson
onus:
us:Alleluia!
Alleluia!

i k o s 1 12
E EIKOS 2

Singing and
Singing and rejoicing
rejoicing atatthy
thyglorification,
glorification, we
webless
blessthee,
thee, O0 Saint,
Saint, asas
a amighty
mighty intercessor
intercessor for
forususwith
with God,
God,aacomforter
comforter and
and defender,
defender, and
andwe
we
singtotothee
sing theewith
with love
lovethus:
thus:

Rejoice,praise
Rejoice, praiseoof theOrthodox
f the Orthodox Church!
Church!
Rejoice,shield
Rejoice, shieldand
anddefence
defenceoof ourcountry!
f our country!
Rejoice,guide
Rejoice, guidewho
whodirects
directs all
alltotoheaven!
heaven!
Rejoice,our
Rejoice, ourdefender
defender and
andprotector!
protector!
Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thou who
whodidst
didstwork
workmany
manymiracles
miraclesby
bythe
thepower
poweroof God!
f God!
Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thouwho
whodidst
didstheal
healmany
manysick
sickpeople
peoplewith
withthy
thygarment!
garment!
Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thouwho
whodidst
didstconquer
conquer all
allthe
thesnares
snaresoof thedevil!
f the devil!
Rejoice,thou
Rejoice, thouwho
whodidst
didsttame
tamewild
wildbeasts
beastswith
withthy
thygentleness!
gentleness!
Rejoice,Saint
Rejoice, SaintSeraphim,
Seraphim, Wonderworker
Wonderworker oof Sarov!
f Sarov!

KKONTAKION
ontakion 1 13
3

Oo most wonderful
m ost Saint
w onderful andandgreat
Saint wonderworker,
great wonderworker,holy Father
holy Father
Seraphim, accept
Seraphim, acceptthis
thisour
oursmall
smallprayer
prayeroffered
offeredtotothee
theeininthy
thypraise.
praise.And
And
standing now
standing nowbefore
beforethe
thethrone
throne ofofthe
theKing
Kingoof Kings,our
f Kings, ourLord
LordJesus
JesusChrist,
Christ,
prayfor
pray forall
alloof
f ususthat
thatwe
wemay
maybebegranted
granted His
Hismercy
mercyatatthe
theday
dayoof judgment
f judgment
andsing
and singfor
forjoy
joytotoHim:
Him:Alleluia!
Alleluia! (Thrice).
(Thrice).

351
i\\ A NE\Tf{c\OI{DI\c\f{I'
E X I R A 0 R P IN A R PC,\Cr:
Y PEAC E

E i k o s1 1
EIKOS

The Creator
The of oangels
Creator chose
f angels thee
chose from
thee thethe
from beginning to to
beginning glorify thethe
glorify
most
mostwonderful
wonderfulname of othe
name Holy
f the Trinity
Holy byby
Trinity thythy
life. ForFor
life. thou wast
thou truly
wast truly
an an
angel onon
angel earth andand
earth a Seraphim in in
a Seraphim thethe
flesh, andand
flesh, thou didst
thou make
didst thythy
make
lifelife
shine as as
shine a bright rayray
a bright of othe eternal
f the sunsun
eternal of orighteousness. And
f righteousness. seeing
And seeing
thythy
admirable labours,
admirable with
labours, joyjoy
with andand
reverence wewe
reverence speak to to
speak thee thus:
thee thus:

Rejoice, rule
Rejoice, of ofaith
rule andand
f faith piety!
piety!
Rejoice, model
Rejoice, of omeekness
model andand
f meekness humility!
humility!
Rejoice, glorious
Rejoice, magnification
glorious of othe
magnification faithful!
f the faithful!
Rejoice, quiet
Rejoice, comfort
quiet of othe
com fort sorrowful!
f the sorrowful!
Rejoice, beloved
Rejoice, praise
beloved of omonks!
praise f monks!
Rejoice, wonderful
Rejoice, help
wonderful of othose
help living
f those in in
living thethe
world!
world!
Rejoice, glory
Rejoice, andand
glory protection of of
protection thethe
Dominion of oRussia!
Dom inion f Russia!
Rejoice, sacred
Rejoice, adornment
sacred of othe
adornment land
f the ofTambov!
land o f Tambov!
Rejoice, Saint
Rejoice, Seraphim,
Saint Wonderworker
Seraphim, of oSarov!
Wonderworker f Sarov!

K o n t a k i o n1 1
KONTAKION

Chosen wonderworker
Chosen andand
wonderworker marvellous Saint
marvellous of oChrist,
Saint ourour
f Christ, speedy
speedy
helper andand
helper intercessor, holy
intercessor, Father
holy Seraphim,
Father while
Seraphim, magnifying
while thethe
magnifying Lord
Lord
Who glorified
W ho thee,
glorified wewe
thee, sing praises
sing to to
praises thee. And
thee. since
And thou
since hast
thou great
hast great
boldness towards
boldness thethe
towards Lord, free
Lord, us us
free from allall
from disasters as as
disasters wewe
cry: Rejoice,
cry: Rejoice,
St.St.
Seraphim, Wonderworker
Seraphim, of oSarov.
Wonderworker f Sarov.

352
 I ndex
INDEX
Throughoutthetheindex
Throughout indexthetheabbreviation
abbreviationSt.St.S Swill
willbebe usedtotoindicate
used indicatereferences
referencestotoSt.St.
Seraphim
Seraphim

AA Asceticism,
Asceticism, 2 828-29,
- 2 9 , 71,71,109,
109,146, 202,
146,202,
Agathia,
Agathia,Abbess,
Abbess,48,
48,216 - 217, 2 9294-295
216-217, 4 -2 9 5 272, 315 - 316
272,315-316
Alexander
Alexander I, I,
Emperor,
Emperor, 105
105 and
andjoy,
joy,2 2229-231
9 - 231

Alexandra, Abbess.seesee
Alexandra, Abbess, Agathia,
Agathia,Abbess
Abbess Athanasia,
Athanasia, Mother,
Mother, 290
290

Anointing
Anointing (spiritual)
(spiritual) ofofSt.St.S, S,
2020
Antony,
Antony,Archbishop
Archbishop (of
(ofVoronezh),
Voronezh), BB
276 - 27 7
276-277
Bears,
Bears,St.St.S feeding - 6 8 , 106
S feedingof,of,6 767-68, - 107,
106-107,
Antony,
Antony,Archimandrite
Archimandrite (Abbot
(Abbotofof
107 - 108
107-108
Vysokogorsk),
Vysokogorsk), 144 - 145, 257 - 260
144-145,257-260
Bible.seeseeScripture
Bible, Scripture (Holy)
(Holy)
Appearances
Appearances ofof
Bible, readingof.of.seeseeReading,
Bible,reading Reading, Holy
Holy
Abbess
AbbessAgathia,
Agathia,216 - 217, 2 9294-295
216-217, 4 -2 9 5
Scripture
Scripture
angels,
angels,43,43,262 - 263
262-263
Apostle
ApostleJohn, John,35,35,66,66,101,
101,263263 Birth
BirthofofSt.St.S,S,1212
Apostle
ApostlePeter,Peter,35,35,6666 Birthdate
Birthdate ofofSt.St.S, S,
establishment
establishment of,of,
Christ,
Christ,4343 - 18
1717-18
Mother
MotherofofGod, God,14,14,35,35,66,
66,91,91,95,95, Blasphemous
Blasphemous thoughts,
thoughts, 148 - 150
148-150
101,101,168 - 169, 262 - 265
168-16~262-265 Boredom,
Boredom, 3232
St.St.Clement
Clement (Pope
(PopeofofRome),
Rome),9595
St.St.John
John(the
(theBaptist),
Baptist),263 263
St.St.John
John(the Divine).seesee
(theDivine), Apostle
Apostle Cc
John
John Canonization
Canonization ofofSt.St.S, S,297 - 313
297-313
St.St.John
John(the Evangelist). seesee
(theEvangelist), Apostle
Apostle
Cheerfulness,
Cheerfulness, 33, 232.seeseealso
33,232. alsoJoy
Joy
John
John
Children,
Children, 188,
188,188 - 191, 192,
188-191, 203, 226,
192,203,226,
St.St.John
John(the Theologian). seesee
(theTheologian), Apostle
Apostle
317
317
John
John
St.St.Onuphrius
Onuphrius the theGreat,
Great,9191 Christian
Christian life,
life,112,
112,114
114
St.St.Peter,
Peter,101
101 Clairvoyance. seeseeForesight
Clairvoyance, Foresight
St.St.Peter
Peter(Archbishop
(Archbishop ofofAlexandria),
Alexandria), Communion
Communion (Holy),
(Holy),43, -4 8
43,4 444-48
9595 Criticism others.seesee
Criticism ofofothers, Judging
Judgingothers
others
St.St.Peter
Peterofof
Athos,
Athos.9191
St.St.S, S,
208,
208,276 - 277, 285,
276-277, 285,286,
286,289,289,
290,291,292,294-296
290, 291, 292, 2 9 4 - 2 9 6 DD
virgin
virginmartyrs,
martyrs, 26263-264
3 -2 6 4 Death,
Death,242, 4 -2 4 5
242,2 4244-245
Aquilina,
Aquilina, Sister
Sister(Vasilievna),
(Vasilievna), 2 1219-220
9 -2 2 0 ofofSt.St.S, S,274
274-277
- 277
Arsenius,
Arsenius. Bishop
Bishop(Moskvin
(Moskvin ofof Tambov),
Tambov) , Demons,
Demons, 128,128,139 - 143, 150
139-143, 150
269 - 271
269-271 temptation
temptation ofofSt.St.S by,
S by,60,
60,64,
64,139
139
Ascetic
Asceticlabors,
labors,29,29,5757-58,
- 58, 5 959-60,
- 6 0 , 77,77,79,79, Depression,
Depression. seeseeDespondency
Despondency
81,81,86,86,109, 201 - 202
109,201-202 Despair.seeseeDespondency
Despair, Despondency

353
Despondency, 31-32,
Despondency, 31 - 32, 33,
33, 59,
59, 107,223-
107, 2 2 3 - F
F
225
225
Family, 178,
Family, 178, 188
188
instructions for
instructions for combatting,
combatting, 59,
59, 208,
208,
212, 215, 219 Family of
Family of St. S, 11.
11, 12,36,277-278
12, 36, 277 - 278
212,215,219
prayers for,
prayers for, 337-340
337 - 340 Moshnin, Agathia
Moshnin, Agathia Photievna
Photievna (mother
(mother
see Demons
Devils, see Demons of St. S), 11,
ofSt. 11, 12,
12, 13,
13, 15,
15, 16,36
16, 36
Devils.
Discernment, 146-147,
146 - 147, 178,
178, 182
182 Fasting, 29,
Fasting, 29, 50, 78-79
7 8 -7 9
Discernment,
Food, 29,
Food, 29, 30,
30, 219
219
Dispassion, 32, 67,
Dispassion, 67, 89-90,
8 9 - 9 0 , 94, 98, 100,
100,
109, 147
109, 147 Fools for
Fools for Christ's
Christ's sake,
sake, 15,
15, 202
202
Diveyev Convent,
Diveyev Convent, 12,48,
12, 48, 98-99,
9 8 - 9 9 , 104,
104, Foresight
Foresight
313
313 explanation of, 145,
explanation 145, 234
234
"Mill-Virgin" Convent,
"Mill-Virgin" Convent, 34 of St. Dositheus,
of Dositheus, 20 20
prayer rule
prayer rule of
of (given
(given by
by St. S), 332-336
332 - 336 of St. S, 79-80,
of 7 9 - 8 0 , 97.
97, 100,
100, 112,
112, 144,
144, 145,
145,
sisters' horse
sisters' horse healed
healed through
through St. S, 108 108 156, 184,
156, 184, 185,
185, 186,
186, 189,
189, 193,
193, 195,
195,
care for
St. S care for the
the sisters,
sisters, 163-164
163 - 164 196, 197, 204, 206 - 207, 211, 2 1 3 -
196,190204,206-200211.213-
St. S instruction
instruction to,to, 26-27,
26 - 27, 29, 41, 41. 214, 218, 21 9 - 2 2 0 , 2 34 - 237, 2 4 4 -
214,218,219-220,234-230244-

4 3 -4 4 245, 253, 256 - 261, 267 - 268, 269,

245,253,256-261.267-268,269,
43-44
promise to to care
care for
for sisters,
sisters, 52 52 272, 273, 274, 277 - 278
272,273,274,277-278
St. S promise
Rules for
St. S Rules for prayer
prayer at
at convent,
convent, 152 152 Francis, Saint
Francis, Saint (of
(of Assisi],
Assisi), 159-160
159 - 160
Divorce, 187
Divorce, 187
Doctors, 35
Doctors, 35 G
G
Dositheus, Saint,
Dositheus, Saint, 19,
19, 20,
20, 28
Galkin-Vrassky, General,
Galkin-Vrassky, General, 93, 24 8 - 2 4 9
93,248-249
God's Will.
God's Will, see Will of God
Will of God
E
E Golitsyn, N.N.
Golitsyn, N.N. (Prince), 20 7 - 20 8
(Prince), 207-208
see Pasch
Easter, see
Easter. Paschaa Good works,
Good works, 113,
113, 114,
114, 115,
115, 116
116
Eating. see Food
Eating, see Food Grace, 113, 114, 115, 116, 120, 121.
Grace, 121, 123,
Education 125, 126,
125, 126, 128,
128, 129,
129, 135,
135, 136
136
Education
of children,
of children, 188,
188, 203
203
of St. S, 14,
of 14, 15,
15, 25
25
H
Education of
Education of children. see Children
children, see Children
Heaven, Kingdom
Heaven, Kingdom of, 223223
Elena, Sister
Elena, Sister (Vasilievna), 241 - 244
(Vasilievna), 241-244
Hermitage (Distant),
Hermitage (Distant), 55, 57, 104,
55, 57, 104, 106
106
Elias (prophet),
Eli~s (prophet), 12
12
Hermitage (Near),
Hermitage (Near), 102,
102, 103,
103, 270,
270, 313
313
Encouragement, 33,
Encouragement, 33, 39,
39, 231.
231, 232
232
Holy Spirit,
Holy 118 - 119, 122-126,
Spirit, 118-119, 122 - 126, 128-
128-
Eropkina, Anna
Eropkina, Anna Petrovna,
Petrovna, 46,
46, 96-97,
96 - 97,
132 - 133, 134-135
131, 132-133,
129, 130, 131. 134 - 135
2208-214
08 - 214
acquisition of, 114,
acquisition 114, 115,
115, 116,
116, 117,
117, 120,
120,
Eucharist (Holy).
Eucharist see Communion
(Holy), see Communion
127, 172, 173, 176
127,172,173,176
(Holy)
(Holy)
Humility, 32, 43,
Humility, 43, 202,
202, 203,
203, 208
208
Eupraxia, Sister,
Eupraxia, Sister, 98-99,
98 - 9 9 , 262-265
262 - 265
Evangelism, 136,
Evangelism, 136, 174
174
Evdokim, Bishop
Evdokim, Bishop (ofVolokolam),
(of Volokolam), I
314 - 319
314-319 Ikons
Ikons
The Apparition
The Apparition of
of the
the Mother
Mother of
of God
God

354
 to St.
to St. S,
S, 312
312 Ji
Ikon of
Ikon ofthe
the Living
Living Fountain,
Fountain, 196196
Jesus Prayer.
Jesus Prayer, see Prayer
se e Prayer
Ikon of
Ikon ofthe
the Sign,
Sign, 11
11
Motherof
Mother ofGod,
God, 17,55,63,189,218,273
17, 55, 63, 189, 218, 273 John (novice),
John (novice), 45,
45, 61.
61, 80-81,
8 0 - 8 1 , 274-275
274 - 275
Our Lady
Our Ladyof ofCompunction,
Compunction, 92, 92, 106,
106, Jonah, Bishop,
Jonah, 8 6 -8 7
Bishop, 86-87
198, 268, 272, 275, 303, 312
198,268,272,275,303,312 Joseph, Father,
Joseph, Father, 25,
25, 34,
34, 35
35
Our Lady
Our Ladyof ofKursk
Kursk (Root),
(Root), 14,
14, 234
234 Joy, 31.
Joy, 31, 32,
32, 33,
33, 84-85,
8 4 - 8 5 , 106,
106, 107,
107, l32-
132 -
Saviour, 17,
Saviour, 17, 240
240 133, 206, 221, 231, 232, 242, 267
133,206,221,231,232,242,267
St. John
St. John thethe Theologian,
Theologian, 101 101 and asceticism,
and asceticism, 229-231
2 2 9 - 231
St. S,
St. S, 180,
180, 297,
297, 312
312 earthly, 228-229
earthly, 2 2 8 -2 2 9
visit of
visit of Mother
Mother of ofGod
God to
to St.
St. Sergius.
Sergius, Paschal, 33,
Paschal. 33, 205-206
2 0 5 -2 0 6
273
273 Judging others,
Judging others, 30,
30, 38,
38, 225
225
Ikons, veneration
Ikons, veneration of,
of, 194
194
Illumination, 129-130,
Illumination, 129 - 130, l31-l32
131 - 132
of St. S,
ofSt. S, 84,
84, 85,
85, l31-l32,
131 - 132, l38,
138, 221
221 K
K
Illustrations
Illustrations Kursk (birthplace
Kursk (birthplace of
of St.
St. S),
S), 11,
11, 20-21
20 - 21
Fresco
F resco of o f St.
St. 5S by by Patrick
Patrick Doolan,
Doolan,
Back Cover
Back Cover
Fresco
F resco of o f St.
St. 5S by by unknown
unknown artist. artist, LL
Front Cover
Front Cover Labor, see
Labor. Work
se e Work
Portrait
P o rtra it of o f St.
St. 5S bybyValerie
Valerie CraigCraig Landowners, 199-201
Landowners, 199 - 201
Murray, 10
Murray, 10
Laymen
Laymen
Bast
B a s t Shoes byA.
S h o es by A. Herman
Herman Breitbach,
Breitbach, 18 18
St. SSinstructions
St. instructions to, 170 - 183, 204,
to, 170-183, 204,
Seraphim
S e ra p h im by byA. A. Herman
Herman Breitbach,
Breitbach, 23 23
220 - 221
220-221
Divine
D i v i n e Visitation
V is ita tio n at a t Sickbed
S ic k b e d of
o f St.
S t. 5 by
S by
St. SSpreference
St. preference of
ofover
over monks,
monks,
A. Herman
A. Herman Breitbach,Breitbach, 24 24
175 - 176
175-176
Censer by A.
C e n s e r by A. Herman
Herman Breitbach,
Breitbach, 36 36
Lazarus, Father
Lazarus, Father (Moore),
(Moore), 319fig,
319fig,
Monastic
M o n a s t ic Emblem
E m b le m by by A. A. Herman
Herman
3 2 0 -3 2 4
320-324
Breitbach, 53
Breitbach, 53
Liturgy, 41.
Liturgy, 41, 42
42
Prayer
P ra y er ono n the
th e Rock by A.
R o c k by A. Herman
Herman
Breitbach, 54
Breitbach, 54 Love, commandment
Love, commandment to,
to, l36
136
Feeding
F e e d in g the
th e Bear by A.
B e a r by A. Herman
Herman
Breitbach, 88
Breitbach, 88
M
M
Revelation
R e v e la tio n to to Motovilov
M o to v ilo v byby A. A. Herman
Herman
Breitbach, 110
Breitbach, 110 Manturov, Michael
Manturov, Michael Vasilevitch, 170 -
Vasilevitch, 170-
Theotohos
T h e o to k o s Znamennskaya
Z n a m e n n s k a y a byby A.A. 171, 237 - 241
171,237-241
Herman Breitbach,
Herman Breitbach, 265 265 Maria Vasilievna.
Maria Vasilievna, Sister
Sister (Nikashina),
(Nikashina),
Repose
R e p o se ofo f St.
S t. 5 by A.
S by A. Herman
Herman 163 - 164
163-164
Breitbach, 266
Breitbach, 266 Marriage, 178,
Marriage, 185 - 186, 187
178, 185-186, 187
Portrait
P o rtra it of o f Fr.
Fr. Lazarus
L a z a r u s Moore by Alexey
M o o r e by Alexey vs. monasticism,
vs. 177 - 178, 178,
monasticism, 177-178, 178, 185
185
Antonov, 319
Antonov, 319 Matrona, Sister,
Matrona, 106 - 107
Sister, 106-107
Isaiah, Father,
Isaiah, Father, 40,
40, 63,
63, 68
68 Michael Pavlovitch
Michael Pavlovitch (Grand
(Grand Duke),
Duke), 105
105
Military, 193,
Military, 193, 195,
195, 197
197
Miracles
Miracles
alcoholism cured
alcoholism cured through
through St.
St. S,
S, 174-
174 -

355
 175,
175,192192 well, 284 284
appearances, (see Appearances
appearances, Appearances of) illness
illness healed
healed through
through St. St. S,
S, 24 9 -2 5 0 ,
249-250,
arthritis
arthritis cured
cured through
through St.St. S,
S, 292
292 2285-286
8 5 -2 8 6
bad
bad eyesight
eyesight curedcured through
through illumination
illumination of of St.
St. S,
S, 84, 85 85
Seraphims
Seraphim's well, well, 301
301 inflammation
inflammation healed healed through
through St. St. S,
S,
blindness
blindness healedhealed through
through Seraphims
Seraphim's 290
well,
well,300300 lamp
lamp lit lit spontaneously
spontaneously through through St. St. S,
S,
blindness
blindness healedhealed through
through St. St. S,
S, 281
281 272
272
cancerous
cancerous arm cured cured through
through legs
legs healed
healed through
through Seraphim's
Seraphim's well, well,
Seraphims
Seraphim's well, 251 251 2279-280
7 9 -2 8 0
candle
candle litlit spontaneously
spontaneously through through legs
legs healed
healed through
through St. St. S,
S, 237 - 238,
237-238,
St.
St. S,
S, 272
272 245 - 247, 289
245-247, 289
catalepsy
catalepsy cured
cured through
through St. St. S relics,
relics, levitation
levitation of of St.
St. S during
during prayer, 2249- 49-
311
311 250
chest
chest healed
healed through
through St. St. S,
S, 24 8 -2 4 9
248-249 life
life extended
extended through through St. St. S,
S, 247 - 248
247-248
childbirth
childbirth assisted
assisted by by St.
St. S,
S, 290 lung
lung disease
disease healedhealed through
through St. St. S,
S, 93
93
cholera
cholera cured
cured through
through Seraphims
Seraphim's mumps
mumps cured cured through
through St. St. S,
S, 292
292
well, 25 4 - 2 5 5
well,254-255 muteness
muteness cured cured through
through Seraphim's
Seraphim's
cholera
cholera cured
cured through
through St. St. S,
S, 291, 292292 well,
well, 300, 301 301
clairvoyance, (see
clairvoyance, (see Foresight)
Foresight) paralysis
paralysis cured cured through
through Seraphim's
Seraphim's
coughing
coughing cured cured through
through Seraphim's
Seraphim's well,
well, 301 301
well,
well, 102
102 paralysis
paralysis cured cured through
through St. St. S relics,
relics,
deafness
deafness cured
cured through
through Seraphim's
Seraphim's 308
308
well,
well, 301
301 prayers of of St.
St. S aid
aid in
in spiritual
spiritual testing,
deafness
deafness cured
cured through
through St. St. S,
S, 217
217 250
250
demonic
demonic possession
possession cured cured through
through pregnant
pregnant woman woman healedhealed through
through
St.
St. S,
S, 215 - 219
215-219 St.
St. S,
S, 9393
despondency
despondency healed healed through
through St. St. S,
S, self-kindled
self-kindled lamp lamp in in Manturov
Manturov house house
249
249 2239-240
3 9 -2 4 0
distorted
distorted limbs
limbs healed
healed through
through St. St. S,
S, spiritual insight, (see Foresight)
spiritual insight, Foresight)
155
155 St.
St. S andand Abbess
Abbess Agathia
Agathia help help lost
lost
Diveyev
Diveyev sisters'
sisters' horse
horse healed
healed through
through travelers,
travelers, 2294-295
9 4 -2 9 5
St.
St. S,
S, 108
108 St.
St. S S answers
answers unopened
unopened letters, letters, 146146
dropsy
dropsy cured
cured through
through Seraphim's
Seraphim's St.
St. S S feeds
feeds bears,
bears, 667-68,
7 - 6 8 , 106 - 107,
106-107,
well, 252 - 253
252-253 107 - 108
107-108
Elena
Elena Vasilievna
Vasilievna has has vision
vision of of heaven,
heaven, St.
St. S fingers
fingers openopen (after
(after his his death)
death) for
242 - 244
242-244 prayer
prayer of absolution,
absolution, 276 276
endocarditis
endocarditis cured cured through
through St. St. S,
S, 292
292 St.
St. S hashas vision
vision of of Christ,
Christ, 442-43 2 -4 3
epilepsy
epilepsy cured
cured through
through St. St. S relics,
relics, St.
St. S healed
healed by by Mother
Mother of of God,
God, 14, 14, 35
35
308
308 St.
St. S is is commanded
commanded by by Mother
Mother of of
ever
ever burning
burning lamp, lamp, 240 - 241
240-241 God to to minister
minister to to people,
people, 91 91
fever healed
healed through
through St.S,St.S, 240 - 241
240-241 St.
St. S protection
protection from from injury
injury after
after fall
fall
foresight, (see
foresight, (see Foresight)
Foresight) from great great height,
height, 13 13
hand
hand of soldier
soldier healed
healed through
through St. St. S,
S, St.
St. S vision
vision of of heavenly
heavenly mansions,
mansions, 84 84
195
195 stammering
stammering healed healed through
through St. St. S,
S,
headaches
headaches cured cured through
through Seraphim's
Seraphim's 2286-287
8 6 -2 8 7

356
 swollen arm
swollen arm cured
cured through
through Paraskeva lvanovna,
Paraskeva Ivanovna, Sister, 267 - 268
Sister, 267-268
Seraphim'swell,
Seraphim's well, 284
284 Pascha, 205
Pascha, 205 '
swollen neck
swollen neck cured
cured through
through Pashin, Elisabeth
Pashin, Elisabeth Nikolaievna,
Nikolaievna, 94 94
Seraphims well,
Seraphim's well, 300-301
30 0 - 3 0 1
Passions, 26,
Passions, 26, 33-34,79,81,
3 3 - 3 4 , 79, 81, 115,
115, 116,
116,
throat healed
throat healed through
through St.St. SScloak
cloak,
144, 148,
144, 148, 202-203
202 - 203
293
293
Patience, 203,
Patience, 203, 220
220
toothache healed
toothache healed through
through Seraphim's
Seraphim's
well, 283
well,283 Peace, 30-31,
Peace, 3 0 - 31, 83,
83, 84,
84, 132,224,230
132, 224, 230
tumor healed
tumor healed through
through St.St. S,
S, 288-289
2 8 8 -2 8 9 Penitence, 224,
Penitence, 224, 225,
225, 226-227
2 2 6 -2 2 7
typhoid healed
typhoid healed through
through St. St. S,
S, 285
285 Philaret, Abbott
Philaret, Abbott (of
(ofGlinsky),
Glinsky), 276
276
Moderation, 29,
Moderation, 29, 30,
30, 35
35 Poverty, voluntary,
Poverty, voluntary, 238-239
2 3 8 -2 3 9
Monasteries
Monasteries Praskovia, Sister.
Praskovia, seeSeraphirna,
Sister, see Seraphima,
Alateer, 59
Alateer,59 Mother
Mother
Kitaev, 19-20
Kitaev, 19 - 20 Prayer, 28,
Prayer, 28, 33,
33, 95,117-118,
95, 117 - 118, l37-138,
137 - 138,
Krasno Slobodsky
Krasno Slobodsky Spassky,
Spassky, 62
62 150 - 154, 178
150-154,178
Sarov, 22-23,
Sarov, 22 - 23, 59
59 Akathist, 342-352
Akathist, 342 - 352
Monasticism, 162-169,
Monasticism, 162 - 169, 177
177 fordespondency,
for despondency, 227-228,
2 2 7 - 228, 337-340
337 - 340
despondency atatbeginning
despondency beginning of,
of, 31
31 penitent Rule
penitent Rule for
forthe
the departed,
departed, 341 341
and lay
and laypeople,
people, 165-166
165 - 166 Prayerof
Prayer ofIesus
Jesus (Jesus
(Jesus Prayer),
Prayer), 19,21,
19, 21,
vs. marriage,
vs. marriage, 177-178,
177 - 178, 178,
178, 185
185 28, 52-53,
28, 52 - 53, 55,
55, 56,
56, 86,
86, 103,
103, 164,
164,
Mother of
Mother ofGod,
God, 128
128 212, 224, 225
212,224,225
Motovilov, Nikolas
NikolasAlexandrovitch,
Alexandrovitch, Ruleof
Rule ofthe
the Diveyev
DiveyevConvent,
Convent, 332- 332 -
Motovilov,
111 - 138, l39,
139, 141-142,
141 - 142, 171,245-247
171, 2 4 5 - 247 336
336
111-l38,
Rules of
Rules ofSt.
St. S,
S, 327-331
327 - 331
ofSt.
of St.Antioch,
Antioch, 226-227,
226 - 227, 338-339
3 3 8 - 339
N
N thousand days
thousand days ofof(on
(on stone),
stone), 59-62,
5 9 -6 2 ,
139
l39
Nicolas, Saint,
Nicolas, Saint, 76
76
Prochorus, Saint
Prochorus, Saint (infant
(infant St.S
St.S named
named
Niphont, Abbot,
Niphont, Abbot, 61, 73 - 74, 87,
61, 73-74, 87, 97,
97,
for), 12
for), 12
9 9 - 100
99-100
Protasova, Anastasia,
Protasova, Anastasia, 189-190
189 - 190
Nobles, 199-201
Nobles, 199 - 201
Pulcheria, Abbess,
Pulcheria, Abbess, 251-253
251 - 253

oO
Q
Q
Obedience, 26,
Obedience, 26, 32, 41 - 4 2 , 75,
32, 41-42, 75, 103,
103, 146,
146,
Quietness. seeSilence
Quietness, see Silence
182 - 183, 202 - 203
169, 182-183,202-203
169,
Orthodox Church,
Orthodox 154 - 161, 309,
Church, 154-161, 309,
316 - 317
316-317 RR
Otrostchenkoff, General,
Otrostchenkoff 91 - 93
General, 91-93
Reading
Reading
Holy Scripture,
Holy Scripture, 14, 27 - 28, 32,
14, 27-28, 32, 57,
57, 82,
82,
p
P 146, 207
146,207
spiritual books,
spiritual books, 14,
14, 27,
27, 56,
56, 146
146
Pachomius,
Pachom Father (Abbot),
ius, Father (Abbot), 16,
16, 23,
23, 25,
25,
34, 40, 48 Relics
Relics
34,40,48
ofSt.
of St. S,
S, 298,
298, 299, 307 - 311
299, 307-311
Paissy, Abbot,
Paissy, Abbot, 179
179
ofSt.
of St.Tikhon
Tikhon ofZadonsk, 142 - 143
of Zadonsk, 142-143

357
 Repentance,
Repentance, 223,224
223, 224 Teplov,
Teplov,African Vasilievitch,
African 188,
Vasilievitch, 188,
2 7 9279-280
-2 8 0
Theoktist,
Theoktist,Hieromonk,
Hierornonk,273, 275275
273,
S s Thousand
Thousanddays of prayer
days (on(on
of prayer stone),
stone),
Salvation,
Salvation, 71,71, 164,
164, 177,177, 186,203,220,
186, 203, 220, 5 9 -59-62
62
221,
221, 222,222,
230230 Tikhon,
Tikhon, Saint (ofZadonsk),
Saint (of Zadonsk).relics of, of,
relics
Scripture (Holy),
Scripture 120120-121
(Holy), - 121 142142-143
- 143
Scripture
Scripture (Holy),
(Holy), reading
reading seesee
of. of. Tikhonov, Ivan,
Tikhonov, 171171
Ivan,
Reading
Reading Trading, Spiritual,
Trading, seesee
Spiritual. Spiritual Trading
Spiritual Trading
Separation, seesee
Separation. Divorce
Divorce Trinity, Holy,
Trinity, 148148
Holy,
Seraphirna,Mother,
Seraphima, Mother,78,78,
313313
Seraphim's
Seraphim's spring, seesee
spring. Seraphim's
Seraphim's well
well
Seraphim's
Seraphim's well,
well, 101,
101, 25 0250-251,
- 2 5 1 , 2 7 9279-
-
vV
280,283,284,300-301
280, 283, 284, 30 0 - 3 0 1 Vasily Nikititch,
Vasily Nikititch,Father (Sadovsky),
Father (Sadovsky),171,
171,
Sergius,
Sergius, Saint,
Saint, church
church in honour
in honour of, of,
13 13 204204
Sign
Sign of the
of the cross,
cross, 154,
154, 156156 Vassiliev, Euphemius,
Vassiliev, Euphernius,100100
Silence,
Silence, 30,30,
37,37,
38,38,
39,39,
43,43,
69 -69-70,
70, 89,89, Victor, Bishop
Victor, (ofVladimir),
Bishop (of Vladimir),40 40
118118 Vinogradova,
Vinogradova,Alexandra, -2 8 7
Alexandra,2 8 6286-287
Sleep,
Sleep, 29,29,
109109 Vinokurov, Manya,
Vinokurov, - 293
291291-293
Manya,
Solitude,
Solitude, 38,38,
50,50,
51,51,
52,52,
56,56,
62,62,
71,71,
75,75, Virginity, 34 34
Virginity,
76,76,
89 89 Virtues, - 119, 127,
118118-119,
Virtues, 186186
127,
Sorrow, seesee
Sorrow. Despondency
Despondency Vorotilov, Alexy
Vorotilov, Gurievitch,
Alexy - 248
Gurievitch,247247-248
Spirit
Spirit of of
God. seesee
God. Holy
Holy Spirit
Spirit
Spiritual
Spiritual director,178178
director,
Ww
Spiritual
Spiritual father, seesee
father. Spiritual
Spiritual director
director
SpiritualInsight,
Spiritual seesee
Insight. Foresight
Foresight Well
Wellof of
St. St. S. see
S. see Seraphim's well
Seraphim's well
Spiritual Trading,
Spiritual 114,
Trading, 118,
114, 120,
118, 174174
120, Widows,
Widows, 34 34
Stealing,
Stealing, 199199 Will of of
Will God, 115115
God,
Stone
Stone (day/cell),60,60,
(day/cell), 6 1 -61-62
62 discernment
discernmentof, of,
181, 182182
181,

Stone (night/forest),59,59, Women,

Women,39,39,
62,62,
63,63,
98 98
Stone (night/forest), 61 -61-62
62
Submission,203203 Work,
Work,26 -26-27,
27, 32,32,
184, 193,
184, 201, 220
193,201,220
Submission,
Subordinates,198198 "World,
"World,The" vs.vs.
The" love of of
love God, 15 -15-16,21,
God, 16, 21,
Subordinates,
- 318
317317-318
Suffering,
Suffering, bearing
bearing of, of,
26,26,
82,82,
83,83,
84,84,
85 85

T
x
^ Xenia Vasilievna,
Xenia Sister,
Vasilievna, 2 3 232,
Sister, -2 4 1 ,
2 ,2 4 0240-241,
Teaching
Teaching vs.vs. Doing,
Doing, 221221 241 - 242 244
241-242,244
Tears,
Tears, 27,27,
229229
Temptation,31,31,
Temptation, 32,32,
33,33,
59,59,
62,62,
64,64,
65,65,
222222
TheodoreKuzmitch.
Theodore seesee
Kuzmitch. AlexanderI, I,
Alexander
Emperor
Emperor

358